Mediterranean Magic

2 Mar 2015, Jane H

Are you looking for an incredible diving holiday close to home? The Maltese Islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino offer award-winning diving in crystal clear waters and can be reached in as little as three hours flying time from the UK. Add to this incredible underwater topography and multiple wrecks, and it’s easy to see why these beautiful Mediterranean islands are such a hotspot for British divers.

The sheer diversity of dive sites that can be reached by boat and shore, and the suitability of many sites for divers of different experience levels, has secured the Islands’ reputation as a great all-round diving destination. Malta & Gozo are consistently voted in the top three diving destinations worldwide by readers of the British diving magazines Diver and Sport Diver.

Calm, sheltered bays, exceptional water clarity and easy shore access make for ideal conditions for beginners taking their first breaths underwater. Complex tunnels, caves and some outstanding ship, plane and submarine wrecks attract legions of experienced, deep and technical divers year after year.

Where to go

Regaldive offers divers the choice of a holiday on either Malta or Gozo:

Malta offers a cosmopolitan and lively stay, being the largest and most developed island of the three Maltese Isles. Malta’s history as a disputed land has led to an impressive collection of wrecks and the Island becoming known as the wreck capital of the Mediterranean. Dozens of wrecks, historic and artificial, mean that Malta is a key technical diving destination. However, the island is also an ideal place for beginners with plenty of sheltered coves to explore. Malta’s calm, warm waters also make for excellent visibility and superb conditions for underwater photography.

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Equally photogenic, the smaller island of Gozo is an unspoilt paradise with a simple, rural charm. The action here is underwater where the spectacular scenery draws divers back to Gozo time and time again. Arches and tunnels have been carved out of the coastline and offer endless points of natural rugged beauty around its 27 mile coastline, coupled with tremendous underwater visibility. The Blue Hole is perhaps the most famous dive site of all the Islands and purportedly a favourite dive of Jacques Cousteau. There are many more caverns, tunnels and swim throughs, plus two artificial wrecks to explore at leisure, whilst Gozo is also popular with new divers, captivated by its charm.

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Above water attractions

The Maltese Islands offer plenty to keep visitors entertained after an exciting days’ diving. Guests can explore the ancient streets and stunning harbour of the World Heritage City of Valletta, named European Capital of Culture 2018. Malta's photogenic capital is renowned for its rich collection of prehistoric artefacts, the impressive Grand Master’s Palace and majestic St. John’s Cathedral. A visit to the 'Silent City' of Mdina is also a must.

Gozo is home to the world’s oldest free-standing structures, the Ggantija Temples, which pre-date even the pyramids. Also worth a visit is the picturesque hilltop citadel of Victoria (Rabat). For a true Maltese experience however, take a walk or cycle ride around the pretty villages and find plenty of hidden treasures – medieval churches, fresh local cuisine, private sandy coves, and a warm Mediterranean welcome at every turn.

Situated between Malta and Gozo, the tiny Island of Comino is just 3.5 square kilometres and car free. This Island paradise offers a lovely diversion and peaceful day visit with some of the archipelago’s prettiest coves and quiet beaches.

When to go

The Maltese archipelago is renowned for its mild climate boasting 300+ days of sunshine throughout the year and hot, dry summers. With water temperatures ranging from 15 - 25°C throughout the year, most divers opt to visit Malta during the main diving season from May to October to take advantage of calm, warmer waters that offer ideal diving conditions.

Getting there

Malta is very easy to get to from the UK with daily scheduled flights from London Heathrow and Gatwick, plus a choice of charter flights available. The flying time is little more than three hours, making these Islands an ideal choice for a short break. Regaldive offers a range of accommodation on both Malta and Gozo to suit all budgets. Choose from dive centre managed apartments for the best value and convenience, or boutique hotels for extra comforts and added style. Visitors can travel between the Islands via a regular ferry service with the journey from Malta to Gozo taking just 25 minutes.

Seven night packages on Malta start from just £299 per person to include flights, accommodation in a self-catering apartment and transfers. Diving is totally flexible with a range of shore, boat, and combined diving packages available including self-drive diving packages for experienced divers.