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There are many trendy destinations in Europe, but some stand out from the rest.
Beaches are in high demand all over the world right now, and choosing a beach to splurge on on vacation can be a tough decision.
Especially when it comes to Europe.
You don’t want to spend your sunny vacation days on a crowded beach because, let’s just say, swimwear isn’t exactly appropriate.
Despite the potential risk of ugly Speedos, several publications have named one Mediterranean island in particular as a top destination this year.
We all know Greece, Croatia and Italy, but even though this country has broken all-time tourist records, sometimes the beautiful island Malta still doesn’t get the credit it deserves.
Here’s why this Mediterranean island is being hyped as a top European destination for 2024:
Ranked as the No. 1 beach destination in Europe
Forbes recently released their ranking of the 15 most beautiful beaches in Europe.
The destinations you would expect, such as Portugal, Spain and Greece, were on the list, but Malta came out on top.
Specific, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay Beach was the winner, given its commitment to sustainable tourism, ultra-clean beaches and one truly unique aspect: the remains of Roman baths.
Beachgoers will find themselves in their own little paradise, with picture-perfect blue waters for them to enjoy whether swimming or sunbathing.
Nearby restaurants and bars are within easy reach for great food and fantastic sea views.
Located near the coastal village of Mellieha, it’s not difficult to reach for a sunny getaway among a beautiful clifftop setting.
The islands of Gozo and Comino
Other Maltese beach destinations that catch the eye are the beautiful islands of Gozo and Comino, which together form 21 islands of Malta.
Comino is home to a blue lagoon, a far cry from what Iceland has to offer. This lagoon is considered one of the most breathtaking locations in the Mediterranean.
This is the perfect place for those who are not afraid of what lurks below and really enjoy getting into the water as it is clean and clear and an absolute must when visiting Malta.
Gozo, on the other hand, is a lesser-known island that history buffs and thrill seekers alike will love. Home to the Neolithic Ġgantija Temple ruins, incredible beaches and a range of water activities, Comino is easy to reach by ferry and well worth the trip.
This small capital has taken a hit
Certainly, Malta is undoubtedly a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the big cities for some much-needed beach time.
But Valletta should not be missed, just as Athens or Thessaloniki should not be skipped when visiting the Greek islands.
A little city exploration by your travelers is always fun, even when combined with bucket list beaches, especially when it’s so easy to explore with only about 6,000 residents.
Both aesthetically and culturally rich, the dazzling city of Valetta makes an excellent base or day trip to say the least.
Although it is the smallest capital in the European Union, like other major historic cities, there are beautiful cobbled streets, historic cathedrals and the typical terraces you know you have to stop by.
This is the Mediterranean after all. Don’t want to be outside as much as possible?
Ultimately, Valletta is a small town of historical significance, but you really can’t go wrong hopping around the country and visiting a Maltese town or village, as there’s no big city like its neighbors.
Easy flight connections throughout Europe
Malta’s former award-winning flagship airline, Air Maltaclosed for the past few months, but you don’t have to worry about making travel plans.
There are no direct flights from the US, but a stopover in Europe is fairly typical if you’re not going to an iconic city like Barcelona, Paris or Rome.
Malta does have a new airline, KM Malta Airlines, which offers connections to popular destinations, but there are at least a dozen other European airlines flying to Malta, such as Ryanair, Wizz, easyJet and Lufthansa.
Malta has been voted the best LGBTQ+ destination, the best diving destination, the best destination for families and the third best destination to visit in Europe this year, making this island all the more attractive to book a flight to, whatever your holiday style.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
