Qala is the easternmost village on the island of Gozo and one of the oldest villages tracing its origins to the pre-history. Many legends are woven into the village’s histoiy. One of the oldest legends involves Kerrew, a religious hermit from Malta who like most hermits lived in a cave.
Mgarr ix-Xini, is a bay close to Ghajnsielem (southwest), Xewkija and Sannat (southeast) on the Maltese island of Gozo. It lies in a gorge to the west of Mgarr Harbour, accessible mainly from the nearest village of Xewkija as well from Sannat.
Nadur, with its imposing houses, is the largest of Gozo’s village settlements after the city of Victoria. Once a woodland, Nadur was a hunting ground throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. It was also the venue for the traditional feast of St Peter and St Paul, to whom the parish church is dedicated.
Two 16th century well-preserved public wash-houses built by the Knights of St John may be seen on either side of Spring Street in the village of Fontana. The larger one is locally known as the Ghajn il-Kbira meaning the ‘large spring’. The smaller one is Ghajn Bendu, ‘Bendu’s Spring’.
Dwejra Bay is situated on the western coast of Gozo. It offers amazing geological features that include steep cliffs and unusual rock formations. Dwejra is also renowned for its maritime elements consisting of under-water caves and submerged structures created through time by erosion and seismic activity.
The national shrine of Ta’ Pinu was built in 1932 in a neo- Romanesque style, designed by Maltese architect Andrea Vassallo. The circular open space in front of the church is decorated with mosaic panels depicting the 20 mysteries of the rosary.
This massive limestone arch is currently the last surviving rock-arch window in Gozo. It is a natural geological formation jutting out from the cliff walls. The winding valley on its ?ank is called Wied il-Mielah, translatable as ‘Salt Valley’.
Marsalforn is an old fishing community which has evolved into Gozo’s main summer destination. Up to the 17th century, this was the principal seaport of Gozo. A scenic promenade leads to Xwejni where a number of saltpans are still in use. Around 3 kilometres of honeycomb-like salt pans cover this side of the island
Ramla Bay is located at the bottom of a rich and fertile valley on the northern side of the island of Gozo. Gozo is one of the Maltese islands. The village of Xaghra, located on one of the hills of Gozo, overlooks this valley. It is about a forty-minute walk from Xaghra to the bay. The bay can also be reached from the village of Nadur. Bus service to the beach is very regular.
Calypso Cave is located in a cliff just off Xaghra; overlooking Gozo’s most sought-after sandy beach, Ramla Bay. This site is thought to be the same cave Homer mentioned in `The Odyssey' where Calypso, the beautiful nymph, kept Odysseus as a `prisoner of love' for seven years.
Located in the southern part of the island of Gozo, the village of Il-Munxar was formerly a small hamlet where farmers lived off the land that they ploughed. This community was integral to the nearby village of Ta’ Sannat but, in the early 1900s, new settlers established themselves in the area.
Xewkija was one of the first hamlets to be awarded the status of village. The name Xewkija derives from the Arabic word ‘al-ashwak’ meaning thistles. This surely refers to the wide variety of thistles growing in the area with the most common being the Clustered Carline that was once used by bakers and housewives to fuel fires.
The 350-year-old salt pans found at Xwejni Bay stretch about three kilometres along this coast and are more than just the perfect spot to get a scenic snap for your Instagram! This site is one of the more popular ones on the island but, you can also take a look at others located at Marsalforn, Qala, Dwejra and Xlendi.
Hondoq ir-Rummien, the coastline below the village of Qala is dotted with traditional salt pans, some of which are still actively used to harvest salt throughout the summer months. On this coast is a small cove, Hondoq ir-Rummien which is used by snorkelers because of its deep and clear water and the small caves at water level.
Lunzjata Valley is situated in between Fontana and Kercem. This fertile valley has a rich heritage dating back to the time of the Knights of the Order of St John, and is now frequented by local farmers who tend to their crops day in, day out
Some of the megaliths of the Ggantija Temples exceed five metres in length and weigh over fifty tons. Giants were believed to have constructed these prehistoric temples and that is from where their name originates. Certainly, these ancient structures represent a phenomenal cultural, artistic and technological development in a very early period in human life.
On the occasion of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee celebrated in 1887, the civil authorities in Gozo, led by Bishop Pietro Pace, sought and obtained the privilege to raise the township of their capital Rabat, to assume the official status of a city, concurrently obtaining Royal consent and permission from the British authorities to name the city in honour of Queen Victoria.
Gozitan food is authentic, seasonal and tasty, delighting all your senses in a rich Mediterranean bite. Over the centuries invaders such as the Romans, the Arabs and the French have influenced our island´s cuisine, along with our close proximity to Sicily.
Getting to Gozo is simple and Malta’s public transport system is popular with locals and visitors. Traveling from Malta to Gozo involves catching a taxi or a bus to Cirkewwa ferry terminal, before taking a 25 minute sea crossing over to the island of Gozo.
Tuk-Tuks are a fun, family-friendly way to travel, accessing cherished places off the beaten track which other tour providers, like Hop-on Hop-off buses just can’t reach.
The Rotunda Church, Xewkija - built by the love of its people. Although only 67km², Gozo is home to 50 glorious churches. Each village has a church which is central to community life. Climb any high viewpoint overlooking Gozo and you’ll see many beautiful church domes or spires piercing the skyline.
