We visited Malta 22 years ago and expected some improvements but it was very much the same. Quaint, lots of history but now invaded by time-share touts which were a nuisance. The Topaz Hotel was large with all the facilities we needed but required a thorough refurbishment, especially the bathroom which was clean but in poor condition. Otherwise, the accommodation was fine. The food was excellent, especially the evening meal which provided food for every taste and was plentiful. The Empire Cinema ia just around the corner from the Hotel and is a modern, multi-screen cinema showing English films - useful if the weather is bad which it wasn't!! Taxis might seem cheap but the local care hire firms do airport runs even cheaper and the buses are a must! You can get anywhere on the island by bus,which are frequent and the fares are minimal. Overall, we enjoyed our week but don't think we'll be making a third visit.

The Maltese islands are like yellow gem stones in the turquoise Mediterranean Sea under wonderful blue skies. They are filled with historical sites and have an unspoilt natural beauty just waiting to be explored and experienced. The people are friendly and it is a safe destination for young families.May is a wonderful time to visit the islands; the plants are in full bloom, the roads and key sites are less crowded and many of the cities have fiestas. There are stone age temples, Roman ruins, Medieval castles, magnificent cathedrals and craft centres selling high quality jewellery, glass and lace. Around the coast are fabulous rock formations and small sandy beaches. The crystal clear waters are a magnet for divers. Bugibba is located on the main east coast highway and is a good base for touring the islands by car. To visit the many sites of Gozo island make sure you arrive early in the morning for the car ferry and if you are planning to visit the Hypogeum you will need to pre-book months in advance on the web otherwise you will have to risk queuing all morning for limited expensive last minute tickets! The Topaz Hotel is fantastic value for money with an excellent outdoor swimming pool. The rooms are simply furnished and very clean. The evening meals ranged from good to excellent with a three course buffet offering a choice of English and Maltese meals. The desserts were delicious and I would definitely recommend the half board option.