The Maltese Islands have been described as one big open-air museum. What makes them unique is that so much of their past is visible today. Delve into the Islands' mysterious prehistory, retrace the footsteps of St Paul or see where the Knights of St John defended Christendom.

But Malta is no regular museum. Here life is lived to the full, so make time for some living history and action. Visit locations where Oscar-winning blockbusters were filmed or go off the beaten track into ancient villages. Marvel at the fireworks and revelry of the summertime fiestas and enjoy a packed calendar of events all year round.

In Malta, discovering 7000 years is easier than you think. The Islands themselves are really one big heritage park. Malta is to enjoy life at its simplest one day and at its most cosmopolitan the next. However short your stay, it's possible to have a taste of Island life from traditional villages to urban resorts. Malta's capital, the World Heritage City Valletta, and the medieval fortified towns of Mdina and Citadels, Gozo, are the Islands' historical highlights. Sliema, Bugibba, Qawra and St Julian's in Malta, Marsalforn and Xlendi in Gozo are the main resorts.

They bustle with activity, and not just in summer. Valletta is a cornucopia of European art and architecture. This city of the Knights remains virtually intact. Its streets flanked by palaces and tiny old-world shops. Across Grand Harbour lie the Three Cities of Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa. Older than Valletta, they offer a fascinating insight into the Islands' maritime fortunes. The southern fishing village of Marsaxlokk and neighbouring resort town of Marsascala are also worth a visit.

With little effort, just a desire to explore, you'll find inland towns and villages with character and treasures of their own. Churches reveal masterpieces by the artists to the Knights while each village square is a slice of history, its café-bar the hub of rural life. There are open-air museums and indoor museums for every era from prehistory to the story of Malta in World War II. And the Islands have several UNESCO World Heritage sites.

With the Knights of St John patrons of the arts for over 250 years, you'll find cultural masterpieces in museums, palaces and churches across the Islands. The museums have something for everyone, whether you're browsing for leisure or wish to deepen a special interest. Magnificent baroque architecture and religious treasures and fascinating evidence of the many wars and battles that Malta has lived through.

Multimedia and interactive attractions recreate the atmosphere of the historical periods or events. They're a fun, informative way to orientate yourself. Explore when you're out and about - In a day, you can travel from the mysteries of the temple builders to the living history of picturesque fishing villages: a journey of several millennia in time, but a couple of kilometres on land.

There is modern, urban living at its fastest with cafés, nightlife, clubs and restaurants. Then there are unique baroque towns and cities, sleepy villages and bustling fishing ports.