The Island of Gozo

Gozo, Malta's smaller sister island a short ferry ride to the north, is a greener, quieter and more rural idyll, moving at a gentler, more timeless pace. A landscape of terraced fields, sleepy stone villages crowned by great baroque churches, and a dramatic coastline of cliffs, sea caves and hidden coves, it holds the ancient Ġgantija temples, the citadel of its capital Victoria, superb diving, and the salt pans and countryside walks that make it a peaceful escape from busier Malta.

What's there

• The Citadel of Victoria - the fortified hilltop old town.
• The coastline - the cliffs, sea caves, salt pans and coves.
• The Ggantija temples - the ancient megalithic temples.
• The diving and beaches - the clear waters and red-sand Ramla Bay.

When to go

Spring and autumn for the mildest weather and green countryside; spring is especially lovely, with wildflowers on the terraces. Summer is hot and busier. It rewards a day trip or, better, an overnight to enjoy its calm once the day-trippers leave.

Things to know

It is quieter and more rural than Malta, which is exactly its charm, though it means fewer big sights and a slower pace. The famous Azure Window rock arch collapsed into the sea in 2017, so it is gone. It is reached by a short ferry. It rewards those seeking a peaceful, scenic escape rather than buzz, and an overnight lets you enjoy its timeless calm.

Nearby

Comino and the Blue Lagoon lie between Gozo and Malta.