San Anton Palace & Gardens - Once a Grand Master's palace, the San Anton Palace is now the President's official residence so not open to the public, but the surrounding gardens are. Laid out with avenues of trees, and exotic shrubs and flowers, the garden also contains a small zoo.

Ta' Qali Crafts Village - This former WWII aerodrome is now home to the islands' largest crafts village. Here one can see such the production of popular Maltese handicrafts such as filigree work, lace and hand-blown glass, and is a good place to pick up a few souvenirs.

Popeye Village - Set on the sea in Anchor Bay, the 17 houses of this ramshackle-looking village were built as the set for the musical film version of 'Popeye', based on the popular cartoon character.

Mediterranean Film Studios - On the outskirts of Vittoriosa, these studios provide facilities for international film makers, including two huge water tanks, cleverly sited to give a natural sea backdrop to ships floated in them. Many famous films have been made here including the recent blockbuster - 'Gladiator'.

Splash & Fun park - This water park has swimming pools, water chutes, dinosaur theme park, rides and bouncy castles.

Mediterraneo Marine Park - See performances by dolphins and sea lions, as well as birds, iguanas and other animals. Book in advance and you can interact with the animals and swim with the dolphins!

Village Festas - Every town and village has it's own particular 'festa', and many have two. The church, streets and houses are decorated for these week-long celebrations that are held every year in honour of the patron saint of each particular church parish. See colourful parades accompanied by brass bands and fireworks. Fireworks are another Maltese speciality, and a source of much competition. A whole years' work culminates in a spectacular firework finale, usually occuring on a Saturday night. On the final day, a life-size statue of the patron saint is carried from the church and through the village streets, accompanied by uproarious cheers and applause. Summer only.

Marsaxlokk market - Every Sunday morning at the pretty fishing village of Marsaxlokk, a large market is held which stretches from one end of the bay to the other. Almost anything imaginable can be bought here, but it's almost worth a trip just to see the rows of brightly coloured Meditteranean fish, and live octupuses trying to escape from their containers and back to the sea! Alternatively, you may want to visit the Valletta Sunday Market held against the backdrop of the impressive Valletta bastions.

Manoel theatre - The Manoel Theatre in Valletta is said to be the third oldest in Europe. Lovers of ballet or classical concerts will not be disappointed in the high-quality performances that can be seen here, but it's also worth taking one of the daily guided tours around the building, if only to see the fabulous 22carat gold ceiling that has survived a chequered history of intermittently serving as a doss house, dance hall and cinema.

Maglio Gardens - This tree-lined walk through central Floriana is where the knights once played a game known as 'Pall-Mall', in an attempt to divert their attention from more lustly pursuits. At one end is the Argotti Botanical Garden which has exotic plants and some rare cactus species.

Casino Nights - The Maltese love to gamble, whether it's on a horse or with a lottery ticket, and Malta can now boast three casinos - in Bugibba, St. Julian's, and the latest in a converted Palazzo in Vittoriosa. Many enjoy a Friday or Saturday night out by dressing up to have a meal at their favourite casino followed by a turn at the card tables. The casino restaurants serve surprisingly good food, and are not as expensive as one might expect.

Horse Racing - Horse racing is high on the list of spectator sports, with Sunday meets at the Marsa Racecourse between October and May. There are usually eight or nine races, most of these being trotting events with the odd flat race.