The small island nation of Malta, located south of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea, is a popular tourist destination with a rich history and countless sandy beaches. 

Since driving is on the left, as in the UK, British drivers should be particularly comfortable on the island's easy to navigate roads. Coastal resorts and beaches as well as towns and townships including Golden Sands, Mdina, Rabat, Valletta, St Julian's and Marsaxlokk are best reached by car - as are the island's ancient archaeological and historic second world war sites.

Malta's rich history dates back to Neolithic times and encompasses Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Arabic, Crusader, French and British influence, thanks to its strategic location in the middle of the Mediterranean. 

The Knights of the Order of St John of Jerusalem (also known as the Knights of Malta and the Knights Hospitallers), took sovereign control of the island in 1530 and built a hospital at Birgu. The Order fiercely defended the island and drove the Ottoman Turks away after a brutal siege in 1565.

There are a number of annual festivals in Malta worth attending, including the Valletta Carnival (February/March), the Ghanafest in June, the Malta Jazz and Malta Arts Festival in July, the Farsons Great Beer Festival (July/August), Notte Bianca (September/October) and the Isle of MTV Malta Special (June), which is the largest free open-air concert in Europe. Malta's main nightlife can be found in Sliema and St Julian's.

In Malta, car hire is available from Malta International Airport (MLA), known locally as Luqa Airport, which is located between the villages Luqa and Gudja and just three miles south-east of Valletta, the Maltese capital. There are flights to Malta from 20 UK airports, making it easily accessible.

To find the best price on car hire in Malta, use TravelSupermarket's search tool.

The megalithic temples on the island are the oldest free-standing structures in the world. The less-visited south of Malta offers a glimpse of traditional Maltese life. Some of the finest churches lie in townships in the south, which often escape tourist attention. Mdina (the Silent City) is an ancient capital and fortress and is one of Malta's finest jewels. St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta is also worth a visit. 

Gozo, located three miles north-west of Malta and reached by a 25-minute ferry crossing, is a predominantly rural island. Its main attraction is the ancient Citadel and Inland Sea, which has been carved out over time by the Mediterranean.

Hiking in the rural areas of Malta offers a fine taste of country life. Trekking along the Gozo coast is a particularly rewarding hike. With a wonderful array of scenic sunsets, sea caves and other spectacular views, sailing is also a great way to appreciate Malta. 

Diving is a popular activity all year round, with water temperatures ranging from around 14C in February and March to 26C in August, and visibility is generally good. Seahorses, octopus, tuna and moray eels can all be spotted during the summer months.