Gozo is the second largest of the Maltese islands within the Mediterranean Sea. Malta’s sister island, it is only a 30-minute ferry journey to the north. Gozo is much less visited than Malta however has a lot to supply. Some folks even say it’s extra stunning than Malta.
Rugged cliffs and serene seashores encompass its shoreline. However this island gives extra than simply gorgeous views. It has a wealthy historical past relationship again hundreds of years. Its Ggantija temples are older than the pyramids in Egypt.
The cities in Gozo are charming. They’ve slender streets, colourful doorways, and home windows. And the locals are heat and welcoming. You should have loads of alternatives to attempt artisanal merchandise equivalent to Gozitan pizza, cheese, and honey.
Finest Time to Go to Gozo
You may go to Gozo any time of the 12 months. The island has a heat local weather and over 350 sunny days a 12 months.
The swimming season for seashore holidays begins in June and finishes in October. Summers in Gozo are scorching and humid. Day temperatures can attain 95F in July and August. The ocean temperature is a pleasing 82-86F. However these months even have greater crowds. Mid-September to October is the very best time to keep away from warmth and crowds. The seashores are much less busy, and the ocean remains to be heat. The air and water keep above 77F.
Gozo’s winter season is from November to March. It could get windy and wet, however the rain often doesn’t final lengthy. Winter is a superb time to discover historic websites and nature. Throughout this time, the island turns into lush and inexperienced. You may select from many stunning Gozo coastal hikes and discover the island.
Go to the Citadel for Beautiful Views and Historical past
The Citadel is situated in Victoria, Gozo. This fortified metropolis has spectacular views. You may see the entire island of Gozo, Comino, and Malta. The views are exceptionally breathtaking at sundown. There isn’t a entrance charge, so everybody in Gozo ought to go to the Citadel.
The Citadel has been important to Gozo for the reason that Bronze Age. The Knights of Malta reconstructed it within the late sixteenth century. They blended medieval and later architectural kinds. Right now, it’s a hub for cultural sights like museums and church buildings.
The Citadel attracts many guests. Historical past lovers will benefit from the Gozo Museum of Archaeology and the Outdated Jail. Others can get pleasure from a quiet environment with a historic setting or a romantic sundown.
Discover the Meghalitic Ggantija Temples
The Ggantija Temples in Gozo date again over 5,000 years. They’re believed to be among the many oldest standalone buildings on this planet. They’re even older than the Egyptian Pyramids. These temples are close to the village of Xaghra. They’re made of enormous limestone blocks and have roofed chambers.
If you happen to love historical past, you could go to Ġgantija Temples if you’re in Gozo. It’s an opportunity to see considered one of humanity’s earliest architectural achievements.
It’s greatest to go within the morning or afternoon to keep away from the recent mid-day solar since there isn’t a lot shade.
Chill out on the Stunning Ramla Bay Seaside
Ramla Seaside is situated on the northeast coast of Gozo. The seashore has gorgeous pink sand and clear, turquoise water. It’s the largest sandy seashore on the island, surrounded by cliffs and dunes.
This seashore is superb for households, nature lovers, and individuals who get pleasure from water sports activities. The shallow waters make it protected for youths. If you happen to’re in search of an journey, lease a kayak paddleboard or journey a banana. You can too go snorkeling alongside the rocky shoreline to see many fish.
Ramla Seaside is well-equipped with facilities. The seashore gives parking, public bogs, showers, picnic tables, and meals stalls. You can too lease sunbeds, umbrellas, and water sports activities gear.
Snorkel in Il-Għasri Valley Seaside
Wied il-Ghasri is a wonderful valley on Gozo’s north coast. It has a shocking canyon-like setting. It goes 300 meters inland and results in a stunning pebble seashore. You may swim and snorkel alongside its cliff partitions, exploring caves and marine life.
Wied il-Ghasri is small. But, it’s price visiting as a result of it’s stunning. The canyon is scenic, the waters are crystal-clear, and it is extremely peaceable. It’s a good spot to chill out and probe for a couple of hours.
The valley is ideal for nature lovers. You may benefit from the sound of waves crashing in opposition to cliffs, which makes it a really perfect spot to unwind.
Do not forget that Wied il-Ghasri has no services like bogs or meals retailers. It’s important to return ready with water, snacks, and a seashore towel or mat for consolation on the pebbled seashore.
Stroll Alongside the Scenic Xlendi Bay Cliffs
Xlendi is situated on the west facet of Gozo. It’s a common city for vacationers. There are numerous eating places and lodges. There are additionally benches for picnics and alternatives to observe breathtaking sunsets.
Individuals get pleasure from taking scenic walks on this space. When you’ve completed exploring the city, go to the promenade. The promenade results in the bridge over Kantra Valley. Take the steps and comply with the shoreline to achieve Xlendi Tower. It’s a Seventeenth-century watchtower constructed by the Knights of Malta.
You may stroll on golden cliffs subsequent to the Xlendi Tower. The cliffs descend into the deep blue sea. The view there may be incredible.
If you happen to like peaceable walks with stunning views, go to Xlendi Bay.
See the Salt Pans Close to Marsalforn
Gozo salt pans are close to Marsalforn, at Xwejni Bay on Malta’s east. They stretch a couple of kilometers alongside the coast. These salt pans are outdated swimming pools minimize into rocks that resemble a checkerboard.
Gozo’s salt pans have existed for greater than 350 years. Individuals have collected pure sea salt from them utilizing conventional strategies. These strategies have been handed down via generations.
If you go to the salt pans, you see how salt is harvested historically. This is a vital a part of Gozo’s historical past and tradition.
Visiting salt pans is ideal for anybody trying to expertise Gozo’s genuine appeal. It’s additionally an effective way to study its centuries-old traditions.
Get pleasure from a Sundown at Dwejra
Dwejra Bay is a wonderful place on the west coast of Gozo. It has the well-known Blue Gap, a preferred spot for diving. There’s additionally the Inland Sea, a lagoon linked to the ocean by a tunnel. And the Dwejra Tower, which has wonderful views. You can too see Crocodile Rock and Fungus Rock.
This space is price visiting due to its pure magnificence. Dwejra captivates guests with its distinctive landscapes and various marine life.
Dwejra Bay is the very best place to get pleasure from a sundown. The solar units over the horizon, creating stunning colours on the cliffs and waters. This makes it a great spot for photographers and romantic walks. Strolling alongside the bay throughout this time is peaceable and distinctive.
Go Kayaking in Mgarr-Ix Xini
Mgarr Ix-Xini is a wonderful fjord-like bay on the southern coast of Gozo. It’s hidden in a slender gorge with clear water and pure magnificence. The bay has a small, pebbly seashore and steep cliffs.
The bay is in a sheltered spot, so the water is calm. This makes it good for water sports activities equivalent to kayaking or paddle boarding. You may discover the gorgeous shoreline with rocky inlets and hidden coves.
In summer time, a van with kayaks for lease is often parked close to the seashore. You don’t have to make a reservation.
Take a Photograph within the Tal-Mixta Cave
Tal-Mixta Cave is a wonderful hidden gem situated on the northern coast of Gozo, close to the village of Nadur. The cave is on a cliff and has wonderful views of Ramla Bay and the Mediterranean Sea.
You should go to Tal-Mixta Cave as a result of it has wonderful views. Photographers will love this place. The cave frames the gorgeous seashore under. It makes an ideal background for nice pictures. You can too chill out, picnic, and revel in the fantastic thing about Gozo’s shoreline.
To achieve Tal-Mixta Cave, drive from Nadur or hike from Ramla Seaside. The hike is brief however steep, so sporting snug footwear is greatest.
Get pleasure from Mediterranean Delicacies
If you go to Gozo, be certain that to attempt the scrumptious native meals. These suggestions have been tried and examined.
The restaurant Xerri Il Bukkett in Qala has incredible views of Comino Island. In addition they serve the very best recent calamari fritti on the island. Ask for a desk on the terrace to get the very best spot for probably the most unbelievable views.
Qbajjar Restaurant is in Xwejni Bay. You may simply mix it with a go to to the close by salt pans. Some common dishes embody salt-baked sea bass. In addition they serve historically ready octopus. One other favourite is Gozitan ravioli with ricotta and tomato sauce.
The Boathouse Restaurant in Xlendi is one other wonderful place to attempt native meals. They serve recent fish, recent pasta, and conventional Maltese rabbit.
You must attempt Gozo’s well-known pizza, ftira. One of the best locations to get one are Mekrens or Maxxok bakeries. They provide takeaway orders. The standard ftira has potatoes and anchovies. It’s a good suggestion to name forward and order earlier than going to keep away from ready as a result of these bakeries are very busy.
Vacationing in Gozo
Gozo is really a wonderful island, and it shouldn’t be missed. Time feels slower there, and you may respect the straightforward joys of life.
This island received’t disappoint you. Gozo gives one thing for everybody. It has historical temples and a vibrant historical past. It additionally has gorgeous seashores and hidden pure gems. So, pack your luggage and revel in exploring this charming island.
Laura is the founder and storyteller behind Travel2Malta. The weblog is devoted to the scenic islands of Malta, Gozo, and Comino. She is captivated with sharing journey suggestions and native insights. She covers well-known spots, actions and hidden treasures.