There is no recommendation like a friend. So when a friend from school said I had to go to Malta, I did! And my favorite day in the country was a day trip to Gozo, a short boat ride from mainland Malta.
I visited in late summer, the sun was beating down, and the taxi driver translated radio announcements for me. “Hottest day on record in 10 years” he said to me. thank god, I thought to myself. So I’m not the only one…I’m not the only one melting into the abyss!
We arrived in the bay area of Valletta and almost threw ourselves into the shadiest seat of the boat, but the driver started the engine and we were off to Gozo.
Arrive in Valletta
The first thing that hits you in Valletta is an overwhelming sense of wonder. Please accept it.
The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and showcases some of the most magnificent architecture. I would go so far as to say it is one of Europe’s best kept secrets. Church facades, statues and polished marble are just the beginning of this amazing city. But not everything happens at once. The city, like its history, appears to have many different layers. Be sure to check out the impressive limestone display at Valletta’s grand entrance before winding your way through the impressive streets, which will feel like walking inside a real-life time machine.
Day trip to Gozo!
Although we could have spent days, if not weeks, exploring Valletta, our immediate task was to visit Gozo. So after a quick look at Valletta I was off. Since we had limited time, we took a high-speed boat. There is also the option of taking a ferry, but since we didn’t have time, we chose the former. However, if you have time, the ferry is cheaper.
If you choose a ferry, be sure to do your research and plan your day ahead of time. The ferry does not depart from Valletta, so you must first catch a bus to Ilkewwa before boarding.
Things to see and do on Gozo
Since I only had one day to explore Gozo on my own, I hopped on a 4WD tour around the island. This way we were able to cram in as much as possible.
As far as I can understand (based purely on later research from my Extreme Conspiracy to Malta), this country has gone through many vicissitudes throughout its history, from the Roman Empire to Byzantium to Arab domination, all of which have left a lasting impression on Malta and its present-day existence.
Considering the location of the islands in between, north africa and ItalyIt is no surprise that Malta was susceptible to pirate attacks and slavery, particularly across the island of Gozo in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Napoleon Bonaparte also ruled Gozo briefly from 1798 to 1800, before British rule in the late 1800s, and a brief period of autonomy until 21 September 1964, when Malta gained independence.
With such an impressive history, it’s no wonder that Gozo has so many historic buildings to see and explore, but as it was a hot day, we were glad we hurried past as there were no windows in the back of the truck, enjoying the breeze on our faces.
The Shiobara is an interesting area to check out and is quite large if you want to take photos.
blue lagoon
When you come to the tourist island of Gozo, you can’t do without visiting the Blue Lagoon…especially if you visit in the summer or on its shoulder. Just minutes from the island of Gozo, this lagoon becomes a pop-up summer party of sorts, with a bar, ice cream boats, water slides and party music. This is a great way to relax in the late afternoon or cool down after a day of adventure.
