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Casual breakfast in a historic harbor city with cobbled streets courting again a whole bunch of years, verdant, orange tree-dotted hinterlands so far as the eyes can see, pistachio gelatos, and scenic coastal drives into blood-orange sunsets: quickly sufficient, will probably be summer season within the Mediterranean.
The historic sea is anticipating a report surge in guests this yr, with extra Transatlantic flights added and prepare routes launching, but when becoming a member of the Santorini and Mallorca crowds would not sound too interesting, there’s a lesser-known island that is simply as unbelievable (and extra inexpensive).
Home to unspoiled seashores, gorgeous rugged nature, and postcard-ready villages, Gozo is the culturally-charged sunny getaway you did not know you wanted:
Why You Should Visit Gozo In Summer 2024
Gozo is an off-beat island belonging to Malta, a collective of three small islands barely discernible on a map, in addition to a sovereign European nation positioned simply south of Sicily and midway between the European mainland and North Africa.
Though it’s comparatively unknown to the American public, Malta has been a massively well-liked vacation spot for Europeans for many years, with vacation cities like Sliema and St. Julians teeming with British and Germans over the balmy summer season months.
However, whereas a whole bunch of hundreds of vacationers flock into the biggest island – named after the nation itself – the place the largest resorts and seaside golf equipment are, Malta’s smaller sister Gozo continues to be ignored by most, because it would not have an airport, and it is in principle ‘more durable’ to get to.
Gozo can solely be reached by way of ferry from sure departure factors in Malta, corresponding to Cirkewwa and Marsamxett, and at solely 25 sq. miles, smaller even than the principle island is 95 sq. miles, it’s one of many smallest inhabited islands within the Mediterranean.
On the opposite hand, the very fact it’s remarkably tiny and that it receives fewer vacationers doesn’t imply it has a missing vacationer affords – quite the opposite:
Gozo Is One Of The Prettiest Islands In The Mediterranean
With its rugged panorama, ocher-colored cities dominated by imposing Baroque church buildings and pristine shoreline, the place golden sands are hugged by teal-colored waters, Gozo is definitely one of many prettiest islands within the Mediterranean basin.
Unlike Malta, which is closely urbanized – it concentrates 94% of the Republic’s 531,000 inhabitants – Gozo is primarily rural, with plantations and arid heartland so far as the eyes can see, and solely 17 townships distributed round its small perimeter.
The largest city – and the island’s capital – is Victoria (recognized amongst some locals by its native Maltese title of Rabat), an historic walled fortress finest recognized for its landmark Cathedral of the Assumption, spectacular ramparts and winding alleys.
Away from Victoria, different stunning cities with ornate church facades and Malta’s iconic purple phone packing containers (a remnant of British colonial rule) embody L-Gharb, Ix-Xewkija, Iz-Zebbug and Ghajnsielem, the principle port, dominated by an 18th-century fort and a Neo-Gothic hilltop church.
As for seashores, Ramla, Marsalforn and Hondoq Bays are the prime three finest, having been awarded Blue Flag Status, although there are hidden gems like Ghasri and San Blas value testing – they usually’re all surprisingly much more peaceable than your common Mediterranean seaside.
Gozo as an entire is extremely peaceable:
Why Are There Less Tourists In Gozo?
Mediterranean islands are simply overflowing with vacationers as of late, and neighboring Malta is one among them, with a rising inhabitants of expats and an economic system that more and more depends on vacationer euros and {dollars}.
Interestingly, there appears to be a consensus among the many native Maltese and their representatives in authorities that Gozo ought to be protected in any respect prices.
This is Malta’s most prized asset, the place essentially the most traditionally vital archaeological websites are, and the place Maltese traditions are at their purest, strongest type, with out interference from an more and more internationalized group.
There are a handful of ships that dock in Gozo, however most could be calling at Valletta (the nation’s capital positioned on the principle island), so the inflow of cruise guests and ‘day-trippers’ is much less pronounced, leaving city streets much less congested and seashores cleaner.
Yes, there are vacationers round – sufficient of them to make Gozo really feel considerably busy at weekends – however the amount is much from being overwhelming: in different phrases, you are unlikely to face in line for hours to entry points of interest.
There aren’t any airports in Gozo – it is solely linked to Malta by way of common hourly ferries that additionally transport vehicles – and there is a restricted variety of motels on the island – 21, to be exact, excluding guesthouses and hostels – and just one five-star itemizing as proven on Booking.com.
Malta, alternatively, has a whopping 126 motels, a further 176 flats listed as vacation leases, and numerous extra Airbnbs and hostels: it’s much more crowded, whereas Gozo is extra unique, however not essentially dearer.
How Expensive Is Gozo To Visit?
There are normal lodge rooms in Marsalforn in Gozo from only $74 a night, a ‘superb’ breakfast included, or ‘consolation’ rooms in Nadur’s aptly-named Quaint Boutique Hotel from $87 – should you’re on a shoestring price range, guesthouse stays will solely set you again $37 per overnight.
Gozo’s solely five-star resort, Kempinski Hotel in San Lawrenz, with a lagoon-style pool, lush gardens and spa amenities, prices solely $229 to guide per night time, whereas overnights in luxurious resorts in Malta vary between $290 and $409.
Popular listings embody The Westin Dragonara Resort in St. Julians (Malta’s resort capital), costing $341 per night time, the Cugo Gran Macina in Senglea, to the tune of $366, and the landmark Xara Palace, within the Mdina citadel, for $409 nightly.
Malta as an entire is not essentially the most inexpensive of Mediterranean nations, however consuming native in Gozo will be surprisingly low cost: count on to pay round $10 – $12 for a easy pasta dish, or the standard Maltese rabbit stew in a neighborhood restaurant in a village, plus $3 to $5 for a glass of wine relying on the wine.
Overall, vacationers spend on common $35 per day on meals throughout a visit to Malta (together with the island of Malta and Gozo).
How Do You Get To Gozo?
The solely method to get to Gozo is first reaching Malta, the place the nation’s solely worldwide airport (MLA) is, internet hosting nonstop flights from throughout Europe, generally for as cheap as $18 on Ryanair.
Like some other small Mediterranean island the place public transportation is suboptimal, with not-so-frequent buses and an absence of prepare service, you will take advantage of out of your go to to Malta and Gozo with a rental automotive.
As talked about already, you possibly can take your automotive from Malta to Gozo on the ferry from Cirkewwa, the northernmost level within the island of Malta, and the crossing time is barely 25 minutes – you will be in Gozitan shores earlier than you even register you have departed Malta.
You will want a automotive in Gozo to go to all of these secluded pure websites, caves opening as much as views of the azure Mediterranean and ethnic Maltese villages, however should you’re merely in search of a straightforward day journey from Malta car-free, your possibility is the next:
Take the ferry from Valletta, the Maltese capital, at a complete length of 45 minutes.
You’ll be dropped off at Ghajnsielem Port, and from there, you possibly can both take a taxi or a neighborhood bus to Victoria (Rabat), the Gozitan capital, which is roughly 3 miles inland.
It will be difficult to go to different locations round Gozo with public transport, but when your solely aim is to see the walled marvel that’s Victoria, pattern Gozitan meals, and stroll the picturesque streets earlier than catching the ferry again to Valletta, we do not see why not go for it.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the submit.
