Gozo which in Maltese is called Għawdex (pronounced: Awdesh) is a small tranquil island with a population of only 27,000. It is one of the few remaining islands in the Mediterranean which is still un spoilt. This un spoilt little island offers a quiet and genuine place to get away from it all. If you want to just laze about, look for culture, take a walking tour, go for a good scuba dive in our crystal clear waters or explore the world’s oldest free-standing structures. Gozo has it all with a distinct character of its own. The countryside is prettier than that of its larger neighbors, the pace is slower and there are far fewer tourists. The island has its share of medieval architecture and prehistoric temples which makes it a great place to escape the tourism mill while experiencing the best of what the Mediterranean has to offer. The commercial centre of the island is Victoria that has a sleepy 17th-century feel. The view from the top the Victoria Citadel or 'Gran Costello' takes in the entire island.

When compared to the overall area of the Maltese Islands, Gozo covers approximately one-third of that area. This means that the island of Gozo is not overpopulated, and therefore greener and quite more peaceful.

The people are welcoming and friendly with a countryside that is both dramatic and picturesque and if you want to get away from it all, you can. It has all the essential ingredients that make it an ideal holiday destination. Even if you are there for a short visit, it is easy to see why Gozo has become known as the undiscovered paradise.

PLACES OF INTEREST

The Citadel, Victoria
This commercial hub with its street market (known as it-Tokk, in Independence Square) also contains the Citadel (known often as the Gran Castello or the Cittadella), an impregnable strategic point which owes its origins to the late mediaeval era, and which was re-fortified by the Knights of the Order of St. John to act as protection for the inhabitants. During sunset, the view of the Citadel itself and of Ta' Pinu church is the stuff of postcards; grab your cameras and capture them if you can. 

Marsalforn Village
This a fishing village on the north coast which has developed into Gozo's most popular sea resort. Its small size means that everywhere is within walking distance, and can be very tranquil in the off-peak seasons. Very popular with Gozitans, particularly on Sundays, and with Maltese visitors in summer, who tend to spend their weekends here. It is well serviced by restaurants, shops and diving centres.

Calypso Cave
Close to Xaghra and overlooking the red sands of Gozo's finest beach, Ramla l-Hamra, is Calypso's Cave, assumed by many to be the cave referred to by Homer in 'The Odyssey

Ggantija Temples
The megalithic temples of Ggantija near the village of Xaghra are an outstanding example of the prehistoric monuments.

Dwejra
At the Inland sea you will find little fishing boats offering a little romantic boat trip through the cave and back. Fungus Rock At Dwejra on Gozo's southern coastline- superb natural phenomenon, the Inland Sea. A rare plant grew there and was for centuries kept under constant guard and anyone caught stealing it was instantly put to death.

The Azure Window
On the top of two giant columns of rock, each with a diameter of about 40 metres, rests a huge ledge of rock measuring about 100 metres in length and 20 metres in height, forming a giant window . See picture below

Ramla Beach
Gozo` s best sandy beach Ramla is Gozo's largest sandy bay and one of the most beautiful on the Maltese Islands. The beach here is of a deep, reddish-gold hue. The bay is surrounded by countryside and nestles below steep terraced hills and the mythical Calypso's Cave. There are no hotels or tourist developments nearby, but the beach side has several snack bars and cafes. The beach has its own landmark - a white statue of the Virgin Mary. Ramla is a superb spot to while away the hours - even in peak summer months, there always seems to be space on beach. See picturea below

General Information

* POPULATION Gozo was first inhabited before the Neolithic Period (ca. 4th Millenium BC). Even so, according to archaeological finds, this means that Gozo received its first inhabitants from Sicily before mainland Malta. Today's Gozitan has typical Mediterranean features that closely match with Spanish or Italian looks. Gozitans are renowned hard-workers, religiously influenced and with an admirable sence of hospitality. The population of Gozo stands at about 31,000 and is distributed amongst Victoria and the surrounding thirteen villages.

* LANGUAGE The official language is Maltese which is spoken in a distinguished dialect that amazingly differs slightly from one village to another. As applies for the whole Maltese islands, the language has Semitic origins and Romance influences, while the English language stands as the second official language.

* RELIGION Religion is predominantly Roman Catholic. The village parish church is evidently the nucleus of local life and there are over 40 churches and chapels scattered around the island. Gozo has its own Diocese and its Seminary since 1864. The Bishop of Gozo has his seat at the Gozo Cathedral in Victoria.

* CROSSING FROM MALTA Gozo could be reached in two ways; either by Ferry or by Seaplane. The most common is the Ferry service between Mgarr Harbour in Gozo and Cirkewwa Harbour in Malta, with a basically roll-on/roll-off schedule. www.gozochannel.com

* TRANSPORT Transport is provided by a fair service of buses from Mgarr to Victoria and vice-versa and from Victoria to all towns and villages in Gozo. The main bus terminus is situated in Victoria and route numbers are on the front of the buses. Taxi stands are found in Victoria and Mgarr. One can also go around in hired cars, motorbikes and bicycles. In Gozo as in Malta and Britain, vehicle traffic travels on the left-hand side of the road. The relatively short travel distances make trekking and hiking in Gozo a worthwhile venture.

* CLIMATE The climate is typically Mediterranean. It is generally mild in winter save for the first four to six weeks of the year when it is normally a bit cool, wet and sometimes unpredictable. The average temperature for winter is 16 degrees Celsius and it covers the period between December and March. Summer is rather long, dry and sunny, with August being the warmest month. The average temperature for summer is 25 degrees Celsius and it covers the period between April and November.