Gozo

More on Gozo

Named by the Aragonese who invaded the island in the thirteenth century, Gozo means 'joy' in Castillian; an apt description of the emotion felt by so many delighted visitors after a holiday on this truly delightful little island. Only fourteen kilometres long and seven kilometres from top to bottom, Gozo may be small in stature, but it's very big on history, natural beauty and charm.

The History
Known as the island of myths and miracles and boasting a motto which calls it 'a fruitful land raising its head from the sea', Gozo is steeped in legend and ancient folklore and rich in breathtaking natural splendour. Homer waxes lyrical about the island in The Odyssey, describing it as a spot where even an immortal visitor must pause to gaze in wonder and delight. Here, it is said, Ulysses was shipwrecked and remained for seven years under the spell of the bewitching nymph Calypso. Even now, thousands of years later, Gozo still evokes the magic of the myth and casts its spell over today's twenty-first century visitors. Like Ulysses, holidaymakers eventually bid a sad farewell to this lovely island. Unlike him however, many return again and again and some even buy their own plot of land, convert an old farmhouse and settle here for good.

The Island
Gozo lies between Sicily and the coast of North Africa, separated by just five kilometres of sea from its sister island of Malta, from which regular ferries bring visitors into the harbour at Mgarr. The countryside is a mixture of flat-topped hills and green fields whose fertile soil is planted with a variety of fruit and vegetables, from tomatoes to tangerines. The sleepy pace and rustic charm of the island encourage relaxation from the moment visitors first set foot on the harbourside at Mgarr. Locals of all ages are cheerful and friendly, often going out of their way to welcome newcomers, particularly during the myriad village feasts which take place throughout the summer, often accompanied by spectacular firework displays. Bars and restaurants are patronised by Gozitans and holidaymakers alike and the choice of places to eat is surprisingly varied, with wonderful local restaurants serving a variety of food from rustic, local fare to pizzerias and restaurants serving international cuisine.

The Resorts
Gozo is not an island for those seeking bright lights and the hustle and bustle of other Mediterranean resorts. Here the pace of life is slow and relaxed. The villages have far more churches than they do souvenir shops and the charm of this tiny, tranquil haven is decidedly more rustic than riotous. Inland, hamlets and villages lie in complete tranquillity, sometimes apparently deserted, with their wooden doors closed and the windows shuttered against the heat of the day. There are reminders of Gozo's spiritual and historic heritage at every turn. It seems that almost every village, however small, has an enormous and elaborate church, often commemorating the site of a religious vision and the island certainly has more than its fair share of natural monuments standing testament to many a famous legend.

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