Gozo - the Island

Gozo is the greener of the two main islands. Although only a couple of miles away from Malta the island has a character of its own. The climate is more or less the same as Malta's but being more rural and undeveloped the island is a lot quieter. It has a coastline of about 43km and is about 14km long by 8 km wide. Offering a variety of sandy beaches, rocky coves and high cliffs overlooking beautiful clean seas the island is truly a gem.

Historical places are strewn all over the island with the most famous being the Victoria Citadel and the Ggantija temples which are the oldest free standing structures in the world. The citadel features a very old cathedral which is surrounded by the remains of old buildings, museums and the impressive bastion walls where one can enjoy a wonderful panorama of Gozo. Down from the Citadel one will find one of the main squares of Victoria which has the daily market place and numerous bars and cafes which serve traditional Gozitan food among others under the shade of the trees.

Gozo is thought to be the legendary Calypso's isle in Homer's Odyssey and after visiting for the first time it is evident why. Calypso's cave overlooks Ramla beach which is Gozo's biggest strip of sand. This is probably the most famous beach on the island because it features the typical crystal clear, clean, Gozitan sea.

The clear Mediterranean sea makes Gozo a top diving destination. The natural harbours, bays, creeks reefs, caves and wrecks offer a great variety of dives suitable for both the amateur and experienced divers. Marine life flourishes in abundance and include groupers, octopus, flying fish, coral and eels.

The capital Victoria, lies on the centre of the island.  It boasts the dominant Citadel, two splendid churches, namely St George's Basilica and the Cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, several small churches and monasteries, two opera houses and various urban commercial outlets.  The Citadel is one of the most beautiful architectural complexes on the Islands.  Behind its austere bastions the Citadel hides a number of fine buildings, museums and the Cathedral.

Villages in Gozo reflect a way of life simultaneously rural and refined with superbly proportioned squares and carved balconies.  From the old traditional farmhouses with their typical archways to the most contemporary houses, the incredible amount of architectural detail is surprising in its creativity.  Balconies are embellished with balustrades, flowerpots, Georgian style facades, roof gardens and bougainvillea.

The countryside is recognized by its rubble walls and the prickly pear hedges peeping over or bordering terraced fields.  Green hills and fertile valleys separate one village from the other.  Wherever you look, the sea is always within the reach of the eye.  In fact, Gozo has an amazing coastline with its tiny creeks, sand beaches, blue sea, majestic rock formations and protruding watchtowers.  Low lying coastal stretches of limestone, are chequered with saltpans while high and dramatic cliffs trigger awesome emotions with their native blend of salty air and wild herbs.

At the foot of the cliffs at Dwejra, the Azure Window is the superb companion to another interesting landmark Fungus Rock upon which, recorded since the times of the Knights of St. John, grows a very unique type of fungus with alleged therapeutic properties.  Close by, the Inland Sea provides a wonderful opportunity for a boat trip with a difference.

On the opposite side of the Island, look out for the unforgettable view from Calypso Cave overlooking the beautiful and distinguished red sands of Ramla Bay. Also for those who would not miss a chance for a swim, a short stroll, or just to relax, the crystal clear waters of Marsalforn and Xlendi bays beckon the visitor's appeal. Furthermore, Marsalforn and Xlendi together with Mgarr Harbor are Gozo's main fishing villages. Being an island, the fishing industry has been cared for since generations.  No wonder that there is no bay, which does not shelter a variety of fishing boats and with several boathouses for their maintenance.

The rational fishing boat is the colorful luzzu with its normally blue bulwark and with the eye of Osiris on white, red or brownish background on the prow.  Especially when its calm, the reflection left by berthed fishing boats on the water inspires a lot of artists' imagination.  Most nostalgic is also the scene of vessels leaving harbor at early dawn, or while returning at sunset.  The image of luzzijiet with their bows skimming through the calm blue water, leaving behind streams of silver ripples is simply unforgettable.  The day's catch is, apart from any romanticism, obviously the toiling fisherman's most important aspect of his trade.

The population of Gozo stands at about 28,000.  The official language is Maltese, which is spoken, in distinguished dialect that amazingly differs slightly from one village to another.  As applies for the whole Maltese islands, the language has Semitic origins and Romance influences, while the English language stands as the second official language.

Gozo could be reached in two ways; either by Ferry or by Helicopter.  The most common is the Ferry service between Mgarr Harbor in Gozo and Cirkewwa Harbor in Malta, with a basically roll-on/roll-off schedule. However, especially for those who arrive from the Malta International Airport, there is a convenient Helicopter service operating between the Airport and the Gozo Heliport and vice-versa.

Transport is provided by a fair service of buses from Mgarr to Victoria and vice-versa and from Victoria to all towns and villages in Gozo.  The main bus terminus is situated in Victoria and route numbers are on the front of the buses.  Taxi stands are found in Victoria and Mgarr.  One can also go around in hired cars, motorbikes and bicycles.  However, when it is not too hot, Gozo's relatively short travel distances, makes trekking a worthwhile venture.

The climate is typically Mediterranean.  It is generally mild in winter save for the first four to six weeks of the year when it is normally a bit cool, wet and sometimes unpredictable.  The average temperature for winter is 16 degrees Celsius and it covers the period between December and March.  Summer is rather long, dry and sunny, with August being the warmest month.  The average temperature for summer is 25 degrees Celsius and it covers the period between April and November.