Holidays to Paradise Bay are true to their name – you'll find high-quality beaches and calm countryside that's perfect for hiking.

Coastal comforts

Paradise Bay's tucked away on a clifftop in the north of Malta. It’s got a Blue Flag award-winning beach, which you can reach by tiptoeing down a staircase that's set into the rock face. Plus, for a closer look at the area's coral reefs and rock formations, you can book a scuba diving trip from one of the bay's nearby diving centre.

Hello Mellieha

If you fancy a change of scenery, you can make the 10-minute drive to the village of Mellieha. Here, you'll be greeted by intimate tavernas, karaoke bars and plenty of opportunities to shop for authentic local souvenirs – bottles of cactus liqueur and handmade ceramics are popular picks. The village also features its own sandy beach, plus a string of cosy cafés to dry off in.

Exploration of all kinds

Malta's capital of Valletta's a daytrip that's worthy of the 50-minute drive. Put on your cultural cap while wandering historical sites – like gold-gilded cathedrals and massive palaces – then unwind in an upmarket wine bar afterwards. Or, keep your exploration a little more local on a hiking trail that snakes through the surrounding countryside.

At a Glance

  • Look for chameleons at the Ghadira Nature Reserve
  • Island-hop to nearby Gozo
  • Visit temples older than the Egyptian pyramids