So you’ve done the Caribbean, Mexico, maybe even France and the U.K., but now you want somewhere different to explore. Ever heard of Malta? With a square measurement of 122 miles, you might not have considered this tiny island between Italy and Tunisia as your next destination. Not so fast-its capital, Valleta, was named as Europe’s Capital of Culture for 2018, and we can think of a few reasons why.

To start, Malta’s location in the Mediterranean Sea made it a historically and culturally rich island, as it has been a naval base and has been ruled in the past by the Greeks, the Romans, the Phoenicians and the Spanish, to name a few. Weather in Malta is typically pleasant, with day time temperatures of low 70s F (20s C).

Its coldest month is January and its warmest is in August, so plan accordingly. While you are there, expect to feast your eyes and your stomach! Malta is home to some of the oldest buildings in existence and its capital, Valleta has a bus system to aid your exploration. While in the capital, try a tour of Saint John’s Co-Cathedral or the Grand Master’s Place-both offer a rich history in the Knights of Malta and the various countries that had power over the island.

Another popular site is the Azure Window on Gozo Island, a coastal formation juxtaposed with deep blue waters. When you’re done with a day of exploring, be sure to indulge in the local cuisine. Malta is known for its bread and fish dishes. Its locally caught swordfish is typically prepared as a dish called Pixxispad, in which the fish is fried in olive oil and garnished with lemon. Yum!