Valentine Gozo 2021 – where is best to take my Valentine to stay safely and eat out with peace of mind on Gozo?
Certainly it’s not an easy question to answer especially during this particular pandemic.
However, like we do every year, we have specially handpicked 2 places where to stay and dine out on Valentine’s Day on Gozo island.
We suggest to check out the newly opened boutique stylish Xlendi Central Apartment in Xlendi Bay.
Just 40 seconds walk to the beach, waterfront restaurants, bars and bus stop to capital Victoria on the island of Gozo, Malta,Xlendi Central Apartment is the perfect relaxing short or long winter stay for a couple or two, friends and solo travellers looking for a relaxing getaway by the beach, the picturesque Xlendi cliffs and scenic Mediterranean coastal walks.
This brand new and stylish beach apartment is fully equipped, fully air conditioned and easily accessible by lift to all ages.
Unlike most standard Gozo holiday homes, farmhouses or villas, Xlendi Central Apartmentis completely weatherproof – thermally insulated against heat and cold, equipped with sound absorbing flooring, thermally insulated ceiling and certified soundproof apertures to make it an absolutely cosy and comfortable home away from home all year round.
Whatever you choose on Valentine Gozo, we hope you both enjoy the place, the food, the atmosphere, but above anything else yourselves… because all we need is love.
Time is to short to waste it. Enjoy it together!
L-ikla t-tajba f’Jum San Valentinu 2021! Maltese for Buon appetite on St. Valentine’s Day!
Christmas in Gozo 2018 is a very special time of the year. Just imagine an entire five weeks of non stop activities and events on the island of Gozo, Malta. Check out our top 10 things to do and see during your Malta holidays this Christmas. All activities and events mentioned are entrance free.
1. Gozo Christmas Village
Ghajnsielem – between Sunday 9 December 2018 and Sunday 6 January 2019
The Nativity Village takes place in an area locally known as ‘Ta’ Passi’. It is just a stone’s throw from the main centre of the village-by-the-sea of Ghajnsielem on the island of Gozo, Malta. The whole animated village is spread over a 20,000sqm of land and through various combined works of the local council and volunteers, the first Christmas village is created to provide a wonderful Christmas atmosphere.
While visiting Gozo’s capital, Victoria, it is just a 3 minutes walk from the bus station to the beautiful Villa Rundle Gardens. A lovely Christmas market is set up on selected dates between the 2nd and the 23rd of December for Gozo’s Christmas Market.
During Christmas in Gozo 2018 festivities, the gardens will be transformed into a magical experience featuring stalls from all over Gozo having different artisan Christmas products, food and services on offer.
3. Christmas Concert at St. George’s Basilica
Victoria – Sunday 16 December 8.00pm
The annual Christmas concert organised by Chorus Urbanus Productions has now been in production for almost a quarter of a century. It established itself as one of the traditional Christmas events here in Gozo. The concert offers a moment of entertainment for the whole family to share with us during this festive season. Chorus Urbanus Juniors and Chorus Urbanus, along with Urbanus Festive Orchestra, under the direction of Dr John Galea, always indulge the festive character with the local artists, musicians and voices that make this concert a formidable experience for all Gozitans during the Christmas period.
4. Oh Silent Night – 50th Edition of the Christmas Pageant
San Lawrenz – Sunday 23 December 6.00pm
This Pageant narrates the story of Salvation, from Creation to the Birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ. In this Pageant almost half the population of the village of San Lawrenz takes part and is performed in the main roads and residential homes. Actors in Biblical costumes will narrate the greatest story ever told. Finally, in the main square a Christmas spectacle will be organised to commemorate its 50 years. This event is organised in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo.
5. Christmas Procession and Pageant
Nadur – Monday 24 December 7.00pm
A traditional procession with the statuette of Baby Jesus with the participation of children attending the Society of Christian Doctrine MUSEUM, winds through the streets of Nadur accompanied by the Mnarja Band performing traditional Christmas carols. The procession will take the form of a Pageant featuring a number of people representing Biblical figures.
6. Pop into Christmas in Gozo 2018 spectacular concert
Victoria – Tuesday 25 December 1.00am in St. George’s Square
A Christmas Concert by DCAPITALS Band, exactly after the Midnight Mass at St George’s Basilica. The concert, which is presented in collaboration with The Grapes Wine Bar and Tepie’s Coffee Bar, will feature all-time Christmas favourites and other pop music with the participation of the band’s resident singers under the direction of Mro George Apap.
7. Christmas Concert at Nadur Basilica
Nadur – Tuesday 25 December 7.00pm
The Grand Christmas Concert will be held at the Nadur Basilica under the direction of Mro Antoine Theuma. An orchestra, the Society of Christian Doctrine MUSEUM Choir and other established Gozitan singers are going to perform in this concert. The event also features a poetry recital session, a short play and the child’s traditional Christmas sermon.
8. Xaghra Cribs By Night
Xaghra – Saturday 29 December 3.30pm to 8.30pm around the whole town
The Għaqda Milied fix-Xagħra is once more providing the unique opportunity to visit the twenty-five artistic cribs, varying from static to mechanical and a life-size one. This tour takes visitors by minibus around the town. An experienced guide will accompany the group with a running commentary in both English and Maltese. It will visit the Xagħra Basilica, beautifully decorated for Christmas, including an artistic bambino in papier-mache made in Lecce, Italy by Profs Luigi Guacci.
Transport by minibus will leave from Mġarr Terminal at 3:00pm for any Maltese visitors arriving with the 2:15pm ferry. For those joining us from Gozo a minibus will pick them up from the area near Xagħra Windmillat 3:20pm. At the end of the activity, our Maltese visitors will be taken back to the Mġarr terminal in time to catch the 8:45pm ferry. While entrance is free of charge, a contribution of €6.50 to cover transport and guide services is kindly requested. Due to limits in accommodation, booking is on a first come first served basis.
For reservation kindly contact 79205316 or e-mail to [email protected]. Booking closes on the 20th of December.
9. Gozo New Year’s Eve 2019 Celebrations
Victoria – Monday 31 December 2018 9.30pm at Independence Square & St. George’s Square
The event will be bigger, better and spectacular, like never before. Gozo surely has to be THE destination to say goodbye to 2018 and welcome the new year 2019.
“La Cavalcata dei Re Magi” – The Arrival of the Three Kings Post (Venue): Victory Square, Xagħra
This activity will be held on the solemnity of the feast of the Epiphany. During this event the Holy Family will make their way to the parvisfollowed by five shepherds who pay homage to Baby Jesus. The Three Wise Men, in oriental Biblical outfits, arrive on horseback accompanied by servants carrying the Three Biblical presents – gold, incense and myrrh. The re-enactment will be organised by the Għaqda Il-Milied fix-Xagħra with the collaboration of the Xagħra Historical Re-Enactment Organisation, Xagħra Parish and the Xagħra Local Council.
Il-Wasla tas-Slaten Maġi Adoration of the Magi Post (Venue): Ta’ Passi Mġarr Road, Għajnsielem
Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem will close with the “Adoration of the Magi” on Sunday 6th January. The Three Kings will depart on horseback from a yet-to-be announced destination in Europe on the 2nd of January with the journey continuing on the Feast of the Epiphany when on Sunday morning they will depart from a village in Malta before crossing the ferry and make the triumphal entrance in the Nativity Village late in the afternoon to pay homage to the Baby Jesus. More details on facebook.com/bethlehem.f.ghajnsielem
Travel blogger Alex Vizeo visited the island of Gozo, Malta and this is his adventures in Gozo – a colourful story in video and pictures.
Alex has been travelling and filming the world now since 2011. His travels were certainly a great success.
If you’ve the adventure spirit or simply thinking what can you do more on Gozo during your holidays, well… check out Alex’s video.
You’ll certainly enjoy some really great adventures on Gozo.
360 degrees Gozo panoramas by Vizeo from land, sea and air. Wonderful!
There is no doubt that Alex enjoyed his adventures in Gozo holidays.
Many memories from local Gozo wine tasting to visiting the local fruit and vegetables market, getting the fresh catch of the day, cooking with the local chef, tasting the local pizza known as ftira, visiting the Salt Pans and eating out in one of the best restaurants and having a local Cisk lager in probably the most popular pub on the island of Gozo… just few minutes walk from Mediterranea Seaviews boutique self catering accommodation.
In his blog, Alex was amazed to discover the natural beauty of Gozo island, but even more the unique character of the island of Gozo – luckily, as he wrote, still different, more tranquil and peaceful than other places visited. He was also highly impressed by the hospitality of the local people. In fact in his travel blog he described the island of Gozo as un petit paradismeaninga little paradise. Merci et bon voyage!
Unforgettable moments from Alex’s adventures in Gozo while visiting the turquoise waters of Blue Lagoon on a very quiet day.
Lovely panoramic views of the Maltese islets during Alex’s adventures in Gozo
One of the most instagramed pictures – sunset by the Fungus Rock in Dwejra bay on Gozo island.
If you are looking for adventure holidays in Europe or activity holidays in Malta, Gozo is the place to be… whether it is cliff climbing, sea kayaking, diving, snorkeling, horse riding, cycling and the local gastronomy.
Travel Tip created by Frank in association with Vacation Soup
As soon as you leave the Mgarr Marina and the breakwater, you’ll find Zewwieqa bay, a perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling.
The coastal walk actually starts from here.
There is a coastal path from Zewwieqa bay in the fields and on the rock area side between Mgarr and Hondoq bay. The coastal walk itself should not take more than one hour, of course depending if you do not stop very often to take pictures! 🙂
Looking back… lovely panorama half way from the harbour towards Hondoq bay.
The coastal area is covered in very small shrubs, typically Mediterranean. Being so exposed to the natural elements, plants and shrubs tend to grow very short, but certainly are very well rooted in the natural rock formations.
Would we get lost? No, definitely. It is an easy to medium level walk and the Gozo coastal trail is clear most of the way towards Hondoq beach. Very important to use the appropriate walking shoes, take enough water to drink and take care especially where the path is very close to the cliff edge.
Great view of the little rock formation jutting out from the rest of mainland Gozo. One of our favourite spots for snorkeling!
Rock erosion due to natural elements. This is actually the erosion of the globigerina limestone, the sand stone quarried here and used in Malta and Gozo for building practically all dwelling structures, churches, palaces, schools, etc.
Another close up of the little rock formation and the rich flora diversity in this beautiful natural park on Gozo.
While doing this coastal walk, you’ll also find some farm land especially to your left side. Please kindly respect all farming signs.
A typical picture of Gozo right now – Gozo in winter time. Fields covered in yellow Cape Sorrel flowers locally known as l-Ingliza. This non-native plant was introduced about 500 years ago and gradually became part of the Maltese natural environment.
During our walk, we met some lovely curious pigeons who kept following us for a while… and this is their selfie! 🙂
Getting closer to Hondoq bay, the environmental habitat changes even more. Less shrubs, less greenery and more wilderness with hard rock formations.
The wilderness area is covered with a number of very low growing shrubs, some of which flower in winter and spring time. The one below is the Mediterranean Heath, locally called the Erika.
Certainly, you cannot miss the aromatic wild Mediterranean Thyme. It grows only around the cliffs and this wilderness area near the coast on Gozo. It normally flowers in June.
Just about 300 metres from Hondoq bay, you’ll see Ta’ Bamberin cave, a little lovely secluded inlet beach.
and finally you arrive at one of the most beautiful and popular beaches on Gozo – Hondoq Bay!
Amazing crystal clear waters at Hondoq Bay. In fact this beach is rated as Excellent in terms of Quality of Water for public interest.
Enjoy your walking holidays on Gozo!
Travel Tip created by Frank in association with Vacation Soup
Certainly my family is definitely my top reason why I live on the island of Gozo. I was born here, grew up here, went to university and enjoy the brilliant healthy lifestyle and the slower pace of life on Gozo. Looking back… so many wonderful memories of friendly people, places and performances on Gozo. Nostalgia!
Unforgettable moments since teenage time swimming at the Azure Window site on Gozo!
2. The Climate
The weather is truly lovely. The Maltese Islands are perfectly located in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, between Europe and Africa. The weather in Malta and Gozo rarely gets very cold in winter and very warm in summer. In winter, day temperature varies between 14 to 20 degrees Celsius and maybe goes down at night about 8 or 9 degrees Celsius a couple of times only. In summer, temperatures range between 30 to 36 degrees Celsius. But again, being in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, the gentle sea breeze does cool down the heat during the day and night. Fantastic!
Does it rain a lot?
I actually enjoy it because it does not rain a lot! I hardly remember when I really got wet! The nice thing about it is that we can plan ahead to do any outdoor activity with family or friends such as a BBQ by the sea or go kayaking in winter. Here you can definitely plan ahead.
Family holidays on Gozo on December 13th, 2014.
3. The Sea
This is one of my soft spots. I swim on a daily basis. I call it my vitamin C (Sea)! Have my favourite beach spots and hidden gems where I kayak. Crystal clear waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking and any other water sports. Absolutely gorgeous beaches – rocky, sandy, dotted with small white, brown and yellow pebbles, secluded or not – the choice is yours. What else can you ask for?
One of our favourite places by the sea to unwind on Gozo.
4. The Views
The more I live on Gozo, the more I discover the hidden beauty spots of the island. Whether while I am coastal walking around the valleys or the South high cliffs or else sea kayaking around caves and inlets, the views remain spectacular. Two of my favourites are definitely the sunrise views on the Gozo channel and sunset on Xlendi and Dwejra bay. Just magical!
Time to return home… sunset view over Mgarr and the Gozo channel
5. Simple and Relaxed Lifestyle
Informal and relaxed way of life is an essential part of Gozo – part of its natural identity. Summer is my favourite season and practically wear summer clothes in Gozo all year round with the exception of few days or weeks in winter. T-shirt, jeans or shorts if I am doing some outdoor activity. Fantastic! Besides, how peaceful and relaxing it is spending every evening and night having a family and friends chat over a BBQ by the sea in summer and early autumn time.
Gozo has its own slow pace of life… perfect for a healthy, relaxing lifestyle.
6. Food
Daily baked crispy bread and pastries from log ovens just round the corner, fresh Mediterranean fruits, vegetables and wild herbs just picked in the morning from the nearby valley terraced fields, daily fresh local milk products, quality red meat and certified poultry and certainly the unique fresh catch of the day – absolutely recommended!
Gently frying the local tender squids and grilling the red snapper at home.
7. The Perfect size island!
One thing I really like and do miss when I travel abroad are the short distances on Gozo. Wherever you are, it is just 5 to 10 minutes drive or 20 minutes walk to the nearest beach. Very few traffic lights, hardly any traffic jams except of course when the ferry arrives or in the main streets of capital Victoria only at certain hours of the day. If you are visiting Gozo, you will see a lot!
8. History, Art and Culture
Though a very small island, Gozo is surprisingly very rich in history and prehistory heritage. The world famous Ggantija Temples built over 5600 years ago are found here. That’s not all. If you like art in all its forms, old and contemporary in various mediums and shapes, you’ll find it certainly here. Festivals, historical re-enactments, exhibitions, concerts, musicals, operas, ballet performance and numerous sports events fill the Gozo’s cultural diary of events inside out. In a nutshell, there is always something going on here…
Did you know that the Gozo temples were built eight centuries before the pyramids in Egypt?
9. Cost of Living
Generally speaking, compared to other places around Europe, it is cheaper. Everything you get in other places, you get them here basically at a better price.
On Gozo, the ratio of quality / price is excellent. Great value for money.
10. Local Hospitality
Luckily enough, Maltese people still have a strong sense of community. This is most evident during the annual feast celebrations across Spring and Summer time. The majority of families still embrace the values of commitment, dedication and solidarity. In fact, if there is one common element in all the guests’ reviews at our Gozo boutique self-catering accommodation certainly is how friendly the local people had been. So, if you’re visiting Gozo, do not hesitate to ask. You have the added advantage that all locals speak English, but they’ll even go the extra mile to help you.
Very helpful people whether you’re on holiday or living for good on Gozo.
Travel Tip created by Frank in association with Vacation Soup
Gozo is a great place to spend New Year’s Day! Gozitans, the people who live on Gozo mostly wake up late and later have New Year’s Day family lunch together. Though most shops remain closed, museums, sites and exhibitions remain open during the entire day.
In every street you walk, every church and chapel you pass by, every restaurant or pub, the village square, alley or view point you stop by, someone will greet you with the words Is-Sena t-Tajba, Maltese language for Happy New Year. And normally as locals, we reply by saying Lilek ukoll u l-familja tieghek! Translated to same to you and your family!
Certainly it is the perfect Christmas and New Year’s Day spirit to start a completely new chapter named 2018 on the island of Gozo, Malta.
Here, this year is even more special because from 1 January 2018, Valletta, the capital city of Malta is officially the European Capital of Culture. Over four hundred events are scheduled throughout the islands of Malta and Gozo till a year from today! That is truly amazing and certainly look forward to attend and participate!
Walking back home earlier morning from last night’s celebrations, I could see cars, house doors, trees and festive street decorations all covered in dew – the water in the form of droplets due to condensation is the natural way to visualise the new day… and in our case, New Year’s Day on Gozo. I soon realised that New Year’s Day on Gozo is going to be a very sunny day.
And Yes! It definitely was!
So after New Year’s Day lunch with family we headed straight to the beach for the first dip of the year. It was just amazing plunging into the crystal clear waters! Cold? Absolutely not! Day temperature was 19 degrees Celsius. Sea temperature about 17 degrees Celsius. Quick shower by the beach followed up by a warm cup of tea and local delicacies soaked up with some amazing, tranquil views.
Along the verdant countryside you could see sometimes families with children, couples, teenagers and friends sharing a coastal or country side walk. Bearing in mind the hot summer season, winter time on Gozo is the perfect season for coastal walks, countryside walks and all sorts of outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking and climbing, just to mention a few. Tourists were enjoying the warm sunshine on the waterfront, the beaches, the view points and at the Bethlehem in Ghajnsielem animated Christmas village at Ghajnsielem town.
In the fields nearby the Mgarr ferries and the marina, two local farmers were busy picking the long marrows for early tomorrow delivery to the local markets. Marrows on Gozo are widely used for marrow soup as well as marrow filling with freshly minced beef and herbs. This is a local delicacy which is found in very few local restaurants.
Nixtiqulek is-Sena t-Tajba! Wish you a Happy New Year!
Travel Tip created by Frank in association with Vacation Soup
Perfectly located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea between Southern Europe and the North African coast, the Maltese islands are a true paradise for some amazing Gozo adventures whether at sea or on land.
At Mediterranea Seaviews Gozo Holiday Home we are just 10 minutes walk to the sea, the beach and all the boat tours to Comino and the Blue Lagoon, half day and full day cruises around the Maltese islands and activities on the entire island of Gozo.
If you like diving, in Gozo it is definitely a must-do activity. We are located just 325 metres to the nearest Gozo diving and snorkelling centre – an excellent well equipped centre for any dives around the island of Gozo and Comino.
At Mediterranea Seaviews Gozo Holiday Home, we provide all our guests with free brand new 21-speed bicycles, helmets, locks, maps and guidebooks. Being locals ourselves, it is a great pleasure to help our cycling guests to discover Gozo by bike on their own – equipped with our local insights to some of the most picturesque cycling spots on the entire Maltese islands.
During summer time, all our guests are most welcome to use all our snorkeling equipment, beach towels and parasols for free. Some of the best Gozo snorkeling sites in crystal clear waters and caves are just 10 minutes walk from Gozo Holiday Home itself.
If you would like to experience Gozo from the sea point of view, we would be very happy to invite you for an amazing free sea kayaking tour including some amazing swim stops and mouth-watering local freshly made food.
We would be delighted to welcome you and your family and friends for a truly unforgettable Gozo adventure holidays.
Gozo is the perfect island for some amazing coastal and country walks. Today we are uploading some pictures we’ve taken this afternoon during one of the walks from HolidaysOnGozo.com accommodation at Mediterranea Seaviews Gozo Holiday Home in the village-by-the-sea of Ghajnsielem, Gozo.
Just few days before the official beginning of Spring, Gozo is a verdant carpet full of flowers wherever you look. Tranquil and off the beaten track walks are the perfect outdoor activity for any age group visiting the island of Gozo. Perfect Gozo weather at around 19 degrees Celsius makes the island the best option for incredibly relaxing Gozo walking holidays.
Well, Easyjet have announced that low cost flights to and from Malta for Summer 2017 are on sale. Anyone can book flights directly on Easyjet site. Easyjet flights to Malta from London Gatwick, Manchester, Milan Malpensa airports to mention just a few.
At HolidaysOnGozo.com we provide hassle free transfers to all our guests booking their Gozo holidays accommodation directly on our website or just click here
