D I S C O V E R
G O Z O P U L L
H I S T O R Y
O U T
M A P
I N S I D E
C U L T U R E
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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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Wied Il-Ghasri
Wied Il-Mielah San Dimitri Point
Qbajjar Bay Xwejni Bay
Gordan Lighthouse
TA’ PINU BASILICA
Salt Pans
ZEBBUG GHASRI GHARB
AZURE WINDOW
ROCK
SANTA LUCIJA KERCEM
Ta’ Kola Windmill
Cittadella
FONTANA
Wardija Point
San Blas Bay
XAGHRA Xerri’s Grotto
Water Sports Gozo Ferry Scenic Views
Ramla Bay
Calypso Cave
Crafts Village
Dwejra Tower FUNGUS
Fort Tower
MARSALFORN
Gharb Folklore Museum
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
GHAJNSIELEM
Qala Battery
Bay
Ta' Cenc Cliffs
Hondoq Ir-Rummien
Fort Chambray
SANNAT
MGARR (HARBOUR) Mgarr Ix-Xini
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
[email protected]
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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
