Politically, Malta is in the European Union. Geographically, it is south of Sicily and east of Tunisia. It offers a terrific cocktail of leisure and culture. As the Rough guide to the island points out: “The ratio of bars to churches in Malta is easily three to one – impressive, given the island is home to more than 359 churches.” Certainly religion is a major part of its history. The Order of Knights of the Hosptial of St John of Jerusalem was founded in the 12th century and after intermittent bouts of turmoil it subsequently established its headquarters in Cyprus and Rhodes before fetching up in Malta in 1530. The legacy of its 250-year long sojourn can be found both inside and outside many edifices on the island.

A picturesque fountain in the particularly pleasant environs of Valletta’s Upper Barrakka Gardens

The photo on the home page shows houses on Old Bakery Street in the centre of Valletta; that style of balcony is to be found on streets throughout the city. But the capital is not only about being steeped in history. The entrance to a city which has been in existence for over 450 years was designed in 2013 by the Italian architect, Renzo Piano. He’s the guy who did The Shard in London.

The interior of St John’s Co-Cathedral is, in the words of one guide,”like entering a brilliant jewellery box”

Viewed from the inside, the most spectacular sight on the island is surely to be found in the cathedral of St John’s. The Knights knew how to create lavish monuments to themselves and their achievements and this represents the apogee. Not least among the eye-catching aspects of its interior is what is on the floor – 364 marble tombs of especially significant knights, decorated in an array of vivid colours.

Valletta has several good restaurants; this one has outdoor tables snuggling between the city walls

There is another impressive ecclesiastical building just outside the city walls in Floriana in the form of St Publius parish church, which looks out across a huge square under which, in days of yore, the locals used to store grain and other essentials in case they might be required in times of siege. These days, the square celebrates the summer months by staging outdoor concerts and operas.

Across the Grand Harbour from Valletta, the ancient buildings of the Three Cities are a must-see

There are several facets to make the British tourist feel right at home in Malta: 3-pin plugs, driving on the left, road signs that read things such as ‘speed kills’, red telephone kiosks, red post boxes and more. The more includes a Marks & Spencer store. Plus, of course, given that very few non-natives can speak Maltese, English is the de facto default language of the country

This kind of mega cruise liner brings ashore yet more tourists to enjoy the myriad delights of Malta

From the Upper Barrakka Gardens, there is a terrific view across to the Three Cities – Isla, Birgu and Bormla, all of which are worthy of exploration, notably the enormous Fort St Angelo on Birgu. To make that short journey across the water, a lift will drop you down from the gardens to the waterfront where your launch will await. From pretty much the same point, you can also get a rather bigger boat for a further excursion – to the island of Gozo, perhaps?

A 45-minute boat ride away from Valletta, the harbour at Gozo offers an attractive start to your day

Its oldest buildings and modern shops all deserve attention, although Gozo may chiefly be renowned for its glorious beaches. A little over ten years ago, when they were still an item, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie shot a film called By The Sea, about a holiday in the South of France. It was in fact shot at Mgarr Ix-Xini on Gozo, complete with CGI-created village. OK, so there was fakery involved in that, but when it comes to enjoying a break for a few days, Malta is the real deal.

Robert Green