Gozo
Xaghra
It is the second-largest village in Gozo, with a population of 4,200 people and is only four kilometers from Victoria the capital city of Gozo.
It is home to various historical sites, amongst which are the famous Ġgantija temples. Their markers erected the two Ġgantija temples during the Neolithic Age (c.3600-2500 BC), which makes these temples more than 5500 years old and some of the world’s oldest manmade religious structures. They have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Xaghra, overlooks Ramla Bay. It’s particularly golden-reddish sand makes this beach unique. Roman remains lie beneath the sand and the famous Calypso Cave overlooks the western side of the beach. According to tradition, this is the cave referred to by Homer in The Odyssey. The nymph Calypso lived in this cave and it is where she entertained Ulysses for seven years before he resumed his journey.
Xaghra also overlooks the village of Marsalforn, the most popular tourist resort on the island. It is well served with restaurants, bars and beaches. The village has also become the premiere diving centre on Gozo, with several scuba diving schools locating on the sea front.
Sites to visit in Xaghra: Ta Sansuna, Xerri’s Grotto, Ninu’s Cave, Kola Windmill, Ggantija, Stone Circle, Santa Verna, Museum of Toys, Calypso Cave, Xaghra Church.
Gozo
The Maltese archipelago lies at the centre of the Mediterranean, consisting of three islands: Malta, Gozo & Comino with a total population of 400,000. The relationship between the Islanders and the various nationalities that occupied Malta over the centuries has created a marriage of styles and traditions, giving the Islands a fascinating eclectic culture.
GOZO, or GHAWDEX [Awdesch] as it is locally known, lies 20 minutes away by ferry from Malta. Measuring about one third the size of Malta it has a character quite distinct from Malta. Flat-topped hills and intensely cultivated fields characterize the landscape whilst the coast has rugged cliffs, steep valleys and beautiful inlets. Baroque churches and old stone farmhouses dot the countryside.
With mostly sunny weather, expansive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of history, there is a great deal to see and do. With a little help from any guidebook, captivating places of interest are immediately identified.
Things to do in Gozo:
- Go to a village feast and mingle with the locals in summer.
- Wander the streets of Victoria.
- Try the Maltese pastizzi either filled with ricotta or peas.
- Go diving.
- Go to Ta’Cenc cliffs, limits of Sannat.
- Drink and dance at a disco, where all the nightlife is.
- Visit the Azur Window in Dwejra.
- Rent a mountain bike and cycle around Gozo.
- Rent a car and explore.
- Go horse riding.
- Get a boat to the Blue Lagoon in Comino.
- Go to the Citadel in Gozo and visit the various museums.
- Soak up the sun at the various beaches in Gozo .
- Try a bottle of Maltese wine.
- Go for a Jeep tour.
- Drive to the Salt pans in Qbajjar.
- Walk in the Nadur war shelter.
- Eat at one of the various restaurants.
- Visit the shrine of Ta’Pinu in Gozo.
- Rent a jet-ski and enjoy the warm blue sea.
- Rent a canoe or go for a banana ride.
- Try fresh Gozo cheese.
- Charter a yacht / boat and sail round the island.
- Organize a day trip by catamaran to Sicily from Malta.
- Attend the Nadur carnival in February.
- Go for a quad bike tour.
- Visit the Xewkija church, which has one of the biggest domes in Europe.
