Travel Eye on Gozo (Malta)

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Overview:

A roughly oval island measuring about 8 mls by 4½ mls, Gozo is less developed, more fertile and therefore more rural than Malta, with green valleys and steep, flat-topped hills.

The slow pace and peaceful atmosphere recall a bygone era: picturesque little settlements dot the island, and the friendly but reserved people till the land and go about their daily tasks in much the same way as their ancestors before them.

All the villages are gradually expanding, however, especially those near the ports of Xlendi and Marsalforn. Although the pace is slower than Malta, the increase in day-trippers in summer makes driving on the narrow roads particularly hazardous.

The area caters for mid- to upmarket, those not seeking brash entertainment but preferring peace, beauty and a slow pace of life. The accommodation here ranges from smart 5-star hotels to simple guesthouses and self catering. Most of the are in a rustic style, albeit with all the modern comforts.

Locality:

Gozo is 4 miles north west of Malta, (it is ½ ml N of smaller island of Comino across the N Comino Channel. Reached by car ferry from Cirkewwa (Malta's most northern point) or from Pieta near Valletta). It is the most northerly island in the group of 3 inhabited islands (and 3 uninhabited) which form the Republic of Malta.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Activities here include rock swimming and small beaches in fishing villages such as Xlendi and Marsalforn. There is a large, fine, red-sand beach at Ramla Bay. There are water sports available, but other beach facilities are very limited.

The capital, Victoria, has a good selection of local and tourist shops as well as a colourful, open-air street market. Craft "village" near San Lawrenz. Tourist and handicraft shops in Xlendi and Marsalforn.

During the daytime there are water sports, horse riding and walking. The nightlife here offers bars and a few discos, the larger hotels offer barbecues and entertainers.

There are plenty of choice of restaurants, from burgers to pizzerias, with a choice of quality harbourfront restaurants.