Malta is a real jewel in the middle of the Mediterranean, an archipelago that combines a rich historical heritage with exceptional natural beauty. A departure in October-November is an opportunity to enjoy a quieter atmosphere, while enjoying weather conditions that are ideal for long walks outside and swimming. For those who wish to wait until the off-season to go on holiday, Visit Europe offers half board and full board tours that include excursions to Malta's key places, those that should not be missed, and there are many of them, in these multi-faceted islands

Malta, a journey with historical accents

Malta is a baroque pearl. Here and there in the archipelago, there are a large number of monuments that are the sweet heritage of this period. A tour in Malta inevitably leads visitors to the heart of the capital: Valletta. While strolling through its streets and alleys, you should not miss the opportunity to visit its main historical monuments. Starting with the co-cathedral of St. John, a masterpiece of Baroque art. While its facade is rather sober, the interior is breathtaking with its vault covered with frescoes representing the life of Saint John the Baptist. We continue with the Palace of the Grand Masters which houses the offices of the Republic. A surprising visit to the heart of power. The beauty of its interior courtyards with statues and fountains should be highlighted. It is then time to go through Casa Rocca Piccola, part of whose dwelling is accessible to visitors. It allows you to discover the history and culture of a Maltese aristocratic family, with a large number of everyday objects from past centuries. Finally, a detour to Teatru Manoel is a must. During a visit or a concert, you can admire a sublime golden baroque hall overhung by an impressive chandelier. Art and history buffs also have plenty to enjoy. At Fort Saint-Elme and its National War Museum, at MUŻA - the National Museum of Fine Arts - to see paintings, sculptures, furniture and objects associated with the Knights of the Order and the National Museum of Archaeology, to better understand the history of Malta since prehistoric times

From Valletta, there is the possibility of taking a water taxi from the quays of the Waterfront and joining the famous Three Cities. We arrive at Vittoriosa, a real open-air museum. We cross Victory Square before reaching Fort Saint-Ange and the Inquisitor's Palace. In Cospicua, you go through the ages in the same way, admire the superb church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Immaculée-Conception, then join the districts of the Docks to see a more modern architecture. We end with Senglea and her tranquility. Under the mild temperatures of October, you can walk through the charming narrow streets with Mediterranean accents of one of the oldest cities in the country. Then from the garden of Safe Heaven, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the port of Valletta

The highlight of a tour in Malta, an excursion to Mdina gives you the opportunity to walk through the peaceful and flowery alleys of what is known as the "Silent City". Its inhabitants, descendants of the Maltese nobility, maintain this city perfectly, which houses exceptional monuments, such as the Cathedral of Saint Paul and the Palazzo de Piro, and ramparts that offer panoramic views of rare beauty, on Mosta, Valletta, the sea and the vineyards.

Escapade on the island of Gozo

As Malta's younger sister, Gozo offers many experiences. Once you arrive in Victoria, its capital, you take the time to walk through the alleys of this fortified citadel, which in many ways reminds you of Mdina, by the calm that reigns there. Among the other cities not to be missed, the small port of Xendli, ideal for a lunch on the terrace in the sun. There is a romantic atmosphere and to digest, you take the cliff path to the right of the bay. Gozo is also a beautiful natural landscape, starting with Dwejra Bay, which is home to several natural attractions such as Fungus Rock, the Inland Sea, a real seawater pool ideal for swimming and the unmissable Blue Hole diving site. Not far from this multi-faceted bay is the imposing and splendid basilica of Ta'Pinu, which surprises by its unusual position, lost between hills and sea. Then head for the salt marshes near Qbajjar. 350 years old, they give the impression of a chessboard carved into the rock, where locals continue to produce salt, through traditional methods handed down over centuries from generation to generation. With the mild autumn, it is also a good idea to hike around the island, why not choose a path that leads to the red sandy beach of Ramla Bay, the prettiest. It is less frequented in the off-season and gives the possibility to swim in water at a mild temperature. Others may prefer the website of Mġarr ix-Xini, a real corner of paradise in Gozo. This small cove with clear waters houses a small restaurant, for a well-deserved break after the walk that leads to it

Events not to be missed in the off-season

Events do not stop in Malta with the end of the summer season and the off-season sees several highlights around music, sport and heritage enhancement. On October 5, Notte Bianca is one of the most important cultural events in Valletta. A night full of activities where visitors can go to the cinema, visit a museum or church, stroll through a market or attend a concert, an exhibition, a theatre show and monument lighting. From 11 to 13 October, in Vittoriosa, Birgufest sees the alleys of this superb walled city lit by thousands of candles. At the same time, the monuments offer reduced prices, music groups perform everywhere and food stands allow you to dine in the light of the small flames. For sports enthusiasts who love beautiful sailing boats, the start of the Rolex Middle Sea Race from the port of Malta's capital is an event not to be missed. It takes place on October 19. Finally, for classical music lovers, the Festival des Trois Palais, which takes place from ¹ to 10 November, welcomes talented artists from all over the world and combines heritage and period music.