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Visit the Ġgantija Temples
No holiday in Gozo is quite complete without a visit to the UNESCO-listed prehistoric Ġgantija Temples in the village of Xagħra. While the two temples making up the site were built between 3600 and 3200 B.C, putting them amongst the earliest free-standing stone buildings in the world, they are in a very good state of preservation. The name ‘ġgantija’ is derived from the Maltese word for giant, as locals used to believe that these temples, whose construction exhibits impressive techincal skill, had been built by giants.
Top Tip: Combine your visit to the Ġgantija Temples with a stop at Ta’ Kola Windmill, one of the Maltese Islands’ few surviving windmills dating back to the Knights, which is also found in the village of Xagħra.
2. Explore the old citadel
Within the walls of the imposing Ċitadella, Gozo’s fortified old city, you will find the Gozo Cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, the law courts, and a number of museums including the archaeology museum and the nature museum. But before venturing into any one of these museums, first stop at the Visitors’ Centre, which is hosted in two 19th century reservoirs just at the citadel’s entrance, which provides an immersive experience that will acquaint you with the site’s history and prepare you for its proper exploration. A ticket to the Visitors’ Centre will also grant you access to the archaeology and nature museums, the old prisons and the Gran Castello historic house.
Top Tip: The Ċitadella is hauntingly beautiful and peaceful at night, so we would definitely recommend a nighttime visit too, particularly if you’re looking for some tranquillity. But be fair warned, in the days leading to 15th August, when the feast of the Assumption is celebrated, the peace is temporarily broken by festa-related activities.
3. Join in on the festa fun
Summer is festa season on the Maltese Islands, with a feast celebrating a different saint each week in Gozo’s capital Victoria and the island’s 13 main villages. Feasts bring together religion, tradition and locals in weeklong celebrations that feature special mass services; spectacular fireworks and petards (which can be difficult to get used to at first given their powerful booming sounds), food trucks selling local treats such as pastizzi; the local band club adding on to the merriment on the streets, and marċijiet – the equivalent of very boisterous street parties.
Top Tip: If you have a sweet tooth, do try the qubbajt (Maltese nougat), which comes in two varities, and is one of the top festa sweets.
4. Sample some Gozitan wines
Did you know that Gozo has its very own DOK label? Wines that carry this mark of quality are produced solely from grapes that are grown on the island, with some of the varities that are cultivated here including the Chardonnay, Cabarnet Sauvignon and Merlot. A wine tour at one of the three main wine estates on the island will not only allow you to sample some of Gozo’s finest homegrown wines in tranquil rural settings but will also give you the opportunity to learn what makes Gozo grapes quite distinct from those cultivated on mainland Malta.
Top Tip: Looking for a unique souvenir to take back home? You can purchase bottles of wine at the end of your tasting tour!
5. Dive down to the Azure Window
Dwejra Bay is perhaps best known for the Azure Window which, sadly, collapsed in March 2017 as gale force winds had hit the island. While the iconic limestone arch can no longer provide a backdrop for visitors’ photos, its remains have now formed the submerged Azure Reef which, given its newness, is still in the process of attracting marine life. Dwejra is also a favourite with divers for its Blue Hole, the relatively shallow Coral Gardens, and the Coral Cave which is home to some spectacular marine life including starfish, hermit crabs and scorpion fish.
Top Tip: If diving isn’t quite your thing, we still recommend a visit to Dwejra. Dwejra enjoys Dark Sky Heritage status, meaning that it is protected from light pollution. This makes the area excellent for a spot of peaceful stargazing or nighttime photography, paricularly when the skies are clear.
Ask us for help
At Best of Gozo we’ve lived on the island of Gozo for most of our lives and we know most of its nooks and crannies. Do get in touch if you have any questions.
If you’re looking to book a holiday on the island, then look no further. Our farmhouses in Xagħra, Gozo, will guarantee a relaxing holiday in a traditional setting with a private pool for you to enjoy.
Have a look at some of the images below. You may also click here to get in touch to book your next holiday in Gozo.
