What to do in Gozo

Geography

At only 312 square kilometres wide, the tiny country of Malta is just 80 km south of Italy, and 284 km north of Tunisia. Gozo itself is 67 square kilometres, and is one of the islands along the Mediterranean archipelago of Malta. The main island of Malta is home to the capital, Valletta, as well as a number of famous attractions. Popeye’s village, the Blue Grotto, and the Malta Aquarium are some of the main sites.

The island of Gozo is in between Malta, and Comino, connected by the strait of Gozo on one end, and the strait of Malta on the other. Gozo is much more rural and scenic than the busier, developed main island of Malta. Getting to Gozo is only a 20-minute ferry from the main island of Malta.

The archipelago was created when limestone was pushed from deep under the ocean and rose from the sea. All of the land mass is limestone, and is home to some beautiful, natural and ancient structures.

History

Malta, officially the 10th smallest country in the world, became a self-governing nation in 1964, when the British parliament passed the Malta Independence Act. Since Malta is an independent country, it makes sense they would also have their own language! The native language is called Maltese, which descended from Sicilian Arabic.

While Malta now consists of multiple islands including Gozo, Gozo was once an independent state as well, but only from 1798-1801.

In 2009, Gozo made recent history when the famous Azure Window, a beautiful limestone arch above turquoise waters was the setting for the Dothraki wedding in Game of Thrones. Sadly the arch that was once in Dwera Bay has since collapsed in 2017.

Gozo also has a 3 km. site called the Salt Pans, right along the coastline. These sites have been used to harvest salt since Roman times. They are still used today between the months of May through September, and the salt is sold in Maltese family run stores.

Wied il-Mielaħ Window

The lesser-known arch of Gozo is called The Wied il-Mielaħ Window. This natural limestone arch on the north-western coast of the island of Gozo, and just north of the village of Għarb is unique because of the shape. The arch is rectangular and geometric, and is nearby Fungus Rock, also known as Mushroom Rock.

Fungus Rock

Fungus Rock became famous because of the Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem. This medieval military order once invaded Malta, and the influence has become part of their military system today. These knights however, discovered the potent plants growing on top of a huge rock just off the coast. The fungus was believed to be a healing agent, and was given to nobleman as gifts. Today the history of Fungus rock lives on!

Inland Sea

The Inland Sea is a unique attraction many tourists love to visit in Gozo. In Dwejra Bay, the Inland sea is a lagoon accessible by boat. You must pass through a narrow (and stunning) sea cave in order to visit the Inland Sea. The secluded cove is complete with sunbathing docks, clear waters and an exclusive vibe. Jacques Cousteau also referred to this very site as being among his top ten dives.

Neolithic Ggantija temples

Ggantija, or Tower of the Giants in Maltese, is the site of the world's oldest standing structures, dating back to 5000 BC! these Megalithic temples are in the center of Gozo, and are like stepping into an ancient world. If you visit Malta, you must see this ancient and significant historical site!

Blue Lagoon

Just 15 minutes from the port of Mġarr is the Blue Lagoon is also a famous place to visit, but is actually not on Gozo itself, but the neighbor island of Comino. Although on a separate land mass, the lagoon is easily accessible by boat. It is well worth the trip- the blue lagoon is one of the best places to swim and scuba dive! While in Gozo, Ramla Bay Beach, a soft fine sand, low traffic beach is also a notable spot to visit.

Outdoor Activities

While it is clear Gozo is rich in culturally and historically interesting sites, many adventurers know Gozo for how perfect the terrain and sea are for adventure activities. In fact, this incredible island is considered one of the top diving and water sport destinations in all of the Mediterranean. From scuba diving and snorkeling, to jet skis, surfing, and paddle boarding, the ocean is waiting for you! you can even go jetboarding in Gozo! you can also take a quad excursion ride or go paragliding. Gozo is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise.