Gozo meaning “joy” in Castilian, is the second largest Island of the Maltese archipelago, with a population of approximately 30,000. Though separated from mainland Malta by a mere 5km stretch of sea, Gozo is distinctly different from Malta. The Island is a third the size of Malta, more rural and tranquil. Its culture and way of life are rooted in tradition and yet open to the present. Exuding a relaxed pace of life, Gozo is the ideal secluded haven and at just 25 minutes or so by ferry from Malta, the hop can easily be made for even the shortest stay. For well over two millennia, life in Gozo was harsh, as the island was left exposed to any passing raiders, much more so than Malta with its natural harbours and defences. Throughout the Middle Ages and into the rule of the Knights, Barbary corsairs and Saracens raided the island at intervals. In 1551, the latter carried out a devastating raid, taking almost the entire population away into slavery. The island never really recovered from this and remained under populated for centuries, until the arrival of the Knights saw the medieval Citadel in what is now Victoria refortified and the Gozitans began to venture down to the rest of the Island. Gozo and its inhabitants have their own distinct character and identity, with noticeably different lifestyles, accents and dialect. Gozitans are known for their friendliness and warm welcome, going out of their way to help a visitor find their destination. Festas and carnival times in Gozo also have a different feel to those on Malta. The village of Nadur celebrates carnival with a black sense of humour, quite unlike its more joyful counterparts elsewhere. The real beauty of Gozo, apart from its stunning seascape and interior, lies in the villages. Here, it seems as if time really stood still. The locals treasure their peace and the villages are tranquil, providing a wonderful respite from the modern pace that many of the city dwellers have to endure in their everyday life. All roads in Gozo lead to Victoria, also known as Rabat, which is where the fortified citadel sits atop a summit. Victoria is not just the geographic heart of Gozo, but also the centre of everyday activity. It manages to combine the bustle of its market and shops with a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. It is a great place to watch the islanders go about their day, especially when the main market square, It-Tokk, comes to life. The town also has a thriving cultural life all its own, with some surprising attractions ranging from opera to horse races in the main street on festa day. Gozo is well served by restaurants, where the eating is good and varied. Apart from restaurants and cafés offering local dishes, as well as continental menus, one can also enjoy restaurants specialising in ethnic cuisines, such as Chinese or Indian. You will be spoilt for choice in Rabat, Mgarr and the resort towns of Marsalforn and Xlendi, as well as in several other places around the island. You will find that it is comfortable to walk about at any time of day or night. The sense of safety and security is tangible as the locals take pride in the absolute absence of serious crime and the almost non-existence of theft. Where to Stay
For a taste of village life, rent a villa or farmhouse, and a taste of luxury, rent one with a pool. Other accommodation ranges from deluxe hotels to self-catering apartments. Sea or country views are never hard to find in Gozo, wherever you choose to stay.
FAQs
About the Sister Isle - Visit Malta? ›
More rural and laid back than Malta, visiting Gozo is a journey through time. Our sister island is rich in historic locations with a varied landscape, and a complete touristic destination, not just for the common day tour.
What is the island of Malta known for? ›The economy of Malta is heavily reliant on tourism, and the country promotes itself as a Mediterranean tourist destination with its warmer climate compared to the rest of Europe, numerous recreational areas and architectural and historical monuments, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, ...
Is Malta expensive for tourists? ›Cost of visiting is also moderate compared to other European destinations. In fact, Malta is a relatively cheap destination if compared to countries such as the Nordic countries. There are ways of spending money on expensive hotels and activities but you can still travel by staying on your low budget in Malta.
What language is spoken in Gozo? ›English and Maltese are spoken interchangeably by islanders, but the Maltese spoken in Gozo is slightly different than that spoken in Malta. Gozitans hold a distinct dialect that has retained its roots in the Arabic origins of the Maltese language.
Why is Malta so famous? ›Despite being so isolated, civilizations have flourished on Malta for thousands of years. Malta's most historic claim to fame is the 5,00 year old Hagar Qim. This limestone beauty is one of Malta's celebrated Megalithic temples , many of which predate the pyramids and even Stonehenge.
What do I need to know before visiting Malta? ›Etiquette in Malta
Remove hats and sunglasses upon entry, and have a shawl or sarong on hand to cover shoulders when away from the beach. Locals also have a fairly relaxed approach to time keeping and punctuality, referred to as 'island time'. A handshake is polite when meeting someone for the first time.
May to September are fantastic months to visit Malta as the local festas ramp up and there is plenty to see and do throughout Valletta, Gozo and the surrounding villages.
Is Malta still safe to visit? ›Crime against tourists is rare but robberies, handbag snatching, pickpocketing and theft from parked cars can occur. Be vigilant when exchanging money and using ATMs, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
How much money do I need for 7 days in Malta? ›How much spending money you need for Malta depends on what you plan to do, but you should budget for £50 per person per day or £350 per week of spending money to cover meals and excursions. There's plenty to do in Malta at little to no cost, so it's a great island for those travelling self-catering or on a budget.
Do they speak English in Malta? ›Today, 88% of Malta's population speak English (about 400,000 people). However, only about 10% speak English as a first language (about 48,000), as the majority speak Maltese as a first language. The variety of English commonly spoken in Malta is based on British English.
What currency does Malta use? ›
The currency in Malta is the euro. Each euro is divided into 100 cents. When you're buying currency for Malta, look out for the currency code EUR.
Is it better to stay in Malta or Gozo? ›Succinctly, Malta is the shopping, bustling party, and entertainment side of the Maltese Archipelago while Gozo is the more secluded and peaceful side of the two. Before deciding which side of the archipelago you want to move into, therefore, you must decide whether you want tranquillity or excitement.
Why is Malta so rich? ›Malta's economy is practically driven by financial services, tourism, real estate, Igaming and manufacturing, particularly of electronics.
What jewelry is Malta known for? ›Filigree Jewelry
Known for its carefully woven, intricate designs, Maltese filigree jewelry is a specialty product across the island nation. Made from thin strands of gold or silver, filigree jewelry is stunning up close and from a distance.
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- Malta is tiny but mighty. This fascinating little island is only 316 km squared, with its capital city, Valette, being one of the smallest in Europe. ...
- Rich diversity and culture. ...
- Malta has some of the oldest temples in the world. ...
- Home to 70+ celebrations and fiestas. ...
- Home to blockbuster films.
In addition to Maltese, English is spoken and it is a safe destination, much less crowded than mainland Europe. From its remarkable 8,000 years of history, diverse culinary offerings, and an endless calendar of events and festivals - there is truly something to suit all interests in Malta.
What is Malta renowned for? ›The crystal sea waters
The true secret of the Maltese islands lies in its waters. Malta, Comino and Gozo are rich with very famous diving and snorkelling spots. Besides beautiful beaches all along the coast, Blue Lagoon is famous worldwide.
The country's main export products are semiconductors, but it also exports other manufactured goods and refined petroleum. Italy, the U.S., Germany, France, the U.K., and Singapore are Malta's major trading partners.