Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, halfway between Sicily and North Africa, lie the five Maltese islands – Malta, Gozo, Comino and the uninhabited Cominetto and Filfla. While Malta and Gozo have long been favoured holiday destinations for sun-seeking Brits, Malta's accession to the EU in 2004 has helped to open up the former British colony to a whole new clientele.

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Country Profile
Capital City: Valleta   
Area: 316 sq km / 122 sq miles
Population: 400,000
Time Zone: GMT +1
Country dialing code: 356 
Currency: Maltese Lira 

Climate
Like the rest of the Mediterranean, Malta enjoys a good climate with mild, moderately rainy winters and long hot, dry summers

Country Highlights
Year round sun, beautiful scenery, an exceptionally low crime rate and the fact English is the native language have all combined to make Malta a real hot spot with British visitors. 

Buying Property in Malta
Prices of two bedroom apartments average between £75-100,000, although it should be noted that Maltese law prohibits foreign buyers from purchasing apartments or maisonettes for under £48,000 or any other property for under £80,000.

Destination Hotspots
Holiday resorts such as Sliema, St Julian's and St Paul's Bay are popular with investment buyers, while Malta's capital, Valletta, is a haven for retirees looking for rays of sunshine away from the UK.

Useful websites:
All about Malta and the Maltese islands
Everything you need to know about the Maltese islands
The island of Gozo is online here

Article first published in May 2006