Brilliant blue waters full of diving sites, ancient Megalithic
Temples, 300 days of sunshine and year-round festivals; this is
what visitors can expect while exploring Gozo. The island is part
of the Maltese Archipelago in the Mediterranean, accessed only by
ferry, and is more rural and less crowded than mainland Malta. Slow
tourism, a growing trend, is about taking one’s time to immerse
oneself in local culture. Gozo is now attracting travelers looking
for authenticity, local farm-to-table experiences, history, and
culture this coming autumn season.
SustainabilitySlow tourism is one facet of a
larger sustainable tourism trend, reducing the negative effects of
mass tourism on the environment. Sustainability is a way of life on
Gozo. The locals know the island is unique, and that its culture
and environment need to be protected. The island has begun
initiatives like the implementation of solar panel water heating,
the use of photovoltaic panels, and the construction of a
wastewater treatment plant.
Many valleys in Gozo are cleaned annually in
order to enhance the catchment areas and prevent runoff from
flowing directly into the open sea. The high standards of
cleanliness on Gozo’s beaches have earned three of them the
prestigious Blue Flag designation. This award is one of the most
widely recognized awards for sustainable beach management, and
earning it requires meeting specific criteria.
Visitors can participate in reducing their
carbon footprint by using alternative modes of transport in Gozo,
including walking, cycling, segway tours, and kayaking. There is
also a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus which features a day
pass.
Diving and BeachesGozo is thought to be
Calypso's Isle from Homer's The Odyssey making it a must-visit for
Greek Mythology fans. Enjoy some of Gozo’s azure waters and
environmentally sustainable beaches, where guests can try scuba
diving or snorkeling. Malta is one of the top scuba diving
destinations in the world, and THE top in Europe.
Gozo has three gorgeous Blue Flag beaches. One
is Ramla Bay Beach, known for its red sand, and is an excellent
place to relax. Marsalforn Bay is another incredible spot, it’s one
of the most developed and highly frequented bays to visit with
several restaurants around it. Hondoq ir-Rummien, a rocky beach on
Gozo, is also an excellent location for diving.
In the waters of Gozo are the numerous
breathtaking underwater structures, specifically the Wied Il-Mielah
sea arch. Visitors can enjoy a boat trip to Comino and visit the
world-famous Blue Lagoon, famous for its natural scenery, above and
below the water.
A secluded cove worth visiting is Wied
il-Ghasri, accessed through a steep flight of stairs due to
unlevelled ground. Popular among divers and snorkelers, the Bay is
home to a fascinating network of underwater caves and an abundance
of marine life. Particularly intriguing is a cave with a shaft
stretching up to the top of the steep cliffs.
Rich Cultural HeritageGozo is an island steeped
in history and culture. During a longer stay, visitors have the
chance to explore more off-the-beaten-path cultural and historical
sites. A must visit are the Ġgantija Temples, a UNESCO World
Heritage site, built in Gozo before the Egyptian Pyramids. A great
opportunity to experience the remains of ancient history, without
the crowds of similar World Heritage sites.
Another place to take it slow is the Citadel in
Ir-Rabat, or the Cittadella. It is home to museums and is also,
itself, a heritage site. Especially interesting for religious
pilgrims and groups, are Gozo’s historical churches. Most famous is
the stunning man-made structure, The Basilica of the National
Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu.
Village Festas Visitors can join in Gozitan
celebrations, known as festas. Colorful and lively events, festas
always feature an abundance of fireworks. The main attractions in
every village are the amazing pyro visuals that are passionately
handcrafted by locals each year. At the peak of these celebrations,
a procession is held in honor of the village's patron saints.
Streets are decorated with banners and statues while the town
churches are elegantly decorated, both on the exterior and
interior. Marching bands play tunes along the village square, or
pjazza, accompanied by devout parishioners and street vendors
serving traditional cuisine.
Gastronomy - Farm-to-Table Gozitan farmers
use organic methods to grow all their crops. Gozo’s food
specialties and recipes involve their fresh produce. Visitors can
support sustainability with the wide variety of organic meals
available in Gozo.
Gozo’s tasty ģbejniet (round cheeselets) are
made from goat’s milk by the same farmers whose ancestors made them
decades before. Most importantly, they are delicious, served fresh
or dried, and flavored with pepper and salt.
At the Marsalforn salt pans, visitors can see the 350-year-old
salt pans, which cover approximately 3km along the coast. They are
integral to a long-standing Gozitan tradition of sea salt
production. This method dates back to the Phoenician era, with
significant developments during Roman times and continued by local
families over generations to this day.The farmers are just as
organic with their wines and olive oil. They have vineyards for
fresh winemaking and groves for olives. Visitors can go to these
vineyards and groves to taste authentic Maltese wines and olives.
Ta Mena Estate is a vineyard that gives tours and is a part of
agritourism. Ta Blankas Olive Grove is a garden located on the
outskirts of Xewkija and is an incredible place to take a nice
stroll and view the beginnings of the creation of Gozitan fresh
olive oil.
For a genuine farm-to-table experience, Maldonado Bistro in Gozo
offers weekly cooking classes where guests can learn about and
participate in preparing traditional Maltese dishes guided by
professional chefs. Included in each class is a brief guided walk
to the Victoria city center to local vegetable shops, butchers,
fishmongers, or cheesemongers. After the dishes are prepared with
the fresh ingredients, guests can enjoy their meal along with local
wine and coffee.
Relaxation - Taking it SlowGozo has more than
sights, it offers opportunities to unwind during a long stay. The
warm Mediterranean climate throughout the year makes off-season
visits in the fall and spring less crowded, more “slow” and more
enjoyable. The island has retreat houses such as the Manresa
Retreat House, to find inner peace. There are yoga retreats to
relax and exercise. There are also spa facilities to get a massage
or just slow down for the day.
Gozo invites people to experience the island as
a local, but with no pressures, simply to relax, explore, and
discover their culture. Visitors can do all of this while taking
steps to keep the environment safe.
How to Get ThereWith Malta itself very small,
travelers will be able to see a lot in just a few days. Gozo,
Malta’s sister island, can be a day trip, or a wonderful place for
a longer stay. Currently, there are two ferry companies that take
you from Malta to Gozo.
- Gozo Fast Ferry - Less than 45 minutes, take this ferry from
Valletta to Gozo!
- Gozo Channel - Approximately 25 minutes, this ferry that runs
between Gozo and Malta, takes cars across as well.
Where to Stay: From Luxury Villas and Boutique
Hotels to Historic FarmhousesTravelers are able to enjoy the island
while staying in one of Gozo’s luxury villas, a range of boutique
hotels or historic farmhouses. The advantage of staying on this
island is that it’s small compared to its sister island of Malta,
with beautiful beaches, historic sites, a great variety of local
restaurants, and nothing is more than a short drive away. Not your
usual farmhouse, there is a wide range of options with modern
amenities, most with private pools and stunning views. They are
ideal getaways for couples or families seeking privacy. For more
information, visit here.
-ENDS-About MaltaThe sunny islands of Malta, in
the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, are home to a most remarkable
concentration of intact built heritage, including the highest
density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in any nation-state
anywhere. Valletta, built by the proud Knights of St. John, is one
of the UNESCO sites and the European Capital of Culture for 2018.
Malta's patrimony in stone ranges from the oldest free-standing
stone architecture in the world to one of the British Empire's most
formidable defensive systems and includes a rich mix of domestic,
religious, and military architecture from the ancient, medieval,
and early modern periods. With superbly sunny weather, attractive
beaches, a thriving nightlife, and 8,000 years of intriguing
history, there is a great deal to see and do.
For more information on Malta, visit www.VisitMalta.com.
About GozoGozo's colors and flavors are brought out by the
radiant skies above it and the blue sea that surrounds its
spectacular coast, which is simply waiting to be discovered.
Steeped in myth, Gozo is thought to be the legendary Calypso's Isle
of Homer's Odyssey - a peaceful, mystical backwater. Baroque
churches and old stone farmhouses dot the countryside. Gozo's
rugged landscape and spectacular coastline await exploration with
some of the Mediterranean's best dive sites. Gozo is also home to
one of the archipelago's best-preserved prehistoric temples,
Ġgantija, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For more information on Gozo, please visit
www.VisitGozo.com.
- Gozo
- Local farm-to-table Cuisine including Gozitan ģbejniet
Michelle Buttigieg
Malta Tourism Authority
212 213 0944
michelle-margaret.buttigieg@visitmalta.com