Shortletsmalta Magazine 2016 | Page 80

A Day Trip to Gozo How to make the most of your time on our sister Island! A trip to Gozo should be on everyone’s bucket-list. Our little sister island, known for its magnificent three hills, is a natural splendour, still very much raw and unspoilt. The Gozitans are friendly and welcoming (albeit being somewhat quieter than their Maltese neighbours), and the island offers a totally different feel than Malta does. Even if you can visit for just a day, it is still worth the while. A rental car/ jeep is a must if you want to see as many sights as possible, and you will be surprised to find that Gozitan roads make for a far smoother ride than Maltese ones! The island is just begging to be explored, so buckle up, map in hand, and begin your journey! the question. The ferry to Gozo departs every 30 minutes from Cirkewwa Harbour, which is the northernmost part of Malta. The harbour offers some great views of both Comino and Gozo (great for some photos while waiting for the ferry!), and there are several small boats which depart from here as well, some which can be hired for a private day tour, and some which can take you to Comino. The Gozo ferry takes about 20 minutes to cross the waters separating both islands. This gives you plenty of time for more photos (you are on holiday after all!), and also allows you to admire the beauty of our beloved islands from a nautical point of view. Getting there Landed at Mġarr You can reach Gozo either by sea, or by helicopter. There is no airport on this teeny island, so a plane is out of As soon you see the Ferry heading into the Harbour, head to your car, and make your way off the boat and 78 onto Gozo. You will be greeted by a Gothic looking church, which looks over the Harbour giving you a sense of protection from above. This church is dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, and has been welcoming sailors and visitors to the Harbour since 1888. The ride from Mġarr is a steep uphill, and there are some breath-taking views to take in as you go along (Driver safety first and foremost! Drivers should not take their eyes off the road!). Victoria, Gozo All roads lead to Victoria! Or Rabat, as us Maltese call it. Gozo’s capital is easily reachable; all you have to do is drive straight on from Mġarr. The Gozitan capital is the busiest part of Gozo, and the most commercial one as well. But don’t let the shops fool you; there is a hidden gem among the narrow streets of Victoria. The Ċittadella is a fortified