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The charm of Gozo is apparent the moment you arrive there. Greener, more rural and smaller than Malta, life on Gozo moves at a leisurely pace. The rhythms dictated by the seasons, fishing and agriculture.
In winter and spring, the Island is covered with flowering herbs and lush crops. In summer, it’s awash with oleander, bougainvillea and geranium.
Gozo is steeped in myth. Thought to be the legendary Calypso’s isle of Homer’s Odyssey, it’s a peaceful, mystical backwater. Baroque churches and old stone farmhouses dot the countryside.
Its rugged landscape and spectacular coastline await exploration. Choose from rocky inlets to red sand beaches or sail, snorkel, dive and fish. Gozo has some of the Mediterranean’s best dive sites.
But there’s more. Gozo comes complete with historical sites, forts and amazing panoramas. Plus one of the archipelago’s best-preserved prehistoric temples, Ggantija. Not to mention a nightlife and cultural calendar all its own, and some great dining out.
Comino
Between Malta and Gozo lies Comino, a paradise for snorkellers, divers, windsurfers and walkers. The Isle’s Blue Lagoon, with its safe bathing in turquoise waters, makes an idyllic day out by boat. Comino, carefree and car-free is a favourite
escape all year round.
Places to visit around Gozo
Main Towns & Villages
Around Gozo
Victoria
Gozo's capital, also known as Rabat ('the town'). The name was
changed to Victoria by the British Governor in 1897 at the time of Queen
Victoria's Diamond Jubillee. The locals however still call it Rabat. The
fortified Citadel is the focus of most visitors' interest and has a
cathedral and museums. The central square of Victoria, It-Tokk ('the
meeting place') is a hub of activity in the morning, falls to sleep in the
afternoon. The tiny bars where you can just sit and watch Gozitan life
pass by and the maze or narrow winding streets of the square characterise
the charm of this lovely town.
Xaghra
Xaghra, meaning 'a large open space', boasts the most enchanting
village square on the island and the twisty hairpin road up to the plateau
is lined with pink and white oleander trees. There are a number of
important archaeological sites in the area, the most famous of which is
Ggantija. You can also visit the attractive Church of the Nativity and the
nearby old windmill, which is still in working order. What is worthwhile
is the walk here from east of Xaghra along a footpath though the lush
Ramla valley.
Xlendi Bay
A charming little village, in times
gone by it was a forgotten little fishing village. Now tourism has taken a
hold of it. However, Xlendi is still amongst one of the favorites with
visitors and locals alike. The small promenade and beach is lined with
restaurants, bars and cafeterias and if you are looking for that idyllic
setting, whilst enjoying a cool drink with a pretty view, Xlendi has it.
Marsalforn Bay
In the past, Marsalforn was a fishing village frequented by a small
number of prosperous Gozitans. It has now become Gozo's most popular
resort. The main promenade is full of cafeterias, restaurants, gift and
souvenir shops. A few colourful fishing boats occupy the pretty harbour.
The saltpans all around here date from the 1700s and are still in use.
Important
Churches
The Citadel Cathedral,
Victoria
The Cathedral in the 15th century Citadel was designed by Lorenzo
Gafa and built between 1697 and 1711. An interesting feature of this
building is that, at the time it was constructed, the money short and
would not run to a dome. This lack of funds was brilliantly overcome by
the Italian painter Antonio Manuale who produced a magnificent "Trompe
l’Oeil", where he created a wonderful impression that the flat roof was in
fact a dome.
Basilica of
St. George, Victoria
Located behind It-Tokk is the Collegiate Basilica of St. George
built in 1678. The interior is richly adorned, with a wealth of baroque
trappings and some of the interesting art works include a wooden statue of
St. George. The alterplace is by Mattia Preti and the vault paintings are
by Conti.
Basilica of Ta’Pinu, Gharb
The origin of Ta’Pinu goes back to June 22, 1883 when a peasant
women Carmela Grima heard the voice of the Blessed Virgin in a little old
chapel. In the following years many miracles and acts of Grace were
manifested. It was believed that the prayers said in the little chapel
saved Gozo from the plague which struck Malta at the time. It was then
decided to build a much larger and more magnificent church on the site in
honour of the Blessed Virgin. Contributions from Gozitans including those
living abroad, together with voluntary labour, enabled the people to start
construction work to start in 1920. In 1931 Ta’Pinu was consecrated and in
1932 Poope Pius XI gave the status of a Basilica to ta’Pinu. The original
16th Century Chapel was fully integrated into the newly constructed neo
Romanesque structure. The Basilica is the most famous place of pilgrimage
for Maltese and Gozitans all the year round. Original paintings and votive
tablets adorn the sacristy.
Church of St. John the
Baptist, Xewkija
A small village with an imposing
church, ingeniously built around the 17th Century parish dedicated to St.
John the Baptist. The dome has a width of 43 metres and a height of 75
metres, and weighs 45’000 tons. The old church was dismantled and
reassembled by the alter of the new church.
Historical Buildings, Monuments
& Gardens
Villa
Rundle, Victoria
A fine Mediterranean garden with
the addition of trees and shrubs from many countries which provide
interest and colour all the year round. Local people and events are
remembered with small monuments and several pathways, ponds and a ‘village
pump’ by a pool give freshness and tranquility to this beautiful garden.
Forts & Fortifications
Citadel, Victoria
The Citadel or Gran
Castello, dominating the heights above Victoria, has impressive
battlements. The origins of this fortified enclave go back to Gozo’s early
history under Roman and Arab occupation. The views from its fortified
walls offer panoramas of the whole island, definitely worthwhile seeing.
Museums
Cathedral
Museum, Citadel
The museum was opened in 1979 and has more than 2,000 items on
display including church silver, ecclesiastical paintings, clerical
vestments and a bishop’s 19th century carriage amongst other items.
Folklore Museum, Citadel
The museum is located in a group
of houses with Siculo-Catalan features. It is the favorite of many
visitors with its down-to-earth and fascinating display of household goods
and farming tools used by the Gozitans.
Museum of Archaeology,
Citadel
The museum has an important
collection of Gozitan antiquities including archaeological finds from the
11 phases of prehistoric Gozo. Also on display are Punic, Roman,
Byzantine, Arab and Angevin remains uncovered from various sites on the
island.
Natural Science
Museum, Citadel
This museum has a large collection of exhibits which include local
geology, fossils, birds, marine life, the evolution of mammals and a
foreign natural history section.
Armoury, Citadel
A large, vaulted hall restored in 1776 and believed to have been
used as an armoury by the Order of St. John. The Armoury houses an
interesting cross-section of weapons.
Wickman Maritime
Collection, Xaghra
This is a private collection
belonging to Victor Wickman and housed in his own residence. The
collection contains maritime and naval memorabilia which have been
collected over 50 years. Anyone interested in maritime history will be
fascinated by the items on display.
Pomskillious Museum of
Toys, Xaghra
Indulge yourself in nostalgia for childhood memories of a time
before anyone had ever heard of Power Rangers, Disneyland……Here you can
free your inner child, it definitely is not just for the kids. It appeals
to anyone aged between 1 and 91. Some of the toys here are 200 years old.
Mithna ta'Kola,
Xaghra
Built in 1725 and named after the miller that lived and worked
here, (in Maltese - mithna means windmill and ta’ Kola means
Nicholas’s – Nicholas’s Windmill). The ground floor rooms were used to
store grain and flour, these have now been converted into period
workshops. There are also family quarters on the first floor. The mill
proper, housed in the upper part of the tower, has been fully restored.
Karmni Grima Museum, Gharb
Karmni Grima’s house, the women to whom the Virgin Mary appeared at
Ta’Pinu in 1883, has been converted into a folklore museum.
Gharb Folklore Museum, Gharb
This privately-owned museum in the village’s main square depicts
daily life in Gozo of yesteryear. This 28-room showcase of traditional
life includes the printing press used for Gozo’s first newspaper plus a
fascinating collection of old tools and clothes.
Archaeological/Geological Sites
Ggantija Temples, Xaghra
Considered to be one of the earliest free standing constructions
and even pre-date the Pyramids. According to the latest analysis they were
built 3500 to 4000 BC. The gigantic boulders must be several tons in
weight, those of the outer wall reaching as high as six meters. It is
still a mystery how the people of those days where able to move them with
the primitive tools of the period. According to an old myth a female giant
call "Sunsuna" carried the rocks on her head from an area known as Ta’Cenc.
Calypso's Cave,
Xaghra
Situated in the cliff face near
Xaghra, this cave has legendary connections with Calypso. According to
Homer she charmed Odysseus (Ulysses) in staying in Gozo for seven years.
The view from the cave mouth is magnificent and overlooks the fertile
Ramla Valley, and the beautiful red sands of the Ramla Bay below.
Albaster Caves
- Ninu’s Cave and Xerri’s Cave, Xaghra
Known as Ninu’s and Xerri’s
grottoes, these to caves have strange yet colourful stalactites and
stalagmites. They are both located in private residences. Ninu’s cave is a
small cave, whilst Xerri’s cave is located 10 metres below ground level
and is more substantial in size. To view these caves call the owners
before hand.
Azure Window, Inland
Sea & Fungus Rock, Dwejra
The Azure Window is an impressive natural arch standing some 20
metres high. The Inland Sea is a sea locked lake, it was created when the
roof of an immense cave collapsed some 80 to 100metres. And, within the
vicinity is the Fungus Rock, a 60 metre high monolith, also known as
Geberal’s Rock, grows a rare tubular plant (fucus coccineus melitensis)
that was believed to cure dysentery and many other illnesses.
Shopping In Gozo
Fontana Cottage, limits of
Xlendi Bay
The best selection of lace, knitwear, rugs and wall hangers these
and many more items are popular buys in Gozo. You can also treat
yourselves to a variety of local delicacies which include Gbejniet
(peppered cheese), Gozitan Olive Oil, Gozo's famous Sun Dried Tomatoes and
many other mouthwatering appetisers.
Ta’ Dbiegi Craft
Village, San Lawrenz
Old British military huts converted into shops. Here you will find
pottery, art, lace and clothes.
Victoria Market,
It-Tokk
This open-air market is located in
the centre of Victoria, beneath the Citadel. The usual stalls of ‘I love
Gozo’ T-shirts, clothing and very good cheap straw hats. Location is the
best thing about the Victoria market as it is surrounded by the narrow and
winding streets where you can find some of the smaller shops selling all
types of things.
Beaches and Bays
Ras il-Bajda, Xlendi Bay
Beyond the watchtower which
protects the pretty bay of Xlendi is a plate of rock suspended in a flood
of light. Ras il-Bajda is a beautiful bathing spot and it is surrounded by
the high rise cliffs. Semi nudity is also normal here.
Mgarr ix-Xini
The pebbly beach at Mgarr ix-Xini
is an inlet down a steep incline. The waters here are dark, deep and clear
against the magnificent cliff face, offering good quality swimming and
snorkelling. The journey down is not for the fainthearted, but is
definitely worth it.
Ir-Ramla
Ir-Ramla, meaning ‘sandy beach’,
is almost red in colour. The coarse sand, the colour of burnt almonds is
Gozo’s most popular beach and it gets very busy at the weekend. Ideal for
families with children, it has all the facilities and amenities. As legend
tells it, it was here that the nymph Calypso and Odysseus are supposed to
have played out their one-sided seven-year affair.
Wied
il-Ghasri
The solitude of this narrow
fjord extends almost half a kilometre into Ghasri Valley (Wied il-Ghasri),
sheltering a tiny pebbled beach with crystal clear water of day-glo green,
a snorkeller’s paradise. The beach is reached by a steep flight of steps
cut into the rock face. Take something to cushion your tender parts and
refreshments and snacks as you are somewhat secluded.
San Blas Bay
Like Wied Ghasri, San Blas is an
excellent location but getting to it is not that easy. This semi deserted
bay is the ideal retreat and the swimming, bathing and snorkelling
are excellent. Take your own picnic and spend a day at the rocks and
gravelly sand beach.
Dahlet Qorrot
Parking and drinks are no problem
at this quiet fishing hamlet. Ideal for a quick dip if you are touring
around and want to refresh yourself. There are some very tempting ‘go for
it’ rocks to dive from.
Blue Lagoon, Comino
The
beautiful Blue Lagoon is a must for those that want to enjoy a quality day
out to a stunning location. One of the best areas to snorkle, swim and
enjoy a day of total relaxation in a paradise setting. A day cruise is
undoubtedly the best way to do this.
See
cruises to Comino and the Blue Lagoon.
Gozo Buses
On Gozo, buses (grey with a red strips) serve the main villages from
Victoria but only run in the morning. In
Gozo routes are 'circular' routes which originate at and return to
Victoria. Therefore you may need to return to Victoria each time to visit
other destinations. If you decide to visit Gozo from Malta, it is
advisable that you opt for a tour/excursion or hire a
car for the day.
..to and from
Victoria bus Terminus
2
San Lawrenz, Gharb,
14
Kercem, Sta Lucija, 21
Marsalforn Bay,
25 Mgarr Harbour, Ghajnsielem,
42
Ramla Bay, Xewkija, Ghajnsielem, Qala,
43
Nadur, 50
Nadur, Xewkija, Ghajnsielem, Qala,
61 Sannat, Munxar,
64
Ta' Pinu Church, 65
Xaghra, 90
Xlendi Bay,
91
Zebbug, Ghasri,
92 Zebbug, Ghasri, Ta' Pinu, Gharb,
San Lawrenz
Fares and schedule are based on the summer service. They are correct at
the time of publication but are subject to change.
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About Malta
Introduction
Getting Around
Places to Visit
Valletta
The Three Cities
Mdina & Rabat
Gozo & Comino
Places of Interest
Historical Buildings & Gardens
Museums
Temple & Geological
Important Churches
Forts & Fortifications
Other Attractions
Shopping & Markets
Beaches & Bays
Nightlife & Theatre
Family Attractions
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