Measuring just nine by four miles, hilly and rural Gozo will give you a real break from the daily grind. This sleepy little place is one of a trio of islands that make up the Maltese archipelago, along with popular Malta and virtually uninhabited Comino.
Malta is the historic crossroad of the Mediterranean, with a 7,000-year history peppered by Roman, Phoenician, Byzantine, Ottoman and Arabian influences. There's also the British influence, with Malta only gaining independence in 1964. Renting a farmhouse is the ultimate in relaxation in this safe, rural idyll and there are plenty of three and four-star hotels too, as well as the impressive five-star Kempinski San Lawrenz Resort and Spa. Gozo is ideal for a short haul Med break.
Malta is the historic crossroad of the Mediterranean, with a 7,000-year history peppered by Roman, Phoenician, Byzantine, Ottoman and Arabian influences. There's also the British influence, with Malta only gaining independence in 1964. Renting a farmhouse is the ultimate in relaxation in this safe, rural idyll and there are plenty of three and four-star hotels too, as well as the impressive five-star Kempinski San Lawrenz Resort and Spa. Gozo is ideal for a short haul Med break.
Beaches in Gozo
Ramla il-Hamra is the island's largest, most unspoilt haven, with rich red sand and shallow waters.
Xlendi is a popular resort, even though is has just a small sandy beach - it's common to swim off the rocks beneath the watchtower at the mouth of the bay.
Marsalforn is Gozo's most popular summer resort with a pleasant-enough pebbly beach.
Comino has three secluded beach havens - Santa Marija Bay, San Niklaw Bay and Bejn il-Kmiemen, or the Blue Lagoon.
Ramla il-Hamra is the island's largest, most unspoilt haven, with rich red sand and shallow waters.
Xlendi is a popular resort, even though is has just a small sandy beach - it's common to swim off the rocks beneath the watchtower at the mouth of the bay.
Marsalforn is Gozo's most popular summer resort with a pleasant-enough pebbly beach.
Comino has three secluded beach havens - Santa Marija Bay, San Niklaw Bay and Bejn il-Kmiemen, or the Blue Lagoon.
Sightseeing in Gozo
The hub of Gozo is Victoria, a name introduced in 1897 for Queen Victoria's Jubilee, but locals still refer to the capital as Rabat. The heart of the action is the main square, It-Tokk, a lively marketplace every morning and a gathering place by night.
Victoria's fortified citadel is aptly called the Crown of Gozo and is home to the cathedral, the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, the Folklore Museum and the Natural History Museum - all of moderate interest.
The Inland Sea and the Azure Window are just some of Gozo's geologically stunning effects. The UNESCO-listed Ggantija Temples at Xaghra date back to 3600BC.Family attractions in Gozo
Boat trips, old forts and ancient temples will keep the more curious minds occupied. Gozitans love children, so there's always a family-friendly atmosphere in cafes and restaurants.
Try the adventure of a jeep safari or visits to Gozo's caves, such as Calypso's Cave at Xaghra, said to be where she charmed Ulysses into staying in Gozo for seven years.
Time on Malta will be a must too, with its Toy Museum, Mediterraneo Marine Park and Splash and Fun Park at Bahar ic-Cahaq.
The hub of Gozo is Victoria, a name introduced in 1897 for Queen Victoria's Jubilee, but locals still refer to the capital as Rabat. The heart of the action is the main square, It-Tokk, a lively marketplace every morning and a gathering place by night.
Victoria's fortified citadel is aptly called the Crown of Gozo and is home to the cathedral, the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, the Folklore Museum and the Natural History Museum - all of moderate interest.
The Inland Sea and the Azure Window are just some of Gozo's geologically stunning effects. The UNESCO-listed Ggantija Temples at Xaghra date back to 3600BC.Family attractions in Gozo
Boat trips, old forts and ancient temples will keep the more curious minds occupied. Gozitans love children, so there's always a family-friendly atmosphere in cafes and restaurants.
Try the adventure of a jeep safari or visits to Gozo's caves, such as Calypso's Cave at Xaghra, said to be where she charmed Ulysses into staying in Gozo for seven years.
Time on Malta will be a must too, with its Toy Museum, Mediterraneo Marine Park and Splash and Fun Park at Bahar ic-Cahaq.
Day trips around Gozo
Head over to Malta to explore the ancient capital of Valetta, or in contrast, virtually uninhabited Comino is a lovely spot for boat trips and swimming.
Warm climate, clear waters, lack of tides or currents, and abundant marine life make this a great place for experienced or new divers and the Blue Hole is a world-famous dive spot. Some of the best dives are off the northwest coast, as well as at wrecks off the south coast such as MV Xlendi and MV Karwela.
Head over to Malta to explore the ancient capital of Valetta, or in contrast, virtually uninhabited Comino is a lovely spot for boat trips and swimming.
Warm climate, clear waters, lack of tides or currents, and abundant marine life make this a great place for experienced or new divers and the Blue Hole is a world-famous dive spot. Some of the best dives are off the northwest coast, as well as at wrecks off the south coast such as MV Xlendi and MV Karwela.
Eating out in Gozo
This is a sleepy island, but there is plenty of choice in Marsalforn, wonderful seafood in Xlendi, and more familiar and international cuisine like Chinese and Indian is available in Victoria.
The local speciality of rabbits stewed in wine may not be to everyone's taste, but do try the pastizzi, little puff-pastry pockets filled with ricotta cheese or vegetables.
Order an abundant Maltese food platter with olives, capers, tomatoes, goats' cheese, Maltese bread and sun dried tomatoes, or other local specialities such as octopus stew with spaghetti. Gozo honey is delicious.
This is a sleepy island, but there is plenty of choice in Marsalforn, wonderful seafood in Xlendi, and more familiar and international cuisine like Chinese and Indian is available in Victoria.
The local speciality of rabbits stewed in wine may not be to everyone's taste, but do try the pastizzi, little puff-pastry pockets filled with ricotta cheese or vegetables.
Order an abundant Maltese food platter with olives, capers, tomatoes, goats' cheese, Maltese bread and sun dried tomatoes, or other local specialities such as octopus stew with spaghetti. Gozo honey is delicious.
Nightlife in Gozo
Nightlife is not as prevalent as on Malta, but Victoria and Marsalforn certainly hold their own in terms of bars.
Gozo also has a wonderful secret - La Grotta. On the road between Victoria and Xlendi Bay, this summer club has been noted as one of the most beautiful in the world, with outdoor dancefloor and a bars and a restaurant in a large natural cave.
Nightlife is not as prevalent as on Malta, but Victoria and Marsalforn certainly hold their own in terms of bars.
Gozo also has a wonderful secret - La Grotta. On the road between Victoria and Xlendi Bay, this summer club has been noted as one of the most beautiful in the world, with outdoor dancefloor and a bars and a restaurant in a large natural cave.
Shopping in Gozo
Victoria will suit most shopping needs. For souvenirs, Gozitans are grafters and crafters so you will see a high standard of quality about their craftworks and traditional products - from fine glassware, to lacework, silver filigree jewellery and pottery, to local wine.
Victoria will suit most shopping needs. For souvenirs, Gozitans are grafters and crafters so you will see a high standard of quality about their craftworks and traditional products - from fine glassware, to lacework, silver filigree jewellery and pottery, to local wine.
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