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32<br />
the mediterranean<br />
out of the<br />
Blue<br />
The Mediterranean is an enduring British<br />
favourite but there’s nothing tired or old<br />
about its current offering, says<br />
Jeannine Williamson<br />
the caves of comino island, malta<br />
I<br />
feel as if I’m at home as I stroll<br />
through the charming cobbled<br />
streets of Valletta in the afternoon<br />
sunshine. Around me are familiar red<br />
postboxes, well-known high street shops<br />
and cars driving on the left.<br />
Although Malta has been independent for<br />
more than 50 years, the British influence is<br />
part of its enduring appeal. After browsing<br />
through a market selling inexpensive handmade<br />
lace, knitwear and honey, I head to<br />
Upper Barrakka Gardens, the highest point<br />
in the Maltese capital, with panoramic views<br />
across Grand Harbour. Right on 16.00 local<br />
history society members dressed in British<br />
artillery uniforms fire a gun salute. It’s a<br />
stirring sight and a throwback to the days<br />
when cannons protected the island against<br />
attacks and signalled the time of day.<br />
Next morning I take a 25-minute ferry<br />
ride to small, neighbouring Gozo, where life<br />
ticks by at a leisurely pace. Sea salt has been<br />
produced here for centuries and the salt<br />
pans glisten in the sun at Marsalforn.<br />
Afterwards I enjoy an al fresco lunch at<br />
Ta’Mena Estate in the countryside.<br />
Overlooking an orange grove, I tuck into<br />
platters of local cheese, salads bursting with<br />
flavour and oven-fresh rosemary-scented<br />
bread with wine from the estate. It provides<br />
a real taste of these beautiful islands, less<br />
than three hours from London.<br />
sellingtravel.co.uk
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