Do you ever wonder what it feels like to step into a place that seems frozen in time yet bursting with life? That’s Gozo for you. Easy to get to from Malta, just a short ferry ride away. I know most tourists would choose Valletta over any other city or island in Malta. I understand, because it’s the capital city. But I’m sure you’ve not heard about the stunning island of Gozo 

Relax! I’ve got you covered

To begin with, Gozo is a more relaxed and eco-friendly version of Malta, offering a number of stunning beaches, traditional local food, culture, historical sites, and a closer look at a more traditional way of life. 

If you’re interested in a quiet vacation, Gozo is a great place to experience some peace and quiet. However, if you don’t mind the bustle of the main island but want to see a different side of the Maltese Islands, you might still want to spend a brief visit of two to three days.

Read on to learn everything there is to know about this stunning location.

Citadella De Victoria & Church

The Gozo Cathedral is unmissable. It’s located exactly at the heart of the Cittadella. The cathedral was built between 1697 and 1711 using the local globigerina limestone. The Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafa designed its baroque structure.

The cathedral is dedicated to the Assumption of Our Lady, or as we call it in Gozo, Santa Marija. Every year in the Santa Marija week preceding the 15 August, a huge traditional feast, or festa as locally called, is organised by the Cathedral Parish and the Leone Philharmonic Society. The peak time of the festa is reached on the late afternoon of 15 August, when the statue of the Assumption of Our Lady is carried shoulder-high in the streets of Victoria.

In 1435, the church became the principal seat of the Gozo bishop and therefore the mother church of all churches on Gozo.

Ping Dynasty Restaurant

In the heart of the picturesque island of Gozo, this restaurant, under the management of the owner, Ping Lonin, has become one of the top restaurants in the Maltese Islands, with an enviable reputation for quality, price, and service. 

They take pride in their standards, which are meticulously maintained to entice clients, including international stars, dignitaries, and culinary experts, to return time and again. The most important thing is they’ve got delicious meals! It’s a bit pricey though, but every meal is worth the price. 

Basilika Tal-Madonna Ta’Pinu

This one is the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu. It’s a Roman Catholic minor basilica and national shrine. In 1575, an apostolic visitor was delegated by the Pope to visit the Maltese Islands. In his pastoral visit to the church, he found that it was in a very bad state. 

So He ordered the church to be closed and demolished. But when demolition began, something strange happened: the workman broke his arm while striking the first blow. This was taken as an omen that the chapel should not be demolished. Anyways, the name was changed from “Of the Gentile” to “Ta` Pinu,” meaning “Of Philip.”. 

In 1883, Karmni was walking past the church and heard a voice asking her to recite three “Hail Marys.” Over the following years, miracles were attributed to the grace of Our Lady of the Assumption, to whom the church was dedicated. Francis also heard the voice coming from the painting. Francis was a devout follower of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu and healed a lot of people in her name. 

There are often people there, tourists and Maltese people. You have to enter and see the mosaics, the small museum, and the icon of the Virgin, famous for its miracles. Don’t miss seeing the golden rose offered by the Pope (in the window on the right). It is relatively modern and rather simply decorated. 

One can get to Ta’ Pinu on the Gozo bus from Victoria. It’s a short bus ride but well worth the time.

Blue Hole Boat Cruise

This area offers numerous captivating dive sites, including the Inland Sea and a cave system. There are regular boat tours escorting visitors through the tunnel to marvel at the sea cliffs. I can’t remember the exact price, but it was cheaper than that of Valletta. 

The Blue Hole in Gozo is a tranquil dive site suitable for both recreational and technical diving, with depths exceeding 50 meters. During holiday periods, the Inland Sea bustles with tour boats, which can be unsettling for some divers. The stunning tunnel of the Inland Sea is an absolute must-visit spot in Gozo. 

This site features a small body of water separated from the open sea by a wall extending several dozen meters. Inside this wall, there is an incredible 80-meter-long tunnel that provides a passage to the open sea. It’s an interesting site, and you need to see it!

Wied IL-Mielah Window 

This impressive rock arch is a famous window located at the end of the valley. The natural rock formation of a massive window in the cliff was once a small crack in the rock that became wider and wider due to the combined action of rain, wave action, and wind until it assumed its current shape of a large natural window. 

Directly at the end of the valley, parallel to the old river bed, there is a narrow staircase along the rock to just before the window, almost to the water. Since the ceiling of the window is still thick, you can still see the window from above.

The Xlendi Bay 

Shlendi is one of Gozo’s scenic coastal towns. It is like a small fjord, with high cliffs surrounding it. This destination is popular with locals and tourists because of its natural beauty and dining options. Gozo’s Xlendi Bay is surrounded by these impressive limestone cliffs. Seriously, they’re stunning and provide the finest backdrop for the bay. The views are amazing. It’s a sight you must see! 

Xlendi has scenic trails worth exploring for hiking opportunities. You can climb up the stairs to reach the cliff’s viewpoint. From there, you can see all of Xlendi Bay. Also, you can venture left and to Xlendi Tower. You will cross the bridge over the valley, and once in the tower area, you will see these cool yellow limestone cliffs and salt pans. The views there are stunning and ideal for amazing photos.

Tal-Mixta Cave

Tal-Mixta Cave is one of the last intact troglodytic abodes for Gozo. Troglodytic refers to a prehistoric race of people that lived in caves, dens, or holes. The cave gets its name from the word “Malta,” which is derived from the Maltese word “Mxett,” meaning ‘a place where one shelters in winter together with the cattle. It must have been inhabited from early times till the early twentieth.

The cave essentially acts as a window for one of the grandest views you’ll ever see in Malta. Through the wide crevice of the cave, you will be able to witness a breathtaking panorama of Ramla Bay, and that’s one of Gozo’s widest and most famous beaches. Visiting this cave is one of the many rewarding things to do in Gozo on holidays.

Gozo is a place that stays with you long after you’ve left. It’s peaceful yet historical, adventurous yet modern, and small but packed with so much to offer. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views, unique cultural experiences, or a short vacation, Gozo is there for you.

So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip, pack your bags, and go experience the amazing sites in Gozo. 

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