GUIDE TO MALTA

In recent decades, Malta has earned a solid reputation among seasoned travelers and discerning expats as an affordable, welcoming destination. But how many of us could quickly pinpoint it on a world map?

This small European island nation is located in the central Mediterranean, less than a hundred miles south of Sicily, Italy. Because Malta’s latitude is about the same as Los Angeles, it’s one of the warmest, sunniest places to be in Europe over the winter months.

Malta is made up of two main islands: the larger island of Malta and smaller Gozo. Each has its own unique charms. The ‘big island’ is more built-up and boasts a greater number of attractions, while Gozo offers a more relaxed, natural feel.

With a population of around half a million and a total land area of just 122 square miles, Malta should feel a lot more crowded than it does. Fortunately, finding your own quiet place to hike, enjoy the beach, or savor a cliff-top seafood lunch above the Mediterranean isn’t hard at all, once you know where to look.