IF sandy beaches and making sandcastles with the children is the sort of holiday you’re looking for, then Malta is not ideal. It’s a rocky spot with rugged stretches of coast not suited to a bucket and spade break with the toddlers.

But if you’re looking for a romantic break, with stunning scenery, fabulous restaurants and a beautiful capital city, it’s definitely the place to go. And at just a three-hour flight from Bristol, it’s also well worth considering for a weekend break.

Malta is a collection of three islands in the Med. It boasts a rich history which has witnessed many civilisations, from Stone-Age temple builders to Sicilians, Greeks and Phoenicians. Now it’s a haven for ex-pats who have migrated there to enjoy almost year-round sunshine.

Valletta, Malta’s capital and a World Heritage site, could be described as an open-air museum. It is dominated by baroque architecture, thanks to the Knights of St John who inhabited the area nearly five centuries ago, and has welcomed all manner of royalty, politicians, artists and literary types. Nowadays the Maltese government bosses the place from its seat there.

There are fantastic cafes and wine bars where you can while away the hours people watching.

But harking back to the artistic side of Valletta, the majestic St John’s Co-Cathedral is a place that should definitely be on the sight-seeing agenda. It’s a splendid church built between 1573 and 1577. It looks very plain from the outside, but inside, it is a work of art.

It also houses two priceless works created by troubled 17th century painter, Caravaggio. Beheading of St John the Baptist and, almost as impressive, St Jerome, are breathtaking pieces which broke with the tradition of religious painting. He refused to beautify his subjects and his works are disturbing in their realism.

Caravaggio had much to thank Malta for, albeit shortlived. He fled Rome where he was wanted for murder, arrived on the islands and thrived.

He was lauded, admitted to the Order of St John and commissioned to produce these two great paintings. But his freedom lasted just over a year and he was imprisoned, but later escaped to Sicily. He died two years later, aged 38, and still pursued by the forces of justice. The Maltese are rightly proud that two of his greatest works are on show on the islands...not least because the John the Baptist painting is his only signed work.

MUST SEES...

Malta’s Grand Harbour is often described as the most beautiful in the Mediterranean, and justly so. The Upper Barrakka Gardens offer a fantastic view of the harbour and the Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua.

The local communities here celebrate holy days and festas with spectacular events. During Easter statues of the “Risen Christ” are carried at a run through crowded streets.

The Blue Grotto is a series of caverns best seen by boat. The water is clear and the rock formations incredible.

Temples from the Stone Age abound in Malta. We visited Mnadjra and Hagar Qim. The two are close to each other and almost supernatural in their splendour. The surrounding area is a designated heritage park.

DON’T MISS...

a visit to Gozo, left, Malta’s sister island. It’s a half-hour ferry crossing and an absolute delight. Legend has it that Calypso imprisoned Odysseus as her love slave on the island... and frankly, I can’t imagine he complained too much! Plenty of history here too, including salt mines that date back to Roman times and the Gran Castello which offers a superb view of the island.

WE STAYED AT...

Corinthia San Gorg Hotel, pictured right. Tel 00356 21 374114, fax 00356 2137 4039. email stgeorges@cbr.corinthia.com, website www.corinthia.com WE FLEW WITH... Ryanair. Flights to Malta operate out of Bristol, Bournemouth and Luton. Visit www.ryanair.com for details