Gozo: Malta's natural gem | She is Wanderlust

Excited about the potential of going on holiday again? You’re not the only one. It’s an exciting time as travel begins to return to normal. But where should you go first? Well, we’ve got a great suggestion for you. Gozo, an island in the Mediterranean Sea, is just one of 21 that make up the Maltese archipelago.

Like much of Malta, it’s a natural gem. The island boasts an abundance of unspoilt scenery, historic towns, delightful local cuisine, and even temples which date back to before Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. There’s a lot to see and do here, so we’ve put together some of our favourite suggestions.

Try scuba diving

Did you know that Malta lays claim to some of the warmest seas in Europe? If you’re an adventurous traveller who has always wanted to try scuba diving, Gozo is a great place to start.

A particular favourite hotspot amongst locals and visitors alike is Dwejra Bay, where you could hope to see octopuses, groupers, barracudas and seahorses. Diving tours run to the recently collapsed Azure Window and the Blue Hole and you’ll find courses suitable for beginners and experienced divers alike.

Spend time in the Citadella

Of course, no trip to Gozo would be complete without a visit to Victoria, Gozo’s capital city. It’s home to The Citadella, a fortified town perched atop a hill, full of impressive architecture and panoramic views. It towers above most of the city and provided refuge and defence against attack throughout history.

Other places to visit in Victoria include Independence Square, where a daily market is held, and St. George’s Basilica – a building entirely covered in marble.

Visit the Ggantija Temples

This amazing UNESCO World Heritage site dates back to 3600 BC, making these temples the oldest free-standing structures on the planet. Ggantija consists of two different temples, as well as a much more recently-built Interpretation Centre, which provides visitors with more information about the Neolithic Period. The centre also contains a treasure trove of different archaeological discoveries from various ancient sites located across the island – a history lover’s paradise!

The name of the temples is derived from a popular local myth. Locals believed the temples were constructed by a gigantic race of people – Ġgantija means ‘Place of Giants’ in Maltese. It’s incredibly well preserved thanks to conservation efforts and is a unique must see for anyone visiting Gozo.

Go on a vineyard tour

Wine is actually a Gozitan speciality, thanks to plenty of Mediterranean sunshine. The salty air of the island also adds a unique flavour to wines made here, which include fruity reds, crisp whites and the occasional rosé.

Most tours and tasting rooms are run by family estates who have made wine on the island for decades, including the estates of Ta’ Mena and Tal-Massar. You can taste for yourself why Maltese Wine is celebrated across Europe, as well as trying some local foods.