Malta: A Mediterranean Adventure Awaits

Discover these charming islands and enter to win a free vacation for two!

Head to the Mediterranean to discover a spectacular archipelago packed with 7,000 years of history, sunny weather, pristine beaches, and cultural attractions. The Maltese Islands are comprised of Malta, Gozo, and Comino, each offering a unique opportunity for immersive experiences where you're likely to enjoy picture-perfect weather among the 300 days of sunshine per year.

There is so much to experience on Malta and much can be discovered by walking, as the island is only 17 miles long and 8 miles wide. Here are our essentials, but if you go off the beaten track, you're bound to make your own unique discoveries.

Culture
Be sure to visit the National Museum of Fine Arts, housed in a Rococco building dating back to the 1570s and featuring an impressive collection of Italian Baroque paintings. For live performance, be sure to check out Teatru Manoel, the island's first theatre built in 1731. And for those who want to unearth Malta's centuries-old history, begin your day at the National Museum of Archeology before touring the Hypogeum-a labyrinth of underground chambers that served as a cemetery for nearly 7,000 people from 4000 B.C. to 2500 B.C.

Local Eats
Malta's eclectic cuisine is derived from many cultural influences, with many signature dishes focusing on the bounty of fresh seafood. Lampuki Pie (fish pie) is a rustic representation of the fresh catch offered at the Marsaxlokk Fish Market. Malta has its own version of a cannoli (filled with ricotta) while its vineyards offer indigenous wines to stimulate the palate.

Sun and Sand
Gorgeous red-hued beaches await in Malta, along with plenty of water sports (of the ocean variety), including SCUBA diving, snorkeling, and beach fun. Gnejna Bay is the closest thing you'll find to a gay beach and you're bound to discover locals also hanging out on the rocky coast below the Medliena coastal tower.

Nightlife
While your days may be filled with leisurely, sun-soaked strolls, the night comes alive on Malta, with plentiful options for al fresco dining, live concerts, and a club scene that draws international DJs such as Paul Oakenfold, Erick Morillo, and Van Heill. Head to Paceville (on the coast near St. Julians), where you'll find plenty of options.

When to Go
The islands come alive during various festivals throughout the year. The Malta International Fireworks Festival lights up the sky each April as a celebration of the country's accession into the European Union. And for a parade that you won't want to miss, plan your trip around the annual Carnival (February), when the streets fill with colorful costumes and celebrations. Island hop to Gozo for its own unique interpretation. 2016 also marks the 10-year anniversary of Isle of MTV Malta (June 28, 2016) - a free outdoor concert that draws upwards of 50,000 attendees. Past artists have included Lady Gaga, One Republic, and Jessie J.

Where to Stay
Head to the Hilton Malta for five-star accommodations ideally situated within close proximity to some of the best attractions. This stunning Portomaso waterfront property is within walking distance of Paceville and a quick drive to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Valletta. Enjoy rustic Mediterranean fare at Oceana and Bottega del Vino, or take in the sunset at the Quarterdeck Bar overlooking the yacht marina. And be sure to allow time to indulge yourself at the 5 Sense Myoka Spa.

An Inclusive Getaway
For the LGBT traveler, Malta is a welcoming destination that ranks high on the European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), a legal entity celebrating its 20th anniversary. The organization's Rainbow Europe website is virtual hub for information on the legal, political and social situation of LGBT people in Europe. Its 2015 review ranked Malta number one among 49 European nations surveyed.

The report concluded: "Malta broke new ground in 2014 with outstanding positive legal developments. Lawmakers banned discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity under the Constitution - the first European country to constitutionally outlaw discrimination based on gender identity; legalized civil unions for all couples, including joint adoption rights; and proposed aligning legal gender recognition procedures to the highest human rights standards. The government and its parliamentary majority also strengthened the rights of trans people at work, and proposed better protections for intersex people's right to bodily integrity.

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Enter our Malta Sweepstakes to win:
Two round-trip, Economy class flights from the U.S.
Seven nights in a deluxe room for two at the five-star Hilton Malta
Daily breakfast
Transportation to and from the airport to the hotel

To enter, visit: www.malta-sweepstakes.com