
Maltese dream: Valletta, the elegant capital of Malta, should be your first stop.

Rainbow town: Valletta is known for its colorful houses with enclosed wooden balconies.

One city, two names: Birgu, otherwise known as Vittoriosa, is one of the 'Three Cities' sitting across the water from Valletta.

Fish dinner: Marsaxlokk is an unspoiled fishing village on Malta.

Eight times the fun: Octopus features heavily in Malta's seafood-skewed diet.

Seeing the sea: Malta's coastline is one of the most unspoilt in the Mediterranean.

Deep blue sea: The Blue Grotto is one of Malta's top sights.

Old as time: Hagar Qim is one of Malta's UNESCO-protected prehistoric temples.

Best of both: Marsaskala combines the feel of a city for locals with a resort.

Still going strong: Beautiful Mdina was the capital of Malta until Valletta was built.

Natural beauty: Mdina's Palazzo Vilhena is home to the Natural History Museum.

On the up: Sliema is the fast-growing commercial heart of Malta.

Up all night: Paceville is Malta's nightlife capital.

Vacation station: Bugibba is a classic resort town in St. Paul's Bay.

Weigh in: Anchor Bay is home to a Popeye theme park.

Try this: Laidback Gozo is the sleepy alternative to Malta.

Go deep: The Blue Hole is one of the most famous diving sites in the Mediterranean.

Feeling its age: The Ggantija megalithic temple is one of the oldest places of worship on the planet.

Top draw: Gozo's Blue Lagoon is one of Malta's classic locations.