Gozo Island

Gozo Island is the second largest island of the Maltese archipelago, which is able to impress with its beauty, the grandeur of ancient architecture, the purity of the coastal waters and the diversity of the underwater world. Here it is easy to forget life’s troubles and problems, because in Spanish (although the island has absolutely nothing to do with the Spanish) gozo means “joy.”

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Video: Gozo Island

Contents

Highlights

The island is small at only 67 km², has only one hotel, is uninhabited and is surrounded by some of the most sparkling and clear waters on the Mediterranean. It is a natural swimming pool and many people snorkel, dive and anchor their yachts to swim and relax.

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The island of Gozo has many fans among Europeans who prefer a quiet, peaceful vacation in the lap of nature. There are just over a dozen hotels and resorts on the island.

Climate and weather

Gozo is just north of Malta, but the distance between the islands is so insignificant (about 30 km from the extremes) that the climatic conditions on the two islands are not different at all. Summer on Gozo is hot and dry, with air temperature about +30 °С, winter is rather warm (by our standards) – +10…+15 °С. Rains come mainly in the fall. In the cold season there are strong cold winds and storms on the sea. The average water temperature in summer is about +25 °С, in winter – +14 °С.

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History

Scientists believe that the first human settlements on the island appeared about 7,000 years ago. Over its long history, life on Gozo has been harsh, as the islands have always attracted conquerors, and even more difficult than on Malta with its harbors and defensive fortifications.

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During the Middle Ages, knights, corsairs and Saracens periodically raided the island. In 1551, the Saracens made a devastating raid, taking almost the entire population of the island into slavery.

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The island essentially never recovered from these raids and remained sparsely populated for centuries until the Knights fortified a medieval fortress (at Victoria, or Rabat) and the inhabitants began to settle on the remainder of the island.

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Gozo and its inhabitants have retained their distinctive spirit and character and noticeable differences in lifestyle, pronunciation and dialect. The people of Gozo are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality and will always show a guest the way or help them get to their destination.

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A trip to Gozo will suit all people who prefer to spend their vacation in a wonderfully tranquil place where beach, sightseeing, active and gastronomic vacations can be easily combined.

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Nature

The main difference between the island of Gozo and its larger neighbor are the prevailing colors: while Malta is almost all in various shades of yellow, Gozo is painted in emerald tones all year round. Gozo’s terrain is hilly, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the “island of three hills”. The coastal zone abounds with both magnificent sandy, rocky and pebble beaches and steep cliffs and rocks of the most bizarre shapes.

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It is Gozo’s natural charm that often becomes the key argument for tourists deciding to travel to the island. Some of Gozo’s main natural attractions include:

  • Inland Sea,
  • Azure Window,
    • ...
  • Lunzjata Valley, etc.
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The Inland Sea is a sea lagoon, separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a narrow natural arch, under which, on nice days, the luzza boats pass, taking tourists around the coast. The water in the lagoon is clear and transparent, with a golden bottom shining through it. But directly under the arch, one of the favorite dive sites for divers, the depth reaches 35 m.

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The Azure Window is a limestone arch over the sea, formed in prehistoric times by the collapse of two caves. It is located near the Gulf of Dweira and the Inland Sea. The Azure Window is increasingly eroding every year and is expected to be gone altogether in the near future.

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At the entrance to Dwejra Bay is the small island of Mushroom Rock, named for the pungent-smelling tubers growing on it. In medieval times, these tubers were mistakenly classified as medicinal mushrooms, but today their pharmaceutical properties have not been proven. The islet is a nature reserve.

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The Għasri Valley is famous for its caves, including underwater caves.

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The Lunzjata Valley is considered one of the most beautiful parts of the island. Once a favorite hunting ground for Maltese knights, it is now an ideal place for nature retreats.

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Attractions

Victoria Town

The island of Gozo has its own capital, Victoria Town. This city used to be called Rabat. Victoria’s landmark is the huge Citadel, located at the top of a steep hill.

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Throughout history, life on Gozo has been harsh as the Maltese islands have always attracted conquerors. The fate of the island of Gozo is more dramatic than its “big brother” the island of Malta. Suffice it to recall that in the middle of the 16th century the Saracens, who made a devastating raid on Gozo, drove every last inhabitant into slavery. The island never recovered from this raid until the Knights built the Citadel. Only then did people began to settle fearlessly in these places.

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All the roads of Gozo lead to this mighty fortress. Inside the Citadel is a large cathedral. During the day the Citadel of Rabat represents the strength and power of the knights, and at night it glows with lights and becomes the most romantic place on the island. The cellars of the citadel contain unparalleled Maltese wine, which can also be tasted in local cafes or bought in stores for €7 per bottle.

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It should be noted that on the island of Gozo, unlike the island of Malta, where there is almost no vegetation, grows and watermelons, and melons, and giant-sized olives, and tiny tomatoes, and potatoes, and even the sweetest in the Mediterranean figs and almonds, All this local gastronomic delights can be found in the main shopping square It-Tokk, where you will find sheep cheese and many other tasty things.

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Jhantian Temples

The island of Gozo is home to the oldest man-made monument on Earth. These are the megalithic temples of Jgantija. The period of their construction dates back to 3600 BC. They are located in the place of Shara (Xaghra). This construction is a thousand years older than the Egyptian pyramids and is 5 and a half thousand years old. It looks like a rounded building made of giant blocks weighing dozens of tons. You will not meet here crowds of tourists, enthusiastically looking at the temples of Jgantija, and the entrance fee is purely symbolic, often you can pass for free. The place is a historical reserve.It is open from 10-00 to 16-00.

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Other attractions

Ta Pitu is home to another attraction on the island of Gozo, a magnificent church, the most revered in the country. It is believed that the church has a special energy and grants happiness and longevity to all who enter it. As always, the church gives out special red-brown colored skirts for female tourists. The church is active.

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The third largest church in Europe by dome is also located in Gozo in Shevkia. It is also active and admission is also free.

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Ramla Bay is overlooked by the famous cave of the nymph Calypso, known since the time of Homer. Nowadays it hardly resembles the luxurious dwelling that Homer described in his Odyssey 2,000 years ago. Meanwhile, archaeological research conducted here not so long ago will not allow to doubt the authenticity of the cave. Recently, prehistoric fragments of terracotta objects dating back to the Neolithic period were found in front of the cave entrance. Local boys will happily guide you down the slippery and narrow steps to the grotto, which offers a mesmerizing view of Gozo’s delightful pink sand beach.

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Meals

Most cafes and restaurants in Gozo are concentrated in the island’s capital Victoria, in the resort of Marsalforn (particularly on the town’s main street, Marina Street), in the resort of Schlendi, and in the port town of Mjarra. Almost all hotels and guesthouses also have their own restaurants or terrace cafes. The larger restaurants specialize mainly in Mediterranean or Italian cuisine. For delicious Maltese home-cooked food made from local organic produce, in Victoria, choose one of the family-run restaurants lost in the narrow streets of the capital, or head inland to one of the smaller towns.

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As an exotic alcoholic drink you may be offered breadfruit liqueur or liqueur made from the fruit of the opuntia cactus, but at least once you should treat yourself to a glass of exquisite Gozitan wine. Local wine is sold in the stores, but to get the full flavor bouquet, it’s worth taking a tasting tour to one of Gozo’s wineries.

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Accommodation

Tiny Gozo has hotels of all possible categories – from 5-star Kempinski San Lawrenz and Ta’ Cenc & Spa to 2-3-star Xlendi Resort & Spa, San Andrea and others. The cost of accommodation in the most comfortable hotels on the island ranges from 150 to 220 € for a double room. A double room in less prestigious hotels will cost an average of 60 €. In Gozo it is common to rent rooms and apartments in guest houses and local farms or even rent a whole country villa with a swimming pool. There are two hostels on the island, located in the town of Marsalforn. For a place in the Santa Martha Hostel you will have to pay 17 € and in the Maria Giovanna Hostel you will have to pay 30 €. In short, Gozo hotels are almost as good as hotels in Malta itself.

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All hotels, guesthouses and hostels in Gozo are located either in Victoria, in the local resorts of Marsalforn and Schlendi, or near the port (Mjarr, Ainsilem), or in close proximity to the most important attractions of the island (St. Laurents, Shara, Sannat).

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The best hotels in Gozo have excellent spa centers, which can be used by tourists who are not staying at the hotel.

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Entertainment and Recreation

Every year on the eve of Lent, Gozo hosts a carnival, but, unlike a similar festival in Malta, here it is a spontaneous unorganized riot of fun and drunkenness. And throughout the summer, various religious festivals are held in various parts of Gozo, accompanied by folk festivals.

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In the town of Victoria, you can catch one of the productions of the Aurora Opera House or the Astra Theater. You can catch a movie at the Citadel Cinema, which has two screens for visitors.

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Almost all Gozo’s beaches are small, but most of them have small snack bars. Among the sandy beaches, Ramla Bay, widely known for its red-colored sand, is the most popular. On the beach you can rent sunbeds, umbrellas, do water sports. There are also places where you can have a snack. In 2012. Ramla Bay was awarded the Blue Flag of quality. Directly near the beach is the legendary cave of the nymph Calypso, who kept Odysseus on the island for 7 years.

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Amazing red sand can also be found on the wild beach of San Blas Bay. If you intend to spend the whole day on this beach, don’t forget to bring food and water.

The most “civilized” beach is the San Blas Bay.

The most “civilized” and crowded beach is considered to be Marsalforn, because it is here that many restaurants, bars and hotels are concentrated. The favorite beach of the Gozitans themselves is Hondoq ir-Rummien, located opposite Comino Island.

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Among the rocky beaches, the wild Xatt l-Ahmar Bay deserves attention.

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Pebble beaches (Dahlet Qorrot, Mgarr ix-Xini Bay, Ghasri Valley) are the most deserted, but the most popular with divers.

.BzYUGozo is very popular with people who prefer to vacation actively, because it is its coastal waters that are considered the best place for underwater diving. Fans of water sports, rock climbing, cross-country biking and hiking along scenic trails also come here. Agritourism is becoming increasingly popular in Gozo. The Ta-Mena Estate invites tourists to pick watermelons, grapes, strawberries and olives, as well as wine, honey and olive oil tasting. The estate often organizes all kinds of parties, weddings and other family celebrations, gives cooking lessons with further tasting of the result.B.zU

Shopping

Gozo can confidently be called a shopaholic’s paradise. Small market stalls stand side by side with eclectic boutiques, souvenir stores and all sorts of specialty stores.

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The commercial center of the island is its capital Victoria. The local food market offers the freshest vegetables, fruits and breads on a daily basis. Walking through the narrow winding streets of the city, in the most unexpected places you will come across souvenir shops, boutiques of famous brands and all sorts of kiosks. Victoria is also home to the island’s flagship store, Arkadia, which is still the only supermarket in Gozo.

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In other localities, besides the usual grocery stores, there are all kinds of specialized stores: original clothing stores, art galleries, stores selling organic products or sporting goods, etc.

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Among Gozitan souvenirs, the real works of art and pride of the locals are the finest lace (interior products, sun umbrellas, etc.), which are woven by local craftswomen who know the ancient secrets, but such souvenirs are incredibly expensive.

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Transportation

From the island of Malta to the island of Gozo can be reached by ferries, which are owned by the Gozo Channel Company. From Malta the ferries depart from the port at Ċirkewwa and from Gozo from the port of Mġarr. Ferries carry passengers as well as cars, trailers, motorcycles and bicycles.

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The cost of the trip depends on the time of year and day. On a summer day a trip between islands will cost 4,65 € for an adult passenger, 1,15 € for a child from 3 to 12 years old. It costs the same amount to transport a bicycle across the strait. Crossing a car costs 15.7 €. In winter (from November to March inclusive) and in the evening at any time of the year (from 20:00 to the first ferry of the next day) the cost of tickets will be 4.05 € for an adult, children are free, transportation of a bicycle will cost 1.15 €, a car – 12.8 €. The duration of the trip does not exceed 30 minutes.

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An interesting adventure will be a flight to Gozo on a seaplane of the company Harbourair. It is a kind of flying “shuttle bus”, which fits 14 passengers. From the height of the flight opens an amazing view of the islands and the sea. For 12-15 minutes of flight you will have to pay 44 € for an adult passenger and 33 € for a child. The seaplanes depart from the seaport in Valletta and on the island of Gozo from Mjarra.

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Gozo is only 14 km long, so the best way to get around is by walking or cycling. But it is also possible to rent a car or use public buses here. The price of a daily bus ticket is €2.6.

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Parking is rarely a problem in Gozo. Free parking is provided by almost all hotels and guesthouses on the island.

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Безопасность

On Gozo, life is quiet and measured, and it is unlikely that people remember when the last crime was committed. The locals are hospitable and helpful: if you have a problem, you don’t hesitate to ask for help.

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Many beaches on the island are wild – accordingly, there is no rescue service on them. If you go to such places, you should take care of your own safety on the water.

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How to get there

A regularly operating ferry transports passengers and cars from Malta to Gozo. The crossing takes about 30 minutes.

For more information and schedules, contact Comino Hotel ) at (+356) 21529821 or email info@cominohotels.com

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You can also take a day trip on a cruise ship departing from Sliema and Bujibba in Malta and Schlendi in Gozo Comino. The destination of these excursions is usually the Blue Lagoon, but they also include other harbors on Comino.