I spent most of my time on Gozo, which is more relaxed and to me, more interesting. If you're into archeological stuff (I am) the oldest, free-standing, man-made structure in the world is there-- or so they say. It's not all that much to see (and covered with graffiti) but knowing you are looking at something that is older than the pyramids (or anything else made by man) is neat. Also, try to get a boat out into Valetta harbor-- it is very impressive when seen from the water.

I have friends there so I had a real good time, but, in the most critical terms, it can be considered a second-rate Italy-- but I found it to be very different and very interesting. I even liked some of the unique, local food. Great seafood and very tasty and dirt-cheap street-food. I actually crave some of the food I had there-- can't find it nowhere else.

There is only one, decent beach and it is too much trouble to bother with in season.

The main drinking area on mainland Malta, right outside the Westin hotel is pretty disgusting, IMHO w/ lots of bleeders even relatively early on a Friday night-- definitely skip it. Notice the big police presence in that area. The drinking age is either 13 or it is just totally un-enforced so the bars/clubs are filled with teens... I'll leave it at that.