Gozo - VisitMalta UK

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I D E N T I T Y

Gozo boasts some of the oldest freestanding stone

From Knights’ watchtowers to mythical caves, tiny

buildings in the world, the UNESCO World Heritage

chapels to the towering Gozo Citadel, nineteenth-

Ggantija Temples dating back to 3,600B.C. The island

century aqueducts to timeless hills and valleys, Gozo has

is adorned with stunning baroque architecture inherited

plenty of sights to see both natural and historic – and all

from the Knights of St John. Another important legacy

conveniently packed into a small island that is easy to get

of the knights are the mosaics of salt pans which dot

around and welcoming all year round with a mild climate.

Gozo’s coastline.

Ta’ Isopu Tower, Nadur, photo by Joseph Zammit

Ġgantija Temples, UNESCO World Heritage Site, photo by Daniel Cilia

Folklore Museum, photo by Heritage Malta

The Citadel, photo by Joseph Zammit

H I S T O R Y

Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem, photo by Joseph Sultana

C U L T U R E Gozo’s culture and way of life are rooted in tradition and yet open to the future. This is indeed an island of charm and joy that pleases the senses and engages spiritually. The visitor can roam through the quiet villages, discovering local crafts along the way and the unmissable traditional bakeries where of one can taste the best of local bread and dishes.

The island has an incredibly active, year-round cultural life - quite remarkable for such a small place. The vibrant calendar of annual events includes an acclaimed opera festival, distinct carnival, Holy Week and Easter celebrations and numerous summer festas tied to an intrinsic religious culture. A colourful blend of local and international events, performances and exhibitions, unfold with every season. Events are updated on www.visitgozo.com

Operas in Gozo, photo by Anthony Mario Bajada

Carnival in Gozo, photo by Tonio Schembri

Grape harvesting, Marsalforn valley, photo by Daniel Cilia

I D E N T I T Y Developed just enough but not too much, Gozo is a

The people of Gozo, still numbering just 30,000 have

masterpiece wrought by nature and shaped by 7000

nurtured Calypso’s Island into the beautiful place we

years of culture. Myth and reality meet here on what

know today where the picturesque scenery, pristine

is believed to have been the Isle of Calypso in Homer’s

coastline and untouched country trails blend with the

Odyssey, where the sea nymph held Odysseus (Ulysses)

imposing baroque churches which rise from the heart of

under her spell for seven years.

small villages and towns. The cuisine of Gozo is testimony of the intertwining and richness of various cultures throughout the centuries.

Lace making in Gozo, photo by Ted Attard

A Gozitan Platter, photo by Joris Lugtigheid

Salt harvesting in Xwejni, photo by Ted Attard

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Water Sports Gozo Ferry Scenic Views

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Inland Sea SAN LAWRENZ Panacea Karmni Grima Marine Centre Museum

Updated Events Calendar

Marsalforn Bay

Swim Area Dive Site Hospital Museum Prehistoric Site Sandy Beach

Ninu’s Cave

Dahlet Qorrot Bay

GGANTIJA TEMPLES Horse Racing Track Sports Kenuno Grounds Tower

VICTORIA (RABAT) Gozo General XLENDI Hospital XEWKIJA MUNXAR Xlendi

NADUR Maritime Museum

QALA Qala Point

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Qala Battery

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Ta' Cenc Cliffs

Hondoq Ir-Rummien

Fort Chambray

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San Niklaw Bay Blue Lagoon

Santa Marija Bay

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Santa Marija Tower

Santa Marija Battery

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COMINO MALTA TOURISM AUTHORITY TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICES

© copyright Malta Tourism Authority 2015

Valletta Airport Mdina Mellieha Valletta Cruise Port Vittoriosa Gozo Mgarr Harbour Info Booth

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Kayaking at Mġarr ix-Xini, photo by Joseph Zammit

O U T D O O R A C T I V I T I E S Gozo’s climate and geography combine to make it an ideal

Gozo is just 14km x 7 km, so the rambler or cyclist is rapidly

playground for outdoor activities. Gozo offers a wide selection

rewarded with a great variety of landscape, from pretty villages

of sports for both the spectator and active participant. From

in rural countryside to prominent hills and dramatic coastlines.

the gentle to the high-octane, there is sport on land and sea for

The naturally rocky terrain (excellent for climbing and technical

experts and novices alike. Why not come and enjoy an established

bike riding) is sun-baked in summer, but becomes lush with green

hobby or try something new?

grass, crops and wild flowers in the spring months which are particularly popular with walkers.

The island’s mild winters are perfect for country walks, biking and climbing, while the hot summer months (June to September)

Gozo’s coastline has a few glorious sandy beaches but for sports

attract everyone to the coast for swimming, snorkelling, and

enthusiasts, the steep rocky cliffs, bays of boulders and caves are

cruising around in boats. Diving and sea kayaking can be done

perfect playgrounds and ideal for exploring by sea kayak. The fun

year-round.

continues under the water too. Gozo is known for its world class

And as if that’s not enough, there’s also good food, historic sites,

cave and tunnel dives and the excellent light penetration makes

local festas, friendly people and easy communication in English

any dive an event to remember.

(or Italian) - and all just a short haul flight within Europe!

Biking at Xwejni, photo by Ted Attard

T H E M A L T E S E I S L A N D S Located right at the centre of the Mediterranean, the Maltese Islands promise a diverse culture, a dynamic history, friendly people and an incredible mix of attractions. The Islands are enviably located in the passageway between Africa

GOZO

and Europe, 93km south of Sicily and 288km north of Libya.

GOZO, YOUR NEXT STOP IN THE MEDITERRANEAN Located right at the centre of the Mediterranean, the Maltese Islands are at the heart of the region- promising a diverse culture, a dynamic history, friendly people and eclectic attractions. The Islands are enviably located in the passageway between Africa and Europe, 93km south of Sicily and 288km north of Libya.

MALTA

Visitors can best experience Gozo with a few days’ stay. Those who do, keep coming back to this island that retains peace and tranquillity. Here, you will experience a laid back way of life that is spiritual and intimate – values lost elsewhere, that Gozo has proudly preserved.

GETTING HERE Gozo is connected to over ninety six (96) destinations through the Malta International Airport (www.maltairport.com). Once in Malta, drive to Cirkewwa Harbour (approximately one hour) and take the comfortable Gozo ferry for the scenic 25-minute crossing to Mgarr Harbour, gateway to Gozo.

(+356) 22156172; (+356) 22156177 A luxury boat off Mgarr Harbour, photo by Daniel Cilia

visitgozo@gov.mt

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www.visitgozo.com

MINISTRY FOR GOZO

Front Cover: The Citadel and Tal-Merżuq Hill from Xaghra, photo by Joseph Zammit | Dwejra Tower and Fungus Rock, photo by Ted Attard | Żebbuġ Fireworks, photo by Ted Attard Ta’ Pinu National Shrine, photo by Daniel Cilia | Back Page: Lourdes Chapel, photo by Joseph Caruana