Gozo-Malta's Smaller Island
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Map of the Maltese Islands with Gozo and Comino illustrated in red
Just where is the island of Gozo?
Gozo is an Island just off Malta in the Mediterreanean Sea. Gozo and its much smaller sister Island Comino are both Maltese. There are also much smaller, uninhabited Islands.
Visiting Gozo
We visited Gozo for a day whilst holidaying on the Island of Malta. We booked our excursion through the local tourist board trips which were called TIS Tours. A mini van took us to the ferry port, at the northern end of Malta. The van and its driver boarded the large ferry with us and then escorted us around Gozo.
You can book accommodation on Gozo itself and spend your whole vacation there if you wish. There are hotels and guest houses. Some guest houses are converted farmhouses and may be quite luxurious.
Gozo can be reached by sea or by helicopter from the mainland or from Comino.
A POSTCARD FROM GOZO
Around Gozo
Our Visit to Gozo
We loved our day trip to Gozo. At the time we visited Malta was especially hot and humid. Gozo was very warm but less humid. The capital and the port were both quite busy but the rest of the island was fairly tourist free. Yes, there were travellers but not to the same extent as on Malta. Our two week vacation was early one September.
The price of a ferry trip across to Gozo, and transport at both sides of the water, was good value. The van only held about half a dozen or so passengers and was OK. However for those sat at the back it was a bumpy ride.
The ferry passes the tiny island of Comino, with its peaceful, turquoise waters, as it approaches Gozo.
Mgarr is the name of the place where the ferries dock on Gozo. This town has a market, churches, museum, shops and many fine buildings to visit.
Gozo has some nice sandy beaches, one that has red sand. This is in the north of the island of Gozo and is called Ramla Beach. This popular beach is never spoiled with hoards of tourists despite its perfect location. Sandy beaches are unusual around these parts and Malta itself only has a couple of sandy beaches. However Gozo seems to have more than its fair share of glorious stretches of sand.
We visited Marsalforn, which according to our guide is where local Maltese often choose to spend their vacations. Originally a simple fishing village, Marsalforn has developed over the years into one of the most popular seaside resorts on Gozo.
Toward the centre of the Island of Gozo is Victoria, or Rabat, the Island's capital. Here you can really feel as if you have taken a step back in time. With ancient architecture and history around every corner Victoria offers some welcome shade from the heat of the sun whilst you soak up a little history.
IS GOZO FOR ME?
Gozo is much greener than Malta and has a much quieter pace. It all depends what you are seeking from Gozo. If you prefer lively holiday destinations stay on Malta and visit Gozo for a day or a couple of days.
Gozo is perfect for those seeking relaxation, a step back in time, historical sites with some welcome sun and water sports. Remember though Gozo is only a small island and may not suit those that soon become bored.
One thing to bear in mind is that visitors either love of hate Malta and Gozo. Lucky for us we loved the Maltese Islands and plan to return in the future.
GOZO IN GENERAL
CURRENCY- The official currency is the Euro
LANGUAGE- The official language is Maltese but most locals speak English also.
FOOD AND DRINK-It is possible to eat a fairly European diet but traditional Maltese fare is tasty and is more readily available these days.
SHOPPING-There are not as many tourist shops selling dross as there are in some holiday destinations but you can find some gifts to take home.
THINGS TO DO IN GOZO-Visit Malta and or Comino, swim in the clear waters or enjoy a little fishing and or scuba diving.
Gozo
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Malta & Gozo (Country Guide)
Price: $9.48
List Price: $16.99 |
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1882 War Egypt Hospital Gozo Malta Fort Miggiaro Art
Price: $17.65
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Sail Malta & Gozo DVD Travel Guide
Price: $34.00
List Price: $34.00 |
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Vista Point MALTA
Price: $2.99
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Top 10 Malta and Gozo (EYEWITNESS TOP 10 TRAVEL GUIDE)
Price: $8.12
List Price: $14.00 |
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Waterfront, Xlendi Bay, Gozo, Malta Photographic Poster Print by Michael Short, 24x18
Price: $39.99
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Frommers Malta and Gozo Day by Day (Frommer's Day By Day Series)
Price: $7.32
List Price: $12.99 |
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Historical Guide to Malta and Gozo
Price: $15.99
List Price: $15.99 |
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Mgar Harbour, Gozo, Malta, Mediterranean Photographic Poster Print by Michael Short, 30x40
Price: $69.99
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Gozo Weather
- Conditions for Gozo/Qala, MT at 4:15 am CET
Current Conditions: Partly Cloudy, 55 F Forecast: Wed - Thunderstorms. High: 61 Low: 49 Thu - AM Light Rain/Wind. High: 62 Low: 51 Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather (provided by The Weather Channel) - 43 minutes ago
Gozo News
- How the 2010 Budget is going to address Gozo’s needs
During the last few weeks, the House of Representatives has been discussing the Government Financial Estimates for the next financial year starting on the 1st of January 2010. As a follow up and as a means to explore the Gozitan dimension of the 2010 Budget, Circolo Gozitano will be holding a public discussion with the theme, “How the 2010 Budget is going to address Gozo’s needs.” All Gozitan M.P.’s have been invited to participate in this discussion. The discussion activity will take place at the Circolo’s premises at 6, Adrian Dingli Street, in ... - 5 hours ago
- GO secures exclusive rights for Barclays Premier League matches
GO has announced that it has secured exclusive local broadcasting rights for England’s Barclays Premier League for the three football seasons 2010/11, 2011/12 and 2012/13. The rights cover live TV coverage, as well as coverage on the internet and on mobile. Commenting on this sports acquisition, GO Chief Executive Officer David Kay said, “GO is glad to have acquired exclusively the Premier League broadcasting rights, which will be beneficial to both our viewers and our business. Everyone recognises that the Barclays Premier League is one of the most viewed football leagues ... - 5 hours ago
- Public involvment in planning issues – FAA
The cancellation of two car park projects makes this week a landmark for traffic planning in Malta, said conservation and environment group Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA). The welcome announcement that the long-contested Qui si-Sana car park plans were abandoned, was followed by the dropping of the controversial Balluta car park plans after a residents’ meeting with the St Julian’s Local Council. Unanimous in their opposition to the project, the people of Sliema and St Julian’s are becoming more aware of the threat to their health by traffic pollution caused ... - 5 hours ago
- Bethlehem f’ Ghajnsielem opens this coming Sunday
Bethlehem f’ Ghajnsielem opens this coming Sunday, major attractions for this year include an enlarged bakery with functional oven, new structures at market area and the Inn where visitors can go on the roof terrace to enjoy the panoramic views of Ghajnsielem and Ta’ Passi fields. A fresh water spring complete with a mill will be flowing around these structures through a small river to enhance the atmosphere. Over 10,000 litres of water will be used to create this impressive effect. Visitors can also enter inside the carpenter’s house and watch ... - 5 hours ago
- AD re-submits its electoral proposals
Following the re-launching of the public consultation process on the electoral system by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party has re-submitted its proposals for reforms regarding the electoral system, which were already submitted last year following a similar call. Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson, said, “More than a year has passed since the public consultation process commenced, yet apparently there has been no progress save for a new call for submissions. Hence, AD is re-submitting its proposals to the Speaker of the House. As regards ... - 5 hours ago
Official Gozo Video
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Comments
Gorgeous place and a fine report about it by you. Thanks for the pleasurable journey.
Thanks James. Gozo is a lovely little island
A super report Ethel. I've holidayed three times on Gozo - once in Marsalforn, along with Maltese holiday makers as you point out - very casual, self-catering and great fun. Then twice at the Cornucopia Hotel in Xahra (pronounced Jagra). Your report has made me hanker to return. I'd recommend the extra cost of doing the hop from Malta Airport across to Gozo by helicopter - fantastic views of course and no lugging cases on and off the ferry. The ferry is great for day trips though!
Thanks for stopping by Diane. Yes I know what you mean about wanting to visit again. I keep reliving my holiday experiences in some of the hubs I write and have wanderlust presently :) You will have to join hubpages and relive your holiday fun through the written word?
Hi Ethel,
Great place...scenic and lovely. We seem to be kindred spirits in loving to travel...and also reliving our experiences by writing about them. Always enjoy your travel hubs.
Thanks Peggy. Your vacation hubs always take me to pastures new :) I just wish I could travel more.
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C.S. Ledbetter says:
5 months ago
Absolutely beautiful!