And since we talked to you about Malta in the article this one, it's time to describe our visit to Gozo, the second largest and most populous island of the Maltese archipelago. It has its own special charm and is characterized by the "relaxed" life of the locals and the very interesting (geologically) landscape. Many believe that Gozo was the ancient Ogygia, the island where the nymph Calypso held Odysseus captive before his return to Ithaca.
Ideally an overnight stay here would be the best option to see the island without the pressure of time. However, if this is not possible, even a full-day excursion is necessary to get to know the sights of this tiny but beautiful island firsthand!
There are 2 ways to get to Gozo. If you are staying in Valletta, you can take the flying dolphin from the Lascaris stop and within 45 minutes you will be in Gozo. If you have a car, you will drive to the northern part and the Cirkewwa area from where the ferry boats depart and within 20 minutes they reach their destination. In this case, you join the queue of cars and you do not pay a ticket upon departure but on the way back at the toll station you will encounter.
What to see on the island
Mixed Cave
It is a large cave overlooking the beautiful Ramla bay, which has become an Instagram hot spot! Artifacts from the Bronze Age have been found in the cave, while the name mixta comes from “mxett” which means “to hibernate”. Many confuse it with the Calypso cave, which is closed to the public due to its dangerous nature.
Ramla bay
It is the best beach in Gozo and the most beautiful (although you can also see this). The famous red sand makes it popular with residents and tourists, who flock to it during the summer months. Some parts of the beach have small rocks in the water, so ask the lifeguards where they are located to avoid them.
Qbajjar Salt Pans
These salt pans, which are around 350 years old and stretch for 3km along the northern coast, are nothing short of impressive. They are part of the Gozitan tradition of sea salt production, passed down from generation to generation. During the summer months, when the sea is calmer, the locals collect the salt, which is stored and processed in caves carved into the coastal cliffs.
Ghasri Valley
In the small gorge of Wied il-Għasri, you will think that the rock has opened up in the middle and the sea has entered, creating an idyllic landscape. In this small fjord, many people go down to swim on the pebble beach, while the seabed is particularly noteworthy for snorkeling.
Wied il-Mielaħ
Or "the window to the sea". It is incredible if you think about how the sea, the wind and weather phenomena in general create such impressive "sculptures", such as this limestone arch. The place is not so well known to the general public and is accessed by a well-paved dirt road. But the most discerning travelers will definitely come to admire it.
Ta' Pinu
This church, also known as the "Basilica of the Blessed Virgin", was built in 1922 in a neo-romantic style and is located almost at the top of a small hill. At that point in 1883, a Gozitan woman heard the voice of the Virgin Mary calling her. The news spread everywhere and soon the old chapel, which existed before, was not enough for the needs of the pilgrims. That is why the construction of this beautiful building was necessary.
Rabat (Victoria)
Rabat or Victoria is the capital of Gozo and was built between 1599 and 1603 by the Knights Hospitaller. The name Victoria was given to the city in 1887 in honour of the Golden Jubilee of the famous British Queen. Rabat means "Suburb" in Arabic and archaic Maltese and is the main name you will hear used by the locals.
The Acropolis, which dominates the highest point above Victoria, has impressive fortifications and is worth walking through its picturesque alleys. There is an impressive Cathedral, old prisons, historic houses and palaces that have been restored and operate as museums or shops.
Dwejra Bay
The Azure Window may have collapsed in 2017 after a severe storm, but the area is still a sight to behold! Much of Game of Thrones was filmed on these cliffs, and a beautiful lagoon invites you to explore. With a little care, you can even walk to the so-called Blue Hole (Blue Hole) and admire the Funfus Rock. A little further down the small natural tunnel, formed between the standing rock, leads in the open sea and is suitable for swimming only when it is calm and peaceful.
Some tips for Gozo
– The temple is located on the island Ggantija, which is considered one of the 10 oldest monuments in the world. However, our opinion is that it is not as impressive as Ħaġar Qim and the Mnajdra that we saw on the main island of Malta.
– Gozo and Malta in general are considered among the top spots for diving in the Mediterranean. In addition to the coral reefs and underwater caves that exist in the area, a number of shipwrecks and airplanes (some dating back to World War II) make it a popular diving destination. If you're interested in diving a shipwreck, you'll find many certified schools that will introduce you to the magic of the seabed.
– The bus network in Gozo is not very frequent. That's why we recommend renting a car to see as much as possible.
Comino – Blue Lagoon – Crystal Lagoon
We really wanted to go to the island of Comino and the famous Blue Lagoon, but it was impossible with our little one and we explain why: The Blue Lagoon has the most beautiful waters in Malta with a heavenly turquoise color (we saw it from afar), which you can't resist and you will definitely want to dive in! Unfortunately, due to its morphology, the place does not have a sandy beach, but a rocky area on which there are a few sun loungers, which are rarely available due to the crowds. Most people sit on the rocks and there is no need for shade... Our advice is to visit it, but by booking a boat tour (cruise) that takes you to the Blue Lagoon, the caves and the Crystal Lagoon, which is equally impressive.
Generally tips for Malta
– Archaeological sites and museums close relatively early in the afternoon. Find out more about opening hours and ticket prices from Heritage Malta, whom we thank for his help.
– If you have children, you can visit the Playmobile fun park. They will love it!
– Make a plan for what you want to see and check it out. Malta Discount Card. It offers many discounts at museums, attractions, restaurants and bars and we used it quite a bit.
– Be careful! To charge your cell phone, cameras, etc. you will need an adapter for English sockets. Get one at the airport or ask for one from your accommodation.
– Everyone on the island speaks very good English and you will not have any communication problems anywhere.
– Parking on the streets is only allowed where there is a white line.
– In Valletta there are two large parking lots for visitors. The MCP (basement-guarded) and a little more financial if you don't mind leaving your car in the sun.
Food
Maltese cuisine is the result of a long relationship between the islanders and the many cultures that have occupied the islands over the centuries. Try the pie Lampuki (fish pie), the rabbit (rabbit) is their national dish which you will find in many variations, the Bragioli (beef rolls), the Kapunata, (Maltese version of briam). On most grocery store shelves you will see Bigilla, a thick pâté with broad beans and garlic. The snacks you should definitely try are "hobz biz-zejt» (bread slices dipped in olive oil with tomatoes, tuna, onion, garlic and capers) and pastizzi (puff pastry filled with ricotta or peas). Favorite sweet delicacies of the Maltese are cannoli (pastries consisting of fried dough in the shape of a tube, filled with a sweet creamy filling that usually contains ricotta) and Turkish delight (halva with almonds). For drinks, try local wines, the Maltese beer Cisk and the soft drink Kinnie.
As for restaurants and bars, we recommend: Valletta Is-Suq Tal-Belt (Valletta Food Market), Trattoria Romana Zero Sei, Legligin Wine Bar, Alchemy Cocktail Bar, Taste on the beautiful steps of Santa Lucia st., Cafe Society and Bridge Bar. In Birgu definitely go to Terrone and Marsaxlokk go fishing at Tartarun. If you visit the aquarium, stop for a drink at Café del Mar, and if you want authentic Maltese cuisine, United in the area Mgarr is what you are looking for. In Mdina You will find the best pastizzi in Iz-Serkin and in the old town there are two gems that you should not miss. Coogi's Restaurant & Tea Garden and Fontanella Tea Garden where we recommend you try the chocolate cake.
And the Gozo but it is not lacking in excellent options with Country Terrace in Mgaar to also distinguish the Mekren bakery in Nadur to be the locals' favorite. At Il-Kartell in Marsalforn you will find nice dishes overlooking the small creek and then for dessert you will go to the excellent Jessica's Delights. The best fish on the island you will find at The Boathouse Restaurant in Xlendi.
Finally, we would like to thank once again the Visit Malta for his valuable help and for the excellent communication we had throughout our trip!
