Gozo (General)

jonbarb709
First Reviewer
5 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
3
Reviews
10
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Editor Pick

A Gem Of An Island

  • November 11, 2009
  • Rated 5 of 5 by dkm1981 from Blackburn, United Kingdom
A Gem Of An Island

No holiday in Malta is complete without a trip to Gozo, a smaller island to the south. It can be reached by any number of organised boat trips from almost anywhere in the island, however the cheapest way to get there is by the ferry (E4.50 per person, return) that leaves the Southern tip of Malta every 45 minutes.

If you do make the trip, don't miss the caves and rocks of Dwerja Point. The bus goes there from Victoria every two hours, giving you plenty of time to admire the giant and obscure rock formations (especially Azure Window and Fungus Rock).

We had a fabulous time exploring the rock pools and just feeling very relaxed. The surface in the area is very uneven and gives you the impression that you are walking on unchartered territory.

Also, you should definitely take a boat trip (only E3.50 per person - well worth it) through the caves, where you will be amazed by the coral and the beautiful inky blue water. You'll go from the lagoon through the natural gap in the rock and it feels like you're on a ride at Disney, but much, much better. The boat ride lasts around ten minutes and the guide will point out the various points of interest.

Around this area you'll also find a gift shop selling local glass scultpures and an array of coloured glass pottery, as well as numerous stands selling a much needed cold drink or ice cream and some public toilets.

Also on Gozo, you can't miss Victoria, the island's main town and centre point for all the buses. Dominating from upon a hill is the Citadel, which affords great views of the surrounding area and is home to various small museums and the cathedral. It's free to wander around the grounds of the Citadel.

Don't be put off by the cathedral's rather plain exterior, because the inside is very impressive. The best feature, in my opinion, is the trompe l'oeil, painted because there is no dome where the church's designer intended there to be one. At E6 though, it isn't the best value for money and probably not worth the dome alone - much better if you have an interest in this type of building.

There are also plenty of local markets selling all manner of gifts and things, great for those who can't resist a bit of shopping!

From journal A Week in Malta

Editor Pick

Gozo

Gozo

If you are going to Malta and you enjoy a little exploring, I highly recommend taking a trip to Gozo, a slightly quieter island than that of Malta, and beautiful in its own right. The ferry to Gozo (Mgarr) from northern Malta (Cirkewwa) runs regularly (24 hours a day in both the mid and summer seasons, which are listed as the May 30 to October 29 for 2006). The trip is both quick (25 minutes) and inexpensive.

When on Gozo, there is a bus system, but they do not seem to run as regularly or as late (to some of the destinations) as they do on Malta. Buses from the port of Gozo to other sites leave only shortly after the arrival of each ferry and is loaded with people. The bus goes to Rabat (also known as Victoria), the main city on Gozo. Go to the tourist office near here (signs are vague, but locals are extremely helpful) for a bus schedule and walking maps of The Citadel.

The Citadel (entrance is free) provides fantastic views of the Gozo countryside and allows visitors to get an idea of the size of this island. Walk around the highest points of the fortification (on top of a hill) and see the Mediterranean in the distance.

The bus going to the Blue Window is pleasant and also stops at Ta' Pinu Basilica. Views of this site can be seen from the bus, so be sure to sit by the window (right side when going to the window) to catch a glimpse if you don't wish to stop.

From journal Malta: Mediterranean Jewel

Gozo

  • February 3, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by jonbarb709 from The Villages, Florida
Rather than stay overnight, we took the ferry over and picked up with Oasis Tours. They covered everything you really want to see. It is a very small island. There was Calypso Cave, the Citadel, Ta'Pinu Church, Ggantija Temple, and Fontana Crafts Industry.

From journal Malta - A Step Back in History

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