Gozo

Gozo, unspoiled pearl, is located 5km northwest of Malta. It is part of the Malta archipelago. It is a tiny island of 67 km².

The capital is Victoria (Rabat). There are about 31.000 people living there. A local told me that the youth is leaving, mostly to Malta, but also to other European countries where it is easier to find work. Conversely, many foreigners come to Malta and Gozo to live and enjoy the climate. As a result, parts of the schools are closed, usually a boys or girls department and the children now go to mixed schools. Many foreigners are now taught in 2 languages, including English.

Despite the fact that the island is so small, we did not get bored at Gozo for a moment. The island has many nice beaches including San Blas Beach, Dahlet Qorrot and Xlendi Beach, is greener and less touristy than Malta. The best beaches of Gozo can be found here.

There is a lot to see on the small surface. One of the main sights of Gozo was “Azure Window”. The inland sea next to the collapsed Azure Window can still be visited. You can swim and sail through a cave to the open sea. You also have the Basle of Ta'Pinu, a pilgrimage site built in the early 16de century. Also the capital Victoria with its Cittadella is worth a visit. This "fort" was built in 1500 and, depending on the preference of the rulers at the time of occupation, was adapted to their needs. The Citadel is on the Unesco list. It was built to protect the population against pirates.

Gozo is also a walking paradise. You get there by using the ferry service, which sails many times daily between Malta and Gozo. We rented a car at Malta airport, drove (left) to the ferry service, which departed in Cirkewwa, and sailed along the third and smallest island of Comino, to Mgarr. The cruise is fun to do. You can drink something on the boat or enjoy the sea air in the sun on the deck.

climate

Gozo has a fantastically pleasant Mediterranean maritime climate. Only in the summer can it be a bit too hot. There is a desert wind blowing on Gozo, the sirocco, making it feel as if everything is being heated up again. The coolest average daily temperature is 15 ° C and the warmest in July / August is 31 ° C. We were there in August, but found it is well tolerated. Only for walks in the middle of the day was it an bit too hot. For the beach, under a parasol, we found it ideal. I would advise against renting a house without a pool or sea nearby. Ideal to go to Gozo is in the months of May, June, September and October. But yes, if you have children who are subject to compulsory education, you can not choose your months that easily. So walking and sightseeing in the morning and the beach at noon in the summer holidays is the ideal formula for Gozo.