The Mediterranean houses nearly 200 islands with ultimate off-the-beaten-path, spectacular scenery, and immense tranquility. Mediterranean holidays have much more in store than basking on a beach or working up a tan. The Mediterranean has witnessed many different civilizations crossing its waters to exchange various customs and goods. In essence, Mediterranean stands true to its name that means ‘in the middle of the earth’ by serving as a meeting point for different cultures from all around the world.
Discovering Gozo
Be it the sun-soaked world of ancient Greece, the natural paradise of blissful Croatia or the mesmerizing hiking spaces of the Madeira, the isles of Mediterranean offer awe-inspiring wonders. Topping the bucket list of must-visit Mediterranean places is the Maltese isle of Gozo. Ancient megalithic temples, captivating scuba diving sites, and enchanting caves intermingled with colorful local traditions make Gozo a jewel in the Maltese Archipelago. The tiny island is also unique in its hybrid Arabian and European culture. The friendly craftspeople, delectable cuisine made with island-grown ingredients, and amiable expert guides to take you through the best local attractions provide you the most authentic experience of the itsy-bitsy isle. Apart from scuba diving, you can also indulge in cycling and climbing. The magnificent island of Gozo has a lot to offer for the adrenaline junkies apart from its serene yet mesmerizing enticement.
The Terrain of Gozo
The island of Gozo changes color throughout the year. The commencement of spring with a little rainfall transform the island into a rampant highly productive garden. Summers, on the other hand, are extremely hot turning the green to light brown due to the intensified heat of the sun. The months of July and August witness the height of summer. However, months from March to September are comparatively cooler. Early summer and spring bring a freshness and novel vibrancy to Gozo making it the perfect time to visit the island.
Capture the sunrise in the morning and sunset in the evening on the very same day to capture some spectacular dreamy photographs of Gozo. The rich culture of Gozo has evolved through modern and ancient history, wine culture, mythology, photography, and gastronomy. In fact, you can find vestiges of the ancient and recent past as you visit the island. The ancient temples of Gozo near Xaghra even pre-date the pyramids. These ancient temples constructed before nearly 5500 years have been bestowed the status of World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Artisans and locals take the forefront in the Gozitan gastronomy. You will find an influence of Europe as well as North Africa in the Gozitan cuisine. The local food is primarily seasoned with salt cumulated from Qbajjar Bay, the 350-year-old pans. Fish and meat often prepared to perfection with locally gathered herbs are popular food choices. In addition to that, Rabbit is popularly served as a favored cuisine with some splendid local wine.
Gozo provides a tranquil break to the tourists in the Mediterranean. Along with its rolling hills, laid-back inhabitants, and scenic beaches, Gozo accommodates many historical and archaeological wonders both natural and man-made. Gozo is a serene destination for people finding an escape from a stressful day-to-day routine.
Activities and Sightseeing
Whether you admire pristine coastlines, visit awe-inspiring landmarks or simply relax in the beachside bar; you will witness enchanting sounds and beguiling scenes that will captivate your senses creating magic in every corner of Gozo. No matter if you are a cultural wanderlust or simply a globetrotter in search of a peaceful getaway, Gozo is one of the dream destinations you will love to explore.
Gozo is brimming with many indulging activities and has a lot to explore. Take a stopover at the historic Citadel in the city of Victoria. The fascinating fortress has stood through the test of time since the medieval era. Lately converted into a gunpowder fortress, this outstanding stronghold stands magnificently on the land of Gozo.
The Cliffside monument of The Basilica provides a beautiful beholding sight. The monument also holds treasures including memoirs left by the people who claimed to have acquired miracles from the shrine.
Submerge your soul into the history of Gozo at the archeological museum within the Victoria Citadel. Get an insight into the important settlements that inhabited Gozo all through the early Neolithic period to the arrival of St John’s Knights.
Gaze at the megalithic wonder of the Ggantija temples that pre-date the Stonehenge and the Great Pyramid of Giza. Get a glimpse of the past as you wander through the second oldest man-made pious structure of the world.
Venture through the mythological cavern named Calypso’s cave in the village of Xaghra. It is a glorious cave made famous by the anecdote of Homer’s Odyssey. Catch a sporty splash at the Joy Ride Watersports located at the Hondoq Bay to experience some adrenaline rush amongst the peace of Gozo. Enjoy every adventure from scuba diving and water skiing to banana rides and wakeboarding. You can also try some swimming and snorkeling at the Hondoq Bay.
Fill your lungs with some fresh air by a hike outside the city. Gozo offers mesmerizing hiking treks ranging from 6 to 12 miles. Take some maps, trek description, and a guide. Venture down the hills all through the Ghasri Valley to witness some spectacles of nature where impressive cliffs embrace the sea.
Gozo is a town where you can safely wander at night and can even strike up a warm conversation with local Gozo’s inhabitants. You can travel the entire island on foot by walking from one side to the other in merely three hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car, step on a bus, or hire a taxi to move around more quickly and get a more comprehensive experience of every indulgences Gozo has to offer.
Honeymoons In Gozo
If you’re planning on tying the knot overseas instead of going for a traditional ceremony in your hometown, then you might want to consider getting married in Gozo. The island may be small but it’s surely oozing with romance. On top of that, you can also choose to spend your honeymoon in Gozo given the long list of wonderful beaches where you can stay and relax after your wedding.
Accommodation and Food
You can easily find some good hotels and spas at Gozo. Equipped with modern amenities like marble flooring and chandeliers, these high-end hotels provide a lavish stay with impeccable hospitality and extreme comfort. If you are looking for a luxurious stay for your Gozitan getaway, you can find an accommodation in the village of Sannat.
Alternatively, you can opt for mid-level family-run accommodation complexes located in the idyllic vicinity of Qbajjar Bay. These mid-level lush apartment suites with stunning sea views provide a home away from home. You can even taste exquisite Maltese foods at the on-site restaurants.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly affordable yet relaxing stay, get an accommodation at the quiet village of Qala. You can easily get an adobe with three private rooms joining into a shared living area, outdoor pool, and balcony. Activities like hiking and horse riding are provided as additional offerings to the inhabitants.
While wandering through the streets you may stumble upon some traditional village bakeries that sell mouth-watering local delicacies. You can also come to a quaint cafe serving delectable seafood with a little sheep milk cheese. The tap water in Gozo may not taste pleasant due to abundant minerals. Therefore, tourists often prefer bottled drinking water.
Gozo also provides an incredible restaurant experience with establishments offering variegated culinary pleasures. You can find some good restaurants near the banks of the harbor that have been serving best seafood for over 25 years.
You can also find some distinctive wines or craft beers in Gozo to scintillate your taste buds. Many vineyards offer round-bodied fruity wines for the travelers. You can also get some unlabeled cheap wine from the street vendors which is as good as the branded ones. You can also experience the ambiance of some good bars that invite you to try their large selection of rums and whiskeys along with mouth-watering pizzas and burgers.
Gozo, the serene island of Malta certainly deserves a top place on your bucket list. Gozo offers quite a few events throughout the year. You can capture remarkable concerts, performances, and feasts throughout summer trending to the month of September. Moreover, Gozo reflects an incredibly active cultural life around the year with mesmerizing and engaging activities for the visitors giving them a chance to embrace its rich culture and enthrall ethnicity.
If you are looking forward to a relaxing holiday in the Mediterranean, pack your bags and submerge in the serenity and tranquillity of Gozo. Explore its gigantic wonders and relax on its pristine beaches. Dig your teeth into the local flavors and embrace the relaxed lifestyle of the island. Discover Mediterranean like never before by exploring the marvelous wonders of Gozo!
