Your Holiday in Gozo

Famed for its charisma and for its recognition as Ogygia (nymph Calpyso’s domain when she captivated Odysseus out of love), the little island of Gozo lies in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea – just northwest of its sister island Malta.

Gozo is only 67km2 in size and it only takes minutes to drive from one side of the island to the other. Beautiful scenery, the sea, countryside and the hills are characteristics of Gozo, making it interesting for locals as well as tourists to stay there. Gozo is popular with foreigners who go for long stays to live in a slower-paced country, or retire in a blissful land for total relaxation. Indeed, the number of foreigners living in Gozo increased drastically in recent years – from 691 foreign residents in 2000 to 1,303 in 2004 and still counting.

Shorter holidays in Gozo are also very common – Maltese go there for short breaks and tourists visit the island for the day or for the week. Various things make Gozo an ideal holiday destination – whether it is history you’re after, culture, beaches, diving, countryside, relaxation or a mixture of all. The island is so tiny that on the way to the temple you may halt for a swim at one of Gozo’s splendid beaches.

Accommodation in Gozo ranges from self-catering apartments, to farmhouses, guest houses and Gozo hotels. Most of the hotels offer diverse facilities, including different types of rooms and suites, restaurants and pubs, conference and business facilities among others. Staying at a hotel might be useful if you need guidance with transport, museum and shops opening times, places to visit and similar holiday guidance. If no, the Internet as well as the tourist information office in Victoria (Gozo’s capital also known as ‘Rabat’) might deem useful.

Places of interest include the Ggantija megalithic temple, dating back to roughly 3600 BC and which is among the world’s eldest manmade religious structures, the Citadella (also known as The Citadel) which is a historic fortified city or castle, Ta Pinu Basilica, the Fungus rock, Azure Window, Ramla Bay, Calypsos Cave and much more.
If you befriend a local, rest assured that s/he will guide you to less popular but still wonderful scenic places; such as valleys around the island, the lighthouse with wonderful views of Gozo at your feet, diving venues and country walks.

If you want a holiday which is rich culture and plenty of things to see and do, yet still crave for that peaceful place where tranquillity has still kept its significance, then Gozo is the right choice for your holiday.