X-rated excursions

One of the commonest letters in the Maltese alphabet is X, which looks forbidding but it's pronounced like the English "sh". The two towns I visit on the first full day in Gozo, beginning with X, Xhagra and Xewkija, both have majestic domed churches. Xewkija's is inspired by Venetian architecture and is neary as big as St. Peter's in Rome. Xaghra shows traces of British culture with an open-air bar and a closed service station. Access to both is via the bus service, which while not very frequent is punctual and provides a weekly pass for the whole of Malta.

The next two days are for the coast and enjoying the Mediterranean sunshine. Near Marsalforn on the east side is an array of salt pans, arranged in geometrical patterns. Not much goes on there in winter apart from sightseeing but in the summer when the sea level is lower, they are put to their traditional use for flavouring and preservation. On the other side of Gozo lies Dwejra, which used to be the scene of a natural arch until its collapse in 2017. It's still a scenic place with a limestone pavement reminiscent of the one in north Yorkshire. Complete with refreshments.

Four days in Gozo and then I'm on the way back to mainland Malta. It's been a quiet few days but well worth the stay. The ferry in the picture is the the one I arrived on, but the returning fast ferry to Valletta does the journey just as quickly without the additional bus journey.Читать далее