Away from the tourist hustle and bustle, the small island of Gozo in the Mediterranean is still considered a real insider tip. The little sister of the island of Malta occupies an area of 67 square kilometers and is located between Sicily and North Africa. The enchanting island is only about 14 kilometers long and up to about seven kilometers wide. The island, which belongs to the Maltese archipelago, impresses above all with tranquil villages in the southern Italian style. Gozo is the perfect destination for those who prefer a quiet yet exciting holiday in beautiful countryside.
Tips for getting to Gozo
The island of Gozo is too small for its own airport. Nevertheless, the journey is no problem. From Germany , it takes about 2.5 hours by plane to the island of Malta. The ferry to Gozo departs from Cirkewwa on Malta’s north coast. From the airport, buses and taxis go to the port. If you want, you can already take a rental car in Malta and use it to cross to Mgarr in Gozo. The crossing takes only about 30 minutes.
Gozo, an idyllic island for nature lovers
As the second largest island in the Maltese archipelago, Gozo impresses with tranquil places, secret bays, turquoise blue water and bizarre rock formations. The island has 14 villages with a total of about 31,400 inhabitants. Most islanders take the ferry to Malta every day to work there. In Gozo, the clocks seem to tick more slowly. Unlike Malta, it is still original and cozy here. Far away from the “big wide world”, the small Mediterranean island of Gozo still has a lot to offer. Gozo can be explored particularly flexibly and independently by rental car.
Harbour romance in Mgarr
The harbour town of Mgarr is the first town visitors see in Gozo when arriving by ferry. The ferry sails past the tiny island of Comino and soon Gozo comes into view. Here a beautiful panorama of the landscape and the island opens up. It is worth spending some time at the idyllic fishing harbour after arrival. Here, the freshly caught fish is unloaded in the morning and brought to the restaurants. Fish cannot be fresher on the table. Visitors should not miss this culinary delight. Well fortified, you can then explore the island’s capital.
Gozo’s capital Victoria with the citadel and picturesque alleys
The island’s capital, Victoria, is enthroned in the heart of the island of Gozo. The town has around 6500 inhabitants and presents itself as the economic and cultural centre of the island. To this day, however, Victoria has been able to retain its tranquillity. The island’s capital is also known as Rabat , because it bore this name for a long time. Many islanders still call it that today. In 1887, Rabat became the capital Victoria. Since the Maltese islands were under English power at the time, the city was named after the English Queen Victoria.
The most important building in the capital is also the landmark. The citadel surrounded by mighty walls with the Cathedral of Santa Marija can be seen from afar. It was designed in 1697 by the Baroque master Lorenzo Gafa in the style of the Roman early Baroque and was not completed until 20 years later due to limited funds. In 1864, the church was finally named a cathedral. Particularly worth seeing are the closed baptismal font, the main altar made of precious marble and the grave slabs in the floor. There is no magnificent dome to admire, because it was completely dispensed with. However, a visit to the “Cathedral Museum” and the “Museum of Archaeology” is definitely worthwhile. If you still have time, you can stroll from the main market square “It-Tokk” through the picturesque alleys to the magnificent Basilica of St. George, browse through the souvenir shops and shops or take a break in one of the cozy street cafés.
Admirable temple “Ggantija” in Xaghra
In the traditional country town of Xaghra, one of the island’s most important attractions is located on an extensive high plateau. The megalithic temple complex of Ggantija is the largest Maltese monumental complex. It was built in the period from 3600 to 3200 BC. In 1980, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site.
Popular holiday resorts and beaches in Gozo
History and culture lovers will get their money’s worth in Gozo, but the attractive resorts and beaches also attract tourists to the island. The largest and yet not overcrowded holiday resort is called Marsalforn. It is located on the north coast of Gozo. Around the bay runs the pretty promenade right along the sea, where there are many bars and restaurants. In the summer months, life pulsates here. Motor and sailing boats bob in the sun at the harbour and if you feel like it, you can admire the island from the water on a boat trip.
In search of the most beautiful beaches, swimming fans cannot miss the red sandy beaches of San Blas Bay and Ramla Bay in the northeast of Gozo. A day at the sea is good for body and soul. Lying in the sun, swimming, snorkelling and diving are part of a dream holiday in Gozo!
