A thriving tourist town with a lot of history, Malindi's attractions are its wealth of shops and holiday facilities, a labyrinthine Swahili quarter and a busy market, with beaches extending to the north and south. The abundance of Italian restaurants and influence here has lead to it becoming known as the 'Little Italy' of Kenya. Offshore is the spectacular coral reef, part of the Malindi/Watamu Marine National Park, often thought of as one of the best along the coast. Big-game fishing is a popular pastime along with surfing, particularly through July, August and September. NB. Diving in Malindi may not be available from May-July due to tides and weather conditions.