Gozo is an island in the Mediterranean Sea. Is part of Malta and after the island of Malta itself, is the second-largest island in the archipelago. It is rich in historic locations such as the Ġgantija Temples, which, along with the other Megalithic Temples, are among the world’s oldest free-standing structures.
Its most popular landmark was the Azure Window a natural arch that collapsed in 2017. There are many beaches on the island, as well as resorts and it is considered one of the top diving destinations in the Mediterranean.
Travel with purpose
I was in Malta studying English for one month with Sprachcaffe Languages Plus; you can read more about the whole experience in the post Sprachcaffe: my experience studying an English course in Malta. Also you can read more about things to do in Malta in the post Malta: the top 10 places you should definitely visit
1. Victoria (Citadel)
The Cittadella lies in Victoria and is a “castle town” of the Bronze Age. It is the main historical symbol of Gozo, some buildings remain intact and open for tourists such as the Cathedral of the Assumption. Also, a walk along this fortress is compensated with a stunning 360-degree panorama of Gozo’s hills and valleys.
Read more about the Citadel here.
2. Azure Window
The Azure Window, situated in in Dwejra, west of the island of Gozo, was a geological formation, which played a big role in Malta’s heritage and appeared in several international films and productions. It was a blue window that framed the sky and sea until it collapsed in stormy weather on 8 March 2017. It is still one of the most visited spots in Malta.
Read more about the Azure Window here.
3. Xewkija Church
The Church of Saint John the Baptist (or also named the Rotunda of Xewkija or Xewkija Rotunda) is a Roman Catholic church in Xewkija, Gozo, Malta. It has a huge dome at 27m diameter and 75m high. Inside the church you can find many modern paintings. It is definitely an architectural treasure.
Read more about the Xewkija Church here.
4. Ggantija Temples
The Ggantija Temples are two prehistoric temples on Gozo. One of them is the oldest stone structure in the world, and are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is a former pilgrimage site for ancient inhabitants.
Tickets
- Adults (18 – 59 years): €9.00
- Youth (12 – 17 years), Senior Citizens (60 years & over), and Students: €7.00
- Children (6 – 11 years): €5.00
- Infants (1 – 5 years): Free
Opening Hours
Winter Hours – 1st October till 31st May
- Monday to Sunday: 09.00 – 17.00hrs
- Last admission at 16.30hrs
Summer Hours – 1st June till 30th September
- Monday to Sunday: 09.00-18.00hrs
- Last admission at 17.30hrs
Read more about the Ggantija Temples here.
5. Ta Pinu
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu is a Roman Catholic minor basilica and national shrine located 700 metres (2,300 ft) from the village of Għarb. The basilica honors Our Lady of Ta ‘Pinu and welcomes all visitors who want to pray or tourists who want to admire the splendid sculptures and handwork inside.
*Free entrance
Read more about Ta’ Pinu here.
6. Ramla Bay
Ramla Bay is located at the bottom of a rich and fertile valley on the northern side of the island of Gozo. It is the biggest sandy beach in Gozo and its unique reddish/golden colored sand together with its surrounding gives this beach a nice vibe. There are some restaurants in front of the beach and also you can buy Maltese wine to enjoy your food.
Read more about Ramla Bay here.
7. Christ The Redeemer
According to tradition, some people believed this hill was a volcano, after black smoke was once been seen coming out of it; others believed that God punished the people of Gozo by surrounding the Island in darkness for three days after which a ray of light came out of the hill.
First, a wooden cross was erected, then a statue of Christ was put on the hill in 1904 when Gozo was consecrated to Jesus the Redeemer (leading to the name Tas-Salvatur).
A second statue replaced this one in the 1960s and a third one was placed in the 1970s.
Read more about Christ The Redeemer here.
8. Marsalforn
Marsalforn is a village on the north coast of Gozo. It has a lot of hotels, guest houses, restaurants, and bars. There is only a one small sandy beach, however, along the rocky coastline there are a number of interesting swimming spots.
West of Marsalforn, the coast is characterised by saltpans which stretch about 3km along the coast. These 350-year-old salt pans are more than just scenic. They are part of the centuries-old Gozitan tradition of Sea-Salt production that has been passed down within certain families for many generations.
Read more about Malsaforn here.
Read more about Salt Pans here.
9. Xaghra
Xaghra is a parish church dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, locally known as Il-Vitorja, the Blessed Virgin Mary of Victories. The church is famous for its marble and the statue of the young Virgin Mary, il-Bambina, brought from Marseilles in 1878.
Read more about Xagħra Paris here.
10. Eat typical Maltese Food
Traditional food could be a glass of local wine with a dish of olives, some ġbejniet (local sheep’s cheeses), zalzett (coriander flavoured Maltese sausage) with galletti (Maltese crackers) and some bigilla (broad bean pate) served with Maltese bread and olive oil; or on a cold day hot pastizzi (savoury ricotta filled pastries) are perfect.
Read more about Maltese food here.
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All of these places look gorgeous! I would love to start traveling more!!
Wow, it looks like there is so much history in Gozo. The Azure window looks absolutely stunning and like something you wouldn’t want to miss.
Wow you are so blessed to have this absolutely amazing and wonderful experience!!! I love your photographs so much!!
My friend is from Malta! I’d love to visit someday.