Lonely Planet’s annual ‘Best in Travel‘ has been released for 2018, and Malta has been rated as one of the top places to visit worldwide. After coming in at number 1 in their 2016 list of Secret Places to Visit, Malta finds itself on one of the travelling guide’s annual lists again.

Malta came in ahead of Georgia, Mauritius, China, and South Africa.

Billed as a country “that you need to visit next year”, Malta was praised for its long history, prehistoric temples, 17th-century fortifications and warren of underground tunnels. 

They also said that Malta’s “buzz” has been building due to Valletta being crowned European Capital of Culture for 2018, with tons of festivals to enjoy throughout the next year.

They hailed the Maltese lifestyle, which they called laid-back, and attributed it to Malta’s proximity to the warm sea, beaches, and over 300 days of sunshine. 

Do you think Malta deserves the 6th place on Lonely Planet’s list? Let us know in the comments below.

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Johnathan Cilia

Johnathan is an award-winning Maltese journalist interested in social justice, politics, minority issues, music and food. Follow him at @supreofficialmt on Instagram, and send him news, food and music stories at [email protected]