Malta is a sun-drenched island nation in the middle of the Mediterranean, often overlooked in favor of its more well-known neighbor, Italy (it’s around an hour and a half by boat south of Sicily). However, with one of the warmest climates in Europe and some of the clearest waters around, its under-the-radar status won’t last much longer. Furthermore, the charismatic old-world country boasts 8,000 years of perfectly preserved history and culture, spectacular architecture, and delectable Mediterranean cuisine filled with fresh seafood and local vegetables. With friendly locals, a laid-back atmosphere, and roundtrip airfare of around $100 from many European cities, Malta is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Keep reading for 10 reasons why Malta will soon top your travel bucket list.