Tourist convinced she's found world's 'most underrated country' just 3.5 hours from the UK

A tourist has gushed over her love for a tiny island which she claims is the "most underrated country in the world" offering a host of experiences and activities for under £500. Malta in the central Mediterranean sits between Italy to the north and Tunisia to the south and the island gained independence from Britain in 1964.

The stunning capital Valletta features incredible ancient architecture influenced by cultures from all around the Mediterranean. Different cultures, from the Romans and Greeks to the Arabs and French, have all laid claim to the island over the centuries using it as a vital naval staging post. Before the island became independent, King Charles spent two years of his childhood in Malta, calling Villa Guardamangia his home between 1949 and 1951.

But today Malta is a popular destination for tourists, especially with Brits, and it was one of the first places to open its doors once to travellers more following the Covid pandemic. TikTok travel influencer @hannahhols shared her thoughts on a nation she still believes needs more recognition.

On a trip to the diminutive country with friends, Hannah found that they each spent slightly more than £400 for flights, a five-night hotel stay with access to a rooftop pool, breakfast included, as well as baggage and transfers.

Her TikTok video showcasing the adventure amassed over one million likes. She enthused: "Malta is by far the most underrate country I think I've ever visited."

"Even though Malta is the 10th smallest country in the world, it is definitely giving big country energy."

Reflecting on her September visit last year, Hannah shared why the trip was so memorable: "One thing I loved about Malta was that it was like nowhere I'd ever been before. It's got such strong Arabic and Roman influences."

She concluded with heartfelt praise: "It was just absolutely beautiful and everyone we met just seemed so proud to be Maltese."

The travel influencer recommends a trip to the capital city of Valletta. Hannah and her group primarily explored the city on foot or used the bus service, which she described as "super convenient and cheap".

She suggested: "Just spend a day in Valletta, roaming around, street dining, going to the boutique shops, wandering in and out of the gardens, seeing the cannons being fired at the saluting battery, and checking out the harbour front."

Hannah also endorsed the Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon cruise. This full-day maritime excursion departs from Sliema and offers the chance to see both islands in a single day, along with various landmarks.

According to Hannah, the cost for her and her friends was "around £29 each". Her video attracted over 1,000 comments, with many echoing her sentiments about the country.

A local resident expressed, "I am from Malta and I am so happy that you loved our little island."

Another user exclaimed: "Malta is stunning, I would go back in a heartbeat," while someone else remarked, "Genuinely one of my favourite European destinations ever- never gets boring."