Boat tours of Grand Harbour last around 90 minutes, and not only offer magnificent views of the capital but tell the story of the key moments in the island's history, from the Great Siege through to WWII. Make sure the operator you choose has a live commentary and visits all of the creeks. Captain Morgan Cruises is recommended (tel: 2346 3333; website: www.captainmorgan.com.mt). By contrast, a visit to the beautiful (but often overcrowded) Blue Lagoon at Comino is a half day of sybaritic delights, usually comprising swimming and sunbathing. Tours of Grand Harbour and to the Blue Lagoon depart regularly from Sliema Ferries, a short bus or ferry ride from Valletta.

Another recommended boat tour is the Blue Grotto. You can do this part-independently by driving to Wied iz-Zurrieq, 8km (5 miles) west of Valletta, but the actual tour (25 minutes) is organised by the local fishermen and is strictly controlled.

Malta Sightseeing (tel: 2169 4967; website www.maltasightseeing.com) offers a hop-on hop-off bus service with one route covering the north of the island and the other covering the south; pay on board. The same company also offers 'Vintage Bus Sightseeing Tours of the Three Cities' through Supreme Travel (tel: 2169 4967; website: www.supremecoaches.com). All buses depart from Sliema Ferries.  

Coach tours of the island are of the whistle-stop package tour variety and are not recommended.