About
GOZO – Malta’s Sister Island
The word ‘Gozo’ means ‘joy’ in Castilian and is the second largest island within our Maltese archipelago (Malta, Gozo and Comino). Over 31,000 people inhabit Gozo, our indigenous locals, ‘Gozitans’ are known for their welcoming hospitality.
Although Malta and Gozo are just 5km apart and connected by a ferry service, both islands are very different. Gozo is quieter, more rural, with a much simpler way of life.
Lord Byron, the English poet, called Gozo an island of “yells, bells and smells”, which typically sums up local life. Gozitans are loud and animated when they speak. Religion is an important part of how we live, Gozo has many churches with bells regularly chiming. Regarding smells, Byron may be referencing the wildflowers and herbs thriving on our clifftops, or, our artisan makers – like our beloved bakers, found near to most village squares, filling the air with the delicious aroma of freshly baked Maltese pastries.
Faith, fishing, and time-worn rural traditions underpin our way of life. Tomatoes, potatoes, onions, melons, grapes, figs, oranges, olives are all grown here. Gozo is known for producing excellent wine, olive oil, sea-salt, Kunserva and honey.
Gozo’s History
For well over two millennia, life in Gozo was harsh, Gozitan people were ransacked by passing raiders. Unlike Malta, Gozo had no defences. Throughout the Middle Ages and into the rule of the Knights, Barbary corsairs and Saracens regularly robbed islanders. In 1551, the Ottoman forces staged a brutal attack, with many of our people forced into slavery.
As a result, Gozo remained underpopulated for centuries. However, the Knights of the Order of St John refortified the medieval Citadel and over time, native Gozitans began to venture down to the rest of the Island
Gozitans Today
Gozitans have their own distinct character and identity, with noticeably different lifestyles, language, and dialects. Locals are family-focussed and sociable, passionate about their traditions and customs. They enjoy sharing their culture with visitors and will always go out of their way to help a lost tourist, needing directions.
Historically, Gozitans were born, raised, and died in the same village, marrying from within the parish too. Today, locals reminisce about which village their family are from. Locals can tell which village you are from simply by how you pronounce certain words or phrases. Although Gozo is only 67 square km’s, we do have regional accents.
An important part of Gozo’s Summertime calendar is our Feast celebrations, where every village organises a week of events dedicated to their Patron Saint.
Churches and streets are lit and brightly decorated, religious services and processions play out. The titular statue is taken out of church and paraded throughout the village, accompanied by a marching band, and later a firework display lights up the night sky.
Every Festa is like tribal show of excellence, showcasing talented carpenters, gilders and craftspeople who devote months of demanding work to their village décor. A friendly rivalry exists between villages, competing to see who will have the best decorations, or the most spectacular firework display.
The real beauty of Gozo, other than its its stunning coastline and medieval architectural buildings, lies in its quaint villages. Locals cherish their peace and quiet. Early each morning women are out washing their front steps . De-stress and delight as you soak up the character and charm of our villages , wandering their beautiful streets.
The Capital City of Victoria
All roads in Gozo lead to our capital Victoria (locally known as Rabat). Look upwards and you’ll see our ancient, fortified city, the Cittaddella, standing guard from its summit, protecting our people, as it has done for centuries.
Victoria is not just the geographical heart of Gozo, but the main hub for everyday life. Traders and artisan shops sell their wares alongside busy market squares. Enjoy a coffee from one of the cafés at It-Tokk or St George’s Square, sit, sip, relax and watch islanders go about their daily lives.
Victoria also has a thriving arts and cultural scene with many theatres and galleries . Even our Main Street stages an eclectic mix of events throughout the year, from horse racing to carnival pageants, and a Christmas parade.
Restaurants and Food
Gozo has many restaurants where visitors can enjoy authentic Gozitan fare, along with European / International foods. Taste freshly landed fish and flavourful home grown seasonal produce.
Locals love eating out – so our many restaurants offer ethnic cuisines like Chinese and Indian too. Rabat is a popular place for diners, whereas coastal villages like Mgarr and the resort towns of Marsalforn and Xlendi are a must if you want to enjoy food along with great coastal views.
Gozo is a safe island. Travellers feel relaxed and comfortable walking about at any time of the day or night. The sense of safety and security is tangible and locals are proud of our low crime rate. There i a strong sense of community.
Where to Stay
To de-stress and fully immerse yourself in village life, rent a villa or farmhouse, and for extra luxury, rent one with a pool. Gozo also offers deluxe 5 star hotels, self-catering apartments and wellness health retreats. No matter where you choose to stay, you are never far from a charming coastal or country view.