Holidaymakers love Gozo because of its traditional way of life, spectacular coastline, secluded bays, sparkling seas, rolling green countryside and the friendly welcome they receive.
It’s been seen as Malta’s quieter sister island for many decades, and it still is. But there have been quite a few changes over the past 30-odd years. Some people fear change. But we think these changes make our island home an even better holiday destination for families, couples and groups, without spoiling any of Gozo’s unique charm.
So, in advance of a competition which we plan to run in late summer, we thought we’d take a look at how Gozo has developed as a popular Mediterranean tourist hot spot.
Better ferry services between Malta and Gozo
Since 1979, the main service between Cirkewwa, Malta and Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour has been operated by Gozo Channel. Today, ferries run every 45 minutes between the two islands and the trip takes about 25 minutes. Every year Gozo Chanel completes 20,000 trips, handling around a million cars and more than 4 million passengers.
More recently, two additional ferry companies now operate between Valleta, Malta and Mgarr Harbour. The Gozo Fast Ferry and the Vertu Fast Ferry - both take around 45 minutes.
In 2008 a new ferry terminal building was opened in Mgarr – a major investment that resulted in improved facilities for around 600 passengers and 200 cars.
So, getting to Gozo has become easier and faster over the years. And we are happy to offer our guests a direct transfer service from Malta International Airport. Out trusted driver will greet you at the airport, drive you onto the ferry, and then take you straight to your Baron Holiday Home to start your Gozo holiday.
More things to do on Gozo
Ramla Bay, Gozo in the 1960s. Photo credit: Bay Retro Facebook Page
Ramla Bay 2021. Photo credit: Baron Holiday Homes
Some things don’t need to change. And as the two photos above show, some things on Gozo have not changed at all. Ramla Bay is still a beautiful, safe red sand beach that families still love to play and relax on. The only difference is that nowadays there are more facilities such as toilets and food kiosks.
However, in keeping with modern interests and pursuits, families and holidaymakers now have a much wider variety of choices of things to do in Gozo than ever before. It’s still a safe place to walk and cycle but you can now explore Gozo in many different ways – on a Segway, by jeep or quad bikes and even in a tuktuk.
Gozo has more cafes, bars and restaurants where you can sample our delicious local cuisine. And you can also take cookery classes, sample Gozo’s locally produced wine, and even go on an eco tour of the island.
Adventurous types can explore Gozo’s underwater sites by Scuba diving, and go climbing and abseiling among its rocky outcrops. And you can enjoy the beautiful turquoise sea surrounding Gozo by boat, paddleboard or in a kayak.
You may have only known Marsalforn and Xlendi as the popular tourist resorts they’ve become. with their bustling cafes and restaurants. But not so long ago, they were quiet fishing villages. The good thing is that they’ve still managed to retain their authentic Gozo charm.
Postcard of Xlendi, Gozo, in the 1950s. Photo credit: Bay Retro Facebook Page
More ways to explore Gozo’s heritage and culture all year round
Gozo has a fascinating history and lots of heritage and culture to discover. Over the years, much has been done to improve access to these sites and to give better information to our visitors.
This year, we celebrate the tenth anniversary of the inauguration of the interpretation centre at the Ġgantija Archaeological Park in Xagħra. The neolithic Ġgantija temple complex is a UNESCO world heritage site and is older than the pyramids of Egypt. You can walk through the site on a raised walkway and explore artefacts in the centre.
Victoria and the Cittadella Photo credit: Matthew Benn Wikipedia
Another major investment in Gozo’s heritage was the renovation of the Cittadella in Gozo’s capital, Victoria. Completed in 2016, this five-year project included the cleaning and restoration of ancient ruins as well as the construction of a new Visitor’s Centre. Here you can learn about Gozo’s history before exploring the other museums housed within the Cittadella’s walls. A recent visitor survey confirmed that the Cittadella has now become the island’s number one attraction for visitors, and replaced the Azure Window at Dwejra Bay, which sadly fell into the sea several years ago.
The key benefit of all the improvements to Gozo is that you can enjoy its attractions all year round. There are exciting events running in every season and the restaurants and attractions are open all year.
Xagħra Square 1910s. Photo credit: timesofmalta.com
Xagħra Square, 2016. Photo credit: Baron Holiday Homes
But wherever you travel on Gozo, you’re bound to discover the island’s traditions – whether it be the food, the way of life, the architecture, or the cultural and religious festivals. You can go to any village square in Gozo and all the buildings will still be the same – but you now have the option to sit and admire them while enjoying a cold beer or a cup of coffee. As you can see from the images above.
Better range of self-catering rental properties
Family fun at Lellux Holiday Home, Gozo. Photo credit: Anne Hegardt
Having a good choice of accommodation is a key requirement for modern holidaymakers. And over the past 30 years, Gozo has made real strides in offering a wider range of holiday accommodation.
More than 25 years ago, Baron Holiday Homes offered its first rental property on Gozo – a renovated villa called Djar Ta Menzja in Sannat. We have focused on providing high quality self-catering apartments, villas, and farmhouses. Our guests can now choose from more than 90 properties across Gozo, all equipped with air conditioning and wifi.
The Baron Experience
Booking your holiday with us is easy and we have a flexible booking policy with a low booking deposit – you only pay the balance 15 days before arrival. Over the years we’ve also made real environmental improvements, such as solar panels and reusing grey water on our gardens.
We also offer a fantastic range of in-house services designed to help our guests make the most of their precious holiday on Gozo. These include hiring the services of a private chef, hairdresser, and professional masseuse.
Share your old holiday snaps of Gozo to win!
We’re planning to run a competition later in the summer and we’ll be encouraging people who have holidayed on Gozo over the years to share their favourite holiday snaps. It could be a favourite day on the beach, a picnic, posing at one of Gozo’s cafes or bars, or even splashing about in your Baron Holiday Home pool.
We’d love to see your images – so why not dig some out and share them on our Facebook page.
Ask us for help
Baron Holiday Homes is happy to organise car hire, tours of Gozo, and many other things to do on Gozo for our guests. Just get in touch and we'll tell you all you need to know about walks near to your rental property, special events in villages nearby, and other local information.
Posted in Activity, Baron Experience, Beach, Cultural activities, Family, Getting to Gozo, Heritage, In-house services, Local cuisine, Museums, Properties, Summer, Things to do, What to see in Gozo
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