Day 1 in Gozo

Welcome to Gozo, the sister island of Malta! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

Once you arrive in Gozo, we recommend a `Hop-n Hop-off` bus tour of the island. The tours leave from the harbor of Mgarr and links various places of interest on the island. Each tour includes an audio commentary and takes about 45 minutes for the entire route. This is a great way to get your bearings while finding out interesting history of the island.

Make a midday visit to the the capital city and Medieval hilltop of Gozo Island, Victoria. This tiny town packs a lot into a little space. Known as Rabat or ir-Rabat in Maltese, Victoria is a glimpse into what Malta looked like before it was a tourist hotspot. It`s easy to just wander around and take in the beauty of the town. Stop at a bakery for a traditional pastry, before dropping in at Ta` Nikol Gallery, where local artisans sell everything from painted tiles and upcycled furniture to hand-blended loose-leaf teas.

In the heart of the city is the Citadel, which has been the center of activity since the Neolithic ages (10,200 BC - 2,000 BC), but it was first fortified during the Bronze age (1500 BC). A walk along the fortified ramparts is rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Gozo`s hills and valleys, villages and churches and a view right across the sea to Malta. Only a couple of families live within the Citadel walls today. In the square you will find the magnificent baroque Cathedral of Gozo dedicated to Santa Marija, or more precisely the Assumption of the Virgin Mary; as well as the Law Courts and the Bishop`s Palace.

Very close by are several interesting small museums and a state of the art Visitors` Center, The Cathedral Museum, the Museum of Archaeology, the Folklore Museum, the Gozo Nature Museum, the Old Prison, the Old Gunpowder Museum, the Grain Silos, the Batteryand the World War II Shelter.

We recommend a visit to the Gozo Museum of Archeology. The museum offers a glimpse of all the important settlers that lived in Gozo from the early Neolithi up to the arrival of the Knights of St. John. The museum itself resides within a beautiful 17th-century townhouse within the Citadel.

Finish your day wandering the Main Street of Victoria, Triq ir-Repubblika (Republic Street). Here you`ll find great shopping and some pretty spots like the opera house and public gardens. There are plenty of great restaurants to stop in to enjoy some delicious local cuisine.

After a full stomach and a busy day of sightseeing, head back to your hotel for a restful night sleep.

Day 2 in Gozo

Wake up early today and head out ot the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ġgantija temples, a must see while on the island! The temples were built before the famous standing stones at Stonehenge and have an astonishing history. Built during the Neolithic era, which makes these temples more than 5,500 years old. The name Ġgantija derives from the word `ġgant`, Maltese for giant, as Gozitans used to believe the temples were built by a race of giants. Not so surprising when you see the size of the limestone blocks from which it is constructed, weighing over fifty tons.

As you explore you`ll notice each temple contains a series of `niches` or chambers, in which rituals or sacrifices could be performed. Although it is not entirely known what the exact function of these temples were, it is likely that these may have been the site of a fertility cult.

Make a short stop at the Ta` Pinu Sanctuary, an imposing church renowned for its miraculous healing powers, the walls in the back being filled with letters from people all over the world expressing their gratitude and devotion.

An optional stop, you may, or may not want to visit, is the location of the former Azure Window. Sadly, the iconic Maltese natural rock arch collapsed into the sea on March 8th, 2017 during a storm. It was featured in movies and TV shows, including HBO`s Game of Thrones. You need to use your imagination now, as the Azure Window is no longer, but the location is gorgeous and well worth a visit. It is a great area to take photographs, admire the views, swim in a natural pool or go diving. You can also visit the Azure Window Restaurant (still goes by this same name today) for lunch while in the area.

Spend the remaining part of your day at what is considered to be one of the island`s very best sand beach: Ramla Bay. This beautiful reddish sand beach is a perfect place to relax after a busy day of sightseeing and a great spot to catch the sunset.

End the day with a tasty dinner at one of the beachside cafes before calling it a night.

Additional Days in Gozo

Should you be able to spend additional days in Gozo, continue to discover more of the island. Visit Gozo`s best beach Ir-Ramla il-Hamra, tucked into a protected bay surrounded by steep cliffs, this beach is the largest and sandiest beach on the island. See the spectacular Sea views of Historic village of Nadur, the watch point where the Knights of Malta kept vigil over the channel between the islands of Malta and Gozo. Nadur overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and is surrounded by an idyllic landscape of fertile green valleys. Go fishing, swimming and diving at Xlendi, an old fishing village that has become one of the island`s most popular seaside resorts. See the dramatic scenery at Ta`Cenc Cliffs from the village of Sannat. Take the ferry to Malta to discover Gozo `big sister` island. Or, just laze on one of the many amazing beaches all day long and relax!

Your Last Day in Gozo

Depart your hotel for the airport or ferry station where you will head home or make your way to the more European adventures. Savor the memories of a very special time spent on the island of Gozo.