Malta is set in the very centre of the sun-soaked Mediterranean and has a daily average of ten hours sunshine for most of the summer and six hours for most of the winter. The island is not large, 17 miles by nine, so you are never far from the sea. Malta was a British Colony for over 160 years until independence in 1964. English is spoken almost everywhere and the hospitality to visitors from the ‘old country’ is both warm and genuine.

History abounds in Malta from Roman catacombs to the relatively recent Grand Harbour, originally fortified by the Knights of St. John. Car hire is inexpensive and the Maltese claim to drive on the left! However, bus services are excellent and very cheap. Most hotels have tennis courts, and horse-riding, fishing and golf are all readily available. Night life abounds and you can always win (or lose) your fortune at the Casinos. Eating out in Malta is fun and there are restaurants to suit every taste. Do try the fish, especially the Lampuki Pie, or Fenek, rabbit cooked in wine. Maltese wine is inexpensive and improving every year.

Gozo

Only nine miles by six, Gozo is greener than Malta with several sandy beaches. Victoria, the Capital is charming and the Ta’ Pinu church and pilgrimage site is worth a visit. A hire car is necessary to really enjoy the villages, history, restaurants and scenery. You can reach Gozo by ferry from Malta.