Information about Gozo

Gozo: Malta's next big thing in tourism!

The island of Gozo is about the size of Manhattan, with a fraction of the population, only boasting some 31000 inhabitants. However, this island, second only in size to Malta itself in the Maltese archipelago, is crammed with excitement, activities, archaeological wonders and the best secluded beaches for those relaxing lazy days; making it a perfect holiday destination.

Privacy is possible on the many small beaches and bays, and intriguing caves positively invite exploration at Mgarr Ix-Xini. Xlendi features fantastic reef formations to pique the interest of scuba divers and snorkelers of all abilities. Ramla will add a distinctive feature to your holiday snaps when you enjoy the unusual red sandy beach. It is not merely a decorative point of interest though, Roman remains can be found nearby, as can the ruins of a fort erected in the mid-1700s by the Knights of Malta.

Marsalforn is one of the best resort towns on the island and provides a wide range of watersport activities for visitors to try their hand at. Water polo, water-skiing and boat trips are all available for those in search of excitement on their holiday, as are swimming, fishing and, of course, sunbathing. For those with an interest in taking to the water, the range of available vessels runs from canoes and pedaloes to rowing boats, sailing boats and even speed boats. Explore the stunning coastline by taking advantage of a full or half-day excursion along the shore, relaxing while someone else steers!

As magnificent as the water sports and beaches are, there is still much more to Gozo. The island has been occupied for millennia and is even reputed to be the home of Homer’s Calypso, a nymph who held Odysseus captive for years, before releasing him to continue on his travels. With a wealth of history under its belt Gozo boasts several wonderful archaeological sites, one of the most important must be the Ggantija temple, a Neolithic religious site dating back more than 5 500 years. This site is accepted as the second oldest religious site in the world and is well worth a visit. The nearby underground funerary site, the Xaghra Stone Circle is thought to be the burial site of the people who worshipped at the Ggantija temple.

Another exceedingly interesting feature about Gozo is the vast number of beautiful, large churches and cathedrals. The village of Xewkija is home to a magnificent church which can hold 3000 people – the entire population of the village – and is the proud possessor of the largest dome in Europe, bigger than that of St Paul’s Cathedral in London. As if that was not enough, the village is also home to a smaller chapel, St Mary of Mercy. The church known as Ta Pinu looks like a magnificent Moorish palace, standing proudly against the surrounding landscape. It is said to be a place of miraculous healing and locals and tourists alike flock to the church. Each of the villages on Gozo has a main, or parish church, with many smaller churches and chapels to be found in suburban and rural areas. Many of the 46 or so churches are absolutely beautiful and are well worth a visit.

Booking your Malta holidays has never been easier with Thomson, and if you choose to visit Gozo you will have the opportunity to marvel at the stunning Azure Window, a natural rock feature extending out into the sea, creating a natural arch which has become one of the most famous sights on the island. Book soon and enjoy the wonders of Gozo, both manmade and natural.