IF you see the world as one big revolving dance floor, a tiny rock in the Mediterranean could be your Mecca.

Malta's already a hotspot for funseekers from across Europe and the scene is getting bigger every year.

At only 300 square kilometres the island is one of the smallest countries in the EU.

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It is also the most densely populated and manages to punch well above its weight when it comes to entertainment, culture and value for money.

From five-star resorts to free concerts and festivals, there's a holiday for every pocket.

We visited during the annual Malta Music Week, which serves up a heady mix of outdoor clubbing and live music from top DJs and artists.

The biggest is the Isle of MTV concert, a totally free event that in previous years has seen Black Eyed Peas, N.E.R.D and Lady GaGa perform.

This year's show was the most successful to date.

We joined more than 50,000 people packed into Il Fosos Square in Floriana to see Kelis, Scissor Sisters and Kid Rock.

The star of the show was superstar DJ and producer David Guetta. As he took to the stage there was an eruption of frenzied screams, pumping beats and fireworks. He is set to return later in the year for an even bigger DJ set.

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"The people in Malta really know how to party, " he said.

And he's right.

The heart of Malta's nghtlife is Paceville in St Julians, lined with bars, clubs and restaurants.

Most places have free entry and the drinks are very cheap. A bottle of beer is less than £2 and you can pick up a cocktail for around £4.

Check out the Havana Club for the best hip hop, R'n'B and soul - and drinks for less than £1.50 until midnight
 
We got hot and hectic among the crowds in Nordic Bar. This busy, fun place has a cheeky Scandinavianthemed cocktail menu including the Sven Goran Erection shooter. The DJ also promises to play any song you request via his internet link-up.

If you feel the need to escape the crowds for something more exclusive, head to Twenty-Two. On the 22nd flor of the Portomaso Business Tower - Malta's tallest building - this is VIP clubbing at its best.

Its stunning views and luxurious feel have made it a celeb hangout.

Bedouin Bar in the Westin Dragonara Resort is another chilled-out lounge, with cool cocktails and a waterfront setting.

Look out for their Sunday beach parties throughout summer.

Further out of town, near the ancient city of Mdina, are two giant outdoor clubs.

This is where clubbing in Malta really comes alive.

Club Numero Uno in Ta' Quali is decked out in Thai style. Approaching the club via a winding walkway is like entering a different, more exciting world.

And even in the open-air setting you feel the full force of the pumping sound system.


Expect a more laid back vibe on Saturdays with R'n'B and commercial house in the main room and alternative rock in the chill-out area.

Sundays offer the full-on clubbing experience and attract some of the world's biggest DJs.

The Gianpula complex in Rabat is a slightly different affair. Split into five areas including Groove Gardens and Marrakech, it houses VIP sections and can cater for private parties.

Its main room has hosted Creamfields and Ministry of Sound while the adjacent Gianpula Fields is used for concerts and festivals.
The club is celebrating its 30th birthday this year and has already lined up Faithless to perform at the party.

Malta is more than a match for other Mediterranean islands when it comes to partying, but where it really has the edge is in its stunning surroundings and rich cultural heritage.

Once you have slept off last night's booze you just have to step outside your hotel to appreciate it.

Visits to the fortified cities of Mdina and Valletta are essential. The stunning baroque architecture, medieval churches and Roman remains are some of the oldest in Europe and there are many World Heritage Sites here.

St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta is fabulously grand and features original paintings by Caravaggio. Just beyond that is Barrakka Gardens, originally built by the Italian knights, which offers some of the best views of the city. From here you can look across the Grand Harbour to the Three Cities and watch giant cruise ships bringing daytrippers to the island.

Valletta's compact size means you can easily wander its grid-like streets before stopping at a traditional restaurant for lunch.

Food in Malta is fresh and typically Mediterranean.

There is a strong Italian influence, being only 93 kilo metres from Sicily, together with Greek, Turkish and north African flavours.

Because of its year-round sunshine alfresco dining is very popular and most places have terraces and gardens.

One of the best is De Mondion Restaurant at the Zara Palace. Its terrace has panoramic views of the island and you can sample the local dish, rabbit, while enjoying the fireworks displays.

For a more rustic Italian experience try Peppino's in St Julians. You may just find yourself sitting next to Brad Pitt, Madonna or Daniel Craig, who have all dined here. One of the best ways to experience the Maltese archipelago is to take to the seas.

You can either join one of the many boat trips and ferries available or, for a splash of luxury, charter your own yacht.

Head towards neighbouring island Gozo, taking in Comino and the spectacular Blue Lagoon en route.

Once in Gozo, hire a jeep to explore the island. We drove towards the beaches of the northern coast, passing through the unspoiled town of Victoria before landing in Qbajjar Bay.

The Azure Window is a stunning natural landmark and the waters around it are crystal clear, making it perfect for diving and snorkelling.

For a rest from the exploring and partying, the Fortina Spa Hotel in Sliema offers the ultimate in all inclusive luxury.

Its 200-plus treatments include therapeutic baths, seaweed and mud.

Some of the rooms even have "dermalife" machines, which use steam, vibrating massage and infrared rays to expel the toxins from the body.

Guaranteed to beat even the most stubborn of hangovers into submission.

If you can't afford the luxury treatment, you can stay in the attached four-star hotel and still enjoy many of the spa and pool facilities.
It is this combination of debauchery and detox that makes Malta so perfect. You feel as though you have the energy to carry on raving forever.

We had found our perfect party.

FACT FILE
AIR Malta has twice-daily flights from Heathrow and Gatwick, a daily service from Manchester and twice weekly flights from Birmingham.

Economy class fares start at £99 return including taxes and charges. Visit airmalta.com or call 0906 103 0012.

Lee stayed at Grand Hotel Excelsior, Great Siege Road, Floriana, where a double room costs from around £110 per night, including breakfast. See excelsior.com.mt or call 00356 2125 0520. Dinner in the restaurant costs around £45 with a bottle of wine around £10.

For more on the Fortina Spa Resort, Tigne Seafront, Sliema. See hotelfortina.com Charter a 29ft boat (ideal for a couple) from £200 a day including skipper and fuel. See boatlinkmalta.com or call 00356 9988 2615.

Regular boat trips to the Blue Lagoon cost from around £8 per person return, from Cirkewwa to Comino.

See visitmalta.com for information on tours and excursions.