A Tour of Victoria, Gozo

A TOUR OF GOZO’S VICTORIA

San George's Square, Basilica and Old Part of Victoria Gozo’s been dubbed as the rewarding extra mile. This is no exaggeration because this little island off mainland Malta offers a mosaic of rich experiences, amazing views and historic places interwoven with culture.

Victoria, named in honour of the famous British Queen's Golden Jubilee in 1887 is the island’s hub or mecca that should be visited by all. Here’s a list of what to do and see in Victoria that will fill more than a whole day of touring.

Squares and Piazzas

There is no doubt that the squares in Victoria are at the centre of daily life for locals and visitors alike. Brimming with the life of the shops, cafés and bars, the piazzas or squares are an ideal place to stop and enjoy a coffee or a drink or a quick bite. One can say that each square is dominated by a church. The conventual church of St. Francis, which celebrates the early winter feast of the Immaculate Conception in December overlooks St. Francis’ Square while St George’s Square is under the dominion of St. George’s Basilica. Independence

Square, known by the locals as It-Tokk, is presided over by St. James’ Church on one side and the Banca Giuratele on the other side. All three squares all within easy walking distance from each other.

Narrow winding streets inside the Citadel

Archeology Museum inside the Citadel

Churches and Basilicas

The number of churches in the old city of Victoria is no surprise. Gozo’s faith and religious traditions have ensured a good dose of worship places. Take time to visit the baroque Basilica of St. George where nothing has been spared to lift one’s gaze to splendour. The smaller yet evocative churches of Savina and St. James Church too have their own interesting story. Apart from

Villa Rundle Garden

these churches, Victoria is also home to different religious orders - the Conventual Church of St Francis of Assisi, the Church of St Augustine and the annexed priory, the church of Our Lady of Pompei which is next door to the convent of the Dominican sisters, the Franciscan nuns' convent and their church in Palm Street. The church dedicated to Our Lady of Grace, located on the main road to Marsalforn is the base of the Capuchins Friary.

The Citadel

One cannot visit Rabat in Gozo without taking a couple of hours to explore the Gran Castello or the Citadel. The Citadel, sitting like the crown jewel at the centre of the island of Gozo, was an important part of the island’s defence when the corsairs roamed the Mediterranean. Walk along the fortified bastions to admire the views, and visit the Cathedral, the grain silos, the war-time shelter and the several museums as explore you wander along narrow-cobbled streets.

The old part of the town

Make sure you take some time to visit the old medieval part of the town, where the narrow streets and alleys offer a peek into what the city looked like in times gone by. Admire the vernacular architecture, look out for the devotional niches and you are bound to stumble on the artists’ district of the city of Victoria. While you’re exploring these old quarters in Victoria you might smell the whiff of freshly baked bread, in which case it is suggested that you follow the scent as you’ll end up at a bakery that is literally tucked away in one of the alleys.

Theatres

If you’re looking for more interesting things to do in Victoria, make sure you note the two rival theatres located on the same main street, a stone’s throw away from each other. While the rivalry between the two can be hot and fiery, there is no doubt that the notable levels that La Stella and Leone Societies have achieved in the musical and opera spheres know their origins in the spurring and combative spirit that rages on from generation to generation.

Villa Rundle

For a dose of serenity and greenery, take a stroll through Gozo’s most prominent public garden. Villa Rundle Garden dates back to colonial times and it was named after the British General Sir Leslie Rundle. The garden is not only a recreational space, but also one where several activities are held throughout the year. If you’re here during the Christmas season, a visit to Villa Rundle Garden in the evening is one of the highlights of what to do in Victoria during the season. The garden is transformed into a winter wonderland with a dazzling array of Christmas lights and Christmas stalls.

Naturally Gozo

Live in the moment

Choose a stress free holiday, away from busy roads and into the peace of country lanes and seaside locaaons. Surround yourself with nature or dine at your favourite restaurant. Gozo - relax, it is home.

FIVE BUCKET LIST HIKING TRAILS IN MALTA & GOZO

Words by Tiana Formosa

January in Malta tends to be colder than December but still comfortable enough to get out, take in some fresh air and walk on one of Malta’s many hiking trails. Malta’s hills make the island a good hiking choice as it challenges its hikers and pushes them to walk on a variety of land types - those being sandy, dry, rocky and smooth, amongst others. Additionally, expect to walk past and through numerous landforms such as beaches and cliffs.

Photo credit: RevealMallta

Dingli Cliffs, Dingli

The Dingli Cliffs are found on the west coast of Malta. Located in the locality of Ħad-Dingli which is home to one of the highest points in Malta, you can expect to see stunning views overlooking the Mediterranean sea and plenty of cliffs as you explore throughout the hike. As this trail is set on much higher land and overlooks the ocean, it is best to bring a windblocking jacket to keep you warm and protected.

Whilst up there, Filfla and the tiny islet of Filfoletta can be seen, where you can admire their long untouched beauty.

Photo credit: wikiloc Photo credit: pudina

Xemxija Loop, Xemxija

Begin in Xemxija and cross the coast to get a glimpse of the popular Golden Bay from afar. Throughout the hike, you’ll walk through built-up towns and past empty fields, exploring views and environments you perhaps haven’t before. This hike is for experienced hikers as on average, it takes just over two hours and requires some uphill climbing.

Once you reach the west coast, you can sit down and take some time to enjoy the stunning ocean views and fresh air in the open space. On the way back, you’ll be trekking past farms and hills, giving you a break from the usual built-up scene and hustle and bustle. Wied il-Ghasel, Mosta

Wied il-Ghasel, which translates to the ‘Valley of Honey’, is full of flora and rock formations. With many grasscovered paths, exploring this natural beauty with its tranquil atmosphere will make you never want to leave. The valley is just around the corner from Mosta, fortunately meaning that the city centre is only a quick walk away if you become peckish, need to rehydrate or require something quickly.

This hiking trail is very popular amongst hikers and is a definite go-to when you want to go out and take a nice, adventurous walk.

Photo credit: Experience Gozo Għar Lapsi, Siġġiewi

This hike is perfect if you’ve got an extra couple of hours up your sleeve. Found in the southwestern region of Malta, Siġġiewi is quite popular with hikers, as it is sprawled with fields and a generous amount of spacious land. Surrounded by the Maltese countryside, hikers will love this area as they can challenge themselves with the many routes on offer.

This specific Għar Lapsi hike is looped and takes around two and a half hours on average to complete. Ideally, interested hikers should obtain experience, as this trail at times can be quite rocky and close to the edge of multiple cliffs - so look out.

Ramla Country Walk, Gozo

With Gozo being a more relaxed and quieter island, hiking there is a definite must. This route starts from Marsalforn Bay, passing through the village of ixXagħra, and ends in Ramla Bay, classified as a Natura 2000 protected site. A very scenic route, as you pass through vast open fields and coastline cliffs. When hiking on the coast of Ramla Bay, view the stunningly crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea and head up to the beautiful Calypso Cave, located in a cliff just off Xaghra.

Exploring this much of Gozo takes time, so if you have between three and a half to five hours available, this route would be a good fit.

EXPLORING XEWKIJA

Words by Terrence Mifsud

XEWKIJA Located right between Victoria and Għajnsielem, Xewkija is the oldest settlement in Malta's sister island, Gozo. The village’s name is derived from the term ‘xewk’ which denotes to ‘thorns’ or ‘thistles’. On Nevember 27,1678, Xewkija became the first Gozitan village outside of Victoria to become parish. It also became the first "contrada" area to be referred to as a "casale" or ‘hamlet’.