When crossing from Malta to Gozo on the ferry, you can easily spot whether the people are tourists or locals. Tourists will be standing at the bow of the ship, and they will look like they are discovering a new world during the half-hour crossing. The locals however, who have to go to Malta for professional reasons or for leisure usually sit inside, and use the crossing for a coffee break in the cafeteria.
What is there to discover on Gozo, the small neighbouring sister island? Although it belongs to Malta it feels as if it is independent. They have their own accent, and the Gozitans treasure their own history. Before you reach Gozo you will pass the even smaller, almost uninhabited island of Comino. This entirely car-free island attracts divers or yacht owners with the amazing waters of the blue Lagoon.
After passing Comino, you will already see the mighty dome of the “Lady of Lourdes” cathedral which overlooks the harbour of the city Mgarr. In front of that, you can find a huge statue made out of stone that shows Pope John Paul II. People in Gozo are very catholic and they do practice their faith passionately.
The temples of Xaghra is of high historical importance. They have been erected around 3600 BC, which makes them older than the Egyptian pyramids. The megalithic culture has not been explored in great detail, and it is not known when and why exactly it ended.
Alongside stunning coastal landscapes Gozo also offers beautiful sandy beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Gozo is incredibly quiet, and most tourists leave the island again in the early evening. The island is especially suitable for tourists who like it very quiet, however, it is to quiet for most people, and many are happy to be back in Malta at the end of the day. I can only encourage everyone to visit Gozo and to discover on your own this beautiful island.
