Gozo Island is an island located in the Mediterranean city, Sicily, Italy. Gozo island and 20 other islands together constitute the Maltese Archipelago. The island inhabited for thousands of years is a perfect combination of natural beauty and human existence. Gozo Island is famous for its dense green covers, quaint hills, scenic farms, and clear sandy beaches. Thousands of tourists visit the island to soak in the beauty of the majestic beaches on the island.
The neolithic Ggantija temple ruins, adventurous hiking trails, serene beaches, and adventure sports spots are the factors that make the island a paradise for travellers.
In short, Gozo island is a combination of some of the world’s best adventure sports spots and unmatchable scenic landscapes that steal the heart of every visitor that arrives here. However, there’s no direct connectivity to Gozo. But like any other great thing, you have to put in some extra effort to reach your destination. To reach Gozo, you’ll need to board on a ferry that leaves from Cirkewwa. Once you get to the island, there are several great places you can visit. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best places to visit in Gozo.
Ggantija Temples
As mentioned earlier, the island has been inhabited for thousands of years, making it a hidden treasure for history buffs. The Ggantija Temple ruins have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can get a detailed insight into the island’s history and cultural practices while visiting the temple. The archaeological marvel’s origin can be traced back to the prehistoric times between 3600 BC to 3200 BC. As per the legends, the temples are the oldest freestanding monuments in the world. You will also find a museum near the temples where you can get detailed information about the neolithic age practices.
Victoria
Victoria is the most popular city and the capital of Gozo island. Sitting atop a hill, the town is guarded by dry landscapes of the Mediterranean. Enclosed by the Citadel, the city was constructed by Saint John’s knights. The Virgin Mary sculpture is one of the highlights of the cathedral. Every year, the Cathedral’s Feast Day is celebrated with a grand celebration ceremony on August 15. The city is mainly famous for its unique architecture and traditional arts and crafts. It is a must-visit place on the island.
Ir-Ramla il-Hamra
Ir-Ramla il-Hamra can be easily qualified as the best beach on the island. Guarded by the steep slopes of a rocky hill, the stunning view of the seawater flirting with the shores under a clear sky will steal your heart. The beach’s unique thing is that its coast is covered with reddish sand with almost no pebbles. It is a well-connected beach where you can find plenty of staying and eating options. It is a perfect laidback destination for chilling with your loved ones, away from the rush of the city.
Baroque Church of Nadur
Nadur is a quaint hilltop village that provides a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean sea. The strategic village is mainly visited by the tourists for the iconic Parish Church. The Ta sopu Tower, located outside the village, is a significant tourist attraction. The Parish Church that makes the village one of the most picturesque destinations on the island earns its charms from the splendid ceiling paintings, gilded Corinthian columns, and an airy dome with stained-glass windows.
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Xlendi
Xlendi is another laidback holiday destination on the island that is mainly flocked by locals and tourists for activities like fishing, swimming, and diving. The fishing village is also famous among the tourists because of its breathtaking seaside resorts that look like a dream at first glance. You can find affordable seafront accommodations in Xlendi, where you can enjoy the mesmerizing view of the village from your room’s window or your balcony.
Xewkija Rotunda
Xewkija is the oldest village on the island and holds tremendous historical significance. The town is famous because of the majestic Parish Church that is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. The Church is the largest religious monument in Gozo. The Church can be spotted from a long distance thanks to its gigantic dome. Xewkija Rotunda has the third largest dome in the world. It is 74 meters tall and 27 meters in diameter. The unique flooring, intriguing sculptures, and modern paintings make the structure even more majestic.