Malta used to be my Arillas.
I first went there back in the late 70's as a 20 year old, with my friend and her parents in a private appartment in St.Pauls. At that time, the tourists were all people who had been based there during the war, or had done their national service out there. Consequently, it seemed to us that we were the only English females on the island under the age of 60! This, plus the fact that Maltese girls all disappeared home at 9.00pm, ensured that we got quite a lot of attention from the boys, to say the least!!
We kept a diary of events and recorded the times of our first 'chat-up' each evening. The record was within 40 seconds of leaving the appartment!!
Needless to say, we had an absolute whale of a time and contunued to go back at least twice a year, for many years.
After several years break ,we went back about 10 years ago , and although we once again had a great time, we could see how 'new' visitors would be disappointed. Whilst the people are as welcoming and as friendly as in Arillas , Malta has definately suffered from over-development.
I still intend to back, and it will always be a special place for me, but sadly, I don't think I could recommend it with the same confidence or enthusiasm as I can Arillas.
Angie