THINGS TO DO
There is a wealth of activities one can pursue on Gozo and by visiting the mainland, Malta.
Places of Interest on Gozo include :-
Victoria
Explore the old streets, buildings and markets around Victoria, Gozo’s capital. Re-named in 1897 on the occasion of Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, known to locals still as Rabat. This means suburb, where the town is the suburb of the fortress. This fortress, or Citadel, sits on the hilltop overlooking Rabat (Victoria).
The Citadel
Walk the historic bastion walls of this impressive fortification sitting high above Victoria. Visit the imposing cathedral and visit its museums. The Knights of St John refortified the ramparts and used the Citadel as a refuge against attacks by Turks and pirates. At one time the entire population of Gozo could shelter within its walls.
Ta’Pinu
One of the most outstanding churches in the Maltese Islands and a site of pilgrimage from all over the world. In 1932 Pope Pius IX raised its status to a basilica and on the 26th May 1990 Pope John Paul II made a pilgrimage to the shrine and placed 5 stars as a halo around the main painting of the Madonna, behind the alter. Ta’Pinu is a place for asking favours from Our Lady of Ta’Pinu and rear rooms are dedicated to the miracles attributed to Ta’Pinu, exhibiting discarded crutches, leg braces and newspaper clippings of miracles attributed.
Inland Sea
This is a secluded shingle bathing pool with crystal clear water with sheer cliffs hanging over it, linked to the sea by a narrow rock tunnel.
Azure Window
A monumental limestone archway breaching over the sea.
Ggantija Temple
The oldest free standing structure in the world at 7000 years old. Huge megaliths weighing up to 50 tonnes form the outer walls surrounding two inner temples. This well preserved complex is one of the finest in Malta.
Xaghra Windmill
The only surviving windmill on Gozo. Restored and made into a museum, it was originally built in 1725.
Gozo Heritage
A series of reconstructed historical scenes depicting 7000 years of Gozo’s chequered history.
Villages of Interest
Mgarr and Harbour
The entry port into Gozo from Malta. This busy port and marina filled with ferries, fishing boats and private yachts is your welcome to Gozo. As you climb up the hill out of the harbour area the Gothic-style Church of Our Lady of Lourdes dominates the skyline. Further to the left as you leave Mgarr you can see the walls and bastions of Fort Chambray crowning a promontory above the harbour.
Nadur
Nadur means ‘look-out point’ in Arabic and as it sits on a ridge 152m above see level it has a commanding view over the east coast of Gozo, especially in the times of the Knights of St John. The splendid 18th century baroque parish church dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul gives some idea of the prosperity of the place. Seafaring activities made it rich and gave the locals a certain superiority over the rest of Gozo ( or so it is said ). This rivalry between the towns is existent today especially at festa time when Nadur and Xaghra are in a friendly competition to out do each other in the magnitude and showmanship of their festivities and firework displays.
Xaghra
The huge and ornate baroque Church of Our Lady of Victories is the focal point of this sprawling hilltop village. It is situated in the central square which is the social hub of this lively village. Sit outside in the cafes or restaurants around the square and relax in one of Gozo’s most beautiful locations. Every year on the 8th September, the anniversary of the end of the Great Siege of Malta, the climax of the festa week culminates in the parading of the statue of the Virgin Mary and a dazzling firework display.
Xlendi
This enormously popular village at the head of one of the prettiest creeks on Gozo, used to be the haunt of artists and photographers. The idyllic landlocked bay with its clear turquoise waters is now equally, if not more so, popular with tourists. With its many restaurants and cafes it continues to exude local character and charm.
Beaches / Bays of Interest
Ramla Bay
This is the only sandy beach of any size on Gozo. Its red sand and turquoise blue sea protected by the rugged headland draws the beach worshippers throughout the summer months.
San Blas Bay
Accessed down a narrow track you find this small, undeveloped bay, perfect for a swim or to relax.
Mgarr Ix-Xini
This calm, fjord-like inlet is one of gozo’s prettiest coves – ideal for a swim or eating out in the small café / restaurant.
The Blue Lagoon, Comino
The irridescent waters of the Blue Lagoon are irresistible. The seabed is covered with fine white sand which reflects the sunlight so the waters take on a glorious turquoise hue.