Gozo means ‘joy’ and a visit to Malta‘s sister island should bring exactly that.
Let’s face it, in Gozo we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful views.
Everyone has their own personal favourites when it comes to things to see and do but Gozo is famous for its picturesque scenery, pristine coastline and untouched country trails.
So, before we begin, we’ll admit that this list could prove to be a bone of contention, with more than a few favourites missed out.
Here they are: 10 places that visitors to Gozo will never forget.
Ramla Bay
We’ll start with an obvious one and what is arguably Gozo’s most beautiful beach. Ramla Bay, with its famous red-gold sandy beach, is the perfect place for swimming, sunbathing and just relaxing with friends and family. The Daily Telegraph rates Ramla Bay as one of the best in Europe.
Tal-Mixta Cave
Your friends will love this view of Ramla beach, which you can see from Tal-Mixta cave, found in the cliffs on the western side of the bay. You descend into the cave down a short flight of stone steps and then the view opens up right there in front of you, framed by the edges of the cave.
Victoria
Victoria was named in 1887 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. In Victoria, you can get a glimpse of Gozo’s medieval past in its maze of narrow alleyways which are perfect for impressing everyone on your Instagram feed.
The Citadel
The newly restored Citadel is found in the heart of Gozo’s capital city. The fortified town that towers over Victoria, combines a medieval layout with the buildings of the Knights of St John on a site inhabited since the Bronze Age. It’s Gozo’s very own Mdina.
Ghasri Valley
Ghasri Valley is a perfect place for a country walk with your friends. The narrow inlet is popular with divers who like to explore the surrounding underwater caves. The secluded bay is also a haven for those who seek a quiet bathing area.
Mgarr ix-Xini
A beautiful spot for swimming and snorkeling, Mġarr Ix-Xini was the location where Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt shot their film ‘By the Sea’. In 2015, Mġarr Ix-Xini was mentioned by CNN as one of the top 10 places to visit before they are changed forever.
Xlendi
Xlendi is a spectacular swimming, and diving spot. There’s a small sandy beach and the village is well-served with good restaurants, bars and hotels. But what makes Xlendi extra special are its sunsets. Xlendi Bay is easily the best place to watch the sun go down in the Maltese Islands.
The Blue Hole
Gozo is Europe’s top diving destinations with a remarkable range of shore as well as boat dives – all within easy reach of each other. Gozo has some world-class dive-sites, such as the Blue Hole at Dwejra. It’s a fantastic diving spot which can be tackled by divers of different levels. Swimmers love it too.
Xewkija Rotunda
This is the biggest church in Gozo and boasts the third largest unsupported dome in the world. The first stone was laid in 1951.
The old church of St John was left in place during the work and continued to function until the new building was completed. Many donations were offered, as well as free labour from skilled craftsmen.
This enabled the enormous structure to rise higher year by year until, after 20 years of hard work, the new church was ready.
Marsalforn
Marsalforn is one of the most popular resort on the island. In summer it throbs with life as hundreds of families move in to spend July and August at the coast and thousands of visitors arrive for a dose of sun and sea.
The small beach is backed by a promenade which runs right round the head of the bay, providing a pleasant place to stroll at all times of year and a traditional summer evening gathering place for families and visitors alike.C
