0:00:03 > 0:00:06We're in the heart of the Mediterranean on the island of Malta
0:00:06 > 0:00:08to find out why 30,000 Irish people
0:00:08 > 0:00:10spend their hard earned cash here every year.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13On our website, we ask you to come up with some top tips
0:00:13 > 0:00:16- of what to do here and what to avoid.- And you've come up with
0:00:16 > 0:00:19some surprising suggestions and some great hidden gems.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28The Maltese islands are bang in the heart of the Mediterranean.
0:00:28 > 0:00:32Flying time from Dublin or Belfast is about 3.5 hours.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36There's the main island of Malta and two smaller islands,
0:00:36 > 0:00:38Gozo and Comino.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43Maltese is the official language but nearly everyone speaks English.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45Well, Aoibhinn, here we are in Malta. I've never been here before,
0:00:45 > 0:00:47neither have you.
0:00:47 > 0:00:48All I know about the place,
0:00:48 > 0:00:50from what I've been told it's very rich in history.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53- What about yourself? - I associate Malta with the older generation coming here
0:00:53 > 0:00:57so I'd love to see what else it has on offer. I'm dying to see what Gozo is like,
0:00:57 > 0:01:01- and I'd love to see some of the fishing villages, as well.- Me too. Everyone raves about Gozo.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04But really, it's about you getting in touch with us, as you have,
0:01:04 > 0:01:06and we'll go and check out your recommendations.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09We've gathered together all your advice from the website
0:01:09 > 0:01:11and came up with a plan.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14We've identified our top five from your suggestions
0:01:14 > 0:01:17and we've thrown in a few of our more offbeat recommendations, too.
0:01:19 > 0:01:20So, before we get going,
0:01:20 > 0:01:24here's some of the basics you need to know about the Maltese islands.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28Malta's always had a reputation as appealing to more of an older generation but in recent years,
0:01:28 > 0:01:32there's been a concerted effort to try and attract the younger holidaymaker,
0:01:32 > 0:01:35bringing DJs like David Guetta and Fatboy Slim to the island.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38And also big investment in this area of St Julian's.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41You will find a plethora of bars, restaurants
0:01:41 > 0:01:45and nightclubs ensuring the weekend never really has to end.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50There aren't that many sandy beaches in Malta
0:01:50 > 0:01:52but when you DO find one, they're pretty spectacular.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56Just be sure to get here early
0:01:56 > 0:01:59because they get packed during the summer and especially on Sundays.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04SHE SCREAMS AND LAUGHS
0:02:04 > 0:02:07Apparently, the water gets to 28 degrees but, I'm telling you,
0:02:07 > 0:02:09it's not quite that warm yet.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11You'll undoubtedly notice the British influence in Malta
0:02:11 > 0:02:15but none more so than the iconic red telephone box.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20Malta became independent from Britain nearly 50 years ago,
0:02:20 > 0:02:23although you wouldn't think it looking at some of the shops and restaurants.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27Nearly everyone speaks English and there are still
0:02:27 > 0:02:29plenty of reminders of the island's colonial past.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34One thing you've warned us about is the price of the taxis here.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37They're not metered so be sure to use a company that's
0:02:37 > 0:02:39recommended by your hotel and agree a price in advance.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44We've chosen the best of your recommendations
0:02:44 > 0:02:48and kicking off at number five is the capital city, Valletta.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51Not so much a city as a walled fortress.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53Due to Malta being dead in the middle of the Mediterranean,
0:02:53 > 0:02:55it has been a popular destination for wannabe
0:02:55 > 0:02:58invaders for thousands of years. The English, the Spanish,
0:02:58 > 0:03:02the French have all had their wee scraps about this place as have
0:03:02 > 0:03:06the Carthaginians, the Byzantines, the Arabs and the Kardashians.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09Not quite sure about the last one, but nothing would surprise me.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13As a result, this place is simply dripping in history.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23Valletta was originally built in the 16th century
0:03:23 > 0:03:25by the Knights of St John to protect against the Turks.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32The Knights, a major military and religious order,
0:03:32 > 0:03:35ruled from here, the Grand Master's Palace,
0:03:35 > 0:03:38which many of you said was definitely worth a visit.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43The Knights were the sons of nobility from all around Europe
0:03:43 > 0:03:46and when they settled here in Malta they brought with them the art,
0:03:46 > 0:03:47the architecture, gold, silver
0:03:47 > 0:03:50and furniture that we see here in the Palace today.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55The Grand Master of the Knights would use the richly
0:03:55 > 0:03:59decorated state rooms to entertain important guests
0:03:59 > 0:04:02and the Palace also houses a large armoury.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07Malta became a republic in 1974 and the Palace now houses both
0:04:07 > 0:04:11Parliament and the offices of the president right behind me here.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14As a tourist, it's very special to be able to wander through
0:04:14 > 0:04:15these corridors of power.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20A short skip away is another of your Maltese favourites.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22St John's Co-Cathedral.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24Not so sensational from the outside, perhaps,
0:04:24 > 0:04:26but just wait til you get a look inside.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31No wonder you recommended this place so highly.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36Absolutely breathtaking.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53Now, through this doorway is THE most extraordinary exhibit
0:04:53 > 0:04:57in the entire Cathedral. In fact, in all of Malta.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00It is considered the masterpiece of the painter Caravaggio
0:05:00 > 0:05:03and depicts the execution of St John the Baptist.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06Caravaggio was commissioned by the Knights of Malta.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08He actually was briefly a member of the Knights of Malta.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12That's another story entirely. You should look that up. That's a doozy.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14We're not allowed to actually go in and film it.
0:05:14 > 0:05:19Nobody is because it's considered such a precious commodity to Malta.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21It's a remarkable painting.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24If you come here, you owe it to yourself to go and see it.
0:05:24 > 0:05:25All is not lost, however.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29You can take it home with you for the princely sum of 40 cents.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39Another one of your recommendations is here on the Valletta waterfront.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42All these restaurants were converted warehouses
0:05:42 > 0:05:44built by the Knights in the 17th century and I think it's
0:05:44 > 0:05:48a gorgeous place to just hang out and relax and enjoy the sunshine.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51But do avoid it on days when the cruise ships are in.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56You also recommended we check out the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59These were destroyed during the Second World War,
0:05:59 > 0:06:02when the islanders stood firm against the Germans,
0:06:02 > 0:06:04but have now been rebuilt in honour of the war dead.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10You highly rated the local food,
0:06:10 > 0:06:14especially the Maltese ftira, a sort of supercharged pizza.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19Connie, what makes this traditionally Maltese?
0:06:19 > 0:06:22It's because in the oven we use a real wood.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25We bake it with the fire, so it's very traditional.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29- So, Joe, do you want to give it a go?- Yeah, I'm in, I'm up for it. - Let's get the gloves on.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32Like I need a hair net.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34At this place, if you arrive early enough,
0:06:34 > 0:06:36they'll let you make your own ftira.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38Connie is keeping us right but it seems
0:06:38 > 0:06:41as though you can throw practically anything onto the ftira.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45With tomato, caramelised onions, potatoes,
0:06:45 > 0:06:48capers and anchovies being the favourites.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51- Can we freestyle? Can we put on whatever we want?- Yes, you can.
0:06:51 > 0:06:52Beautiful.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56The whole experience may be better suited to the under tens
0:06:56 > 0:06:58but it does bring out your creative side.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01(HIGH PITCHED VOICE) Look, you're doing a wee border.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07So, Connie, which one do you think is going to taste the best?
0:07:08 > 0:07:09Which do you think?
0:07:09 > 0:07:14- I prefer that one because it has more ingredients on it.- Yeah!
0:07:14 > 0:07:17And now the moment of truth.
0:07:17 > 0:07:18Oh, here they are.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20I was expecting mine to come out like a phonebook, like,
0:07:20 > 0:07:22I just put too much on.
0:07:25 > 0:07:26Mm...
0:07:28 > 0:07:31The sesame saved it. The sesame saves mine.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34I put too much on mine were to be fair. But that was gorgeous.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37You can really taste the fresh herbs on it.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40It's very tasty but I definitely don't think I could eat a full one.
0:07:42 > 0:07:43Never mind your recommendations.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46For just one minute, this is the place I wanted to come to.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48This is the pub in Valletta.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51This is where legendary actor Oliver Reed spent his last night.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53I'm a huge fan.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56Oliver Reed came here, he drank eight pints of lager,
0:07:56 > 0:07:5912 double rums, and a half bottle of whisky.
0:08:00 > 0:08:01Little wonder.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04Landlord Graham told me that Ollie was in Malta filming Gladiator
0:08:04 > 0:08:06when he met some Navy lads.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08They was drinking, they were having a good time with him,
0:08:08 > 0:08:11and they started doing a bit of arm wrestling and, obviously,
0:08:11 > 0:08:12the usual sort of stuff.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15The story goes he sent them all back to the ship
0:08:15 > 0:08:19and then a few hours after that, he just sort of slipped away.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22Well, let's raise a glass to Ollie at his last bar.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25Upstairs here in the pub is, basically,
0:08:25 > 0:08:27an ongoing tribute Oliver Reed.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29Everyone that comes here tends to come upstairs,
0:08:29 > 0:08:32write something on the wall as a dedication to Ollie
0:08:32 > 0:08:35or to people they've lost themselves and even pets they've lost.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37So I figured we should write our wee tribute as well.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50One of the best ways to see Malta is from the water
0:08:50 > 0:08:53and you can hire a boat to get a better view of the harbour.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57- The colours are fab, aren't they?- It's amazing.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00That is all local limestone as well. It's all built on.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02Have you got your bearings of where we are?
0:09:02 > 0:09:04It is quite complicated in Malta.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06Yes, around the harbour, and that's Valletta over here,
0:09:06 > 0:09:10- and those are the three cities we're off to next.- Right.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12I know that's the French Creek, right over there,
0:09:12 > 0:09:14that's where Napoleon sailed in when he invaded here.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16He was 26 years of age.
0:09:16 > 0:09:17When I was 26, I worked in a chippy.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23So, Joe, apparently Tom Hanks is here filming his latest movie.
0:09:23 > 0:09:24I think we're in the middle of it.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27I think we're going to be background extras, whether we like it or not.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30In fact, that boat that is probably where Tom is staying
0:09:30 > 0:09:33and I think he's expecting us for a cup of tea.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35Tommy! TOMMY!
0:09:36 > 0:09:38Time to visit number 4
0:09:38 > 0:09:41from our choice of your Maltese recommendations.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45It's this place, the small fishing village of Marsaxlokk.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47What you loved were the brightly coloured fishing boats,
0:09:47 > 0:09:49known as luzzus.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51Many of you suggested to give this place a try
0:09:51 > 0:09:54including Carrie Donaldson, who said, "Some of it's a bit run down
0:09:54 > 0:09:56"but that just adds to the charm."
0:09:57 > 0:09:59And it is very charming.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10The paintwork isn't just random.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14The boats from each Maltese village have different colours
0:10:14 > 0:10:16to distinguish which port they're sailing from.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19There's a bizarre mix of cultures going on here.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22Fishermen name their beds after their favourite catholic saint
0:10:22 > 0:10:25but if you also look at the front of the boats, they're all painted
0:10:25 > 0:10:28with the goddess Eye of Osiris to make sure they get home safely.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33Many of you said it was a good place to grab a bite.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35The front is peppered with great seafood restaurants with
0:10:35 > 0:10:37fresh fish just off the boats.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41Also, there's a big fish market here every Sunday.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45We've identified our top five of your recommendations
0:10:45 > 0:10:48for things to do on holiday in Malta.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51It's time for number 3, and it's one of the smaller islands.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54Now, a comment that kept appearing on the website was
0:10:54 > 0:10:57if you go to Malta, you've got to go to Gozo.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00It's a third of the size of Malta, it's more rural, more chilled out,
0:11:00 > 0:11:03it's where the Maltese actually go for their holidays.
0:11:04 > 0:11:05You can see why, can't you?
0:11:10 > 0:11:14Gozo is also host to some seriously ancient temples.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18There are 15 UNESCO World Heritage sites on the Maltese islands
0:11:18 > 0:11:19and this is one of them.
0:11:19 > 0:11:20This is Ggantija on Gozo,
0:11:20 > 0:11:23the oldest freestanding structure in the world,
0:11:23 > 0:11:27i.e. no cement, just stones placed strategically on top of one another
0:11:27 > 0:11:30so that they would fit and, indeed, the building would not fall in.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33It's not bad considering this was 1,000 years before the pyramids
0:11:33 > 0:11:36and 1,600 years before Stonehenge was built.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40And the wheel hadn't been invented yet.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43Some of the temple's original features are still standing
0:11:43 > 0:11:47like these altars where they would have made animal sacrifices to the gods.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51The people who built this temple, there still isn't a name for them.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55The Maltese just refer to them as 'the temple builders.'
0:11:55 > 0:11:56With a big boy stone like this,
0:11:56 > 0:11:59you have to ask yourself how did they transport them?
0:11:59 > 0:12:03Well, the answers are lying all around.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06There are dozens of spherical stones that have been left at the site
0:12:06 > 0:12:09and it's believed these were used as rollers
0:12:09 > 0:12:11to move the big slabs of stone around.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18This is a great place to get a bit of ancient history on holiday.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27I'm in another part of Gozo investigating a different
0:12:27 > 0:12:28sort of holiday experience.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31I'm meeting another Joe,
0:12:31 > 0:12:34a farmer who takes on tourists to help with the harvest.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37The ultimate activity holiday.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40Why do you think they enjoy coming to the farm and working?
0:12:40 > 0:12:44They're actually working but it's a totally different life.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48Remember, most of our visitors are spending all their days
0:12:48 > 0:12:49looking at a monitor.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53You know, and working on the computer and seeing television, whatever.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57So they need a change. And here it's more physical than mental.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59Actually, here, it's the best yoga you can do.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02- It's good to get your hands dirty every now and again, isn't it?- Yes.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04Do you find that they eat everything they're picking,
0:13:04 > 0:13:07cos I would eat all of your strawberries.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11In fact, we are always telling them, we want to see the cases filled up.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15You'll even get paid for what you pick. If you don't eat it all first.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17When I visited, there were no crops ready
0:13:17 > 0:13:20so the best times to come are August and September.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26This is the iconic view of the Maltese islands
0:13:26 > 0:13:29and many of you recommended that we visit here.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32Behind me you'll find the Azure Window,
0:13:32 > 0:13:34and beneath it is the Blue Hole,
0:13:34 > 0:13:38probably the best place to dive in the islands of Malta,
0:13:38 > 0:13:41actually considered one of the top ten places to dive in the world.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43It's also a pretty good place to catch the sunset
0:13:43 > 0:13:45and a great way end your visit to Gozo.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54We're in Malta checking out some of your top recommendations
0:13:54 > 0:13:58but before we go any further, please allow me a little indulgence.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01Now, I have to admit, not one of you recommended this.
0:14:01 > 0:14:06I figured you deserved it. After all, what is not to love about this?
0:14:15 > 0:14:19Popeye Village is a small theme park in the middle of nowhere
0:14:19 > 0:14:23based on what's left of a film set from over 30 years ago.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27In Malta, they tend to just throw the film set after using it,
0:14:27 > 0:14:31however this one since it was in a remote part of the island,
0:14:31 > 0:14:34the government of the time decided to keep it.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36Maybe someday they'll do something with it.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38And some day arrives and nowadays,
0:14:38 > 0:14:40Popeye Village is open for the public.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44You've no idea how excited I was coming here.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47I know Robert Altman's film didn't do well at the box office at all.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50The soundtrack is, however, very underrated.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53When you come here, this is a film set they just kind of left here.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55And was turned into a theme park.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57I love the concept of that.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59It is a wee bit frayed around the edges
0:14:59 > 0:15:02but everyone is after 32 years. But I'd recommend it.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05There's something about it that's quite endearing.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07Watch the film before you come here or you'll want to watch it
0:15:07 > 0:15:10afterwards cos I want to go home and watch it again.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12Huc-uc-uc-uc.
0:15:12 > 0:15:17The park also boasts the most wimpy Popeye you will ever meet.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20- Tell me, are you, in fact, strong to the finish?- Yes, all the way.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24- Because I eats me spinach.- See?
0:15:24 > 0:15:27- There we are, kids, always eat your greens. Eat your spinach.- Exactly.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30Eat your spinach and you will be strong like my Popeye. Look.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33- You are strong, Popeye. - Huc-uc-uc-uc.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37Now, for those who prefer a short break closer to home, I'm going to
0:15:37 > 0:15:42find out why Belfast has become such a popular city break destination.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46I'm taking a whirlwind tour to see what is on offer here for families.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50I am starting my visit at the brand-new Titanic Belfast.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53This city was the birthplace of the most famous ship in the world
0:15:53 > 0:15:56and here you can come and experience its amazing story.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04They have put so much thought into the design.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06Every detail reflects the great history
0:16:06 > 0:16:09of the building of the Titanic.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12They really do try to make history come alive here.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17And about that moment in time, the ship took her last plunge.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21'It's a state-of-the-art exhibition centre
0:16:21 > 0:16:24'with some incredibly impressive visual trickery.'
0:16:24 > 0:16:28There are a wonderful interactive exhibitions here that will
0:16:28 > 0:16:31keep everyone entertained. I know I could stay here for hours.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36'And what to my fellow visitors think of it?'
0:16:36 > 0:16:39So, David, have you enjoyed the day at the Titanic Belfast?
0:16:39 > 0:16:43Yes, it was fantastic. The interaction was brilliant as well.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47Do you think it's good for boys who are your age to go
0:16:47 > 0:16:50- and see or do you think it's kind of boring?- I think it is not boring.
0:16:50 > 0:16:51It's not boring? Brilliant.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54- So, everybody should come and look at it.- Mm-hm.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57Do you want to be a sailor after seeing it?
0:16:57 > 0:16:58No.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04You can come for afternoon tea in these magnificent surroundings
0:17:04 > 0:17:07and this is so exciting walking down this staircase.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10'The grand staircase is an exact replica
0:17:10 > 0:17:12'of the original from the Titanic.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15'This isn't part of the normal visitor experience
0:17:15 > 0:17:19'so afternoon tea offers an elegant chance to enjoy the stairs.'
0:17:19 > 0:17:22Oh, wow. Thank you very much.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30I really feel like I'm sitting in first class.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33I just wonder if Leonardo is still hanging around.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47If you want to visit the Titanic Belfast Visitor Experience
0:17:47 > 0:17:51then we recommend buying tickets in advance, especially at weekends.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55There are lots of great hotels in the city but my top tip for a family
0:17:55 > 0:17:59is to rent a self-catering apartment here in the Titanic Quarter.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06The apartments are the right size to accommodate most families.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10This is a perfect location -
0:18:10 > 0:18:13close to the city centre which is only 10 minutes' walk away
0:18:13 > 0:18:15plus the view isn't bad either.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25The Arc Apartments cost from £60 a night for a minimum of three nights.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38Next on my list of things to see is the Ulster Museum.
0:18:38 > 0:18:39Situated in the Botanic Gardens,
0:18:39 > 0:18:43the museum has recently undergone a £17 million refurbishment.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50The Discovery zones particularly appeal to families.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52In the Discover Nature Zone
0:18:52 > 0:18:56you can get your hands on all of the artefacts, which is great for kids.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01You can come into Discover History
0:19:01 > 0:19:03and the children can try on all the old costumes.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09Is there a big petticoat for you?
0:19:09 > 0:19:11Look at yourself in the mirror.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13It's beautiful.
0:19:13 > 0:19:14And, for budding Picassos,
0:19:14 > 0:19:17one of the most popular areas is the Art Zone.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20So, Bill, what are zones like this like for the children?
0:19:20 > 0:19:23Every time we come here, it's always packed.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25They always have a different theme every month.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28From working with crayons, wool, bits of paper.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31Then whenever the children make their artwork, it's exhibited.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33It's all around the walls here.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35Do you think it is good to have these areas to entice
0:19:35 > 0:19:38- the younger people?- Definitely. Because we come all the time.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41That's the first place we come to when we come into the museum.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45And all this fun is free as there is no entry charge to the museum.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50Belfast has recently undergone a renaissance and the city has
0:19:50 > 0:19:53lots of other exciting attractions for all the family,
0:19:53 > 0:19:56including the new Metropolitan Arts Centre,
0:19:56 > 0:19:59better known as the MAC. And the revamped Lyric Theatre.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05My next stop is W5 - Belfast's science and discovery centre.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09If, like me, you love science, this is definitely the place to go.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11I'm in my absolute element here.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20W5 is great because you're learning a whole variety of things
0:20:20 > 0:20:23without actually realising it.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26And I don't care what age you are, you're going to enjoy yourself.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28On your marks, get set, go.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33And, if you missed it, W5 stands for who, what, where, when and why.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37You could spend hours in here.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42Yeah! Whoo!
0:20:42 > 0:20:45All the events, shows and temporary exhibitions
0:20:45 > 0:20:47are included in admission charge.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51Between the demonstrations, the puzzles and games,
0:20:51 > 0:20:53I am absolutely zapped.
0:20:53 > 0:20:54But it's a great day out.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00Back in Malta, it's time for our number two choice
0:21:00 > 0:21:02from your recommendations.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04'I've come to the middle of the island, to a town that is
0:21:04 > 0:21:06'considered one of the best preserved
0:21:06 > 0:21:09'Medieval walled cities in Europe.'
0:21:13 > 0:21:16Another one of your top five destinations is the city of Mdina
0:21:16 > 0:21:19and it is easy to see why. It's the original capital of Malta
0:21:19 > 0:21:22and the city has been beautifully preserved.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26Only the cars of the 400 residents are allowed past the walls
0:21:26 > 0:21:28and it's known as the silent city.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43Mdina isn't a place to come if you want to party
0:21:43 > 0:21:46but it is truly unique and it's a great spot to come to
0:21:46 > 0:21:49if you want to get your bearings on the island.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52I have left Joe on the outskirts of the city
0:21:52 > 0:21:54to check out another recommendation.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59If you can while you're here, you should come to
0:21:59 > 0:22:01the Mdina glassware factory and shop.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03You'll find a wide variety of wonderful,
0:22:03 > 0:22:05colourful products to buy.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07If you can get them home in one piece, however,
0:22:07 > 0:22:10you're a better man than I am.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14- We are here in the workshop.- Joe's very kindly let me blow some glass.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21OK, you can start blowing. Blow, blow, blow.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25Blow. Keep blowing. Keep blowing. Keep blowing.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28Blow, blow, keep blowing, keep blowing. Keep blowing.
0:22:28 > 0:22:29OK.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36- That was good for a first go. - It's modern art is what it is.
0:22:36 > 0:22:42- It's modern art.- Modern art.- Can we dab some in the coloured glass?- Yes.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- This one is going to work. - It's going to work.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49It's all about how hard you blow and how much you turn.
0:22:49 > 0:22:50Like most things in life.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55OK, keep blowing, keep blowing.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57Blow. More, more. Keep blowing.
0:23:00 > 0:23:01That's good. Very good.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05That's it, you can go now. You won't be able to blow anymore.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08- Wow.- Wow, look at that. How nice.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12- I made a balloon.- Great job. - Thank you very much, Joe.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14It's been a pleasure.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22'Back in the walled city, it's nearly dusk
0:23:22 > 0:23:23'and this is the best time
0:23:23 > 0:23:28'to walk around the cobbled streets before getting a bite to eat.'
0:23:28 > 0:23:30So, Joe, what did you get?
0:23:30 > 0:23:33This is a traditional Maltese platter with pickled onions,
0:23:33 > 0:23:37goat cheese, bigilla, which is like a bean paste.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40With traditional Maltese biscuits, roasted Maltese sausage.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43And before I ask you what you are about to eat,
0:23:43 > 0:23:45how can you tackle that? That's bigger than your head.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47- I know, it looks great, doesn't it?- Yeah.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51OK, this is traditional Maltese bread, ftira.
0:23:51 > 0:23:55- It's got steak and egg and mustard in it.- That is unbelievable.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57I think mine is slightly less healthy than yours.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59Yeah, but more appealing to the eye, to be fair.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02- Before we start, I have a gift.- Oh, really?
0:24:02 > 0:24:04I got you a gift, yeah. From the glassblowing factory.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06- Oh, yeah?- That's for you. - OK, thank you.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12Ooh! A broken piece of glass.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14It's more than that.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17That was part of a bigger thing that proved just too
0:24:17 > 0:24:19- beautiful for this world. - Did you make this?
0:24:19 > 0:24:22I did make it with my own two lips, if you want to call it that.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24I made that with my own lips.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27I was going to say I'd wear it but not after that explanation.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30Why don't you just put a hole in it, a little leather, round the neck.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34- A nice little bangle.- Gorgeous, there you are.- Yeah.- There you go.
0:24:34 > 0:24:35Thanks, Joe. Thanks.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41- Let's eat.- Do you want some chips? - Yes, I do. I am taking a few.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48Before we reveal our final Maltese must-see,
0:24:48 > 0:24:51here's a roundup of some of the accommodation options.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle in Malta, on Gozo
0:24:54 > 0:24:58there is a fabulous range of new and converted farmhouses to rent.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00Just like this one.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03The Ta'Mena Estate Agrotourism Complex
0:25:03 > 0:25:05rents farmhouses for 180 Euros per night.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10Alternatively, if you want more of a cultural experience to really
0:25:10 > 0:25:14immerse yourself in the city of Valletta, you can rent an apartment
0:25:14 > 0:25:18in a residential area that is also very close to all the tourist spots.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21You get this living room, bedroom, kitchen.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23It sleeps four in this 16th century Palazzo.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28There are four self-catering apartments at Palazzo San Pawl
0:25:28 > 0:25:30and they cost from 80 Euros per night.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34We stayed in the four-star Fortina Hotel.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37It's one of hundreds along the seafront that seem
0:25:37 > 0:25:39to cater for the older client.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41It felt a little bit old-fashioned to me
0:25:41 > 0:25:45but it does offer great views and a lovely pool by the sea.
0:25:46 > 0:25:47It's great value.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50A room here will cost from 46 Euros per person per night
0:25:50 > 0:25:55and that is based on two people sharing and includes breakfast.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57We booked our hotels and flights separately.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59There are six scheduled flights a week
0:25:59 > 0:26:01from Belfast and Dublin to Malta.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04For more information visit bbc.co.uk/ni/getaways.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15OK, time to reveal our number one and to get there you need to
0:26:15 > 0:26:19find a boat that will take you to the third Maltese island, Comino.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27This is the Blue Lagoon at Comino and it was recommended time
0:26:27 > 0:26:29and time again on the website. You can see yourself.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32The colours are amazing. It absolutely gorgeous
0:26:32 > 0:26:35but there's kind of too many people here for my liking.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43If there is a group of you staying in Malta,
0:26:43 > 0:26:46what I'd recommend doing is pooling together
0:26:46 > 0:26:48and renting a boat like this, taking it for a day, going round
0:26:48 > 0:26:51Comino and scuba diving or diving around the island cos
0:26:51 > 0:26:54I think it is far nicer than hanging out here.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00'The coast of Comino is packed with astounding caves
0:27:00 > 0:27:01'and rock formations.'
0:27:05 > 0:27:08Not only is this a beautiful spot,
0:27:08 > 0:27:10this is also the bit at the end of Popeye, right,
0:27:10 > 0:27:14where he fights an octopus, throws it up, up through the gap in there.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17No-one else would take you to places like this. Isn't it incredible?
0:27:17 > 0:27:21- No, that is true, Joe. No-one else would take me here.- No.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23It is gorgeous, though. This is the life, isn't it?
0:27:23 > 0:27:26We could do a lot worse, couldn't we?
0:27:31 > 0:27:34So, Joe, we've checked out all of your recommendations for Malta.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36What was your favourite bit?
0:27:36 > 0:27:39Obviously I'm torn between the majesty of Popeye Village
0:27:39 > 0:27:41and St John's Cathedral.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43I would honestly say, if you come here,
0:27:43 > 0:27:45you have to go to St John's Cathedral.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47It is just absolutely breathtaking.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50Getting to see that Caravaggio painting in the flesh, it is
0:27:50 > 0:27:52stunning. That is a must-see. What about you?
0:27:52 > 0:27:55I loved the day out in the boat, going to Gozo, passing by
0:27:55 > 0:27:57the Comino Islands and the cliffs were so fabulous
0:27:57 > 0:27:59and the colours, amazing.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02But then Gozo itself is so laid back, it's so relaxed,
0:28:02 > 0:28:04so chilled out, so quiet, so peaceful.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06I would highly recommend it.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08Seriously, Aoibhinn, you are very glamorous girl,
0:28:08 > 0:28:11would you seriously get into the agrotourism thing?
0:28:11 > 0:28:13Picking dirty stuff, getting the hands in the muck,
0:28:13 > 0:28:16- wee bugs and all running about? - I'm from Mayo, I love all that.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18I think it would be brilliant fun to go out, help in the vineyards
0:28:18 > 0:28:21and then enjoy the wine afterwards. What a great day out.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24Speaking of which, we should maybe trade these up for a glass of wine.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26Excellent. Join us next time on Getaways.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd