Green Travel Guide to Gozo
Gozo is the second largest island in the Maltese archipelago, in the Mediterranean Sea. With dramatic cliffs and bays, and surrounded by crystal clear waters, it is one of the best diving and climbing locations in the world, and the island also has a rich cultural heritage. Thousands of years of history have left their mark, with the UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Ggantija temples and the fortified citadel with its tiny streets in Victoria. Nature has left is mark too, with Dwejra with the stunning Azure Window, or the cliffs at Ta’ Cenc.
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Photo: viewingmalta.com
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The Ggantija temples date back to around 3,600BC
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Gozo is greener than its neighbouring island Malta because the soil contains blue clay which makes it more fertile
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Although the official name for Gozo’s capital is Victoria, many locals still call the city Rabat
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There are no trains, motorways or airports on Gozo
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Gozo has two opera houses, the Aurora and the Astra theatres, both on Republic Street in Victoria
What our writer discovered in Gozo
Foreword by Alex Incorvaja, Director UK & Ireland, Malta Tourism Authority
The rural tranquil haven of Gozo is an authentic sustainable oasis, steeped in rich history and cultural beauty. Visitors can admire dramatic coastlines and lush green landscapes dotted with beautifully adorned limestone houses and an abundance of historical treasures.
The ecoGozo vision is intended to protect the Gozitan lifestyle, the island’s environment, resources, culture and identity. A wide variety of sustainable activities have been introduced to reduce carbon and water footprints throughout the island.
Rock climbing or abseiling offer breathtaking views experienced nowhere else on the island. Wander off the beaten track with a range of walking and cycling routes that showcase the historical treasures this island provides or take part in activities including hiking or segways which provide a unique way to explore the Gozitan rural heritage and countryside.
We are delighted to work with Greentraveller's team to produce this Greentraveller's Guide to Gozo, which celebrates the best of sustainable tourism on our island. This wonderful island boasts a range of world-class diving sites, with an exciting mix of historical wrecks, caves and beautiful coral reefs. Explore the varied marine life that the Gozitan waters have to offer through diving, snorkelling and swimming.
Our ecoGozo vision is not merely thinking green, but a vision to achieve a stable and healthy environment for a better quality of life.
Photo: viewingmalta.com
How to travel to Gozo
Travelling to Malta: It is possible to travel overland from the UK to Malta via Italy, taking the train across to Sicily and then catching a fast catemaran ferry from Pozallo across to Malta (a 90-min crossing). For more information, see the excellent site seat61.com: UK to Malta overland.
From Malta to Gozo: Take the Gozo Channel ferry from Malta. The crossing to Mgarr on Gozo takes around 25 minutes, there are ferries every 45 minutes (timetables change according to season) and it costs €4.65 per walk-on passenger. There is free Wi-Fi in the Gozo Channel terminals on both Matla and Gozo.
By plane, the beautiful Maltese Archipelago is now more accessible than ever as Malta is now less than three hours from the UK (see: visitmalta.com/en/info/travel-to-malta). On arrival at Malta International Airport, take a taxi or bus to the ferry terminal at Cirkewwa in the north of Malta (45 minutes' drive), to catch the ferry to Gozo.
Photo credits: @viewingmalta.com, Ministry for Gozo, islandofgozo.org, visitgozo.com, Gozo Adventures, pergolafarmhouses, gozo.com, firstgozo.com.