Quiet and calm but still plenty to do in Gozo

Gozo is, as we have said, is a small, slower paced island, but that doesn’t mean there is nothing to do.  Steeped in history and with lovely countryside, visitors that don’t want to lie by the hotel pool or on the beach, will find places of interest here.

Beaches in Gozo

The most popular beaches are Marsalforn, Ramla l-Hamra (commonly known as Ramla) and Xlendi.  But there are other smaller, some rocky some sand beaches on the island.

Marsalforn is one of Gozo’s three main fishing villages and its beach is in part pebbles but further along it becomes more sandy.  It is one of the busiest resorts in Summer with locals from both islands that have summer houses here and with visitors. It has a marina with a promenade and boat trips around the island or to Comino can be taken from here. Snorkelling is good in part of the bay and some diving schools are located here too. Although at the height of summer it is busy it does also have a relaxed atmosphere.

Ramla is the island’s largest sandy beach and very attractive.  The sands are golden with a red hue, the backdrop is countryside and Calypso’s Cave is nearby too. As this is in a more rural location there are some smaller snack bars and cafes and although popular in the peak months there is always space to settle down and relax. This is a good place for swimming as the waters are clear and safe.
 
Xlendi is rather more of a bay with a small sandy beach and is very popular with divers. Part of a typical fishing village it has great local atmosphere and is visited by people coming over from Malta on a day trip.  Some swim from the beach while others prefer the deeper water off the rocks.  The view from the cliff above is worth the climb, there are steps.  The village has bars and restaurants close to the beach.

Hondoq Bay is less well known by visitors to the island but is a favourite with locals.  Access if from the village of Qala and the views from the beach are of Comino the small sister island of Blue Lagoon fame. It is a small sandy beach with crystal clear waters and is very good for diving, particularly for beginners.

Walking or hiking

Gozo is ideal for walking and the local tourist board have produced 4 booklets, available in bookshops locally, with specific walking experiences to enhance the journey across this island.  Some of the best walking areas are near San Lawrenz, Qala, and San Blas Valley but the island has many lanes and tracks and you are never far from a village or town if you do get lost!

Places of Interest in Gozo

Probably one of the most important sites to see are the Ggantija Temples that date from 3600 BC. Its name translates as Giant Temples and mythology has it that they were built by giants.  It is two temples surrounded by a boundary wall and a has survived surprisingly well and is recognised as a Heritage site by UNESCO. Mythology apart it has been calculated that it would have taken 15,000 man days to construct. “Finds that were uncovered in the 1800 are now in the Archaeology Museum of Gozo.

There are Churches and Museums, Fortifications and Towers located all over the island.  One of the most notable is the Basilica of Ta’ Pinu a lovely piece of architecture where it is said a local woman heard or saw the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Assumption, back in the 1880’s.  There followed, apparently, many miracles here and today it is a place of pilgrimage for locals and visitors alike.
Whilst in this area visit Gharb, one of the oldest villages in Gozo,  which has a couple of museums and the Ta' Dbiegi Crafts Village (mentioned on our Gozo introduction page), if museums are not for you the surrounding countryside is ideal for taking a walk.

The capital Victoria has plenty on offer too, including the Citadel, a science museum, the Opera House, a market, shopping and restaurants.

Other activities

Water sports and other sea related activities are naturally available and include scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, kayaking and fishing.
Cycling and Rock climbing are also good in Gozo.

Do try to take a boat trip to smaller sister island Comino, the sheltered, clear azure waters of the beautiful Blue Lagoon are well known and often photographed and filmed. 

For those who prefer just to relax

For relaxation and some pampering both of the hotels we feature on Gozo have  very good Spas within the property.  With the calming influence of the laid back atmosphere of the island and the opportunity to enjoy some treatments, you are bound to return home fully refreshed!