Gozo

A top tip to learn very early that holds for any travelling adventures is to watch the locals! See where they eat, drink, go for a day out etc. Just think about it for a minute. Who knows where you live better than you? Do you visit the worst bars and restaurants in your town? Well, do you?

Exactly the same thing applies in Malta. So, when you’re on your trip you should ask yourself the following question: “Where do the locals go if they want a day out, want to relax?” The answer is not a tricky one to find. They go to the sister island. They go to Gozo!

Although a third of Malta’s size, Gozo’s inhabitants account for less than a twelfth of the Maltese Islands’ total population. It’s Malta only less so – if it were a soft drink it would be Malta light! It looks similar and it seems similar but everything is, if possible, a bit different - more relaxed, laid-back ... more peaceful.

Gozo is famous for its scenic hill-strewn landscape. It’s far more rural and less built-up than the larger sibling. The lifestyle is slow and steady and visitors cannot help but be lulled by this quaint island’s peaceful atmosphere. It's an incredibly pleasant place to be!

In fact, it is not uncommon for holidaymakers to fall in love with Gozo to such an extent that they would eventually move here. Ask Scottish comedian Billy Connolly, who counts himself among these people and now owns a property on the island in Sannat. This also explains why you might see a random nation's flag flying over homes in Gozo. 

One of the first to succumb to this tiny island’s charms was reputed to be Odysseus, the kingpin explorer from Homer’s mythological poem, The Odyssey. If you’ve read the book it is thought that little Gozo is Ogygia, where Odysseus met the nymph Calypso and stayed with her for seven years.  In fact, Gozo is also known as the Isle of Calypso and Calypso’s Cave is found to the north of the island.

It’s not just fields and farms here though, and you’ll be surprised by the amount there is to see and do on such a small island or it's also a great place for doing absolutely nothing. Among the other popular attractions is the 15th century Citadel in the island’s capital, Victoria – a fantastic fortress that provides the best views of the island and is a delight to have a wander around.

Other attractions include the breathtaking Azure Window, the natural phenomenon that is the Inland Sea and the Megalithic Temples of Ggantija dating back to 4000BCE. 

The beaches and bays around the island also make for some of the Maltese archipelago’s finest swimming spots and there are few more scenic spots for a swim or for an evening meal than Xlendi.

At certain times of the year, such as carnival weekend, or the Santa Maria holiday on August 15, Gozo would be swarmed by thousands of Maltese partygoers who habitually flock over the sea.

To reach Gozo you will need to take the Gozo Ferry from Cirkewwa harbour at the north end of Malta. Crossings are regular, inexpensive and smooth and typically take around 20 minutes. It costs €4.65 for a foot passenger or you can take your hire car and all its passengers over for €15.70. 

The island can also be reached by helicopter, seaplane, or private boat.
Like Malta, there is an excellent public bus service on Gozo. Details for the Gozo Tourism Association (GTA) are given below.