After a rather unforgiving winter – by the Maltese Islands’ standards, at least – spring has brought much light and warmth to the island of Gozo. With April and May daytime temperatures averaging between 20°C and 24°C, the weather is ideal for soaking up Gozo’s beauty and awakening your senses.
DISCOVER THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Amid stretches of lush green countryside, punctuated by the vibrant yellow Cape Sorrel and Crown Daisy, time slows down to let you savour the little joys of life. Whether it is the song of resident and migratory birds wearing their best plumage, or the sight of a suspicious green lizard darting for cover among rubble walls, the island’s spring awakening has the ability to soothe the soul quite unlike anything else.
With a whole array of outdoor activities available, walking and hiking are not the only options by which you can explore the island. A rented bicycle or a motorised scooter can transport the more adventurous types to nooks and trails off the beaten path, while true thrill-seekers will surely enjoy a spot of abseiling or climbing along Gozo’s craggy face.
For those whose priority is to de-stress while connecting with nature, outdoor yoga is the answer. One of the most popular spots for this activity is Qbajjar in proximity to the healing sea and a unique coastal landscape that features a Knights-era battery and saltpans.
BITE INTO LOCAL PRODUCE
Springtime is when the loquat trees, naspli in Maltese, are heavily pregnant with yellow-coloured fruit. Small in size but big in flavour, the taste of loquats has often been described as a combination of the sweetness of apples and the richness of pears. But perhaps the queen of the season is the strawberry – red, juicy, and best enjoyed freshly picked. The beloved fruit will even have an event celebrating it in the village of Nadur in May.
Peas and broad beans are also in season at this time of year. The simple indulgence of crusty local bread slathered with tomato paste, drizzled with local olive oil, and enjoyed with fresh broad beans on the side is hard to beat, especially if paired with the beauty of a stunning sunset over Dwejra Bay on Gozo’s western coast. Broad beans are also the star ingredient of a local dish known as kusku, alongside kusku pasta beads, potatoes, and fresh sheep’s cheese.
April brings to a close globe artichoke, qaqoċċ in Maltese, season. Locally, the native Mediterranean vegetable is generally stuffed with a variety of ingredients, including plenty of garlic and parsley, anchovies, canned tuna, and olives, and slow cooked with potatoes for around an hour and a half. If you have a free evening while visiting, why not make the best of your accomodation’s fully equipped kitchen to have a go at stuffing qaqoċċ? Do not forget to drizzle generously with home-grown olive oil.
ENJOY THE SOUNDS OF PIAZZA LIFE
Gozo’s village squares are prime spots to meet locals, lingering over coffee and enjoying the island’s slow-paced life in the springtime sunshine. One of the liveliest — particularly on weekends — is the square just outside the parish church dedicated to Saint George in Victoria. It is a place where excited chatter mingles with the sound of church bells, which regularly remind the faithful to take care of their spiritual needs.
Church bells had a very important role in communicating the time, back when watches and clocks were considered luxury items by many. On the 25th of April, a campanologist will be delving into their history, while six of Victoria’s most beautiful churches ring their bells in unison.
This is one of the many springtime events in Gozo’s cultural calendar, which includes opera, musical performances, and a fireworks festival. To learn more about what’s happening on Gozo this spring, download the Events in Gozo app here.
