Every angle looks like a postcard in Gozo. Breathtaking cliffs line the island, hiding countless coves and bays. A tiny walled metropolis (Citadel) stands at the island’s heart; cute and charming as it gazes out across the lush countryside. Tiny villages are dotted about, many with little more than a small stone church and a local store. Then there are the Ggantija Temples, the world’s oldest freestanding monuments (1000 years older than the pyramids) and a place to ponder the ancient culture that created them.
While Gozo has the beautiful sights and attractions, the island is most memorable for its atmosphere. Serene and surreal, Gozo feels like an island getaway from 50 years ago, from a time before modern developments and noise. Despite being small, it gives off an impression of space, with everyone who visits being able to find a huge amount of privacy. Some people say that Gozo is what Malta was like 30 years ago. Others prefer not to say anything, because Gozo is the sort of gem that you may want to keep to yourself.
You can easily travel around Gozo in a day, visiting the Citadel, Ggantija Temples and a number of other historical destinations. Boat trips to the island leave from ports across Malta, including St. Paul’s Bay and Sliema. Whilst it is a popular location for a day trip, the island is large enough to accommodate an abundance of arriving ferries and boats. Disembark the boat and you can start exploring immediately, on foot or by the good public transport system. You’ll find restaurants and cafes dotted around, along with dreamy and quiet places to escape the world.
When the day-tripping visitors leave, the island returns to its habitual slumber. All the hotels on the island are designed to maximise the tranquility, like getaways in the hills or luxury resorts on the cliffs. With the recent improvement in facilities, Gozo has become a popular alternative to a holiday in Malta. Another excellent option is to combine a week in Malta with a week in Gozo, giving you the best of both islands over a two-week Mediterranean holiday.
