Maltese waters are renowned by European scuba divers as the best diving destination in the Mediterranean.

The combination of clear water - the visibility is among the best in the world, stretching 30m - alongside a mild climate, attractive underwater scenery, a good range of marine life, and a spate of professional diving centres attract an estimated 50,000 divers annually. The diving schools offer every type of course available, and if you're certified to dive, you can dive most sites independently or hook up with a local guide.

The best dives are found off the north-west tip of Gozo at Dwejra, an area of geologic faults which has resulted in plenty of interesting submarine features including intriguing caves.