At first glance Malta appears to be steeped in the past Ancient temples, the oldest free-standing structures in existence, traditions dating over 2500 years and buses that could have been around when Malta gained independence in 1964-it all makes you wonder if the country should be declared a living museum. Though Malta has a rich history it also offers beaches, bars, bustling Mediterranean life. Friendly, a passion for festas, water sports and excellent opportunities for scuba diving.

February to June (before the heat)- or time outside 1942 when the country was bombed for 154 days and nights continuously

Wandering round the magnificent fortified capital of Valletta, built by the Knights of St John Enjoying the view overlooking Malta from the city of Mdina Experiencing a festa, lasting up to five days and including fireworks, the parade of the patron saint, brass bands, food, drink and general celebration Scuba diving at the Azure Window, a giant rock arch in the cliff surrounding the lnland Sea on the island of Gozo swimming at the Blue Lagoon, one of the best bathing spots in the Mediterranean

Read Francis Ebejer’s For Rozina… A Husband, based on Maltese village life and comprising a collection of short stories; The Kappilan of Malta by Nicolas Monserrat tells of a priest’s experiences during WWll

Listen to Camilleri’s ll Wegha-the first opera written in Maltese, and the Beangrowers-a pop/electro/rock/punk mix

Watch Ridley Scott’s Gladiator, one of the many films shot in Malta; the movie The Malta Story, which plays out events leants leading up to the island being awarded the George Cross in 1942; the blockbuster Troy starring Brad Pitt and Eric Bana

Eat timpana-oven-baked macaroni with egg, meat and tomatoes; mqaret-deep-fried pastries stuffed with chopped, spiced dates

Drink kinnie-a soft drink flavoured with bitter oranges and aromatic herbs

Kif inti? (how are you)

Churches; ancient buildings; crazy drivers; British tourists; crusading knights; the Maltese Cross; pedestrianised Valletta

There are no permanent water features on Malta; the country didn’t invent Maltesers; it’s one the most densely populated countries in the world

Gozo ins of the contenders for the title of Calypso’s lsle-the mythical island described in Homer’s Odyssey where the nymph Calypso seduced the hero Odysseus and kept him captive. lf the cave above lr-Ramla on Gozo was really Calypso’s hideaway, then it’s no wonder that odysseus was keen to get home. The view may be pretty and the islnd delightful, but it’s a long, hot and scratchy climb up from the beach, and the cramped living quarters leave a lot to be desired.