Discover Gozo: A Tropical Island Near Malta

Gozo is a whopping fifteen kilometers long and seven kilometers wide, sitting at twice the size of the Dutch island of Vlieland. Yet you can wander around here for days without getting bored. Don't know where to start? We've already made a to-do list for you!

1. Relive History at the Megalithic Temples of Ggantija

Let's start with the oldest of the old: the megalithic temples. Mega is Greek for large and lithos means stone. These temples from 5200 BC are world-famous and certainly UNESCO-worthy. They were the oldest freestanding stone monuments in the world for a long time. That means they were built before the Egyptians even building plans for pyramids. Guide Audrey from Visit Malta tells us about the bloody rituals that took place at the megalithic temples of Ggantija. Mother Nature was their God. There are also whispers in the streets of Gozo that giants built these temples.

2. Stroll Along the Salt Flats of Qbajjar

Let's linger among history a little longer before we take our time machine back to the present day. Did you know that on Gozo, you'll find the oldest salt flats in the world? The salt pans stretch over three kilometers and are still used in the same way as they were 350 years ago. They are passed down from generation to generation. Local residents scrape the salt from the pans and store it in nearby caves. On the other side of the road, opposite the salt flats, you can climb up to one of these caves with a staircase. In the tiny little shop, you can buy a bag of salt for two euros.

3. Indulge your Taste Buds at Ta Karolina

In the past, the old port town of Xlendi was frequently visited by pirates plundering the island from North Africa. It lies between two cliffs, where crystal-clear water and colorful buildings set the scene. At the tip of the bay, you'll find the restaurant Ta Karolina. This family-run restaurant is considered the best local restaurant in Gozo. The menu features many pasta and seafood dishes. The fish is freshly caught by local fishermen. In Malta, it's common to serve large portions, so if you order a main course, you'll get a lot. Fortunately, you can also order a smaller portion. Tip: on the right side of the restaurant, a stone staircase with 75 steps leads you to the Karolina Cave, from where you can overlook the sparkling sea.

4. Immerse Yourself in Culture in Victoria

All roads lead to Victoria. Literally. This is the capital and largest city of the island of Gozo. The city has over 6,000 inhabitants, and the center was formerly called Rabat, which is Arabic for 'the city'. The architectural style resembles other Maltese cities, such as Valletta and Mdina. It's a joy to wander through the city and enjoy all its winding streets, eateries, and boutiques. At the central market square It-Tokk, you'll mingle with the locals and experience the cozy atmosphere that prevails among the population. The market stalls are filled with fresh groceries, antiques, handicrafts, and knitted clothing. A visit to the Citadel and St. George's Basilica is a must.

5. Dive into the Blue Hole and Blue Lagoon

To truly understand why divers love coming to Malta every year, you might as well take the plunge yourself. Like Malta, Gozo has a rocky coastline and cliffs dominated by nature. A very popular spot among divers is the Blue Hole, a deep, natural pool near Dwerja. For a snorkeling session, you can also take a boat to Comino, the third inhabited island of the Maltese archipelago. The Blue Lagoon is almost always full of boats with tourists eager to meet Malta's underwater friends.

This trip was made possible in part by VisitMalta. Also read: 'Mdina: the Sand-Colored Old Capital of Malta' or visit our Malta page for even more travel inspiration about Malta.