Malta and Gozo lie like two little pieces of Britain in the warm Mediterranean.

One of the joys of these islands is that, no matter where you are, you’re never far from one of the many beaches or secluded little coves. Lush Green Malta is steeped in history. But Malta’s image is changing fast. It’s no longer the place of the George Cross.

These days you’re just as likely to hear about its film locations – the Hollywood epics Troy, Gladiator, Midnight Express and Alexander were all filmed on the island’s sunny shores – and top DJs are flocking to the island’s hotspots.

Its breathtaking beauty remains one of the key things that draws people back year after year. You can relax on the warm sands of Golden Bay, explore narrow cobblestone streets, and enjoy the views of the Mediterranean from St Julians. But history is never far away.

The tiny isle of Gozo is smaller than Malta and is a rich mix of rolling green hills, lush valleys and small sandy coves, with a scattering of small villages and soaked in shimmering sunshine. The capital, Victoria, is an intriguing town whilst the former fishing village of Marsalforn is Gozo’s largest tourist resort. Xlendi Bay is less developed than Marsalforn but is known for its beauty, situated at the end of a deep lush ravine.

Steeped in myth, Gozo is thought to be the legendary Calypso’s isle of Homer’s Odyssey – a peaceful, mystical backwater. Baroque churches and old stone farmhouses dot the countryside. Gozo’s rugged landscape and spectacular coastline also offer some of the Mediterranean’s best dive sites.