Gozo is a great destination for a family holiday. Nature, history and culture is all around you on, providing a diverse range of things to do. The stunning coastline, with its limestone cliffs and beautiful beaches, is a must. And the kids should find Gozo’s ancient Ġgantija temples and Medieval Citadel fun to explore too.
We’ve narrowed the choices down to five different activities that should appeal to everyone in the family – helping you get the most out of your stay with us on beautiful Gozo.
Get crafty – watch the glass blowers
This photo of Gozo Glass is courtesy of TripAdvisor
At the northern end of Gozo in the oldest village on the island – Gharb – you’ll find the Ta’ Dbiegi Crafts Village where you can watch local craftsmen in their workshops and choose some unique souvenirs to take home. There are glass blowers, silver filigree jewellers, lace makers, potters and more.
With 16 different shops selling a range of locally-made artisan crafts, plus a cafe and a restaurant, the Ta’ Dbiegi Crafts Village is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon. It is open Monday to Saturday between 9.30am and 5.00pm.
Go underground in Gozo!
For something completely different, how about exploring some magical underground caverns? The village of Xagħra on the eastern side of Gozo has two caves – Xerri’s Grotto and Ninu’s Cave – and, unusually, the entrances to both are via private residences.
Ninu’s Cave, Xagħra, Gozo. Photo Credit: www.visitgozo.com
Ninu’s Cave was first discovered in 1888. The cave is full of magnificent stalactites (that come down from the ceiling of the cave) and stalagmites (that grow up from the cave floor), plus columns where the two have fused together. Ninu’s Cave is open daily between 8.30am and 6.00pm, and costs €1 (one euro).
Xerri’s Grotto (Xerri is pronounced sherry) was discovered in 1923 when a well was being dug not far from Ninu’s Cave. Further excavations were carried out during WW2 when it was used as an air-raid shelter. It has stalactites and stalagmites, calcified tree roots, and strange formations that resemble animals. The kids will have fun spotting a vulture, a giraffe, and even a pair of elephant ears. The grotto is open Monday to Saturday from 9.00am to 6.00pm and entrance is free for children and €2.50 for adults.
Attend a village festa
Fireworks at a village festa, Gozo. Photo credit: www.visitgozo.com
If you are holidaying on Gozo between the end of May and mid-September, you will be able to experience a genuine village festa and get a taste of local Gozitan life.
Every year, each village on Gozo holds a feast dedicated to its patron saint. Typically, these colourful ‘festas’ last around three days and include a special mass in the local church, a procession of saintly statues, and music and singing. At night the chilren will enjoy fireworks and sampling Qubbajt – the traditional Maltese nougat eaten at festas. During summer, there’s a village festa every week.
Ta’ Mena Estate
The Ta’ Mena Estate, Gozo. Photo credit: www.tamena-gozo.com
The Ta’ Mena Estate, in the lovely Marsalforn Valley on the north eastern side of Gozo, cultivates a variety of produce including vines, olives, oranges, and strawberries. It produces its own wine here as well as superb extra virgin olive oil, liquers, and other gourmet products.
During the summer harvesting season the estate runs agritourism visits where you can go on guided tours of the estate and get to taste locally grown food and wine, pick strawberries, grapes, and olives, have a cooking lesson outside, and the kids can enjoy a pony ride.
Relax on a beach!
After all that activity the whole family deserves to chill out and enjoy Gozo’s sunshine on a peaceful beach. Luckily, there are plenty of options to explore, such as:
Ramla bay, on the eastern side of Gozo, was recently included in the Guardian’s ‘10 of the best beaches in Europe for families’ and is sure to appeal to the whole family. With its red sand, shallow sea, and quiet, undeveloped nature, Ramla is a tranquil haven.
Another red sand beach can be found at San Blas, a secluded and quiet little beach of red sand reached by a steep path down to the sea.
Just around the coast from San Blas is Dahlet Qorrot bay. The beach is tiny but the kids will enjoy swimming off the rocks and watching the fishermen’s boats.
Another small beach which offers ample space for sunbathing is Hondoq ir-Rummien, which can be reached by car from Qala.
To the west of Gozo’s capital, Victoria, you’ll find Xlendi, one of the main resorts on the island. Here you can paddle, swim, snorkel and scuba dive.
The most popular beach resort on Gozo is Marsalforn, on the island’s north eastern side of the island. It has a pebbly beach but offers some good diving and swimming.
Ask us for help
Baron Holiday Homes is happy to organise car hire, tours of Gozo, and special activities for our guests. Just get in touch and we’ll tell you all you need to know about walks near to your rental property.
Posted in Activity, Beach, Family, Festa, Fun, Things to do, Village life
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