Hi mate, if culture, walks, and history are what you are looking for then Malta is most deffinitely for you, we share your interests I'm 40 and Mrs Sliema2 is 34 and we are going back for our 13th visit in a few weeks and we still have loads of stuff to do, best thing to do is check out these websites http://www.visitmalta.com (good selection of various walks on here) http://www.choosemalta.com http://www.aboutmalta.com http://www.allmalta.com http://www.maltavista.com there are numerous amounts of other websites but these will give you a good start, with regards about where to stay then it's deffinitely Sliema a lovely town with lots of things to see, lots of good places to eat and drink but most certainly not in your face, ask any questions you want and I / we will do our very best to assist you.

Regards
Sliema2

Have a read through our Resort Report HERE

One place you should not miss is Valletta. Built in the 16th century by Grandmaster La Vallette, it is a World Heritage City and is just full of jems just waiting to be discovered. Because we were staying in the city itself http://www.vallettahouse.com it took us a whole week to explore Valletta.

The first we visited was a museum called Casa Rocca in Republic Street - Casa Rocca Piccola is still privately owned and is still a lived in family home. It's a unique historical insight into the customs and traditions of the Maltese nobility over the last 400 years.

Also important is to have an idea of the history of the islands. I know it is a tourist thing to do (we're not tourists - God forbid!! ) but The Malta Experience, a multimedia presentation gives you a flavour of what you can then visit.

St John's Cathedral comes next - must see the Caravaggio there - Beheading of St John.

If it is good weather (no doubt it is at the moment) an afternoon capuccino at Cordina's in Queen Victoria Square is kind of refreshing. We loved to sit at the tables outside and look at life go by.

The Manoel Theatre is amazingly beautiful and old while The Creativity Centre close to Valletta Gate has some amazing theatre productions at times - mostly contemporary.

There are ofcourse other things to do. Even just getting lost in the street grid (yes like NY) can present you with some interesting surprises.

I think Malta can be amazing. The whole country seemed to be doing road works though and it does generally need some more TLC. I mean it's all well and good that a faded glory can be rather attractive (see Cuba architecture) but if the Maltese were a bit more proud of their country, it could be even better.

We visited in June (25 &30yrs) and have similar interests. We stayed at Bugibba We spent a lot of time snorkelling at the blue lagoon, had a fantasic day on Gozo, went to the inquisitors palce and war museum / air raid shelters at Vittoriosa (very different!) and swimming with dolphins was fantastic! Hope this gives you some ideas