• On Malta island, see performances of opera, theatre, music and ballet (between October and May) at Valletta's Manoel Theatre, the second-oldest theatre in Europe.

• Go scuba-diving or snorkelling, which is possible year-round. On Malta, the best sites are in the north - caves and steep drop-offs, such as Qawra Point and Cirkewwa, being popular; Wied Iz-Zurrieq is good for night dives. On Gozo, one of the most spectacular sites is Dwejra Point.

• Hit the beach. On the north coast, the best beaches are at Paradise Bay, Golden Bay, Mellieha Bay, Armier Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha Bay. Il-Qawra is better known as the inland sea, with a secluded bathing pool, crystal-clear water and sheer cliffs. For an unspoilt sandy beach, try Ir-Ramla il-Wamra.

• Fit in some Windsurfing, which has become very popular in Mellieha Bay, St Pauls Bay or Bahar Ic-Caghaq.

• Attend rowing regattas, held in the Grand Harbour during April and September. The Valletta Yacht Club is at Couvre Port, Manoel Island, in Marsamxetto Harbour (temporary members accepted).

• Buy some of the local crafts, lace and knitwear, from the doorways of houses and on the streets of Gozo island, the second-largest island of the archipelago.

• In summer attend a festival with fireworks and horseracing in the streets of Gozo.

• Chill out on the barely inhabited island of Comino. Paths winding through unusual rock formations provide the only communication links. A few small bays, such as Blue Lagoon, are the main attractions. The St Marija Caves offer interesting cave diving.

• Visit typical Maltese fishing communities such as Marsaxlokk, Birzebbugia and Marsacala, which sprawl along the coves and inlets at Malta's southernmost tip. Eat fresh fish at the family-run tavernas while enjoying the sight of nets and colourfully painted boats crowding the waterfronts.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.