Gozo

[[file:Gozo-panorama-banner.jpg|1280px|Panorama seen from Victoria}} Gozo view - Citadel, Gozo - View of Gozo

Gozo is an island of the Malta|Maltese archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. Smaller, more remote and less built-up than Malta itself, it is a popular destination in its own right, particularly for more mature British and German couples. With pretty if unspectacular countryside, and interesting churches alongside historic fortifications and megalithic temples it makes a good excursion from Malta and an even better destination for a relaxed short break.

Cities and villages

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Cities

Victoria (Malta) | Victoria - Also called Rabat and the island's capital and only real city

Villages

Ghajnsielem|Ghajnsielem and Mgar - A sleepy village that is on the hill above Mgarr which is mostly residential and not worth stopping at on your way to the capital.
Xaghra - where Ġgantija Temples are located.
Xlendi - A popular place of entertainment located south west of Gozo. The beach here is small but enclosed between high spectacular cliffs which make Xlendi one of the best spots in Gozo.

More Destinations

Ramla il-Ħamra is arguably Malta's (Gozo's) finest beach. The name means red sands, referring to the beautiful reddish colour of the sand. The bay is completely spared from development, and thus the beach remains relatively uncrowded. This site also claims to be where Calypso's cave is and the cave referred to in Homer's Odyssey.

Gozo Halal Travel Guide

One sometimes gets the sense that Gozo is how Malta could have been. With the exceptions of Marsalforn and Xlendi, it has been largely spared from short-sighted overdevelopment and the traditional way of life and society has survived better, and the land has been maintained better giving more fertile ground. Buildings and houses on Gozo are mainly done with natural materials, as opposed to many of the concrete and breeze-block constructions on the mainland.

History

Gozo's history is intimately linked to Malta. It shares its megalithic culture, and with the Ggantija temples, it is officially home of the oldest structure on the planet. Interestingly, Gozo up until the end of medieval times was inhabited in a manner the same as Malta, with Mġarr and Victoria/Rabat being to Gozo what Vittoriosa and Mdina are to Malta: the main port and the main settlement consisting of a fortress and surrounding suburbs. The inhabitants of Gozo were, in medieval times, required by law to return to the Citadella each evening to spend the night there to prevent corsairs from abducting them. These measures were proven to be necessary when, in 1551 and the Turks tried their first invasion of Malta. When they failed and they attacked Gozo and took the entire population off in ships to sell them into slavery.

Local Language in Gozo

It should also be noted that if you do learn some Maltese and there are different dialects throughout different parts of the nation. People on Gozo speak Maltese with a slightly different accent from the main Maltese islanders, and people from the different Gozitan villages each have their own different dialect.

Like the main island, English is also an official language of Gozo.

Travel to Gozo

There is the from Ċirkewwa on Malta to Mġarr, Gozo's main harbor. It departs every 45 minutes in the summer and almost as often in the winter, with a lower frequency in the evening (and even lower at night). A round trip costs 4,65 € (as of 2022) and takes about 25 minutes. Bus stops are outside the ferry terminals, and buses are somehow synchronized with the ferry arrivals and departures. The bus ride to Victoria (Malta) | Victoria takes around 20 minutes. On the Malta side, buses run from Valetta's bus terminus to Ċirkewwa which takes around 75 minutes (using line 222).

Get Around

Travel on a Bus in Gozo

Since 2011, buses are modern, comfortable and all air-conditioned which whilst they lack the charm of the previous fleet provide a significant upgrade in comfort levels. On 1 January 2014 Malta Public Transport Services Ltd took over the bus service in Malta (including Gozo) from Arriva, after their bus system failed in less than three years.

Single ride fare is €2 and you can buy the ticket directly from the driver. It allows you to travel within two hour period including changing lines until you reach your destination. Week and combo tickets are available. More information available en/bus-tickets-and-non-personalised-cards here].

Best way to travel in Gozo by a Taxi

You will find white taxis also on the island of Gozo however these tend to be more expensive. It is suggested to prebook your taxi or airport transfer with a local company.

Note that the taxi drivers may be unscrupulous, and will try to charge the unsuspecting tourist as much as they can. There is an approximate price list posted at the taxi stand at the boat dock, and another at the bus terminal in Victoria. Don't accept a price that is unreasonably higher than the suggested price. If you end up taking more than one or two taxis a day you are better off hiring a car.

By car

If you need flexibility and speed in getting around, your best option is to hire a car. (try TRAC +35699826339 or Mayjo vehicle rentals). You need to be over 21 years old and hold a valid driving license. It's fine to travel to the mainland Malta|Malta Island with a hired car.

By foot

Even on foot many of the distances are negligible and most of the roads are fairly quiet and pleasant to walk along. There is also a footpath network, though the paths require good shoes and a good map (they are not always very clear on the ground).

Islam in Malta

Malta - Paola - Triq Kordin - Mosque 07 ies - Malta - Paola - Triq Kordin - Mosque

Islam in Malta has had a historically profound influence upon the nation—especially its language and agriculture—as a consequence of several centuries of control and presence on the islands. Today and the main Muslim organizations represented in Malta are the Libyan World Islamic Call Society and the minority Ahmadiyya.

In modern times, Malta's unique culture has enabled it to serve as Europe's "bridge" to the Arab cultures and economies of North Africa.

After independence from the United Kingdom in 1964, Libya became an important ally of socialist Maltese leader Dom Mintoff. History books were published that began to spread the idea of a disconnection between the Italian and Catholic populations, and instead tried to promote the theory of closer cultural and ethnic ties with North Africa. This new development was noted by Boissevain in 1991:

...the Labour government broke off relations with NATO and sought links with the Arab world. After 900 years of being linked to Europe, Malta began to look southward. Muslims, still remembered in folklore for savage pirate attacks, were redefined as blood brothers.

Malta and Libya also entered into a Friendship and Cooperation Treaty, in response to repeated overtures by Gaddafi for a closer, more formal union between the two countries; and, for a brief period, Arabic had become a compulsory subject in Maltese secondary schools.

The Islamic Centre of Paola, was founded in 1978 by the World Islamic Call Society, together with a Muslim school called the Maryam al-Batool school. In 1984 the Mariam Al-Batool Mosque was officially opened by Muammar Gaddafi in Malta, two years after its completion.

Mario Farrugia Borg, later part of the personal office of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, was the first Maltese public officer to take an oath on the Koran when co-opted into the Qormi local council in 1998.

In 2003, of the estimated 3,000 Muslims in Malta, roughly 2,250 were foreigners, roughly 600 were naturalised citizens, and roughly 150 were native-born Maltese.

By 2010 and there were roughly 6,000 Muslims in Malta—most of whom are Sunni and foreigners and it is estimated that by 2022 the number of Muslims increased to around 10,000.

Halal Food & Restaurants in Malta

With over 5,500 Muslims in Malta, Muslims looking for Halal food will be able to locate a variety of restaurants, most of which are located in Valetta. Cuisines ranging from Moroccan, (Turkish), North African, Indian and Italian, to traditional Maltese, can be found at the several Halal restaurants found here. Some of these restaurants include:

Moo's Kebab Turkish Restaurant Fast Food, Mediterranean
Ali Baba Lebanese, Mediterranean
Kebab ji
Falafel Street - “Great shawarma at a great price”
Kebab Factory Qawra “Great Take Away experience” “Very decent”
Nargile Lounge
Sultan Halal Kebab and Pizzas “Best Lamb & Chicken Kebab On The Island...”
House Of Spice “Tasty Indian food - British family from Yorkshire”

What to see in Gozo

Ggantija Temples - Thought once to be built by giants is a pair of Neolithic temples dating back to between 3600 B.C. and 3200 B.C. They are considered to be one of the oldest free standing Neolithic structures in the world. Megaliths measuring over 5 meters and over 50 tons comprise the walls of these temples. Ggantija represents an important achievement in early human history. The museum is extremely nicely made, with very good pedagogical skills.
The Azure Window and the Inland Sea and the Blue Hole all make going to the spectacular west coast of Gozo very worthwhile. In contrast to Xlendi and Marsalforn this place has been spared from development and makes an unusual and picturesque place to swim. The beach surrounding the lake is unfortunately made of pebbles but there are a few piers and terraces in front of the fishermen's boathouses one can also use. The Blue Hole is not a true blue hole in the geological sense but still makes an amazing spot to dive, having won awards as one of the most beautiful diving spots of Europe.

The Azure Window The Azure Window was a cliff outcropping with a hole in the middle. It collapsed on March 2017.

Azure Window Gozo - Azure Window before its collapse

Inland Sea The Inland Sea is a typically Maltese name in that it slightly exaggerates its size (Mdina is referred to as a city with its 400 inhabitants). It's actually a small lake connected to the sea by a tunnel about 100 meters long through the cliffs.

The rotunda church in the village of Xewkija is a wonderful spot to visit. The church was built in honor of St. John the Baptist (each village has a saint that they honor) and is the largest in Gozo.
Among the attractions worth seeing in the fortress is a section of the bastions which consists of a gunpowder Magazine, a lower battery, three silos and some air-shelters. The former three were added in the early 17th century, after the disastrous siege of Gozo by Turkish pirates in 1551. Graffiti on the walls are evidence of the French occupation of Gozo as well. During the English occupation and the grain silos were modified into stores for water. Some air raid shelters were dug by Gozitan families. These sites are managed by Wirt Għawdex - an environmental non-governmental organization.
At present, one can also view the Gozo Boat, known as id-Dgħajsa tal-Latini, which has been restored by the Gozo Channel Company and is now managed by Wirt Għawdex Organization. This boat is now exhibited to the public at Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main harbour. This boat was used to ferry Gozitans and Maltese between the islands.
Ta' Pinu Basilica, situated in open countryside is an important place of pilgrimage as miracles are claimed to have occurred here. The interior of the Basicila is rich in decoration. One can enjoy views of open countryside from outside the church.

Halal Tours and Excursions in Gozo

If one only has one day, it is recommended to spend the morning in the Citadella of Rabat, have lunch there, in the cafe next to the cathedral, and spend the afternoon either at Ramla il-Hamra or The Inland Sea.At least one week is needed to visit in detail the main attractions the island has to offer.
With two days one can spend the second morning visiting the Ggantija temples and having lunch on the beautiful central square of Xaghra, and the afternoon at the swimming spot not chosen the previous day, bearing in mind that Ramla il-Hamra beach is very close to Xaghra and the Inland Sea closer to Rabat.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Gozo

2012-09-24-Malta-Gozo (Foto Dietrich Michael Weidmann) 096 - Ġgantija on Gozo

Diving Gozo has some very impressive dive sites, one of the most popular being the Blue Hole. The Gozitan underwater geography is very interesting, and so is the sea life. Dive centres in Gozo vary from garage operations to fully equipped 5-star IDC centres.
Outside the busiest areas and outside the high season, hitchhiking is easy here and can lead to unexpected social interactions and changes to one's plans.
Gozo boasts one of the most remarkable churches on the archipelago, situated at Ta'Pinu, which was visited by Pope John Paul II in 1990. A record of his visit is situated at the rear of the church.

Stay Safe

Gozo is safer than Malta and there is less petty crime.

There is occasionally a strong current on the northern shore, so caution when swimming is advised.

Local Customs in Gozo

The residents of Gozo are called Gozitans and will be annoyed if you refer to them as Maltese.

Walking, Rambling and Hiking

Gozo is at its best from October to May. The average temperature in this period is around 18C, ideal for rambling around the island. While exploring the island you will see a wide variety of amazing views due to a large number of valleys, hills and small beaches. There is an abundance of abandoned hidden ancient temples and shrines in the nationside. If you are pressed for time and do not have much time to explore, but also want to see the best hidden places, it is best to hire or join a guide that specializes in country walks. Although Gozo is small, once you go to the nationside you will feel that you are alone on the island since you can walk for hours without meeting anybody. During the winter storms, Gozo's seaside is often totally deserted but spectacular with the big waves exploding on big boulders and lofty cliffs.