Destination Next: Gozo, Malta

A well-kept secret of the Mediterranean Sea, Gozo is the perfect haven for a family holiday! This island is the ideal place to turn down the stress dial and simply relax! That’s not to say that there’s nothing to do – considering that the island is little more than eight miles long and four miles wide, Gozo is a jam-packed gem, with something for the whole family!

Between Italy and Tunisia lies the Maltese Islands. Gozo is the second largest of these islands and is well-known for its beautiful scenery and relaxed lifestyle! This place has a very rich history and has had people living there since 5000 BC! This isn’t surprising: the Mediterranean climate here is beautiful, with highs in the low 30°C and lows that rarely drop below 10°C! However, it’s not just weather that makes Gozo special!

Get yourself ready for a whole range of holiday activities! The island is made up of pretty hills and bordered by caves and sandy beaches. So, whether you fancy giddying-up for a horse ride, uncovering some cool caves, or making a splash down the beach, Gozo’s just waiting for you. It is also the perfect place to go swimming with the fishes – the waters around the island are considered amongst the best diving spots in Europe. So, get your snorkel on and take the little ones fish-spotting!

For all you shop-‘til-you-droppers, this might sound a bit too outdoorsy, but don’t worry! The capital town of Victoria will have something to fit the bill! As well as independent souvenir shops, this town has a large shopping centre, a heap of historic buildings and loads of cafes and restaurants. Grab yourself an ice cream and take a wander, peek inside some 16th-century churches, or have something delicious to eat in the square! Victoria is a great way to switch it up from the more activity-based options that Gozo has to offer!

If you’re looking to give the kiddies some culture, then there is plenty to see on the island. Start with Ġgantija: these group of temples are some of the oldest manmade structures in the world!  At a grand age of 5,500, this site makes the pyramids of Egypt look young! If you fancy something more natural, then go and visit the many ‘windows’ on the coastline! These rock-based structures have been formed over thousands of years and look huge rock windows looking out onto the open sea! (If you’re a Game of Thrones, you might just recognise a few of them – *hint* Daenery’s wedding!)

After taking in all the island’s excitements and attractions, it’s time to eat! Luckily for the whole family, there’s something to tantalise every taste bud! The regional cuisine is a mixture of Maltese, Lebanese and North African flavours, which is so unique (and yummy) that you must try it! If you’re wanting something more familiar then there are a range of Italian, British and American restaurants to satisfy!

For a great family holiday, that’s more peaceful and even more unique, Gozo is the place to be! From horse-riding and snorkelling to site-seeing and shopping trips, this island has it all! It’s one of the best-kept secrets in Europe though, so plan a trip now, before it’s too late!

Evviva! (Cheers!)