Mediterranean Treasure Islands: Malta and Crete Hotels

Mention island breaks and most people instinctively think of enticing white-sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters or waves rolling against rugged shores. Such thoughts have been motivating British holidaymakers to head en masse to the Mediterranean's wonderfully sun-soaked islands. But there's much more to enduringly popular destinations such as Cyprus, Crete and Malta than their beaches. They have been marked by Europe's most dazzling civilisations, witnessed the wax and the wane of successive empires and have been a source of inspiration for writers and artists for centuries. A trip to Crete hotels, for example, offers the opportunity to discover the island's Minoan past, as well as to top up the tan and get some much needed rest and relaxation.

Crete

Crete's dramatically mountainous landscape, which attracts walking enthusiasts from all over Europe, distinguishes it from other Mediterranean islands. Although much of the east of Crete has been the victim of somewhat less than sympathetic development, the west of the island remains largely unspoilt, with many of the island's long-standing traditions having diligently preserved. The cradle of one of Europe's earliest civilisations, Crete boasts an embarrassment of historical riches. Most famous of which is probably the Minoan Palace at Knossos, which was rediscovered - and heavily reconstructed - by Arthur Evans at the beginning of the 20th century. But Crete isn't just for history buffs, and its white-sand beaches, such as Elafonisi, are among the best in the Mediterranean.



Cyprus

In the past, Cyprus has been under Byzantine, Venetian, Ottoman and British rule and, whilst reflecting this diverse history, Cypriot culture remains distinctive. As you'd expect, Cyprus offers the usual combination of guaranteed sunshine, great beaches and a host of sites of cultural interest. The Troodos region boasts some of the most impressive Byzantine monasteries you will find anywhere, all of which are richly decorated with murals and icons. Dominated by its impressive gothic abbey and perched on the hills of northern Cyprus, the village of Bellapais is famously where Lawrence Durrell wrote Bitter Lemons. Dining out in Cyprus can be a real treat. Cypriot cuisine is deliciously fresh; with fishermen supplying Cyprus hotels with the day's catch straight off the boat. But Cyprus is most famous for its local cheese, halloumi, which locals like to have grilled with mint and watermelon.



Malta

Although it hasn't always had the best of reputations, Malta's tourism industry has undergone somewhat of a transformation in recent years. A host new chic boutiques, trendy bars and charming cafes have cropped up in the Maltese capital Valletta. This trend is also reflected in the wide range of Malta hotels now appearing in travel brochures. Historically, there's been a close affinity between the British and the Maltese. Malta was awarded the George Cross in 1942 for the 'outstanding gallantry' of its residents, and walking around Valletta there are red phoneboxes and letterboxes to remind British holidaymakers of home. Art lovers will want to see Caravaggio's portrait of Alof de Wignacourt and his immense depiction of the beheading of John the Baptist. Neither of these paintings ever leaves the island, providing a great excuse to enjoy a holiday to this underrated Mediterranean island.