Malta and Gozo

This new, thoroughly updated fourth edition of Bradt's Malta – written by an expert who has been visiting for more than a decade – remains the most comprehensive guide available and has built a reputation for being the essential guide for getting beneath the surface of this island nation and discovering what lies beyond the beaches. Sun, sand and sea there may be, but Malta boasts so much more, and this new edition is packed with historical and archaeological insights, from the Stone Age to the Romans, the Knights Hospitaller to World War II. It also showcases the islands' wildlife and bird-watching opportunities, summer festas, and the less commercialised islands of Gozo and Comino.

Malta has been changing at the rate of knots, with Valletta's year as European Capital of Culture accelerating restoration and renovation, and this new edition reflects all the most recent developments. Copious openings – of historic sights, key fortresses, a new national gallery and boutique accommodation, particularly in Valletta – are covered, while the culinary scene continues to thrive, with notably greater choice for vegetarians and vegans. Malta has recently become much more socially accepting and is now considered one of the top places for LGBTQ travellers, while the offering for younger travellers has expanded, too. The Isle of MTV festival is going strong, there is a new spring festival, and a host of bars and clubs has sprung up.

There is also lots of on offer culturally, with festivals, concerts, exhibitions, theatre and opera all contributing to a full programme. Events such as the Baroque Music Festival continue to draw crowds while World War II sites covered include the Lascaris War Rooms deep beneath Valletta from where General Eisenhower (whose jeep is still in the National War Museum) commanded the invasion of Sicily, and the Aviation Museum, home to key planes flown by American pilots.

Bradt's Malta is the ideal companion for everyone from culture aficionados to archaeology and history buffs, foodies, war veterans, families and couples escaping for a romantic break.