The warmth of the Mediterranean sun, the clarity of the Mediterranean sea and the welcoming smiles of the Maltese people have won the hearts of visitors for years, but this tiny island also offers a host of diverse attractions and activities for those seeking a short break from the winter blues.

From balmy beaches and trendy nightclubs, to magnificent ancient monuments and a stunning legacy of centuries' old art and culture, Malta has something for everyone to enjoy. Ideal for weekend breaks, with quick landing, passport control and luggage collection times, you can be relaxing at your hotel within an hour of landing.

Life is good on the Mediterranean island of Malta: warm sunshine, starry nights and lots to do, see, taste, feel and remember. Whether you're just visiting for a few days or spending a long lazy month on the island, you'll find Malta is alive with people, parties and events whatever the season. From summer jazz festivals and lunchtime concerts to thrilling theatre, music and arts events that pack the island's cultural calendar all year round.

The islands consist of Malta, Gozo and Comino (all inhabited) and the uninhabited islets of Cominotto and Filfla. Set in the crystal clear waters of the central Mediterranean, the Maltese archipelago is situated just 93 km south of Sicily and 290 km north of Africa.

Malta's strategic position midway between Europe and Africa made it a key possession for the many different conquering nations that ruled it throughout its 7000 years of history: from Neolithic man to the Ancient Romans, the Byzantines, the Moors, the Normans, the Knights of St John, the French and the British, all of whom have left a wealth of architectural and cultural treasures.

From the Baroque city of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage site replete with museums, churches, galleries, shops, open air markets and boasting the remarkable St John's Co-Cathedral, home to Caravaggio's masterpiece the Beheading of St John, to the old capital, Mdina, the so-called 'Silent City, that quietly evokes a bygone era with its elegant stone palaces and hushed cobbled streets, to the St Paul's Catacombs in Rabat, Ggantija Neolithic Temples in Gozo, the World War II shelters and the Forts of St Elmo and St Angelo. In summer, get ready to enjoy firework fuelled village feasts in honour of village saints.

Mornings bring sunshine and coffee: breakfast by the sea and relaxation in the balmy Mediterranean atmosphere. Take a trip to the Baroque city of Valletta or catch the ferry to the island of Gozo, mythical home of Calypso, and wander round the amazing Neolithic temple of Ggantija. Lunch by the sea on freshly caught Mediterranean fish and crisp white wine from the terraced vineyards that decorate the Maltese countryside. Take a wine tasting tour and discover the true flavour of the Mediterranean in its rich, melodic wines.

For those seeking adventure and an adrenaline rush, an early morning dive in the crystal clear waters of the Med checking out old war ships might be the thing to set your pulse racing, or test your endurance rock climbing high above the deep blue sea on the majestic Dingli Cliffs or head to the airport and enjoy the view from above with a skydiving jump. Wind down afterwards with a leisurely round of golf and afternoon tea on the lawns. The stunning historical settings of Valletta, Mdina or St Julians make the perfect backdrop to relaxation, sightseeing, concerts or sports.

Magnificent architecture from the time of the Knights of St John dominates the towns and villages you'll visit, and castles, palaces and hundreds of churches and wayside chapels, all surrounded by stunning island scenery and shimmering Mediterranean sea, make for unforgettable sights that have drawn people from all over the world to Malta for centuries.

In Malta you can indulge in some great shopping in the main centres of Valletta, Sliema, and St Julians. You'll find all the big high street names from the UK, Italy, France and others, as well as exclusive boutiques selling designer wear at incredibly low prices.

And if you're shopping for traditional arts and crafts to take home with you, look out for the renowned Malta lace, delicate silver and gold filigree or the colourful and creative Malta hand-blown glass.

Evenings are fun filled and full of activity: start with a typical Mediterranean fish dinner under the stars and continue with a buzzing night in one of Malta's many sophisticated nightlife venues. There's lots of choice too... pick from one of the hundreds of restaurants and cafes serving a wide range of local and international cuisine, and enjoy the island's vibrant nightlife, with its myriad pubs, wine bars, jazz clubs, discos, nightclubs and casinos offering entertainment for all ages.

A number of memorable events are organised throughout the year including a colourful carnival, yacht races, a jazz festival and all night street events held in the capital, Valletta. Concerts featuring international stars have brought artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Sting, Elton John and Bryan Adams to Malta in the last couple of years.

The award winning Malta International Airport, a modern, state-of-the-art airport where excellent service, stringent safety and customer satisfaction are main priorities, offers the perfect farewell after a great weekend, and if you've been too busy to do any shopping during your stay, check out the shops in the Departure Lounge for gifts and mementoes to take home: you'll find top designer wear, leather goods and accessories, books, CDs, traditional Maltese ceramics, glassware and collectibles as well as a vast range of Maltese specialty food, olive oil, wines and nibbles to take home.

Malta is connected to all major European countries through regular daily flights and getting to Malta has never been easier. Air Malta offers around 200 weekly flights from major European cities, and flight times are reasonable, at just three hours from Frankfurt and London and just one hour from Rome. Wherever you're flying in from, in Malta you'll find sunshine and socializing, history and culture plus delicious Mediterranean food and a vibrant nightlife that takes you from dusk till dawn - a visit to Malta is perfect for recharging energy levels and making every moment of your holiday count.