Travel to Malta one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Trip tips: The Maltese Archipelago (about 122 square miles) is located in the Mediterranean Sea 56 miles south of Sicily and includes Malta (17 by 9 miles), Gozo and Comino. Malta's rich history of 7,000 years has included rule by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Spaniards, Knights of St. John, and the French. It gained independence in 1964 after 160 years under British rule. It is one of the most concentrated historical areas in the world, according to UNESCO. English is the official language with the Maltese language being an Italian-Arabic blend. Situated in a subtropical zone, Malta enjoys one of the warmest temperature averages in Europe with mild winters and hot summers.
Rent a car on Malta's main island and ride the 20-minute ferry to explore the second-largest island of Gozo (car plus 2 persons, $27). Ferries departs Cirkewwa in the northwest of Malta and return from Mgarr, Gozo; www.gozochannel.com. Follow a step-by-step guide: www.malta-guide.net/transport/ferry-boat-gozo-island-malta.
When dialing direct, use the prefix 011 followed by 356 (country code) + phone number shown below. Plan trips at www.visitmalta.com and www.visitgozo.com.
Getting there: Round-trip from $1,346 on Air France with a 10-night minimum stay; depart by Dec. 11.
BUDGET
Stay: Gozo is home to the world's oldest religious structures, temples and beautiful beaches and snorkeling waters (try Ramla Bay). The Ferrieha Farmhouse, with Swedish proprietors, offers a charming setting in Qala with amazing sea views toward Comino and Malta. On site are a pool, a garden and a wood-heated sauna. Rates from $114. Tac-Cawl Street, 21553819, www.ferriehafarmhouse.com.
Eat: Enjoy a mountaintop tour and lunch at Ta' Mena Estate Vineyard, where guests learn the process of wine-making with tasting sessions accompanied by specialties such as capers, olives, peppered cheese and pâtés (4 p.m. Thursdays and 1 p.m. Saturdays). Take home locally produced honey, herbs, and fig jam. Entrance and walking tours are free. Rabat Road, Xaghra, 21564939, www.tamena-gozo.com.
Experience: Take in the gorgeous views of the unspoiled countryside of Gozo from the top deck of a Hop On-Hop Off bus tour. A 24-hour ticket follows the famous landmarks and attractions such as the Neolithic Ggantija temples, which predate the Egyptian pyramids. Stop for a snack and sightseeing and board the next bus to continue along the 10-stop tour; $19. http://www.hop-on-hop-off-bus.com/gozo-hop-on-hop-off-tour_23363.
MODERATE
Stay: Indulgence Divine is a luxury boutique townhome close to the yacht marina in Vittoriosa. The restored 16th-century home offers accommodations with a kitchen, a dining area with a Murano glass chandelier, an upstairs sitting area, and a roof terrace. A five-night minimum stay required. Rates are $155 per night through Dec. 23. Alessandru VII, Birgu, 79815145, www.indulgencedivine.com.
Eat: Guze Bistro is housed inside a 16th-century building in the heart of historic Valletta. This intimate spot serves fresh Mediterranean dishes from $12-$29. 22 Old Bakery St., 21239686, www.guzevalletta.com.
Experience: Move between the island's top attractions on the Hop On-Hop Off bus tour that makes 30 stops along three routes; $19 for up to two days' use. www.hop-on-hop-off-bus.com/malta-hop-on-hop-off-tour_23364. The Blue Grotto on the south coast (featured in the 2004 film "Troy") and the neighboring sea caverns date back to 3300 B.C. Frejgatini boats depart from Wied iz-Zurrieq (a stop on the bus route) south of Zurrieq and cruise for 25 minutes to the caves and for photo ops of the stunning deep blue Mediterranean sea and submerged flora; $10. www.bluegrottomalta.com.mt.
SPLURGE
Stay: A suite with a sea view at family-run Hotel Juliani, located along St. Julian's seafront. Enjoy views across Spinola Bay from the rooftop sun deck and pool. A suite at this traditional townhouse starts from $190. 25 San Gorg, 21388000, www.hoteljuliani.com.
Eat: The Barracuda is located along the chic Sliema coastal promenade. A fish platter for two includes a selection of the freshest line-caught fish, shellfish, octopus, calamari, langoustines and prawns, $60. 194 Tower Road, St. Julians, 21331817, http://barracudarestaurant.com.
Experience: A seven-to-eight-hour tour starts at the Barrakka Gardens for a panoramic view of Malta's Grand Harbor, renovated during the last decade. Stops include a stroll along Triq Repubblika and onto the southwest of the island to the ancient Hagar Qim Temple. Visit the pretty fishing village of Marsaxlokk and onto Mdina with its baroque structures, magnificent bastion walls and St. Paul's Cathedral; $360 for 1-3 passengers in a private sedan with a licensed tour guide. Additional cultural, historical, scenic and special interest tours offered. San Gwann, 21650486, www.touringmalta.com.
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