It is the second largest island of the Maltese archipelago. The Maltese call it sister island. But Gozo is not a copy of Malta, but a more rustic island.

I have never seen such open spaces in densely built-up Malta, only in Gozo. And the pace of life here is much more leisurely than in Malta. It is no coincidence that many Maltese go to sister island for a weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle. Much like we do at our dachas, only we don’t mess around in the garden beds.

But if the Maltese look down on the Gozitans somewhat, the Gozitans do not have any complexes about this, perhaps they answer them in the same way. There are many people in Gozo who have never left their island, or been not only abroad, but even to neighboring Malta. What for? They are sure that they live on the best island in the world, and they don’t need anywhere else.

However, employment is poor on the island, especially for young people. Many Gozitans are forced to go to work in Malta every morning and return back in the evening. Over the past few years, the Maltese government has been actively promoting the island in order to attract tourists and thereby provide work to more local residents. Not in vain, because there is a lot to see in Gozo.

How to get there

If you do not have a personal helicopter or yacht, then there is only one way - by ferry from Malta, which, in turn, is usually reached by plane. Air tickets can be purchased on any aggregator website, for example. It's an island. There are also exotic options - any way to Sicily, from there by ferry, but this is more expensive and troublesome, and is only relevant for those who travel from Russia under their own power by car.

There is no airfield in Gozo, the size does not allow it.

By plane

By ferry

Ferries operate from Cirkeva, a point in the north of Malta. Flights are every 30–40 minutes, the journey between the islands also takes about half an hour, and half of this time is spent on the departure and berthing of the ferry. In severe storms, ferries may be diverted around Comino Island or canceled until the weather improves.

Schedule and ticket prices:

• An adult ticket costs 4.65 €, for a child from 3 to 12 years old - 1.15 €.
• The current schedule can be viewed on the official website of the Gozo Channel company.

I would like to note that if you are traveling by public transport, there is little point in looking at the ferry schedule. There are buses to Chirkeva from Valletta and all tourist centers, and the X1 bus will even take you to the ferry directly from the airport, so you will arrive 10-15 minutes before the ferry leaves, unless, of course, the bus gets stuck in traffic.

It is impossible to get lost in Chirkev no matter how hard you try. There is only one ferry, therefore there is also one pier, the entire path from the entrance to the terminal building to the ferry itself is fenced off with ribbons, it is difficult to take a step to the right or a step to the left. The corridor through which passengers board the ferry is opened only during boarding.

In Gozo the ferry arrives at the port of Mgarr ish Shini, or simply Mġarr. There is also a pier for private yachts.

Bus stop right behind the terminal building. While you walk from the terminal doors to the bus, you will be asked at every step to take a taxi or buy an excursion. The choice is yours.

There is no center as such in Gozo. Of course, there is the capital of the island, Victoria, but tourists go to Gozo not only and, perhaps, not so much for its capital. Those who are attracted to the island by nature may not go to Victoria at all. But if you want to start from the capital, then buses No. 301, 303, 322 will take you there from the ferry terminal.

Clue:

Gozo - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 1

Kazan 1

Samara 2

Ekaterinburg 3

Novosibirsk 5

Vladivostok 8

When is the season? When is the best time to go

The season in Gozo, as in Malta, is a relative concept. If we are talking about swimming, then this is, of course, summer. There is no year to year, but we can say that the Gozitan summer is approximately from mid-May to October. In May it may already be hot, but the sea is a little cold. Still, given the size of Gozo and its infrastructure, this is not a place for mass beach holidays.

If the goal is not to swim, but to take a walk in nature and photograph landscapes, then this is definitely not summer. You can calmly wander around during the day without risking getting fried from mid-October, preferably from November to early January and in March - April. In January - February there are frequent rains with strong winds. But, again, it doesn’t happen year after year.

You can find your way around prices for tours to Malta.

Gozo in summer

Summer is not the best time to travel to Gozo. Yes, there are several sandy beaches on the island, but they are small and there is almost no infrastructure.

There is a large disco on the island, but overall entertainment is sparse. Although, for lovers of silence, Gozo is suitable. There are crowds of tourists in Malta in the summer, but it’s quieter there.

It’s too hot for walks in nature, and besides, in an average year (meaning, without weather anomalies), the greenery burns out already in mid-May. The worst thing is not the temperature as such, although with high humidity and 30 degrees are perceived as 40, the main “inconvenience” is the very strong sun.

Summer Gozo looks something like the photo above.

Gozo in autumn

A good time to travel to Gozo is October and November. It’s still warm, but not hot anymore; in October the sea is usually warm. But in November it may rain. There are fewer tourists than in summer.

There is one important nuance: from September to the end of January, the bird hunting season is open in Malta. There are not many hunters in Gozo, but a lot. And the island is tiny, so encounters with them are very likely. Do not trespass on hunters' private property marked with makeshift RTO signs.

If you are attracted by a quiet holiday and contemplation of nature, choose a hotel in the village of Xlendi on the shore of the bay of the same name.

If you want something more lively, then head to the village of Marsalforn. The former fishing village has turned into a large (by the standards of tiny Gozo, of course) tourist center with many cafes and restaurants. This is perhaps the busiest village on the island.

Or you can settle in Victoria. According to my feelings, this city is calmer than Marsalforn, and it has an atmosphere of a certain aristocracy, which is understandable, after all, it is the ancient capital of the island.

I prefer to book hotels on Booking, and you can compare prices from different sites.

Lovers of eco-tourism can rent a farmhouse - a farmhouse. This word can hide anything, from a real peasant house with a minimum of comfort to a villa with a swimming pool, which is why the price range is very wide: from 100 € per day to plus infinity. Offers for farmhouses can be found on the websites of Maltese real estate agencies. However, there are very few private options from Malta and Gozo, although the situation may change.

What are the prices for holidays?

Prices for holidays in hotels depend on the level and season, as elsewhere. At Kempinski San Lorenz, a room can cost up to 600 € per night, and a hostel, which in Gozo is a private house where rooms are rented, can cost up to 20 € per person per night. If you do not live in a hotel, but in a farmhouse or apartment, you can save money by buying food at the supermarket and cooking it yourself. And, of course, you will save money if you travel by public transport rather than by taxi or rented car.

As for excursions, according to my impressions, the most expensive ones are Russian-language ones. In tourist shops, which are easy to find in both Mgarra and Victoria, you can buy cheap ones (from about 10 €) in English. But they are called excursions only conditionally. Essentially, you are brought to the stated location in a minivan, told a few words, and left to wander around on your own. This is the cheapest option.

Private excursion tours with a personal guide cost from 300 € per day. Group excursions in Russian are organized not in Gozo, but in Malta. Tourists are brought for half a day or a whole day and are taken around the entire island in a tour bus. This “pleasure” costs from 50 € per person.

When it comes to food, prices in Gozo are about the same as in Malta. During the season you can catch cheap fruits and vegetables. For example, a kilogram of strawberries at the height of the season (March - April) can be bought for 1.5–2 €. Tomatoes in summer - 1–2 € per kilogram. In winter, I recommend trying local oranges. They may look unsightly, but they are very tasty.

But many fruits and vegetables are imported and therefore not cheap. Apples a la “winter and summer in the same color,” which are sold all year round in Russian supermarkets, cost 2–4 € per kilogram. A liter of milk - about 1 €. Bread - 1.5–2 €, round Maltese is cheaper. But a cup of cappuccino costs 1.5–1.75 € almost everywhere, except in the most pretentious places.

Note: vegetables and fruits are of better quality and often cheaper not in supermarkets, but from cars. About the same as in the photo above.

Clue:

Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things

Currency: Euro, € US Dollar, $ Russian Ruble, Rub

Main attractions. What to see

Gozo also has cultural attractions: churches, megaliths, museums; of course, the capital of the island is Victoria with its Citadel. But, in my opinion, Gozo is interesting primarily for its landscapes and some highlights that you don’t even know how to classify. For example, the famous Azure Window. Not exactly a landscape, not a monument... such a natural Gozitan feature. From the same region of Dweira, Xlendi, Shveini. I will tell you about all this below.

The whole of Gozo, in fact, can be seen in one day.

Top 5

Victoria

Once in Gozo, you should definitely visit the capital of the island, Victoria. It received its current name only in 1897 in honor of the anniversary of Queen Victoria of England. Before this, the city was called Rabat, and many locals still say that.

Victoria is a pleasant city, ancient and at the same time lively. By Gozo standards, of course, there are many restaurants, cafes and shops. There is also a museum here - Archaeological. But the capital of Gozo is interesting primarily for its ancient fortress.

Citadel

The citadel - the Maltese call it Citadella - can be seen from afar. Built on a hill, it towers not only over the city, but over the entire island. And this is no coincidence.

Gozo, as well as Malta, was often attacked by pirates. They robbed the inhabitants and took them into slavery. During one of these raids in the 16th century, pirates captured all the inhabitants of Gozo. For some time the island was empty, and when it was repopulated, the inhabitants took into account the sad experience. With the assistance of the Knights of the Order of Malta, the Citadel was strengthened, and in case of danger, the entire population took refuge under its protection. So height and strong walls were a vital necessity.

Well, if (suddenly this happens) you are not at all interested in history, the Citadel is worth visiting if only to climb its walls, from which a beautiful view opens.

How to get there

From the ferry terminal to Victoria there are buses No. 301, 303, 322. They go to the Victoria bus station, then you need to go a little down the street with the hard-to-pronounce name Taht Putirjal to the central Republic street. The citadel rises above the city and can be seen from afar. Entry is free.

Azur Window

Another must see. The Azure Window is an arch built by nature itself.

Attention: admire from the outside! Although the photograph shows tourists above the arch, it is strictly forbidden to be there (but no one is watching!) and most importantly, it is dangerous. Pieces, small and larger, fall off from the top of the Window from time to time. A decent piece fell off in the fall of 2015 and an even larger one just the other day, at the end of June 2016. There are fears that by 2018 this natural landmark may collapse completely.

How to get there

You can get there by bus number 311 from Victoria.

Dwejra and Fungus rock

From the Cote d'Azur, I advise you to walk to a picturesque bay with almost vertical shores, in the middle of which a rock sticks out of the water. This is Dwejra and Fungus Rock.

If you visit Dwejra with a guide, he will definitely tell you what Fungus Rock was famous for and why it is called that. Fungus is "mushroom" in Latin. During the time of the knights, a special mushroom grew on this rock; it was believed that if you eat it, the effect will be similar to that of modern Viagra. Although the knights were monks, they kept the mushroom for themselves, and outsiders were not allowed onto this mini-island. They themselves got there via a suspended wooden bridge. Now it’s gone, and we haven’t heard about the miracle mushroom either.

How to get there

Walk from the Azure Window or take the same bus number 311 from Victoria.

Sewing (Xwejni)

The place that I personally find the most interesting. It is much more remarkable than the Azure Window, although not as “promoted”.

The winds and sea have sharpened and polished the rock so that it seems to have been sculpted on a potter's wheel. Comments, in my opinion, are unnecessary.

How to get there

From Victoria by bus number 310. But from the stop you will need to walk north for half a kilometer.

Xlendi

Another picturesque bay worth visiting. The sight of these rocks makes me think about the eternal, because they stood here, almost unchanged, for many centuries and will continue to stand for many more... how many generations of us, people, have changed during this time and will still change...

Unlike Dweira, Xlendi has the charms of civilization. It's nice to sit in an outdoor cafe here.

They say that from the cape on the left side of the bay you can watch fantastic sunsets. I can’t confirm this; unfortunately, I myself never got there at the right time.

How to get there

From Victoria there are buses No. 306 and No. 330.

Beaches. Which ones are better

If you come to the island on an excursion, then it is unlikely that your goal will be the beach. But if you are staying in Gozo, then, of course, it’s a sin not to swim in the summer. Moreover, there are beaches in Gozo. They are smaller than in Malta, but no worse.

Ramla Bay

Famous for its bright orange sand. The entry into the sea is gentle, so it is good to swim here with children.

There are no showers, changing cabins or a lifeguard on duty. There is a toilet. During the swimming season there are rentals of sun loungers, rental of pedal boats and the like. There is no permanent cafe, but kiosks operate during the season.

How to get there

By bus number 302 from Victoria.

San Blas

Another sandy beach, much smaller than Ramla. Difficult to access compared to other beaches, so it is usually much less crowded.

There is no infrastructure.

How to get there

By bus number 303 to Nadur. It runs from both Mdzhar (this is where the ferry arrives) and from Victoria - convenient, then about half an hour on foot. If you go by car, then from the parking lot to the beach - 2 kilometers.

Hondoq ir-Rummien

Small but very picturesque beach with light sand and pebbles. Popular with the locals. Of the amenities, again, only a toilet.

During the swimming season you can rent sun loungers, there are no water ski rentals or the like. Instead of cafes there are kiosks.

How to get there

To the village of Ala (Qala) by bus number 303 from Victoria or by bus from Mgarr. From Ala you will have to walk.

Xwejni Bay

A small pebble beach next to the interesting rock of the same name.

In my opinion, the beach is inconvenient due to large pebbles, but locals swim. There is no infrastructure.

How to get there

As well as to the Shveini rock - by bus number 310 from Victoria.

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

Ggantija Temple

This megalithic temple is one of the main attractions of the island. Scientists believe that this is the oldest structure of its kind in the Maltese archipelago and possibly the oldest free-standing building on Earth.

UNESCO has listed Ggantija as a World Heritage Site. There is a legend according to which the temple was built by giants (according to another version - one giant woman), since it is difficult to imagine that ordinary people were able to move, and even lift, masses weighing 50 tons.

We are unlikely to ever know whether this is true, but even what has survived to this day is impressive. Ideally, it is better to visit Ggantija without a group, so that you can stand alone and try to feel the atmosphere of the temple, which is about a thousand years older than the Cheops pyramid.

How to get there

By buses No. 307 and 322 from Mgarr.

Basilica of Ta Pinu

This church is visible from afar. It belongs to the village of Arb, but is not surrounded by houses, but among fields, and against their background it looks very impressive.

The church is interesting not only because it is beautiful both inside and out - numerous miracles and healings from illnesses are associated with it. It is not for nothing that it is called not just a church, but a sanctuary. Originally built on a holy site, Ta Pinu is still a place of pilgrimage. At the temple there is a kind of museum with a collection of ex-votos, that is, gifts from Christians brought to the temple in gratitude for the miracle that happened. The collection is still growing today, because miracles continue.

How to get there

By bus number 308 from Victoria.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

There are several museums in Gozo. The most interesting, in my opinion, are the Folklore Museum and the Old Prison, both located in the Citadel. I know of neither one nor the other in Malta.

Folklore Museum

It contains exhibits related to traditional crafts and hobbies.

The building itself where the museum is located is also interesting.

It is the only example of late Gothic architecture remaining in Gozo. I will tell you below how to get to the Citadel.

• The museum is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The museum is closed on Christmas and New Year (December 24, 25, 31 and January 1) and on Good Friday.
• A ticket for an adult costs 3 €, a child ticket costs 1.5 €.

Old prison

This museum is worth a visit if only for curiosity: to see how prisoners lived in Gozo in previous centuries. The Knights of Joan founded this prison in the mid-16th century, shortly after settling in Malta.

Interestingly, Jean Parisot De la Valette himself, the founder of Valletta, spent several months in this prison, serving a sentence for assaulting a person. Of course, at that time he was not yet the Grand Master of the order. The prison existed until the beginning of the twentieth century.

Opening hours and ticket prices

The same as those at the Folklore Museum.

Something else

There is a Museum of Archeology and a Natural Science Museum in Gozo. In my opinion, similar museums in Malta are larger, richer and more interesting. Both museums are located inside the Citadel in the capital of the island, and the Citadel itself is several times smaller than the Moscow Kremlin, so you will find it.

Food. What to try

It is believed that in Gozo, as in Malta, you need to try dishes from rabbit (rabbit in Maltese - fenek) and octopus (octopus).

In my opinion, both are not for everyone, but you really need to try for show.

It is also interesting to try prickly pear fruits; they are called prickly pears here. they ripen from about mid-July. This is how they look a la naturel:

The color can be either orange or yellow. They can be seen directly on cacti along roads or farm fields, where they serve as hedges. But under no circumstances should you assemble them yourself unless you have very thick gloves. The fruits have a lot of nasty thorns that easily get stuck anywhere and are then difficult to remove.

It is better to buy prikli pirz, and already cleaned. In this form they are not so “photogenic”, but they can be safely picked up. These were collected and cleaned this morning:

One more warning: there are a lot of small hard seeds in prickly pirz. So they probably shouldn’t be given to children. They taste best in the form of freshly squeezed, or rather squeezed through a sieve, juice.

Holidays

At Easter and Christmas, religious processions take place in Gozo, which even the Maltese come to watch.

Before Christmas, Ansliem hosts a Christmas village with real animals in a barn and a supposed baby Jesus in a manger, along with traditional craft workshops. This is interesting for both children and adults.

And before Lent, a carnival takes place in Nadur, Gozo. That is, the carnival also takes place in Malta, but in Nadur it is special: more spontaneous, more cheeky, or something.

The Maltese are also attracted to the political satire at the carnival, but foreigners do not understand this.

The big disadvantage of mass entertainment in Gozo is the huge queues for the ferry from Malta to Gozo and traffic jams on the highway from Chirkeva almost to the middle of Malta. Although, in general, there are fewer crowds in Gozo than in Malta, even during the swimming season.

Safety. What to watch out for

Gozo is a fairly safe place. Just a few years ago it was quite common here to leave the house and leave the key outside in the lock. Now, unfortunately, the situation is changing for the worse.

Therefore, reasonable caution will not be superfluous. On the bus, watch your bags: pickpockets are already getting here. If you are swimming, keep an eye on things left on the shore, and it is better not to leave anything valuable in your bags on the beach.

And yet, islands of the former idyllic (in terms of safety) life still remain. Walking with a friend in spring Gozo, we came across the following picture:

In front of the closed door of the house there is a bedside table with painted stones, and there is not a soul around. And a mug where to throw money for a purchase in such a self-service store. Where else can you find this if not in Gozo?

Things to do

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

Typical souvenirs from Gozo are local cheese and honey. Honey is not much different from any other, but the cheese is interesting. It is sold in the form of small dense barrels of 100 grams each. It comes simply white, black with pepper, soaked in vinegar and with herbs. Most often it is cheese made from cow's milk, but goat's milk can also be found.

There are shops designed specifically for tourists, where all this can be sold in some nice packaging, but, of course, at a “tourist” price. You can find the same thing cheaper in a regular supermarket, but the cheese will look like food and not like a souvenir.

I carry cactus fruit liqueur as a souvenir. I won’t say that it’s very tasty or aromatic, but it’s definitely exotic. Tip: it is better to buy liquor in stores on the island. In Duty Free at the airport it is more expensive.

There is also a really useful thing that you can bring from Gozo - carob tree syrup. In Maltese this syrup is called Gulepp Tal-Harrub. The Gozitans, like the Maltese, use it to treat colds. I had to do it once too and I think it helps.

In a regular store, a jar of syrup with a volume of about 300 ml costs around 5 €; in a souvenir shop, the price depends on the owner’s appetite.

How to get around the region

The easiest way to see all that Gozo is famous for is to travel around the island on a hop-on-hop-off tour bus. This pleasure costs around 15–20 €, depending on the company. There are several competing agencies offering these tours in Malta and Gozo, but they are all organized in the same way.

The bus stops near all the main attractions. You can get off at any stop, walk as long as you want and then leave on a later, similar bus.

I’ll be honest, I’ve never ridden one myself; I prefer independent travel. And I prefer to determine for myself how much time to spend in a particular place. Moreover, Gozo now has a fairly well-established bus service. You can and should also walk around Gozo.

By the way, at the Tourist Information Centre, which is located in Valletta on Merchant Street, you can pick up free booklets with self-guided walking routes around Gozo.

Also a good option, because the island is only 14.5 kilometers long and about 7 kilometers wide.

Taxi. What features exist

Taxis in Gozo, like in Malta, are aimed almost exclusively at tourists. Accordingly, the prices are “tourist”, that is, prohibitively inflated.

Public transport

Gozo's main bus terminal is located in the island's capital, Victoria. Buses run on schedule and are rarely crowded. The schedule can be viewed on site, at the bus stop, or on the Malta public transport website.

A ticket, which is valid for 2 hours, costs 2 € in summer, 1.5 € in winter, and can be purchased from the driver. If you plan to ride a lot, it makes sense to buy the Explore transport card for 21 €, it allows you to ride for 7 days an unlimited number of times. After 11 p.m., only special night routes operate; a ticket costs €3.

Friends, you often ask, so we remind you! 😉

Flights- You can compare prices from all airlines and agencies!

Hotels- don’t forget to check prices from booking sites! Don't overpay. This !

Rent a Car- also an aggregation of prices from all rental companies, all in one place, let's go!

Anything to add?

The island of Gozo (Gozo) is so compact that you can get around it on foot, but there is still a lot to see. Attractions include both historical and natural sites: the citadel and churches, beaches and inland sea, cliffs and arches, plus ancient Neolithic temples.

Today we will tell you:

• what to visit on the island of Gozo (+ photos and map of the right places),
• how to get there from Malta,
• how to travel between interesting places,
• where to stay to spend less time on the road,
• hiking in Gozo,
• and other useful information.

The island of Gozo is part of the state of Malta and is the second largest in the Maltese archipelago.

In English it is written Gozo, in Maltese Għawdex (Audesh). In Russian the name Gozo is found, but since the locals themselves pronounce it as G O zo, then we will call it that.

It is small, with an area of ​​only 67 sq. km, diagonal dimensions of 10 * 15 km, population of 30 thousand people - a kind of rural mini-version of the island of Malta.

Sometimes the navigator suggested we walk instead of driving :)

By the way, the locals are called Gozitans, and they really don’t like being called Maltese :)

What to see on the island of Gozo

We went to Gozo in mid-October.

At first we planned to do the Gozo Coastal Walk, but because of the rains we had to change plans, so we rented a car and went for a drive around the island.

In Ghajnsielem near Mgarr it is very beautiful Ghajnsielem Parish Church, and next to it is an excellent cafe with inexpensive delicious food. A huge plate of pasta with tons of seafood - 12 euros. There is a terrace overlooking the city and the sea.

The main observation deck of the island is Citadel(Citadella) in the city of Victoria (Rabat). There are museums nearby for 5 euros, but you can climb the fortress itself for free and at any time. The Citadella offers views of the entire island.

There are also a few cathedrals in Victoria, but nothing special there.

The view of the fortress itself is obscured by houses, but we found one point from which we can photograph it from the outside - opposite McDonald's.

In the morning we rented the car and went for a drive.

Mgarr ix-Xini- just a closed bay, nothing special, except for a scary narrow road to it. We barely made it to the top in a dead rental car.

Sannat Cliffs I liked it very much. It’s also cool to walk to the right towards Xlendi, there’s a better view.

Xlendi(Xlendi) is a typical resort town. Everything is expensive, but there is no beach at all.

To the right of the bay there are steps, they lead to an observation deck overlooking the bay and to a nice, but very littered Carolina Grotto(Carolina Grotto).

A nuance with parking - you need to park not under tall trees, otherwise birds will foul your car. They told us this at the box office, they say it’s very difficult to wash it off later.

Basilica of Ta Pinu(Ta'Punu) is a large beautiful church in the fields. The temple on this site existed back in the 16th century, but in the 1930s it was rebuilt and therefore looks like a remake. We didn't get to the middle, it was closed.

Near the church, a local farmer sells “local” fruits, but the bananas turned out to be Ecuadorian :)

Wied Il-Mielaħ- a huge arch in the sea. The road is narrow, and after the rain it is all muddy. It’s good that I didn’t have to warm up with anyone.

There are steps leading down, it is blocked, but we climbed over. The view from above is a little worse.

Wied il-Għasri- a narrow long winding bay. There is a beach with cobblestones where you can swim. At the other end of the beach there is a small canyon. After the rain, the water was green, but usually it is azure blue.

At the exit from the bay, the sea depth reaches 10-12 m. In the second photo, the sea cave Billinghurst Cave is a popular dive site.

It was difficult to get here: the two roads that lead to it were closed for repairs. We drove through Zebuch(Zebugg).

On the main square of Zebugg there was an excellent cafe with delicious food, normal prices and good views of the mountains. The shell tagel was excellent.

There is nothing to see in the town itself.

There are two locations with salt lakes in Gozo - Salt Pans. These are micro-lakes of artificial origin, in which salt was previously evaporated.

The ones near Xweini Bay are larger and more interesting. Of course, in sunny weather, when the sky is reflected in them, it should be very beautiful, but it’s also interesting.

Calypso Cave Calypso Cave closed due to danger - the top stone could collapse at any moment. But from the observation deck near the cave it opens view of Ramla Bay(Rambla Bay).

They write that this is red sand beach. The sand is more likely not red, but red, but in English it is one word red.

There is a similar one on the other side of Ramla Bay cave Tal-Mixta Cave, there is also a view of Ramla Bay through the hole. If you walk further to the cape, there will be beautiful rocks.

Church of John the Baptist in Sheukia(Rotunda St. John Baptist Church, Xewkija) is visible from all over the island.

In the evening the weather turned bad and we went to the supermarket. When we left, we were stunned - a huge double rainbow appeared in the sky!!

Then it cleared up and we decided to hit the sunset in Dwejra Bay. It's good that Gozo has such short distances :)

I talked about the Gozo-Comino ferries.

What to drive in Gozo

Rent a car in Gozo

We rented a car very spontaneously, so we couldn’t use online booking sites (you need to book on them at least 48 hours in advance).

The only thing we could find “for now” was a destroyed Kia Picanto with a manual and a weak engine for 32 euros per day (at Mgarr Tourist Services near the ferry).

We haven’t driven a manual car for a long time, and in Malta we also drive on the left... It’s good that we rented it to Seryoga :) He even did a good job :)

In Gozo the distances are tiny, but driving is difficult because there are mazes of crooked, narrow one-way streets everywhere. And outside the city, especially on the way to different bays, there are single-lane roads with stone fences on the sides, where it is difficult to pass each other.

Parking outside Victoria is not a problem. In Victoria itself, there is a time limit on the central streets, but you can park in large parking lots near the center. All parking in Gozo is free, and even if someone extorts money for parking, it is illegal.

It would be more convenient to ride a motorcycle/moped or a bicycle, but this is not suitable in the rain. And the Seryogins are already expired, but he still hasn’t returned them for new ones.

We have driven a car and a motorcycle in so many different countries around the world, and we constantly drive in Kyiv, but in Gozo it was something special! There seems to be little traffic, this is not Saigon during the Vietnamese New Year, but they are kind of crazy there.

Locals drive along these narrow streets in the middle, and don’t bother slowing down much. They simply push the oncoming car to the edge of the road, even if they themselves are driving around the obstacle in the oncoming traffic.

Obviously not everyone has heard about traffic rules. Rushing through a stop sign is common. Parking in the second row of oncoming traffic during traffic jams in Victoria is okay. Turning right 5 meters from a car driving on the main road is normal (if driving on the left).

It’s good that we had such a small car, otherwise we would definitely have torn up the sides. Once our mirrors collided with a car parked in the second row of oncoming traffic on a narrow road, but our mirror was not even scratched, but theirs was bent in the opposite direction.

I was a passenger, and I almost turned gray there!

Rent a moped, scooter, quad bike in Gozo

On the island of Gozo it is convenient to rent a moped or ATV: the distances are short, you can go anywhere, it’s not a problem to avoid cars on narrow roads, you can park wherever you want. It's only wet when it rains :)

Municipal buses

There are buses around Gozo, but most of them run once an hour (some every half hour), so they will take too long to get around. In addition, they do not go to all sorts of remote bays. Gozo's transport system is like a many-legged spider - all buses depart from the bus terminal in Victoria, meaning you need to change trains. This is due to the fact that all roads into Gozo pass through Victoria.

The buses are not crowded like on the island of Malta.

A single ticket costs 1.5 euros and is valid for 2 hours, both in Gozo and Malta. For example, we arrived at the ferry terminal in Malta, crossed to Gozo, drove up to the cathedral in Ghajnsielem, saw it, ate in a restaurant, and our ticket was still valid when we went to Victoria! :)

Also, the same travel passes are valid here as on the island of Malta. When paying in cash, prepare the amount in advance - the driver may not have change.

Here is the official website with bus routes and timetables: https://www.publictransport.com.mt/en/timetables (Gozo at the very bottom).

Google Maps does a good job of plotting bus routes, but their schedule may differ from the real one (up to 15 minutes difference).

Tourist bus Hop on Hop off

An alternative to regular buses is the excursion Hop on Hop off Bus - it takes you around the main attractions of the island, and you can get on and off an unlimited number of times.

The audio guide speaks in 16 languages, including Russian and English. There is Wi-Fi on the bus.

Once we got to the observation deck at the same time as Hop on Hop off - so the driver came out with the passengers and told them about the surroundings.

By the way, until the end of October I am giving my readers a promotional code TP5TIQ, which gives a 5% discount on any purchases on the service. The promotional code will only be valid when following links from my site, and not directly.

There are also plenty of regular guided tours available.

Taxi

Uber and Bolt/Taxify taxi services are not currently operating in Gozo. There are always taxi drivers in the port of Mgarr, but in other places you need to call and order.

Taxi driver phone numbers: visitgozo.com/gozo-and-comino/gozo/getting-around-gozo/taxis/

Gozo by bike

It would seem that exploring such a small island by bicycle is the best option. After a trip to Gozo, I realized that this is not so:

• The island is very hilly, only suitable for strong cyclists, or electric bikes.
• Locals drive dangerously: once we were driving towards a cyclist, but the oncoming car could not wait two seconds for us to warm up, and the driver managed to get between us and her! She had to press herself against the wall of the house. Well, was it really necessary to hurry SO much on an empty road?

Hotels and apartments in Gozo

From a logistics point of view, for trips around the island it is best to stay in Victoria, the capital of Gozo. It is located in the middle of the island, and there is no ring road, so it will be more convenient to travel from here to see all sorts of interesting places.

🛌 If your goal is the beach, then book a hotel in Marsalforn.

Gozo Coastal Walk

One way to see all the sights of Gozo, and combine it with active recreation, is the 50-kilometer Gozo Coastal Walk. It is completed in 2-4 days.

We really wanted to go there, but canceled due to rain :(

According to logistics, it is ideal to stay in Victoria, return to the hotel in the evenings, and in the morning go again to the village where you finished the trek yesterday.

The trail is technically simple, the elevation changes are small. Paved in places.

Listed on maps.me and OsmAnd. There are markings.

If you're a good biker, you can ride the whole thing in one day, but there are some sections where you'll have to lug your bike up steps or a steep path.

Mobile communications and Internet in Malta and Gozo

Malta and Gozo have their own mobile operators, but for one day there is no point in buying a local SIM card. When we travel, we use a sim card for travelers DrimSim: it has low tariffs in most developed countries, Internet tariffs per megabyte, and it’s very easy to connect and use without dancing with a tambourine. And your SIM card doesn’t burn out, even if you don’t use it for a year.

DrimSim tariff for mobile Internet in Malta and Gozo is €0.01 per megabyte.

Conclusions: is it worth going to Gozo?

If you come to Malta and have a couple of days left, then the island of Gozo is definitely worth a visit:

• beautiful nature,
• everything is close and you don’t need to travel tens of kilometers from one attraction to another,
• the same inexpensive delicious food and wine,
• you get the same Maltese flavor without the crowds of the island of Malta.

Tell us in the comments below:

What do you think about the island of Gozo?

Would it be interesting to visit it?

If you have been to Gozo, what places would you recommend?

Gozo is the second largest island of the Maltese archipelago. Its area is approximately 67 square meters. km, population 28 thousand people. Almost a quarter of them have never traveled outside of Gozo, and why should you, if you already live on the “best island in the world”. Unlike Malta, there are no “fused” settlements in Gozo.

The island of Gozo is located just 20-30 minutes by ferry or helicopter from Malta. Flights operate from March to October inclusive. There is no doubt that any of these short trips will bring you real pleasure.

Gozo is an amazing island where time seems to have stopped. In ancient times, the island of Gozo was called Ogyga. This is an island of temples and bastions, flowers and butterflies. It was on Gozo, according to Homer, that the nymph Calypso held Odysseus for seven years. A beautiful nymph lived among magnificent nature in a cave entwined with grapes. The rock with the Calypso grotto is located on the northern coast of Gozo - above the Ramla L-Hamra beach, with unusual, dark red sand, where tourists love to spend a relaxing time.

The island gives a feeling of peace and serenity, this is a place for those who want to spend a holiday alone with nature. The capital of Gozo was named after the British Queen Victoria in 1897, but residents often call it by its old name, Rabat.

Gozo is three times smaller than the island of Malta and very similar in its historical development. However, it has a distinctive and unique character - it is greener, quieter and more peaceful. He has an amazing character that is unique to him alone. There are majestic hills, valleys, and inaccessible cliffs that create natural protection for the island's small harbors and narrow bays.

The island attracts with its peace, slow and regular life, stunning rocky landscapes and the hospitality of the local people. In Gozo you get the feeling that you have stepped back into the past, filled with legends and history, into a world that has long been forgotten in the bustling, modern life.

Luxurious hotels, wonderful fish restaurants, picturesque villages with pretty cottages, Baroque churches, nightlife and other familiar signs of civilization are artfully isolated here by a charming, tranquil landscape.

The history of Gozo goes back centuries. There are about 40 historical and cultural attractions on the island. In the small town of Shara you can see the Ggantija temple complex - one of the most ancient man-made and ancient structures on the planet. Built approximately 3500 BC, that is, a thousand years before the Egyptian pyramids. It belongs to the same type of temple as Karnak in Egypt or Stonehenge in England.

The complex consists of two megalithic temples, built from blocks weighing several tons and measuring up to 6 meters. It is not clear who and, most importantly, how they brought these huge bodies and stacked them on top of each other. According to legend, the mythological giantess Sansuna did this difficult task, using her head. Gozo was generally considered the island of giants by the ancient Greeks. And here, in Shar, a huge statue of a woman was found, which art historians immediately dubbed the “Venus of Malta” - it can be seen in the National Museum of Archeology in Valletta.

In the south-east of the island, near the town of Dweira, you can see another local attraction - the Azure Window: two rocks with a diameter of 40 meters protruding from the sea, covered with a 100-meter block of stone on top, on which you can walk.

The only major attraction of the capital of Gozo - the city of Victoria (until the 19th century it was called Rabat) - is the huge Citadel fortress on the top of a steep hill, which was built by knights to protect against attacks by the Turks and North African pirates. The Citadel houses the Folklore, Archaeological, Natural and Cathedral museums, as well as the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (1697-1711) and the Chapel of St. Giuseppe. From the heights of the Citadel and the Bastion of St. Michael, a majestic view of the entire island opens. Interesting are the Church of St. Francis, the Basilica of St. George of the 17th century (its main altar is a copy of the altar of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome), the Bishop's Palace, the Palace of Justice, the Crafts Center in the old prison building, and Rundle Gardens.

There are first-class hotels on the island. But we must remember that some of them (even the “fives”) are located on a hill outside the populated area, so you need to get to the beach by minibus. Families or companies often stay not in hotels, but in “tourist farms”, farmhouses.

The Inland Sea (Island Sea), whose waters are renewed through a natural tunnel in the rock, is a paradise for divers. Opposite it in the sea rises Fungus Rock, a rock overgrown with healing moss. During the reign of the Maltese Order of the Knights of St. John, it was believed that this moss was a panacea for many diseases.

Ramla l-Hamra is a sandy beach in the north of the island. Guides especially like to mention it, because it is this beach that offers a magnificent view from the grotto, which, according to legend, belonged to the nymph Calypso. The sand here is an unusual dark reddish color. All beach attributes are in place - equipment rental, and a restaurant with a bar. The water in some places is full of algae, which makes entering it somewhat unpleasant.

Xlendi is a small sandy beach favored by divers in the southwest of the island, located right in front of the boardwalk at the base of the bay, where two sheer cliffs form a natural bay with clear water. There are a couple of small hotels, several restaurants and a diving center.

Another sandy beach of the island, Marsalforn, is located in the north in a beautiful bay. There are several hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops concentrated on the embankment. A small sand spit is located literally ten meters from city buildings.

San Blas Bay is a sandy wild beach in the northeast. It is not so easy to get here - not a single bus route passes close. This place is absolutely untouched by civilization; there are many wild fruit trees growing around.

Gozo is the center of Maltese agriculture. Wheat and vegetables grow on its terraces open to the sun, and gardens of the most exquisite tropical fruits bear fruit. These are nectarines, pears and peaches, watermelons and melons, grapes and tangerines, grapefruits and oranges.

A special tradition on the island is Gosian hospitality. Everything is done for guests to make them feel at home. For itself, the law is “Gosian conservatism.” It helps maintain the island's flavor: ancient buildings are carefully preserved, temples are promptly restored, the sculptures in which, according to ancient custom, are dressed in woven clothes. In Gozo, ancestral crafts are supported, trees and all kinds of living creatures are protected and preserved. Wines on the island of Gozo have a special taste and a slightly higher strength. And in Gozo you should definitely try pumpkin pie with rice and fresh basil. Gozo is ready to welcome guests at any time of the year and even a short visit to the island will leave an unforgettable impression in your memory.

Basic moments

The island is small at just 67 km², has just one hotel, is uninhabited and is surrounded by some of the most sparkling, clear waters in the Mediterranean. It is a natural pool and many snorkel, dive and anchor their yachts to swim and relax.

The island of Gozo has many fans among Europeans who prefer a calm, peaceful holiday in the lap of nature. There are just over ten hotels and boarding houses on the island.

Climate and weather

Gozo is located just north of Malta, but the distance between the islands is so small (about 30 km from the extreme points) that the climatic conditions on both islands are completely different. Summer in Gozo is hot and dry, with an air temperature of about +30 °C, winter is quite warm (by our standards) - +10...+15 °C. It rains mainly in autumn. During the cold season there are strong cold winds and storms at sea. The average water temperature in summer is approximately +25 °C, in winter - +14 °C.

Story

Scientists believe that the first human settlements on the island appeared about 7,000 years ago. Throughout its centuries-long history, life on Gozo has been harsh as the islands have always attracted conquerors, and even more difficult than on Malta with its harbors and defensive fortifications.

In the Middle Ages, knights, corsairs and Saracens periodically raided the island. In 1551, the Saracens carried out a devastating raid, taking almost the entire population of the island into slavery.

The island essentially never recovered from these raids and remained sparsely populated for many centuries until the knights fortified the medieval fortress (in Victoria, or Rabat) and residents began to settle on the remainder of the island.

Gozo and its people have retained their distinct spirit and character and marked differences in lifestyle, pronunciation and dialect. The people of Gozo are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality and will always show a guest the way or help them get to their destination.

A trip to Gozo is suitable for all people who prefer to spend their holidays in an amazing, quiet place where beach, sightseeing, active and gastronomic holidays can be easily combined.

Nature

The main difference between the island of Gozo and its larger neighbor is the colors that prevail here: while Malta is almost all different shades of yellow, Gozo is painted in emerald tones all year round. The terrain in Gozo is hilly, which is why it is sometimes called the “island of three hills”. The coastal area is replete with magnificent sandy, rocky and pebble beaches, as well as steep cliffs and rocks of the most bizarre shapes.

It is the natural charm of Gozo that often becomes the key argument for tourists who decide to go to the island. Among the main natural attractions of Gozo are:

• Inland Sea,
• Azure Window
• Fungus Rock,
• Ghasri valley,
• Lunzjata valley, etc.

The Inland Sea is a marine lagoon, separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a narrow natural arch, under which on fine days luzzu boats sail, taking tourists along the coast. The water in the lagoon is clean and transparent, with a golden bottom visible through it. But already directly under the arch, one of the favorite dive sites for divers, the depth reaches 35 m.

The Azure Window is a limestone arch over the sea, formed in prehistoric times as a result of the collapse of two caves. It is close to the Gulf of Dwejra and the Inland Sea. Every year, the Azure Window is increasingly destroyed and it is expected that in the near future it will not exist at all.

At the entrance to Dwejra Bay there is a small island called Mushroom Rock, which got its name due to the pungently smelling tubers growing on it. In medieval times, these tubers were mistakenly classified as medicinal mushrooms, but today their pharmaceutical properties have not been proven. The islet is a nature reserve.

The Għasri Valley is famous for its caves, including underwater ones.

The Lunzjata Valley is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful corners of the island. The Knights of Malta once loved to hunt here, but now it is an ideal place for solitude in the lap of nature.

Attractions

City of Victoria

The island of Gozo has its own capital, the city of Victoria. Previously, this city was called Rabat. Victoria's landmark is the huge Citadel, located at the top of a steep hill.

Throughout history, life in Gozo has been harsh as the Maltese islands have always attracted conquerors. The fate of the island of Gozo is more dramatic than its “big brother” the island of Malta. Suffice it to recall how in the mid-16th century the Saracens, who carried out a devastating raid on Gozo, drove every single inhabitant into slavery. The island never recovered from this raid until the Knights built the Citadel. Only then did people begin to fearlessly settle in these places.

All roads in Gozo lead to this mighty fortress. Inside the Citadel there is a large cathedral. During the day, the Rabat Citadel represents the strength and power of the knights, and at night it glows with lights and becomes the most romantic place on the island. The cellars of the fortress store incomparable Maltese wine, which you can also try in local cafes or buy in shops for 7 euros per bottle.

It should be noted that on the island of Gozo, unlike the island of Malta, where there is practically no vegetation, watermelons, melons, gigantic olives, tiny tomatoes, potatoes, and even the sweetest figs and almonds in the entire Mediterranean grow. All this local gastronomic delight can be found in the main shopping area of ​​It-Tokk, where you will find sheep's cheese and many other tasty things.

Temples of Ggantija

On the island of Gozo is the oldest man-made monument on Earth. These are the megalithic temples of Ggantija. The period of their construction dates back to 3600 BC. They are located in the town of Shara (Xaghra). This structure is a full thousand years older than the Egyptian pyramids and is 5 and a half thousand years old. In appearance, it looks like rounded buildings made of giant boulders weighing tens of tons. You won’t find crowds of tourists here enthusiastically viewing the temples of Ggantija, and the entrance fee is purely symbolic; you can often get in completely free of charge. The place is a historical reserve. Open from 10-00 to 16-00.

Other attractions

In the town of Ta Pitu there is another attraction of the island of Gozo - a magnificent church, the most revered in the country. It is believed that the church has a special energy and bestows happiness and longevity on all who enter it. As always, the church gives out special red-brown skirts for tourists. The church is active.

The third largest domed church in Europe is also located in Gozo in the town of Xevkia. Also valid and also free entry.

The famous cave of the nymph Calypso, known since the time of Homer, overlooks Ramla Bay. Now it hardly resembles the luxurious dwelling that Homer described in his Odyssey 2,000 years ago. Meanwhile, archaeological research carried out here not so long ago will leave no doubt about the authenticity of the cave. Recently, prehistoric fragments of terracotta objects dating back to the Neolithic period were found in front of the cave entrance. Local boys will happily guide you down the slippery and narrow steps to the grotto, which offers stunning views of the stunning pink sand beach of Gozo.

Nutrition

Most cafes and restaurants in Gozo are concentrated in the capital of the island of Victoria, in the resort of Marsalforn (especially on the main street of the town, Marina Street), in the resort of Xlendi, as well as in the port of Mgarra. Almost all hotels and guest houses also have their own restaurants or cafes with terraces. Large restaurants specialize mainly in Mediterranean or Italian cuisine. To try delicious Maltese home-cooked food made from local organic ingredients, in Victoria you should choose one of the family restaurants hidden in the narrow streets of the capital, or go inland to one of the small towns.

For an exotic alcoholic drink, you may be offered breadfruit liqueur or prickly pear liqueur, but at least once you should treat yourself to a glass of exquisite Gozitan wine. Local wine is sold in stores, but to fully discover the flavor bouquet, it is worth going on a tasting tour to one of Gozo's wine farms.

Accommodation

Tiny Gozo has hotels of all possible categories - from the 5-star Kempinski San Lawrenz and Ta" Cenc & Spa to the 2-3 star Xlendi Resort & Spa, San Andrea, etc. The cost of living in the most comfortable hotels on the island ranges from 150 to 220 € for a double room. A room for two in less prestigious hotels will cost an average of 60 €. On Gozo, it is common to rent rooms and apartments in guest houses and local farms, or even rent an entire country villa with a swimming pool. There are two hostels on the island. in the town of Marsalforn. For a place in the Santa Martha Hostel you will have to pay 17 €, and in the Maria Giovanna Hostel - 30 €. In a word, the prices of hotels in Gozo are practically not inferior to hotels in Malta itself.

All hotels, guest houses and hostels in Gozo are located either in Victoria, or in the local resorts of Marsalforn and Xlendi, or close to the port (Mgarr, Ghajnsielem), or in close proximity to the most important attractions of the island (San Laurents, Xara, Sannat).

The best hotels in Gozo have excellent spa facilities, which can be used by tourists who are not staying at the hotel.

Entertainment and relaxation

Every year, on the eve of Lent, a carnival takes place in Gozo, but, unlike a similar holiday in Malta, here it is a spontaneous, unorganized riot of fun and drunkenness. And throughout the summer, various religious festivals are held in different parts of Gozo, accompanied by folk festivities.

In the city of Victoria you can visit one of the productions of the Aurora Opera or the Astra Theater. You can watch a movie at the Citadel Cinema - there are two cinema halls for visitors.

Almost all Gozo beaches are small, but most of them have small eateries. Among the sandy beaches, the most popular is Ramla Bay, widely known for its red sand. On the beach you can rent sun loungers, umbrellas, and engage in water sports. There are also places where you can eat. In 2012, Ramla Bay was awarded the Blue Flag for Quality. Directly near the beach there is the legendary cave of the nymph Calypso, who kept Odysseus on the island for 7 years.

You will also find amazing red sand on the wild San Blas Bay beach. If you intend to spend the whole day on this beach, do not forget to bring food and water with you.

Marsalforn Beach is considered the most “civilized” and most populous, because this is where many restaurants, bars and hotels are concentrated. The favorite beach of the Gozitans themselves is Hondoq ir-Rummien, located opposite the island of Comino.

Among the rocky beaches, the wild Xatt l-Ahmar Bay deserves attention.

Pebble beaches (Dahlet Qorrot, Mgarr ix-Xini Bay, Ghasri Valley) are the most deserted, but the most popular among divers.

BzYuGozo is very popular among people who prefer to relax actively, because its coastal waters are considered the best place for scuba diving. It is also a popular destination for water sports, rock climbing, off-road cycling and scenic hiking. Agritourism is becoming increasingly popular in Gozo. The Ta-Mena estate invites tourists to pick watermelons, grapes, strawberries and olives, as well as to taste wines, honey and olive oil. The estate often hosts all kinds of parties, weddings and other family celebrations, and gives cooking lessons with further tasting of the results.B.ZY

Shopping

Gozo can confidently be called a paradise for shopaholics. Small market stalls stand side by side with eclectic boutiques, souvenir shops and various specialty shops.

The island's commercial center is its capital, Victoria. The local food market offers fresh vegetables, fruits and bread every day. And while walking along the narrow winding streets of the city, in the most unexpected places you are sure to come across souvenir shops, boutiques of famous brands and all kinds of kiosks. Victoria is also home to the island's main store, Arkadia, which is still the only supermarket on Gozo.

In other settlements, in addition to ordinary grocery stores, there are all kinds of specialized stores: original clothing stores, art galleries, stores selling organic products or sporting goods, etc.

Among Gozitan souvenirs, real works of art and the pride of local residents are the finest lace (interior items, sun umbrellas, etc.), which are woven by local craftswomen who know ancient secrets, but such souvenirs are incredibly expensive.

Transport

From the island of Malta to the island of Gozo you can take ferries operated by the Gozo Channel company. From Malta, ferries depart from the port in the town of Ċirkewwa, from Gozo - from the port of Mġarr. Ferries carry both passengers and cars, trailers, motorcycles and bicycles.

The cost of the trip depends on the time of year and day. On a summer day, a trip between the islands will cost 4.65 € for an adult passenger, 1.15 € will have to be paid for a child aged 3 to 12 years. It costs the same to transport a bicycle across the strait. Ferrying a car costs 15.7 €. In winter (from November to March inclusive) and in the evening at any time of the year (from 20:00 until the first ferry of the next day) the cost of tickets will be 4.05 € for an adult, free for children, transporting a bicycle will cost 1.15 €, car - 12 ,8 €. The duration of the trip does not exceed 30 minutes.

An interesting adventure will be a flight to Gozo on a Harborair seaplane. This is a kind of flying minibus that can accommodate 14 passengers. From the height of the flight there is an amazing view of the islands and the sea. For a 12–15 minute flight you will have to pay 44 € for an adult passenger and 33 € for a child. Seaplanes depart from the seaport of Valletta and, on the island of Gozo, from Mgarra.

Gozo is only 14 km long, so the best way to get around is on foot or by bike. But here you can also rent a car or use public buses. The price of a day bus ticket is 2.6 €.

Parking is rarely a problem in Gozo. Almost all hotels and guest houses on the island provide free parking.

Safety

On the island of Gozo, life is calm and measured; people here hardly remember when the last crime was committed. Local residents are hospitable and responsive: if you have a problem, you can not hesitate to ask for help.

Many beaches on the island are wild, which means there is no rescue service. When going to such places, you should take care of your own safety on the water.

How to get there

A regularly operating ferry transports passengers and vehicles from Malta to Gozo. The crossing takes about 30 minutes.

For more detailed information and schedule, contact the Comino Hotel at tel. (+356) 21529821 or by email [email protected]

You can also take a day trip on a cruise ship departing from Sliema and Bugibba in Malta and Xlendi in Gozo Comino. These excursions usually focus on the Blue Lagoon, but they also include other harbors on Comino.

Victoria is the capital of the island of Gozo, owned by the state of Malta. It is the largest city on the island and is connected to major highways. Since the city is built on a hill, you can see the sea surrounding the island from here.

The first name of the capital is Rabat, it was renamed in honor of the anniversary of the English Queen Victoria, who never visited here.

In the center of the city there is the Citadel, now it is a quiet place where tourists wander, but previously it served as the center of all life activities. On the territory of the Citadel there is the magnificent Baroque Cathedral of Santa Maria, built at the end of the 17th - beginning of the 18th century.

Inland sea

The Inland Sea, called Qavre in Maltese, is a picturesque seawater lagoon on the island of Gozo that is connected to the Mediterranean Sea through a natural tunnel in the rock. The seashore is a pebble beach. Scientists suggest that the Inland Sea was originally hidden in a cave, but as a result of a geological fault, the “roof” collapsed, revealing in all its glory a reservoir surrounded by rocks.

This beautiful place attracts many tourists. In calm weather, boats can pass through the tunnel, where visitors will discover other magnificent natural attractions: the natural rock arch of the Azure Window and Fungus Rock, where, according to ancient legend, a healing plant grew.

What sights of Gozo did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Independence Square

Independence Square is small in size and is located in the central part of the old town of Ghajnsielem, located on the southern coast of the Maltese island of Gozo. It connects several streets and is adjacent to the other main city square, Santa Madonna of Loreto.

The main tourist and pilgrimage site is the majestic Parish Church, made in the Gothic style and built in the last century. Its stone façade has a symmetrical shape and has a high, soaring tower, decorated with a carved round window and a spire. The temple is also magnificent inside with its decoration, statues, altar and arched ceilings.

The island of Gozo, also called Gozo, is located in the Mediterranean Sea and belongs to the Maltese archipelago. Its territory is 67 square kilometers and belongs to the state of Malta. The main city is Victoria, and the main resorts are Marsalforn, Xlendi and Mgarr. The coastline mainly consists of sheer cliffs, with the exception of a few sandbanks where beaches are located.

The island has many tourist sites, which are represented by both historical sights and amazingly picturesque corners of nature. The magnificent natural rock arch of the Azure Window, the Inland Sea connected by a tunnel-cave to the Mediterranean Sea, the Mushroom Rock - all these are alluring places on the island of Gozo.

Church of St. Anthony

The Church of St. Anthony is located in the northern part of the town of Ghajnsielem, located on the southern coast of the Maltese island of Gozo. This is a Franciscan church that was built at the beginning of the last century.

Franciscan monks settled in Ghajnsielem at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, they began construction of their monastery, but the donations collected were only enough to build a temple. Its construction lasted four years from 1902 to 1906.

This majestic stone church is dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua, a Catholic saint especially revered among the Franciscans.

Arch in the rock

The Azurra Window arch, 50 meters high, is formed by 40-meter blocks of stone near the city of Dwejra. It is a popular place of pilgrimage for divers; videos of jumps from the middle and sides of the arch can be viewed on YouTube. Under the influence of frequent storms, the monument is gradually destroyed. Therefore, the Azurra Window may disappear from the face of the earth in the coming years.

"Azurra's Window" was and remains a wonderful landscape for filming, it was featured in several films: Clash of the Titans (1981), The Count of Monte Cristo (2002), the Odyssey series (1997).

Citadel in the capital Victoria

The citadel is famous for being in the Bronze Age, around 1500 BC. it was the first fortified object in Malta. Until the 18th century, it was the only fortified shelter that protected against attacks on the inhabitants of the island.

The northern side of the citadel dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries during the reign of Aragon, while the southern flank, overlooking Victoria, was built in 1599 by the Knights of St. John. In 1551, a small Turkish army led by Dragut attacked the citadel, which surrendered almost immediately. The inhabitants, taking refuge within its walls, were taken as slaves, and the castle was turned into ruins.

Within the citadel is a beautiful baroque temple designed by Lorenzo Gafa, the Maltese architect who built the cathedral in Malta's capital, Mdina. The temple, located in the citadel, is famous for its wonderful painting on the ceiling. It shows a dome that was never built.

Are you interested in knowing how well you know the sights of Gozo? .

Xlendi Bay

A beautiful bay with a sandy beach is an ideal place for tourists of all ages to relax. For many years this bay was a fishing village, but recently it has become a tourist attraction. Therefore, bars, restaurants and hotels can be easily found in Xlendi Bay.

Xlendi Bay is one of the most beautiful places on the island. The inky blue sea, cloudless turquoise sky and majestic cliffs make it even more attractive to tourists.

In addition, this place has excellent conditions for diving: a sandy beach, where two steep cliffs form a bay with crystal clear water.

Near the bay is the Xlendi Tower, built in 1650. From the roof of this tower you will have an incredibly beautiful view of the sea and the picturesque coast, dotted with hand-dug salt pits.

The most popular attractions in Gozo with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Gozo on our website.

More attractions in Gozo