My great escape: Malta

This tiny speck of a Mediterranean island packs a huge punch—literally. During our visit my husband Robert, my parents and I experienced a cyclone, gale force winds and saw a tornado forming over the sea. But we still succumbed to its charms.

Malta is a captivating blend of cultures. The Maltese use British plugs, drive on the left and have red telephone boxes. The language looks and sounds like Arabic, while the menus have an Italian slant. You can learn about the island’s history at “The Malta Experience” show in the capital city, Valletta.

Valletta is stunning, surrounded by honey-coloured fortifications. Towers, domes and church spires dominate the skyline. From the peaceful Upper Barrakka Gardens we gazed at cruise ships and ferries gliding into the Grand Harbour. This was before the cyclone hit...

"We witnessed the power of the sea when massive waves crashed over the promenade, obliterating the pool bar"

We watched the saluting gun battery at midday, which made a huge boom; we gawped at the golden, intricate interior of St John’s Co-Cathedral; and took the open-top sightseeing bus, which was a delightful way to travel around.

We got off at Mdina, the former capital, perched on top of a hill and encircled by walls. Wandering around its quiet, narrow streets, I almost expected to bump into a medieval knight.

Blue skies did appear, but we also witnessed the power of the sea when massive waves crashed over the promenade, obliterating the pool bar at our hotel, the Preluna in Sliema.

We didn’t make it to the neighbouring island of Gozo but we’ll certainly go back for it. Even a cyclone couldn’t stop us loving this beautiful, fascinating island.

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