Gozo, Malta’s little sister
updated the 24 June 2015 à 10:47Between East and West, an island of 68 km2 where religious buildings and gigantic cliffs vie for attention.
Unless you have a hankering to be a playboy, then the latter is by far the preferred option. The small port of Mgarr is almost like a dance recital on the calm waters of the Mediterranean that ferry luzzus these colorful fishing boats adorned with and under the protective eye of Osiris.
Once you make land in Gozo, you have yet more transport options – How to get around. Although the famous buses are very charming with their photos of Elvis Presley and the Pope placed on the windshield, the way to discover this charming island really is by Jeep, kicking up a cloud of dust on the narrow and bumpy roads.
This tiny rock so full of contrasts – dry in summer and so green in spring – is part of the Maltese archipelago of seven islands. Only three of these are inhabited: Malta, Gozo and Comino, which best known for her single blue lagoon and a rather crowded tourist industry.
Once you move past the peak of its vertiginous cliffs , you embrace the most beautiful landscapes in the Mediterranean. Imagine the French coastal area of Etretat with a turquoise background sky and sky high temperatures. Tourists only stay five minutes to snap the stone bridge suspended over the sea before dashing into the shade.
Or of course they make their way from Fungus Rock, nicknamed the “blue door” to put towels on a rock and dive into the clear and deep waters, a paradise for divers and fishermen, even on Sundays. It hooks you every time.
If you always want to have the feeling of being alone, forget the sandy beach of Ramla Bay and head to Ghajn Barrani , located at the entrance to a cove with a pebble beach. About two kilometers in you’ll happen across salty limestone natural pools to lose yourself in.
On your way back, before reaching Masalforn, do not miss the best selling salt of Gozo. Located along the road, the vendors peddle their wares in adorable burlap bags.
Where the temperature is perfect is in the architectural landscape of Gozo, rich with seven thousand years of history: giant megaliths Ggantija temples, medieval walls, baroque palaces, monumental churches, Moorish houses or Anglo-Saxon.
It is equally as rich in cultural influences. You eat rabbit stew, typical Maltese but also fish and chips, hot dogs and pizza. All these diverse outside forces shaped an island which became part of Europe in 2004 and in the euro zone in 2008. It’s just 200 km from Libya and 40km of f the shore of Sicily, the Gozotains speak a particular language made English, Italian and Arabic. It’s a unique language which is almost unpronounceable.
Gozo is also a fortress of Christianity, and is always ready to celebrate a saint to the sound of firecrackers. To bear witness to this regular spectacle, simply climb the terraces of houses Victoria citadel city built as a medina, to admire the fireworks that ignite the villages. Trailers made of sumptuous mahogany and copper draw people in with their cotton candy and donuts. Children and pilgrims to pray at the Cathedral of Ta ‘Pinu, the Lourdes of Gozo. The Virgin Mary apparently appeared there in 1883.
Between the village of Munxar located in the countryside and that of Xlendi, is a beautiful resort lost in time. It’s remained the allure from the fifties, of fuchsia bougainvillea and oleander around the hotel Patrizia Piazzi. Like many Italians, the Milanese gave up his job (in fashion) to open a vacation home. Known as the Queen of breakfasts, it holds some local secrets …. Directing you to Mgarr X Xini a sublime fjord to sit down in front of the sun at Christmas and feast, feet in the sand, grilled fish. We are not disappointed either by asking at Mario Xhagra to feast on lobsters and spiders drinking fruity wine while listening to the incessant concert bells of the Basilica …
Catherine Bezard
Getting there:
Once you arrive in Malta, take a:
- Ferry between Malta (Cirkewwa) and Gozo (Mgarr) with Gozo Channel Company, departures every 45 minutes, 24h/24h, 6 € per passenger.
- Helicopter from the Malta International Airport – Arrival at the heliport in Gozo A / R:105 €
Where to stay:
Thirtyseven Patricia Piazzi: [email protected]
www.thirtysevengozo.com. Tel: 00356 2720 0069
Delight yourself:
– Stay in Rosita instead of Sannat: Enjoy Pourr for a drink and the famous Rabbit Stew
– Visit Kcina Tal Barrakka and Chez Sammy, two wine bars in the port of Mgarr
– The Kantra Beach Club on the cliffs of Ta Cenc for a lounge atmosphere.
• Buy honey from Tessa At Santa Lucia
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