Malta.

[Voidka]

I am planning to do a DIY trip to Malta next year for the 5 of us. DH wants to go but doesnt seem to know any more than that.

Where are the best places to stay and things to do. We want somewhere quiet but still have places to eat etc.

We went a couple of years ago and stayed in Mellieha which has possibly the best beach on the island (they only have a couple, if that). The beach is a long hot walk but most hotels seem to have shuttle buses. The walk down from town is quite hilly but the buses do run this way. The hotel Maritim was good and has an associated restaurant, The Arches that was excellent. We arranged our trip with an independent tour operator, Chevron Holidays and they were great and very helpful.

A fab place if your kids are old enough/interested is the Hypogeum but you need to book before you go at peak times. If you are into Playmobil there is a factory shop in Malta with a playground, so long as your kids don't pester you to buy loads! Didn't try the Popeye park as never wanted to watch the film anyway, to be honest we were happy just round the pool or going to the beach. Our kids were 15, 5 and 8 months when we went and we are thinking of going again this year (except the 18 year old!)

There was a nice pizzeria attached to the hotel as well