Hidden gem sunshine island with £1.80 pints, £35 flights and 20C temperatures | Europe | Travel
This little-known island is just waiting to be discovered (Image: Getty)
While most would have heard of the island country of Malta, few know about its sister island which is just a short ferry ride away.
A quainter, less crowded and overall more relaxed alternative to the Maltese mainland, this tiny island is a magnificent jewel hiding in plain sight.
For being such a small island, Gozo packs a hefty punch, with a variety of sites, activities, and landscapes just begging to be explored.
Gozo can be reached in a myriad of ways – first by taking a flight to Malta’s main international airport and then catching either a short yet scenic 25-minute ferry from the Cirkewwa terminal in the north of Malta or a 45-minute ferry from the stunning capital city Valletta to Gozo.
Flights to Malta from the UK are fairly affordable at this time of the year — just £35 one-way at the time of writing for a direct flight from London Stansted Airport to Malta International Airport on February 26 including free allowance for one cabin bag.
Another highlight of Gozo in the February/March season is its weather — a toasty spectrum ranging from 16C to 20C and boasting quintessential Mediterranean sunshine and balmy winds to keep you just the right amount of cool on a bright and sunny day.
The cherry on top? Drinks in Gozo are cheap — crisp cold pints of delicious domestic beer for £1.80 — the ultimate traveller’s dream.
Things to do in Gozo
Gozo has no dearth of unspoilt beaches, tucked away from tourist humdrum. Crystal-clear, azure waters, and red-hued sands add to the magic of this hidden gem island, making it perfect for a spot of snorkelling, swimming, or simply lazing around as you soak in the sun.
One of the best beaches in Gozo, Ramla Bay, is aptly classified as a Natura 2000 protected site, with Visit Gozo, the island’s official tourist board, saying: “Despite its popularity, Ramla Bay remains wonderfully undeveloped, preserving its natural charm.
“There are a few cafes and a small stall set back from the beach, providing refreshments without compromising the area’s serene atmosphere.”
Abundant with experiences and activities for travellers to indulge in, Gozo has unique attractions on offer.
Read more: Sunshine holiday island with £38 direct flights and £2 pints in February
Read more: Sunny island with £1.70 pints and 21C weather in February with £25 flights
Boasting quintessential Mediterranean sunshine – it’s the perfect getaway (Image: Getty)
The Ġgantija temples in Gozo, a UNESCO world heritage site, are among the world’s oldest and best-preserved free-standing monuments. The majestic site is surrounded by the lush countryside and has two huge temples waiting to be explored.
In fact, according to famous lore, the rocks making up these temples are so large that locals believed they had been built by giants.
The Ta’ Kola Windmill is another highlight of the island, providing visitors with a keen insight into how wheat was ground to make bread and other baked goods by Gozitans back in the day.
Known as ‘island of the three hills’, Gozo’s skyline is dominated by flat-topped hills that will take your breath away. The three most prominent ones are considered to be Xagħra hill, the Nadur hill, and Żebbuġ.
There’s also Cittadella, Gozo’s recently restored ancient town in the heart of the island’s capital, Victoria (Rabat), and it is yet another must-visit if you make your way over to this stunning paradise.
This island’s unique beauty is unmatched (Image: Getty)
It’s not all about sightseeing in Gozo either — the island boasts four Michelin guide restaurants — Tmun, Level Nine at The Grand, Al Sale, and Ta’ Frenc — ready to transport you on a delectable culinary journey.
Gozo’s food and wine scene is surpassed by close to none, with the island’s mineral-rich soil and unique microclimatic producing some of the best wine across the world. Food and wine tours are also a popular activity amongst visitors and for good reason.
Those looking for off-beat adventures needn’t look further than the traditional milking of sheep and goats in Gozo, which is then transformed into traditional Gozitan cheese. For active adventures, clifftop hiking, kayaking and biking are great options for that perfect day out.
Mountain biking, kayaking and clifftop hiking are all opportunities for active visitors, while Gozo’s food and wine scene focuses strongly on fresh local produce and briny-fresh seafood.
Whatever your vibe, this Maltese island is truly one-of-a-kind, and the sparse crowds make it all the more sweeter to explore.
