Going Gaga For Gozo, Malta

By Marcus Braid on November 20, 2015 in

Getting to the island of Gozo, off the coast of Malta, entails enduring is a marathon journey, especially if you’re travelling from Sydney. The route we chose was involved a Singapore stop over en route to, Amsterdam, and then before taking a connection connecting flight to Malta. Once in at Malta airport, there was a 45-minute taxi ride to the ferry terminal and, finally, a 30- minute boat ride to Gozo itself. Thankfully, once we settled on into the island lifestyle, all those hours to get thereof travel seemed insignificant.

Gozo is only 14 kilometres long and 7.25 kilometres wide, and it’ is the second largest island (after Malta itself) in the Maltese archipelago, which sits in the Mediterranean Sea. Compared to Malta, Gozo is more rural and it’s known for its scenic hills. With a population of approximately 35,000, it is a peaceful place, fairly relatively sparse and the pace is best described as laconic. Although the people here are friendly and amiable, don’t underestimate a Gozitan:, they have plenty of fire in their bellies!

We stayed in a quaint and beautiful town in the north known as called Zebbug, a 15-minute drive from the ferry port. Our apartment overlookeds sprawling rural farmlands and the Mediterranean Sea, and was on the receiving end of a beautiful fresh breeze. We were there at the end of August when the land is still dry, but come the cooler months Gozo explodes into a veritable green, and flower-covered paradise.

The On our first night there we took a walk through the quiet lanes where locals sit out the front of their old sandstone homes on their little stools, and catching up on the daily gossip. It’s a place that time has forgotten and traditions from way back still seem to still be in place abound. There are no loud, drunken back packers here.

The next morning we were taken on a death- defying drive to the beach. We learnt quickly that Gozitans drive like it’s their last day on Eearth. Our first stop was Marsalforn Bbeach, which is actually more a rock rather than sand, about a 10- minute drive from Zebugg. We hired sun beds and umbrellas here and spent a magnificent afternoon swimming in the clear, refreshing waters of the Mediterranean. Marsalforn is a beautiful and popular area with plenty of cafes and restaurants, and with lots throngs of spectacular apartments overlooking the sea.

The weather in Gozo is was still hot at this time of year when we visited and thankfully there is an array of superb beaches, coves, rocky inlets and lagoons to swim in. The water temperature is was inviting and yet refreshing and the velvety feel and brilliant colour of the Mediterranean Sea is are unforgettable.

Gozo’s history dates back thousands of years and it has some of the world’s oldest freestanding structures such as the Ggantija Ttemples. Architecturally, all over the island the evidence of such at the diverse ancient culture is there to be seen can be seen all around the island.

Sandstone structures are literally everywhere due to the fact as the island is built on the rock. All of the houses, the many churches that dot the horizon in every direction, and the main citade,l which is located in Victoria, the capital of Gozo, are built with the lightly coloured stone, giving the island a classical Middle – Eastern feel. Rarely are the houses over two stories high and the villages are linked by narrow lanes.

Driving around Gozo’s quiet streets is was like being on the Universal Sstudios movie set of a Cecil B. Demille classic Roman gladiator movie. The recent movie film ‘‘By the Sea’’ starring Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt was shot here due to its natural beauty.

While the beaches are beautiful and diverse (and we went to many), but my favourite was aptly named ‘Blue Lagoon’., Located on the island of Comino, which is only a short ferry ride from Gozo. With crystal blue water, a day here will leave you with an indelible picture in your mind of utopia. Only 3.5 square kilometres, Comino is car -free, and apart from one hotel it is virtually uninhabited with only approximately four4 locals actually living there.

After spending just a short eight8 days herein the area, I can understand why Gozitans are so proud to call this island, that is
with its rich in history and stunning coastline, their home.

This island Gozo is one of the world’s best-kept secrets. I will definitely be back to continue my Gozitan adventure …

Things to do:

Visit the Citadel, Ggantija TtTemples (older than the pyramids), Dwerja Bay and the Azure Window, Ir-Ramla il-Hamra Bbeach, Marsalforn, and fishing, swimming, and diving at Xlendi.

How to get there:

Travel Café Bondi: (02) 9130 1345
Vicki Bloomfield Hello World: (02) 9371 8556