Welcome to Gozo!

City

Welcome to Gozo!

Gozo is one of the most untouched and unique islands in the Mediterranean. A perfect holiday destination and also where time has stood still. Perfect for beach holidays, religious or historical travels, spa vacations - or just to get away from it all and relax. It is also great for diving and experiencing the beautiful underwater paradise of the Mediterranean. Gozo is known as the island of Myths and Miracles – a special, tranquil and unique island.

History

History

It is believed by findings that Gozo was first inhabited by a group from Sicily whom managed to cross the sea over to the island and dates back to 5000BC. Archaeological findings suggest they came from the area of Agrigento and believed they lived in caves in the area now known as San Lawrence. Gozo’s history is closely entwined with Malta’s. Malta and Gozo were ruled by the Normans, the Knights of St John, Napoleon, along with the British and each heavily influenced the island’s rich history.

See and Do

Swimming

Beaches

Gozo offers many beaches along its coastal waters for sunning, relaxing and swimming.

Ir-Ramla il-Hamra is the largest and most popular beach. The beach is easily accessible by car. It is awash with red sand and standing in the very middle is a statue of Our Lady Hope. The water is shallow (except on windy days) and is perfect for small children. It is a popular place for sun worshippers and swimmers.

Id-Dwerjra is a haven for strong swimmers. The water is deep and is partially enclosed by Hagret Il-General. Visitors can take boat trips through the tunnel and cliffs and then out to open sea. The picturesque rocks majestically rise out of the water and offer a beautiful site.

San Blas is a secluded and wonderful beach of red sand. Although, there is a steep path to the sea, the beach offers exceptional charm and is never crowded. Well worth a visit.

Dahlet Qorrot is a tiny beach where one can swim from the rocks and the water is crystal clear. It is a base for the local fisherman, so there are many colorful boats during the summer months.

Hondoq ir-Rummien is a small sandy beach and perfect for sunbathing. It is also great for diving, new beginners and the more experienced. A popular beach for the locals and can be crowded on weekends. Evening barbeques are very popular.

Ex-Xatt I-Ahmar is a secluded beach suitable for diving. The wreckage of the ferry boat “Xlendi” has created an excellent diving site.

Mgarr is-Xini is a secluded spot ideal for swimming and diving, especially for night dives. It is surrounded by cliffs and intriguing caves. This beach is never crowded.

Xlendi is one of the major resorts on the island. It is a small sandy beach for swimming and snorkeling. The undersea reef and rock formations make an excellent diving site for beginners as well.

Wied il-Ghasri is a tiny fjord-like beach between high cliffs and can be reached by boat.

Ix-Xwejni and II-Qbajjar are shallow beaches and very close to each other. Both are Ideal for swimming and diving and a perfect place for beginners.

Marsalforn is the most popular resort on the island and a great diving place. The deep waters of Ghar Qawqia make swimming from the rocks a wonderful experience. It also offers a wide variety of bars and restaurants.

Ghajn Barrani is a tiny, quiet and secluded beach which is not easily accessible. To access the beach, one must climb over the rocky area.

Comino offers three secluded beaches of beautiful turquoise water and reachable by boat trips originating at various points in Gozo. Also known as the Blue Lagoon are Santa Marja Bay, San Niklaw Bay and Bejn il-Kmiemen.

Museum

Gozo Heritage

The Gozo Heritage is a privately owned museum located in a fascinating old building. It offers the history of Gozo and an area where visitors can purchase local crafts or enjoy a cup of coffee.

Ta Kola Windmill

Built in 1725, it offers a glimpse into the domestic life of Gozo’s past. The windmill was so active in the 18th century; it had to be reconditioned several times.

The Museum of Archaeology

The Museum of Archaeology, the Citadel
It is located inside the Citadel, just behind the old gate and housed in a seventeenth century building which originally was the town hall and where the Knights of St John received their distinguished visitors.

The Natural Science Museum

The Natural Science Museum, the Citadel
It is hosted in an old house dating back to the Aragonese period and located behind the Law Courts in the Citadel of Victoria. It was used as an Inn back in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Old Prisons

The Old Prisons, the Citadel
Adjacent to the Law Courts, the Old Prison overlooks the Cathedral Square. The prison was used from the middle of the 16th century up until the beginning of the 20th century. It is divided into two sections, an entrance hall and a block of six individual cells. Today, the entrance hall offers a permanent exhibition dedicated to the fortifications found on Gozo. The individual cells have been well preserved and in their original state

Nature

Salt Pans

Gozo has a long tradition in the production of sea salt. The salt pans are located near Marsalforn and are still used today. If you take an early morning walk, you can still see the salt being collected.

Walking, Cycling, Hiking

Gozo’s landscape along with very little traffic makes Gozo an ideal place for Walking, Cycling and Hiking. The fields, valleys and countryside provide fantastic views. Summer evenings and the cooler winter months allow for longer stretches between various towns and villages.

Worth Seeing

Churches

Gozo is a perfect religious holiday destination due to the fact each of the 14 towns in Gozo has a unique church. The national shrine of Gozo is Ta`Pinu Church which offers a collection of items from those whose lives have been touched by its mysterious powers

Dwejra

Unique to the Maltese Islands, this inland sea is a must see for visitors. The area offers a look at Gozitan geology with rock formations all around. Take a boat through the tunnel and out to open sea where one can get a glimpse of the world- famous Azure Window.

Ta Gordan Lighthouse

Built in 1851 during British rule, the lighthouse is 161 meters high and offers fantastic views. The lighthouse is located in the village of Ghasri.

The Citadella

A fortified city built by the Knights of St John between 1599 and 1603. It is located high on the hill in Victoria and offers panoramic views all around. Half of the city lies in archaeological ruins that are continuously restored. It is a favorite place for the truly romantic with much activity during the day but complete silence at night. The Cathedral is the most impressive of all with its baroque structure and entirely built of local limestone.

Watch Towers

Dotted around the outskirts of the island are historical watch towers left from The Knights of St John. They served as a communication system for the knights and provided a 360 degree view of the surrounding waters.

Other

Shopping

Small market stalls stand side by side among the boutiques, specialty stores and souvenir shops. Victoria is the shopping hub of Gozo, where the daily market offers a fantastic selection of fresh vegetable, fruit and bread. The winding streets offer small boutiques. There is also the main mall called Arkadia and is the islands only department store. All over the island you will find small specialty shoe, organic stores, clothes shops and more