Issue 5 2016/2017 mygozo.com

Island Magazine & Guide

SIGHTSEEING MUSEUMS CULTURE RESTAURANTS BEACHESPROPERTY WATERSPORTS DIVING ADVENTURE MAPS

CONTENTSIssue 5 2016/2017

4. I Love Gozo, Our readers share their love of Gozo.

8. Things To Do, There is so much to see and do that a day trip isn’t enough.

16. Events, Gozo has an action packed year round events calendar.

18. Visit Ta’Mena, Gozo’s eco wine and food estate.

21. Postcards, See some photos our readers have sent to us and the story behind them.

22. Magro Brothers, Get to know one of the most well known food brands on the Islands.

24. Walk On The Wild Side, Explore Gozo on two feet.

30. I Come From A Land Down Under, hear about Gozitans who emigrated to Australia.

32. Gozo Wedding, read all about

Andy and Michelle's Gozo wedding fairy tale.

37. Property, Find out about theIslands best property to buy from move2Gozo.

40. Our Gozo, All of the latest news and views from the Island.

44. Recommended Dining, check out what the Island has to offer foodies.

50. Victoria, Gozo’s Capital is a bustling City, discover the old streets, markets and The Citadel.

54. Xlendi, Discover Xlendi Bay, a picture post card seafront resort, full of great restaurants and the perfect place to hire a boat.

58. Marsalforn, Gozo’s premier tourist resort, discover where to eat, drink and sleep.

62. Gharb/The Inland Sea, Visit Dwejra, The Azure Window, Gharb

Folklore Museum and Ta’Dbiegi Craft Centre.

66. Nadur, Gozo’s largest village has a lovely square and views of the Gozo channel.

68. Xaghra, one of the prettiest village’s on Gozo.

70. Accommodation, From hotels to farmhouses, Gozo has plenty of accommodation options available to suit all budgets.

73. Getting Around, Hire a car, rent a bike, book a chauffeur driven airport transfer, explore the Island.

74. Watersports, Gozo is a premier diving destination and offers some great watersports and boat trips.

75. Adventure, Gozo has plenty of adventure activities from speed boats to rock climbing, kayaking and Segway Tours.

79. Map of Gozo, Find your way. 2

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Magic Moments...

Meet The ...

Tell us a bit about yourself and where you come from, what do you do?

My name is Adrian Barnes, married father of one and I am from Leigh On Sea in Essex and I run a holiday rental business called Gozo Villa Rentals which offers apartments, farmhouses and villas on the island of Gozo.

How long have you been visiting Gozo? And what’s your association with the Island ?

I have been visiting Gozo since I was a baby some 45 years ago now. My parents had a holiday flat in Ghajn-sielem and I was lucky enough that I used to spend my 6 weeks summer holidays on Gozo throughout my childhood and have many happy memories of quality time with my family. My father and stepmother have been living on Gozo for the past 10 years and when looking for a new business to run, something that involved my love of Gozo made perfect sense.

What do you love about Gozo?

I love everything about Gozo. Although Gozo has changed since I have been visiting it is still peaceful and quiet and the locals make you feel very welcome. The fact that you are only ever 10 minutes from the sea anywhere on the island is great and nothing better than finding a little bay to swim in and enjoying the peace and tranquillity. The views are stunning and seeing the Citadel lit up at night is very special. If you like your food there are plenty of lovely restaurants across the island and always nice to have a cold glass of Kinnie with a pea pie in It-Tokk Square!

What 5 things should a tourist not miss?

The Citadel, Ta Pinu and stages of the cross, The Azure Window & Inland Sea, Ggantija temples and the Ta Cenc Cliffs.

Do you think there will ever be a tunnel between Gozo and Malta and are you in favour?

I think it is highly possible in the future and can understand the reasons why it might be built but from a selfish point of view I hope there isn’t one. I think it could make the island too populated with day visitors having easier access to get across. I enjoy the Gozo ferry crossing and when seeing Mgarr coming into view I always have a smile on my face.

What’s your favourite beach ?

My wife and I love going to Mgarr IX-Xini, the photo above is my Mum and I here in the 70’s.

Where’s the best place to swim ?

Xwejni Bay round the corner from

Marsalforn is a favourite and also the secluded Ghajn Barrani Bay which is a hidden gem that can only be reached by boat unless you’re prepared for a bit of hiking.

Any Gozo dishes we must try ?The local fried Rabbit with garlic & spices or Timpana pasta pie

Whats your favourite time of the year to visit Gozo and why ?

Anytime from late June to September as I love the hours of sunshine you get and it is also festa season so lots of local festa’s to enjoy !

Whats your favourite festa ?

The Xaghra festa on 8th September.

Where is your favourite Village square and why is it special ?

Xaghra Square as it has a great vibe in the evening and has several nice restaurants and it is always nice to wind down and relax with friends until late in the evening.

Adrian Barnes from Leigh -On-Sea in England has been visiting Gozo since he was a small baby, here he shares some of his secrets and tells us about his love of Gozo...

Adrian & His Late Mum at Mgarr Ix Xini in the 70’s

I LOVE GOZO

Fliegu

Triq L’Mgarr, NADUR - GOZOFor Reservations Call +356 21550055

Open for Lunch & Dinner, Closed on Tuesdays

‘’Where breathtaking meets mouthwatering’’

DINING DRINKS PANORAMIC VIEWS

Find us on the road from Nadur to Mgarr overlooking the Gozo Channel

EDITORS WELCOME

Hi and Welcome to the 5th edition of My Gozo Magazine, your definitive guide to everything you need to know about Gozo. This is my 5th year producing the magazine and this has only been possible due to the continued support I receive from my wonderful sponsors and readers from across the globe who fill me with the encouragement, passion and desire to produce what I hope is an insightful and fun magazine to read. I also owe a debt of gratitude to The Maltese Tourism Association/MTA/ Visit Malta for their support, of which it is much appreciated. I would also like to thank all of the hotels/b+b’s/farmhouses/business’s on The Island who allow me to distribute the magazine.

My Gozo started off as a 10 page guide for guests visiting our wedding on Gozo in 2010, many of whom had never visited the Island, I never imagined that I would be producing this magazine for a 5th consecutive year. If you spot a mistake or would like to offer me any advice, please feel free to get in contact.

The aim of My Gozo is to showcase the beauty of Gozo but also to tell you about the wonderful places to visit, and to also highlight the fact that Gozo is very much a year round destination. It is no longer a surprise when we hear that celebrities are visiting Gozo, as we have all known for decades about it’s secret that keeps drawing us back year after year.

In the 2016/17 edition we have some new sections, including, A Walk On The Wild Side, A Gozo Wedding and I Come From A Land Down Under, as well as the usual ones; including, Postcards, Magic Moments, Town/Village Guides, Sports and Adventure.

One of the most famous names on The Maltese Islands, The Magro Brothers, is celebrating over 100 years in the food and agri business, in this edition we have a really good story about how the company grew into the giant it is today.

There has been real interest in property on the Island over the last couple of years, there are even rumours of Oasis legend, Liam Gallagher wanting to buy a property on Gozo and the variety and standard of housing/apartments is truly outstanding. For an extensive selection of property, visit, www.move2gozo.com and speak to David and Fiona.

We would like to wish Charlotte best of luck with her new art gallery, Lazuli Art, which is found at 83 Palm St and will be home to some very special pieces of art from across the globe.

I would like to wish Philip Spiteri best of luck in his new adventure at Ta‘Philip in Ghajn-sielem, and to Diane Mercieca and the crew good luck at Il Kartell.

An old institution is now alive and kicking, Brookies, located in an amazing location behind the Citadel has been restored to former glories and is a great spot for a drink and something to eat.

Ta’Mena Estate located on the road between Victoria and Marsalforn is the only eco agri tourist estate on the Maltese Islands and produces some outstanding wines as well as some delicious local delicacies such as sundried tomatoes and olives...a must visit.

We are delighted to announce a partnership with www.starwebmalta.com Malta’s first online concierge, visit their website for lots of information about the Maltese Islands.

For our active readers Gozo Pilates is now fully established and Lara Refalo is a very enthusi-astic teacher who is happy to welcome people of all ages to join the classes.

Happy Travels

Mark

Get Involved !Add us as a friend on facebook

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From Our Twitter FeedWe asked our twitter followers what their favourite thing was to do on Gozo........

Front Cover 2016 - a Fishermen bringing in his catch in Xlendi. To advertise in next years issue or for further info drop us an email to info@mygozo.com

Lampuki; you cannot beat fishing during lampuki season @msjones

Pastizzi; pea or cheese, boy do I miss them @expatjoe

Sunset BBQ; I have had many a family BBQ at Hondoq Bay during the summer @stejoy

Walking; at dusk around Gharb doesn’t get any better @bluejackie

Veranda; Sitting on my veranda, chatting to neighbours @kevina

Mgarr Ix Xini; don’t say it too loud but the best place to swim on Gozo @farrugiaUSA

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Xlendi Bay Waterfront, Xlendi, Gozo, MaltaFor Reservations Telephone: +356 79539117

Email: ilkcinaghawdxija@gmail.comwww.ilkcinaghawdxija.com

@terihardy

@terihardy

THINGS TO DO ON GOZOGozo has an outstanding history, the moment the ferry docks, you can feelyourself being immersed into a historical movie set, from UNESCO worldheritage sites to secluded sandy beaches, Gozo has it all...

Mgarr-Ix-Xini

The first place you should visit is the Citadel which rises above the capital, Victoria, and has been the main focus point of the Island for centuries. The Cittadella, also known as the Citadel, has been inhabited since the Bronze Age around 1500 BC, and in the Medi-eval era it was known as the Gran Castello. The Cittadella has been on Malta's tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1998 and it is currently undergoing a huge face lift. You won’t find a better 360 degree view of the Island than on top of the Citadel. Whilst exploring the alley ways within the walled complex you will come across holy shrines, the historic Chapel of St. Joseph, Norman style windows and arches, bronze statues and some ancient grafitti.

A visit to the Citadel wouldn’t be complete without visiting the museums found within it’s walls. It is home to the Museum of Archeol-ogy, The Folklore Museum, The Natural Science Museum and The Old Prison. The Heritage Malta, Discover Gozo ticket is priced €13 for adults, €9 for seniors and students and €7 for children and

includes admission to all four sites as well as The Ggantija Temples and the Ta’Kola Windmill Tickets are valid for 30 days from date of purchase. For details see www.heritagemalta.org.

Gozo is home to the Ggantija Temples, a UNESCO world heritage site which are found in the Village of Xaghra. Ggantija, meaning giant in Maltese is a neolithic, megolothic temple complex dating back to c3600-2500 BC, making the temples more than 5500 years old. Two temples make up the site, the southerly one is the larger, more older site and is in a better state than the northenly one. The tem-ples are built in the typical clover-leaf shape, with inner facing blocks marking the shape which was then filled in with rubble. Ggantija is managed by Heritage Malta, www.heritagemalta.org and entry to the temples costs €9 for adults, €5 for 6- 11 year olds and €7 for OAP’s. For the entry fee visitors also have access to Ta’Kola windmill located in Xaghra.Mgarr-Ix-Xini

Gozo has some quirky, private museums, and there are several across the Island that are worth a visit, Il Hagar, Heart of Gozo, in St George’s Square is a showcase of Gozo of yesteryear, The Maritime Museum in Nadur has many rare and priceless exhibits, including authenticated timber from Lord Nelson’s ship, HMS Victory, The First US Warship, Constitution and one of Lord Mountbattens gold epaulettes. Parish Priest St, Nadur, Tel: 21565226. The Pomzkizillious Toy Museum, in Xaghra, was created in 1970 and belongs to a British Couple who decided to exhibit their own collection. For toys past and present, visit 10 Gnien Xible St, Xaghra, Open June/End of Septem-ber 10:30am - 1pm and 4pm - 6pm, Mon - Sat. The Gharb Folklore Museum depicts daily life in Gozo of yesteryear. The museum is a showcase of traditional life and includes the printing press used for Gozo’s first newspaper plus a collec-tion of old tools and clothes. Address: - 99 Pjazza il-Knisja, Gharb. Opening Hours: Mon to Sat: 9am - 4pm. Sunday: 9am - 1.00 pmNinus Cave is a cave with stalactites and stalagmites located at the back of a private house on 15 January Street in Xaghra. The cave was discovered in 1888 by Joseph Rapa. Open daily between 8am - 6pm. Not too far from Ninnus Cave you will find Xerri’s Grotto, an under-ground cave discovered in 1924 by the owners Grandfather who discov-ered the cave whilst digging a well.

Citadel

Ggantija Temples

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Independence Square, Victoria, Gozo

Open Monday to Saturday from 10am until late for lunch and dinner, closed On Sundays

For reservations call +356 21551213www.it-tokkrestaurant.com

It-Tokkrestaurant

‘’The central casual dining experience in Gozo’’

@terihardy

@terihardy

Further caves were found whilst the family were building an air raid shelter during the 2nd world war. Visitors can see stalacite and stalag-mite formations including some interesting speleothems in the form of an elephants ear’s, a tortoise and a giraffe. Xerri’s Grotto can be found on Xerri Street. Opening hours, Mon to Sat, 09.00am to 18.00pm, entrance fee is €2.50.

When you see pictures of Malta and Gozo in travel magazines/programmes etc, it’s more than likely that the picture showing off the Islands beauty will be that of Dwejra and the famous Azure Window, a spectacular natural rock formation, featuring a natural arch. Next to Dwejra, you will find The Inland Sea, a beautiful natural lagoon , popular with swim-mers and divers a like. A natural man made tunnel leads to the open sea and it is possible to take a 15 minute boat trip on one of the many fishing boats.

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Salt Pans...To the North West of The Island, close to Qbajjar Bay, you will stumble across the remark-able salt-pans, Gozo’s commercial source of fresh sea-salt. Laid bare in all their glory, the salt pans are a strong testament of Gozo of old, one that has used it’s natural resources to make a living. Pick up a fresh bag of salt while you are there.

Whether you are visiting in the summer, autumn, spring or winter, Gozo is a great place to go for a walk and burn off some calories. The Island offers some great places to go for a hike, our personal favourite is The Ta’Cenc and Sanap Cliffs in the South of The Island. We recom-mend starting your walk at the Village of Sannat, head south, past the left of The Church, and follow signs for the Hotel Ta’Cenc, take the country track to the South and then proceed to the West where the cliffs will take you to Mgarr IX Xini. Dawn or dusk are a great time to go walking.

For an Island that only meas-ures 10 x 5 miles, Gozo offers some outstanding places to cool off from the hot summer sun. The Island is dotted with beaches, inlets and secret lagoons where you can go for a dip and spend a lazy day. The most popular and largest beach is Ramla Bay, located in between Xaghra and Nadur. Ramla is a beach lovers paradise and is great for this kids. There are several beach side restaurants for a bite to eat. San Blas Bay is a firm favourite, and again is great for kids, once you reach it that is. One of my child-hood memories is snorkelling at Mgarr IX-Xini, it offers beautiful water and has a 5* restaurant on it’s shore. Popular amongst locals is Hondoq Bay, near Qala and Xwejni Bay, close to Marsalforn offers good swimming and Lido facilities. Xlendi Bay and Marsalforn are old family favourites and have a multitude of restaurants to choose from. Xlendi has some great water sport activities to induldge in, including self-hire speed boats.

Inland Sea

Mgarr-Ix-Xini

Salt Pans

Dwejra

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Airport Transfers (Taxi & Minivan)

Chau�eur Driven ServiceMalta & Gozo Tours Jeep Tours • Car Hire

Tel: (00356) 2155 6678 / 2155 1772Mob: (00356) 9989 0600 / 9980 2505

YEARS OFEXCELLENTSERVICE

50OVER

Visit us to view food in the making & free tasting

www.savina.com.mtTel: +356 21562236 79562236 Savina Creations

at �e Magro Food Village, Gozo - Malta

VISITORATTRACTION

Qualityassured

MALTA TOURISMAUTHORITY

Marinating capers Sun drying tomatoes Infusing olive oil Harvesting honey Tempering chocolate

@terihardy

Legend will have you believe that Gozo has enough Churches for everyday of the year, whilst this isn’t quite true, the Island does have 22 Churches. You will find varying styles from baroque to more modern Churches. They are the focal point of every Village and play an important part of every Gozitans daily life and come to life during religious festivals. The most famous Church is Ta’Pinu, a popular place of pilgrimage for people from all across Malta and Gozo and it was visited by Pope John Paul II in 1990. Legend has it that prayers said in the Church saved the Island from the Plague. Numerous miracles and acts of God have been manifested at The Basilica and attributed to the Grace of Our Lady of The Assumption, to whom the Church is dedicated.

The Cathedral, in Victoria was built between 1697 and 1711 and sits within the fortress of the Citadel. The church’s feast is celebrated on the 15th August each year and is dedicated to the assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Santa Maria, this is one of the biggest feasts held on Island. It is a baroque Cathedral designed by Lorenzo Gafà, the Maltese architect who also built the Cathedral of Mdina. It is said that it lies on the site where a Roman temple dedicated to Juno once stood. It is most famous for the remarkable trompe l'oeil painting on its ceiling, which depicts the interior of a dome that was never built. A lesser known Church but equally beautiful found in the Citadel is The

Chapel of St Joseph, built in 1625

St George’s Basilica situated in Victoria is a beautiful church, found in St George’s Square, it was originally built in the 1670s. A new façade was built in 1818 due to damage done during an earth-quake. The dome and the aisles are of recent construction (1930s and 1940s). There are several works of art in the church which include the painting of the dome and ceiling by Gian Battista Conti of Rome and other paintings and sculptures by Mattia Preti, Giuseppe d'Arena, Stefano Erardi, Alessio Erardi, Francesco V. Zahra, Giuseppe Calì, and contemporary Alfred Camilleri Cauchi and John L. Grima. The titular statue of St George was carved from solid wood by Pietro Paolo Azzopardi in 1838 and is the first titular statue on the island. The area over which the church is built is of considerable archaeological interest, with evidence of activity dating back to at least to the Roman period. The parish celebrates two feasts during the year: 23 April, the official date celebrating the death of the martyr, and the third Sunday of July, when the solemn festivities in honour of Gozo's patron saint are held.

The village of Xewkija is dominated by its Rotunda Parish Church, dedi-cated to St John the Baptist. It became the first parish outside Victoria on 27 November 1678. The church was initially built thanks to Bishop Michael Molina, who after

visiting Xewkija decided that the local villagers deserved a better place to pray and attend mass. The church is capable of housing 3000 people, the population of the Village. The church is the largest on Gozo and was built by Maltese stone and was designed by Josepth D’Amato. The current church was completed in 1952 and replaced an older Church that occupied the site. The Feast is celebrated on the 24th June each year. The rotunda dome is 75 metres high making it one of the largest in Europe.

Other Notable Churches can be found in the Villages of Gharb, San Lawrenz, Ghasri, Zeebug, Xaghra, Nadur, Ghajnsielem, Sannat and also on the Island of Comino

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Xewkija Dome

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@terihardy

Festa - Time, Gozitans and the Maltese do Festa’s better than anyone. If you are on the Island whilst The Patron Saint of a Village is being celebrated, you have to go. The Villages comes to life with a festival of light, food and culture. Churches are lit up, flags are flown and each Village trys their best to out do their rivals. Two of the biggest festivals are held in The Capital, Victoria, St George’s celebrates it’s Patron Saint on the 17th July and The Feast of Santa Maria is celebrated on the 15th August every year. The Capital really does come to life with various activities happening to coincide, including Horse Racing along the Streets.

Visit a Local Cultural Event, throughout the year there is an action packed events calender to keep you busy and entertained, including, The Gozo Carnival in Nadur that takes place in February, Gozo Faith and Traditions a two week event in the run up to Easter, The Gaulitana Festival of Music held between the end of March and end of April which is a celebration of local and International performers, June/July see’s the 19th edition of the Victoria International Arts Festival, it spans 5 weeks and offers no fewer than 33 concerts by local and foreign musicians. The festival

is directed by musical director Joseph Vella. The Qala Interna-tional Folk Festival takes place in September and includes music, dance and costumes in the tradi-tional form. (16th-18th September). If you love light then you have to head to Gozo on the 21st October for the Festival of Lights, Ghar Ilma hill is lit up with hundreds of lanterns and it is a great sight to see. October see’s Opera season in full force, Gozo is lucky to have two opera houses and both the Astra and Aurora Theatres play home to some beautiful performances. Festival Mediterranea is held between 27th October and 19th November and celebrates Gozo’s heritage, art and music. Not many countries celebrate Christmas as much as Gozo and the Island really does pull out all of the stops, this includes live cribs, Christmas mar-kets and a full mock up of Bethle-hem in the Village of Ghajnsielem, which attracts thousands of visitors each year.

For centuries, Gozo has been an agricultural Island and no com-pany epitomises the Islands rich agricultural heritage than Magro Brothers. At their factory in Xewkija, Magro Brothers use local produce to produce wonderful foods and treats, including sauces, condiments, cheeses, yoghurts,

sweet treats and a multitude of other high quality products. Magro Brothers is a Gozitan success story and many of their products are exported and sold in household name supermarkets across the Globe. At The Magro Food Village you can you can taste and feel the products and have a tour of the factory. For further details see http://www.magro.com.mt/

To get a real feel for the wine culture on the Island, visit Ta’Mena Estate on the Rd between Victoria and Marsalforn, you can get a tour of the Vineyard by the owner Joseph and taste some of the estates wines. Afterwards you will be treated to some local food. For more details see http://www.tamena-gozo.com/

Gozo Feast Calendar 201629-May St. Paul, Munxar05-Jun St. Anthony, Ghajnsielem12-Jun Corpus Christi, Ghasri 19-Jun Sacred Heart of Jesus, Fontana22-Jun Our Lady of Pinu, Ta’ Pinu 26-Jun St. John the Baptist, Xewkija 29-Jun St. Peter and St. Paul, Nadur 03-Jul The Visitation, Gharb 10-Jul Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Kercem17-Jul St George, Victoria 24-Jul St. Margaret, Sannat 31-Jul St. Laurence, San Lawrenz 07-Aug St. Joseph, Qala

15-Aug The Assm of Our Lady, Victoria21-Aug The Assm of Our Lady, Zebbug 28-Aug Our Lady of Loreto, Ghajnsielem04-Sep Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Xlendi 08-Sep The Nativity of Our Lady, Xaghra11-Sep Our Lady of Graces, Capuchins, Victoria 25-Sep Jesus of Nazareth, Xaghra09-Oct Patronage of the B. V. Mary, Ghasri 08-Dec Immaculate Conception, Victoria08-Dec Immaculate Conception, Qala11-Dec St Lucy, Kercem

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@terihardy

4th Bis-Sahha Wine Festival, Santa LucijaSquare. A festival of wine, live music and food.Free entrance.5th Feast, St. Anthony, Ghajnsielem8th June-11th July Victoria International Arts Festival, spans 5 weeks and offers no fewer than 33 concerts by local and foreign musicians.11th - 12th ‘’Fiori d‘Argenta’‘, Xewkija, from 7.30pm onwards in St John’s square there will be a festival of music and local culture. 18th-19th Agricultural Fair, Nadur19th Feast, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Fontana22nd Feast, Our Lady of Pinu, Ta’ Pinu25th - 26th Farm to fork, Gozitano Complex, Xewkija26th Feast, St. John the Baptist, Xewkija29th Feast, St. Peter and St. Paul, Nadur

3rd Feast, The Visitation, Gharb 3rd Infiorata, Gharb, The Infiorata (which means: the throwing of flowers in the path of a distinguished person-ality) consists of a carpet made of fresh flowers and leaves cut in small pieces and arranged together to form various thematic designs. The Infiorata is an old tradition, the oldest one originating in Gerano, the twinned locality of Gharb, which is found in the outskirts of Rome.10th Feast, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Kercem17th Feast, St George, Victoria, All day events, including horse racing, precessions and fireworks.21st Leone Goes Pop, Marsalforn24th Feast, St. Margaret, Sannat31st Feast, St. Laurence, San Lawrenz

1st Opera vs Pop Under The Stars, The Gozo Youth Orchestra, in association with The Ministry of Gozo and The Embassy of The USA, will be putting on a night to remember.6th Riflessi Sajfin, An open air festival held in Marsalforn.6th Gozo Ceramics Festival, XlendiThe best of the ceramics companies and independent artists join together to put on a great show of art and

pottery in the ceramic form. It’s a great family event with lots of activities, including, painting, sculpturing, the potters wheel, coiling and modelling.7th Feast, St Joseph, Qala15th Feast, Santa Maria, The Assm of Our Lady, Victoria, all day event in the Capital, culmilating in a fireworks display.21st Feast, The Assm of Our Lady, Zebbug19th - 21st Delicata Wine Festival, Nadur, Delicata in conjunction with Nadur local council will be taking its wine festival to the viticultural heart of Gozo, Nadur. Once again this sleepy, idyllic Gozitan village will come alive as the wine festival gets underway at the Ġnien il-Kunsill. The festival will open at 7.00pm and the last wines will be served at 11.30pm before closing at midnight. Live enter-tainment every evening.29th Feast, St John Martyr, Xewkija, The Village square comes alive with a traditional meal and finishes with a bonfire.

2nd Stage and Proms on the Sea, Mgarr3rd Jazz Do Festival, Mgarr7th Commemoration of the Two Sieges of Malta, Xaghra4th Feast Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Xlendi8th Feast, The Nativity of Our Lady, Xaghra11th Feast Our Lady of Graces, Capuchins, Victoria 13th Summer carnival, Marsalforn16th-18th Qala International Folk Festival

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Year Round Events

@terihardy

8th - 9th Festubru, Folk and traditional food festival held in the beautiful Lunzjata Valley.8th Preludio all Opera9th Feast, Patronage of the B. V. Mary, Ghasri9th 7pm onwards at Ghar Ilma Hill, Santa Lucija, Ta' Kercem, Gozo - Fjakkolata15th Opera Carmen, Aurora Theatre21st A symphony of lights festival, Santa Lucija, Ta’Kercem27th, 29th Opera Aida, Astra Theatre30th Halloween, Nadur

27th Oct-19th Nov Festival MediterraneaA celebration of Gozo’s heritage, art and music

DEC - Gozitano Christmas Village, throughout December a host of events and activities are held at the Gozitano centre in Xewkija as well as a host of local food stalls.5th Dec-5th Jan The eighth edition of Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem, which will once again bring this timeless nativity story to life in a unique experience.8th Feast, Immaculate Conception, Victoria & Qala10th Festival of Light, The Village Square of Santa Lucija is adorned with flaming lanterns, candles and a bonfire.13th Feast, St Lucy, Kercem19th Christmas Concert at St George’s Basilica, Victoria.25th (1:30am) Twas the Night Before Christmas, A concert in St George’s Square25th Christmas Day26th Christmas Concert, St Francis Church, Victoria31st New Years Eve, Victoria

1st New Years Toast, The Gaulitanus Choir, Kempinski Hotel, San Lawrenz.17th Feast, St Anthony Abbott, Xaghra, blessing of animals, dog and cat shows and kids races24th Feast, St Paul, Marsalforn31st Feast, St John Bosco, Victoria

Nadur FestivalCarnival activities in VictoriaCarnival activities in Xaghrasee visitmalta.com for dates

Gozo Folk Festival - Dates TBCVintage Motor Festival - Dates TBC

2nd - 16th Gozo Faith & Traditions, Two weeks of activities in the run up to Easter.10th April-24th May Gaulitana Festival of Music, The Gaulitana Festival of Music held between the end of April and early May which is a celebration of local and Interna-tional performers23rd Gozo Half Marathon

25th Feast, St Paul, Munxar

For those of you that enjoy listening to live music, taking part in pub quizzes and general pub entertainment, The Captains Table in Xlendi has a comprehensive year round entertainment programme with weekly live music and a fantastic host called Mark, for more details...https://www.facebook.com/moby.mark

For a more comprehensive events listing and new events that are added throughout the year on both Gozo and Malta, please visit, www.visitmalta.com or call into aMalta Tourism Office in Victoria, Gozo, Valletta, Mdina, or the Airport.

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January

TOUR OF THE TASTE BUDS AT TA’MENA ESTATE

n the road between Victoria and Marsalforn, deep in the Marsalforn Valley you will find the Ta’Mena Estate, the first Agro-Tourism complex situated in the Maltese Islands. Ta’Mena is home to Joseph Spiteri and his family and their aim is to showcase the simplicity but brilliance of typical Gozitan food and wine. They want people who visit the estate to experience the history, folklore and culture of Gozo all within an eco-friendly environment.

Ta’Mena was the brainchild of the Spiteri’s late mother, Carmela, better known by her nickname, Mena, hence the estate being named after her. Carmela had worked hard to purchase and then cultivate the land until 1986 when her life was unfortunately cut short. Following their mothers-passing, the project was put on the back burner until 2002 when the family decided to put new energy into the project and they set about regenerating the 25 hectares of

agricultural land which was predominantly a fruit and vegeta-ble garden. 14 years on and the family have achieved their mothers dream of opening an agro-tourism estate.

At the entrance to the estate you will find a delightful small shop, where you will normally find Joes wife Marnese behind the counter. The shop is a great insight into what lies behind the gates and all of the produce sold is made or cultivated on the premises, includ-ing tomato pastes, olives, capers, sundried tomatoes, cold pressed extra virgin olive oil, fresh fruit and vegetables and some very good wines. Walk through the gates and the first people you normally meet are the family dogs, Henry and Cikka who will give you a friendly welcome.

If you have pre-booked a tour and a food tasting experience, the charismatic and extremely knowl-edgeable owner, Joe Spiteri will be

your host and he will kick off the tour with a very passionate history lesson about Ta’Mena and how it has grown to what it has today. Joewill explain how to taste wine and olive oil, what to look for in a good wine, and what will make a genuine food product! You will also have an array of farm domestic animals, some of whom will also keep you company during your tour. Joe wants his guests to learn about the crops, trees, the food and the wine making process and the uniqueness of Gozitan produce. Joe famously claimed to none other than Jamie Oliver that olive oil from the Maltese Islands is the best in the world, not a statement he makes light heartedly but with throrough conviction. As Joe takes you through the farm, vineyards and crop fields, the views of The Citadel and surrounding country-side are amazing.

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Top Picture, the delightful shop at Ta’Mena selling the local delights, including Olive Oil, Tomato Paste and Wine. 18

Ta’ Mena cultivate their own vines to produce over 150,000 wine bottles anually, Olives to produce their own cold pressed extra virgin olive oil, lemons, oranges, various fruit trees, strawberries, tomatoes,melons, water melons and othervegetables. All this can be seen on the tour (season depending).

The estate produces some excel-lent wines in their state of the artwinery and the tour finishes withJoe teaching you about the variousgrape varieties. He will also show you how to hold a glass of wine the correct way ! Some fabulous food is then served including sundried tomato paste (Kunserva Helwa),olives, local bread and traditionalGozitan cheeselets.

Ta’ Mena organise private guided tours around their extensive estate

and can organise lunch and dinner during the week for groups of at least 15 people or a minimum charge of €230. Menus are based around traditional Gozitan dishes and they vary based on the season. Smaller groups or individuals are invited to a tour and tasting session which is held every Thursday at 4.30pm (June-August) and on Saturdays at 1pm (All year round). This includes a guided tour around the estate followed by a wine, food and olive oil tasting which includes a Ta’Menu platter of cold antipasti from their own produce. Tours last around 2 hours and pre-booking is required. Transport can be organ-ised from anywhere on Gozo.

Bus No 310 from Victoria to Marsalforn Bay stops directly in front of the estate. The bus stop is named Harrax. Walking tours

around the estate are available any day from 9:30 to 17:00. No pre-booking is necessary. Entrance is free of charge.

For those of you who might be thinking of getting married on Gozo, Ta’Mena is a great choice for a wedding venue. As a wedding venue it offers a unique experi-ence, one that is closer to nature and one that you will not find at more traditional venues.

To book a tour or to discuss wedding options, Joe and the team can be contacted at the following;T: + 356 21564939, M: +35699493842 Email: joseph@tamena-gozo.com, www.tamena-gozo.com

Bottom left Joe and Marnese, bottomright, an evening dinner event,top right, the vines with a view ofcitadel, top left, the delicious anti-pasti.

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Ta’Mena Estate, Marsalforn, Gozo, For Reservations & Tours Call: + 356 21564939 Email: joseph@tamena-gozo.com, www.tamena-gozo.com

Ta’Mena Estate, GozoWhere Tradition Meets Daily Life

On the road between Marsalforn and Victoria, you will find the Ta’ Mena Estate, the only agro-tourism estate on the Maltese Islands. Call in and sample for yourself the charming hospitality of Joseph Spiteri and his family.Ta’Mena wants you to be in touch with nature and take you back to a Gozo that was fondly remembered by previous generations.

Activities organized at Ta’ Mena include:-Guided tours around the estate and wine and food tastings. (pre-booking required with minimum of 15 persons)-Guided tours at the Winery followed by wine tasting (pre-booking required with minimum of 15 persons)-Walking Tours (no pre-booking required)-Fruit picking from the farm (according to season) : Strawberry Picking, Grape Harvest, Olive Harvest. (pre-booking with minimum of 15 persons)-Group functions (pre-booking)-Celebrations (pre-booking)-Wedding Receptions (even for foreign couples who wish to have a wedding with a difference. We will help you !)

POSTCARDSWhy not get involved with the next edition of MyGozo and send us your best pictures of Gozo and the stories behind them. Send them with a pic of yourself to postcards@mygozo.com

Not many people can get enthusiastic about a petrol station and I doubt there is a more photographed one on the

Maltese Islands, but I just love the simplicity of this one.

I am a proud Gozitan, born and bred on the Island and the reason I have never left, like six of my brothers and sisters is because we still do things simple and I love the fact that I don’t need to go into a huge petrol station, run by a multinational company, who don’t just want to sell me fuel, but other unnecessary vices. You will find this family run gas station on Pope John Paul II Street in Rabat (Victoria), just behind the Citadel and on the rd from Gharb back into Rabat. The process is a simple one, you drive up in front of their house, there is an attendant waiting for you, your car is filled up, you pay and then you leave, how simple is that ?

This fuel station isn’t uncommon and you will find other, similar stations dotted around Gozo. Next time you are in your huge, local gas station, just close your eyes and let your mind wonder over to Gozo and picture yourself filling up at this beautiful iconic station.

Joseph Farrugia is a native of Victoria, Gozo and is a carpenter by trade. He lives with his wife, two dogs and is an avid fisherman in his spare time. Joseph has 4 children, none of whom now live at home and he is impressed the way that Gozo has adopted an ‘’Eco Culture’’

Gas Station Heaven

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I left the UK over 15 years ago after retiring from the British army, I rented an apartment in Marsalforn for 7 years,

travelling back between the UK and Gozo until I finally made the jump, I sold my house in Plymouth, UK and purchased an old farmhouse in Xaghra that was in need of some much needed TLC. I spent the best part of 8 years working on the house and used some exceptional local tradesman to bring the house back to it’s past glory. The house overlooks the lush, Marsalforn valley and has some outstanding views of the Citadel and beyond, one of my favourite views is that of this working water mill which is found in the valley below the house on the Ta’Mena estate. I am reliably informed that the water mill is used to pump thousands of gallons of water around the estate, rain water is collected during the winter months in huge underground reservoirs and then pumped around the estate giving much needed water to the olive groves, tomato plants and grapes during the more baron months. This is a sign of the ingenuity that is used by Gozitans, in the UK we take things like water for granted and waste an awful lot, on Gozo, water is at a premium and farmers and vine growers such as those found at Ta’Mena Estate need to find ways to conserve what small quantities they have, whilst being conscience of the natural systems around them

Roger Hawkins is a UK national who has made Gozo his home for the last 8 years. Roger enjoys exploring Gozo in the spring time when he can often be seen hiking around the Island with his distinctive yellow cap, if you see him on your travels, say hi.

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Water Mill

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MAGRO BROTHERS...100 YEARS OF SUCCESS

his year see’s a famous Gozitan company celebrating its 100th birthday. Magro Brothers, a name which is synonymous both nationally and internationally as a staunch supporter of the local agro industry and produce was established by Ganni Magro in 1916..

Ganni was originally from the village of Xewkija, and where the Magro Head-quarters stands today. In 1916, Ganni, who was already a well known general goods merchant, set up Magro Brothers along with his three sons and 100 years on, the business, is still very much at the heart of the Magro family.

Ganni’s entrepreneurial spirit stretched back to the late 1800’s, a time when the Gozitan economy very much relied on agriculture. Most of the food that was produced on Gozo was exported to Malta, Ganni seeing a gap in the market, bought fresh Gozitan produce and sailed across to Valletta, a tough journey at the time and sold it to local Maltese buyers. Ganni had a big vision and one that was not confined to only Gozo and Malta. Ganni started making a name for himself in the lucrative food wholesale industry, even bartering products along the way that would allow him to acquire seeds, animal fodder and agricultural tools.

Not content with focusing on the agricultural business, when Ganni had accumulated enough funds, he moved into the real estate market.

The First World War came to pass and as a result many wounded soldiers used Gozo as a place to convalesce, in turn increasing the Islands population and demand for food goods. Realising food was in demand, Ganni Magro encour-aged his three sons to take over his business venture and develop the company further.

Ganni turned 50 on the 30th May 1916 and this was also a significant day because he decided to create the company ‘’Magro Brothers’’ and the firm that we have come to love today. As Magro Brothers grew, the three brothers focused on cattle breeding as well as being a general merchant. At the time the company both imported and exported, although throughout time there was more focus on the export side of the business.

During the twenties, Magro Brothers started trading also in fresh tomatoes, a fruit which is at the heart of the company today. Local Gozitans used tomatoes in their own kitchens during

the summer months when the crop was at its best, but no other business had tried to cultivate tomatoes on a large scale. Seeing a gap in the market, Magro Brothers bought all of the available crop from local Gozitan farmers, selling it to ship chandlers at the Grand Harbour in Valletta.

By 1934, the three Magro Brothers were now in control of the company and were well established as the leading general merchants and food distributors on Gozo. They all had an entrepreneurial spirit like their father and were full of enthusiasm and decided to grow the business further. Their attention turned to milk. At the time Gozo was produc-ing large quantities of sheep and goat’s milk,however, since this milk was not pasteurised, it was the cause of frequent fever outbreaks. The brothers decided to set up a plant to pasteurise milk and make evaporated milk in cans. Unfortu-nately, despite their best efforts, the project was put to one side because local authorities failed to issue the valid permit for the venture to take off.

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Top Picture, The third and fourth generation of Magro Brothers.

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Nevertheless, the brothers moved forward with their plans to grow the business and they took the decision to produce a tomato paste called Kunserva and launched it under the brand of ‘’The Three Hills’’. This was a great business move and the brand was an immediate success and is now a household name across The Maltese Islands and as far afield as UK and Australia.

Malta was having a tough time during the Second World War and supplies of any sort were hard to come by. On Gozo, those with farms and small holdings were generally better off as they could grow their own products and rear poultry. For people living in towns, the government decided that it was better for the population to cook food as a community, therefore cutting out any waste and the food was cooked and prepared in what was nicknamed ‘Victory Kitchens’. Islanders were also given ration vouchers. Magro Brothers were given the job of distributing and delivering most of the food products at this time. By 1943, there was light at the end of tunnel and life on Gozo started to return to normal. Confidence was growing and tomato crops were again being harvested and by the summer production started to pick up again. The factory as well as the import/export areas of Magro Brothers were recovering well after a difficult period.

1960 saw one of the brothers, Wigi, hand over his shares in the company to Guzepp and Manwel due to health reasons. For almost 50 years, the brothers who were held in high esteem on Gozo had stuck together through good and bad times and never let their

determination to grow the business get in their way. The 18th August 1963 was a sad day for the Magro family, the youngest of the three brothers, Manwel passed away at the age of 50. He was survived by his wife Lilian and his young children, his two sons, John and Michael and daughter Anne. One local journalist wrote, “His untimely death was the cause of great sorrow not only for the company of Magro Brothers that has made a great name for itself, but for the whole of Gozo. It was he who succeeded to create the largest number of jobs in the private sector alleviating the crisis of unemployment in Gozo.”

John and Michael Magro took over the running of the firm and registered it as a Ltd company. Michael and John had both studied accountancy and business administration at the Malta Polytechnic and had a new vision, one that would see them focusing on the canning business and extending the product range. Adding to the well-established Three Hills Brand, was Mayor, the new name given to a wide range of new products that would be introduced to the consumer markets in the years ahead, including Ketchup and Mayon-naise. The Mayor brand is a market leader in Malta and still uses ingredients from local producers. Magro Brothers are also exporters of table sauces and condiments to over twenty countries.

2005 was a milestone for the company as it launched its luxury brand SAVINA. Savina Creations Ltd specializes in artisan gift products which epitomize Gozitan/Maltese and Mediterranean heritage. Savina is named after the square, Pjazza Savina which is found in the heart of the old part of Victoria which was the original commercial hub of the Island. It was from Savina Square that the Magro Brothers traded between the 1930’s and 1977.

The product portfolio developed further in 2010 with the formation of Farm-Fresh Ltd, a company which specializes in the processing of fresh dairy and farm products including traditional Gozitan/Maltese Gibniet (cheeselets) and a wide range of yoghurts. Magro Brothers were finally operating in the diary sector.

In 2012, Magro Brothers created The

Magro Food Village on the site of their production plant in Xewkija. The concept is simple, by creating a unique food experience; the general public can watch food in the making and hence are brought closer to the products. Book a tour and embark on a sensory and culinary adventure and learn about traditional Gozitan products, as well as getting the opportunity to sample some delicacies along the way. Tours are free of charge but must be booked in advance. Mon - Sat during the summer, tours at 9am, 10:15am and 11.30am, email visits@magro.com.mt or call +35680075533. For further details visit www.magro.com.mt.

Magro Brothers is still a family run business and is managed day to day by John’s three children, Christian, Nicolas and Joanna, who following their university education are fully embedded in the business. Four generations of the Magro Family have maintained the characteristics which have allowed the company to become an industry leader embracing honesty and integrity..

The fact that Magro Brothers are celebrating their 100th anniversary is a celebration not only for the family but also for the Island of Gozo, who should be proud of not only what the company has achieved but what the Gozitan farming community has contributed.

Here is to another 100 years of success!

Top left, Ganni Magro. Bottom picture, The second generation of Magro Brothers management team, Manwel, Wigi and Guzepp.

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TRAIL OF THE UNEXPECTEDThere is a lot more to Gozo than just the beach and a great way to explore the Island is by criss crossing the Island by foot. My Gozohas chosen five walks to help you explore the Island on two feet...

here is a lot more to Gozo than just the beach and a great way to explore the Island is by criss crossing it by foot. Even for the less advanced walkers amongst our readers, given the size of Gozo, 10 miles x 5 miles, there is plenty to see and explore off the beaten track.

Pack your rucksack with plenty of water, some sun screen and a loaf of local bread (with some local tomatoes and cheese) and off you go to find ancient cart tracks, wild flowers and herbs, cultural sites and some stunning views. The advantage with walking on Gozo is that you will see such a diverse array of scenery in one day that you could only wish to accomplish in a week or two in other places.

At My Gozo, we find that the best time of the year to explore Gozo is

between October and May, when the temperatures are friendlier on the foot and Gozo really does look fantastic during the Autumn, Winter and Spring months. Gozo springs into life with an outstand-ing array of flora, greenery and fresh smelling herbs.

In this year’s magazine we will be focusing on four walking routes.

Walk 1 - Mgarr IX-Xini to Xlendi

The first walk is from Mgarr IX Xini to Xlendi. The start for this route is the beautiful bay of Mgarr IX-Xini, a fjord like bay which is somewhat of a hidden gem and the recent shooting location of Brad Pitt and Angelina’s film, ‘’By The Sea’’, although you would never know that a film had actually been shot there as the set has been taken down.

During the reign of the Knights of St John, the bay was used as place for the Knights to repair their ships and the name Xini means ships in Maltese.

To start the walk, head up the hill from the beach about 25 metres and on your left hand side there will be a small steel gate which allows entrance into the area that is known as Ta’Cenc. Make your way towards the coastline along the path which then joins a major country road, you will know you are in the right place when you start to see some pretty splendid Villas.

Continue to follow the meandering country road that runs through the heart of the Ta’Cenc reserve and after about 1.5km you will reach the 5* Ta’Cenc Hotel which will be on your left hand side. The views

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uphill are special and you will have an unobstructed view of the Church of St John The Baptist, Xewkija and its famous rotunda and which was consecrated for use in 1971. When visiting the Church we highly recommend taking the lift to the top. The view of the Citadel isn’t too bad either.

From the hotel, take the road which leads directly into Sannat Village Square, about 1km, on the way you are sure to pass some proud Gozitan housewives cleaning their verandas. Upon arrival in the Village square you will find the local Church St Margaret which celebrates its feast on the 24th July. The church was built in 1718. If you are thirsty, you will be more than welcome at the Sannat Lions FC bar.

For the next part of the walk take the rd called Triq Dun Xand Aqui-lina which runs along the right hand side of the church until you

reach a small square called Pjazza Tax – Xelina, you will see a bar called Ta’Rosina in front of you, you might be lucky to catch Rosina open, pop in and say hello if she’s there. Just as you arrive in the square, the last house on the left hand side is known as the lace house and was visited by the now Queen of England and the Duke of Edinburgh in 1951, you should notice a commemoration plaque on the wall.

At Ta’Rosina, follow the signs to Ta’Saguna Cliffs, continuing all the way until the last row of houses on your right hand side. Take a right and walk past the houses and then take a left along a well trodden cart track which will bring you to the cliff side path with fantastic views of Malta in the distance. It is at this stage that we should point out that the path is unprotected from the elements and you are some 150m above sea level so please do take extreme caution. Continue along

the path, you may be lucky enough to find some fisherman launching their lobster pots, until you reach the area known as Ta’Sanap Cliffs where you will have a great view of Wardija Point, which is the south west tip of the Island. At this point the path should join a wider path and follow it all the way until you reach a headland and The Xlendi Watch Tower.

The tower was built in 1650 during the reign of the Grand Master Lascaris to protect Xlendi from smugglers and pirates. Here you will have a great view of Xlendi bay to your right hand side. To reach Xlendi follow the horseshoe shaped path along a small inlet called Il Kantra and take the bridge across, there will be two paths, one lead-ing to the main rd and the lower one to the left which you will need to follow and will bring you around into Xlendi where you can grab a bite to eat and a cool drink.

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Walk 2 - Xlendi to San Lawrenz

This is one of my favourite walks as it really takes in some stunning scenery. From Xlendi, take the rd back up into Victoria, this route will take you past La Grotta nightclub, along side the Wied Ix Xlendi, the Xlendi Valley, an impressive sight, enjoys fresh running water from the Lunzjata Valley which is higher up.

After about 1.2km take the winding road on the left hand side, just before a bus stop called Tuta and follow the rd all the way to the top. On the right hand side you should be able to see the lush green fields of the Lunzjata Valley. At the top of the winding hill you will be on the outskirts of the Village of Kercem, follow the rd to the left and all the way around and back inland until you reach Triq Kalandrijet, where you should take a left, follow all the way until the next junction and take another left into the village of Santa Lucija.

On approaching a Y junction, follow the rd to the left for about 1.8km until you arrive at Ta’ Sarraflu fresh water pool, quite a rare sight on the Maltese Islands and a favourite picnic spot for Gozitans. The pool is home to a variety of wildlife, including frogs and ducks.

Across the rd from the pool there is a concrete track which has rubble walls running alongside it, you need to take this path to reach Wardija Point. About 500m along the path there is a narrow path on your left hand side which takes you down to a lower cliff path, adjacent to the sea, follow this until you reach Wardija Point and the Roman Punic Sanctuary which is about 2500 years old and apparently dedicated to the Goddess Tanit.

Perhaps this is a good spot to take in a bottle of water and admire the scenery around you. From this point continue along the coastal path until Dwejra, Fungus Rock and the Inland Sea come into view, and a piece of trivia you probably do not know is that famous milk tray advert from the 80’s of a man diving off a cliff and delivering chocolates to a boat was filmed here at Fungus Rock, the dive was performed by veteran stuntman and best “height faller” in the business, Alf Joint, who unfortu-nately broke his shoulder in the process.

The path will bring you all the way through to Dwejra Tower, which was built in 1651 during the reign of Grand Master Anton de Paule. At the time, Fungus Rock was home to a rare medicinal plant called Cynomorium Coccineum which was well coveted by the Knights. Follow the rd down the car park where you can admire the beauty of the Azure Window and perhaps go for a refreshing dip in the Inland Sea.

Walk 3 - San Lawrenz to Marsal-forn

The Village of San Lawrenz is a typical Gozitan village, there are traditional character houses and the Church which dominates the Square is named after its patron saint, St Lawrence. This walk starts at the Church, take the rd to the left of the Church and follow until you reach a t-junction, turn right along Triq Santu Pietru and head towards The Chapel of il-Madonna Taż-Żejt and when you reach the next junction take a left along Triq Mongur.

Take a left along Triq Buburba, following the meandering rd past

some beautifully restored farmhouses, including Ta’Matmura B+B which will be on your left hand side. Upon reaching the next Y junction stick to the rd that mean-ders to the right. At this point you will be able to see the Ta’Gordan lighthouse sitting proudly on the hill above.

Continue following the country rd until you reach The San Dimitri Chapel, originally built in 1657, the chapel is home to several local legends, including one of a young man who was liberated from slavery and lived nearby. We do recommend calling in. Just before reaching the Chapel, at the cross roads there is a path to the left, follow this until you reach a t-junction and take the yellow limestone path which leads to the coastal path about 500m away.

Turn around and admire the villages of Gharb and San Lawrenz below. Follow the coastal path until you reach Wied Il Mielah. Take the bridge across where you can admire the stunning inlet and its mini Azure Window. The path continues to the East and moves inland where you will pass some great caves and rock formations until you reach Wied l-Ghasri Gorge. To get back to the coastal path you need to navigate around the gorge staying to the left hand side close to the valley edge until you are back on the path and you see some steps leading down to a pebble beach. We suggest taking a dip in the Gorge.

To resume your walk, head north towards the coast where you will be met by ancient salt pans, the village perched high up on the hill to your right hand side is the Village of Zeebug. The extensive complex of salt pans which are still

commercially harvested today stretch for 1.5km and we recom-mend stopping off and buying some salt from the various salt farmers, we guarantee you won’t get fresher salt anywhere in the world.

Once past the salt pans follow the rd around to Xwejni Bay, a great spot for a swim and some sunbath-ing. On leaving Xwejni Bay and en route to Obajjar Bay you will notice an old fort, which was transformed into a nightclub, although not in use at the moment. The fort was constructed in 1716 by Jacques de Camus D’Arginy and Bernard de Fontet to act as a defence for the North of the Island against enemy invasion. On reaching Obajjar Bay

the area is quite built up and you can follow the promenade along the coast and into Marsalforn, a busy seaside resort which is popu-lar with locals and tourists alike.

Walk 4 - Marsalforn to Ramla Bay

This walk starts in Marsalforn. Take the road out of Marsalforn that leads to Victoria and after about 2km you will come to The Ta’Mena Estate on your left hand side. The estate is a living example of Gozitan eco tourism at its best. We recom-mend calling in and taking a tour of the vineyards, olive groves and sampling some fine local food.

Backtrack about 50 metres towards Marsalforn and take the first road to the right at Ta’Frenc Restaurant. Walk past the restaurant and take the rd to your right called Triq Tas Srug and follow the rd to the right, Triq Il Marga, this road leads uphill for about 2km and once you are at the top admire the view of the Citadel, Marsalforn and The Imrik Valley below. You should also be able to see the Christ The Saviour statue. Take a left along Triq Il Knisja until you reach the beautiful Xaghra Village Square. The Square is dominated by the Church, built in 1815 and dedicated to The Nativity of the Virgin Mary and known locally as Il-Vitorja. Xaghra celebrates its feast on the 8th September. Xaghra is also famous for its Christmas nativity scenes that adorn the frontages of many

houses. Rubble Bar is a nice spot to stop for lunch.

Take the rd to the right of the church and follow all the way until you come to a Y junction. Take the rd to the right called Triq It Tigrija and follow until you reach Triq Ghajn Qamar. Follow the mean-dering rd for around 1km, with the valley on the right hand side you should start seeing signs for Calypso’s Cave, you will know you have arrived when you reach the car park.

The cave is named after the nymph Calypso. In the story ‘The Odyssey’, Odysseus was kept as a prisoner of love for seven years by the nymph Calypso, Calypso lived on an Island called Ogygia and it is believed that the Island being referred to as Ogygia was in fact Gozo. The cave is currently closed to the Public but there is a viewing platform which has great views of Ramla Bay and The Valley below. Calypso’s cave is most well known for the legend associated with it.

To reach the beach below, take the steps down from the car park, passing an old Roman villa and battery. Ramla Bay is one of the largest on the Maltese Islands and is home to several beach side eateries.

Open Daily For Lunch & Dinner

4, Marina Street, Xlendi Bay, Gozo, Malta

Tel: +356 2156 1518Email: info@mobydickxlendi.com

Website: www.mobydickxlendi.com

MOBY DICK RESTAURANT & APARTMENTSXLENDI

Take a tour around Gozo and you cannot fail to notice the Australian flags sitting proudly on many roof tops, and houses adorned with ‘’God Bless Australia’’ on the front. On the beaches around Gozo you will often hear people with Australian accents having fun in the sun. You might ask yourself why in the middle of the Mediterranean sea there is such a close affiliation with Australia ?

The answer is simple, Malta and Gozo have extremely close links with the country due to the large numbers of Islanders who emigrated Down Under. The first Maltese immigrant is thought to have been Antonio Azzopardi who arrived in 1838. Many attempts were made at organised mass migration throughout the 19th century but it was only in 1883 the first group of 70 labourers (and nine stowaways) arrived.

The first woman to migrate from Malta to Australia was Carmela Sant in 1915. The move was prompted by her husband Giuseppe Ellul, who had migrated in 1913. Giuseppe Ellul was a stonemason in Mosta before moving to Australia to commence a successful career in sugar cane and dairy farming in Mackay, Queensland. In 1916 the couple gave birth to the first born Maltese Australian, Joseph Ellul.

The numbers swayed after the 2nd World War thanks to an assisted passage agreement which was signed between Malta and Australia, in fact, 24 573 women, 35 828 men and 25 285 children migrated to Australia. According to the

2011 Census, there were 163,990 people of Maltese descent in Australia and 41,274 Malta-born people residing in the country at the time of the census.

The largest Maltese born population can be found in Victoria and in particular around the Melbourne area, it is not uncommon to see Pastizzi shops on street corners. Sydney also has a strong Maltese population.

One couple who are extremely proud of their Maltese-Australian heritage are Mary-Rose and David Curmi who now live in Australia but recently renewed their wedding vows on Gozo.

Please can you tell our readers a bit about yourselves, where were you born and what village in Gozo do you come from?

Hello from Down Under! My name is Mary-Rose and I grew up in Rabat Gozo until I was 11 years old. I’m delighted to have been asked to share my experiences as a Maltese-Australian. I completed my primary schooling at Vajrinġa Primary School and started Secondary Form One also in Gozo until my family migrated to Australia. I was 11 years old and it was early 1980. A bittersweet day for me as a teen and I remember it clearly. I was going to a beautiful country. The emotional roller coaster was huge. However, I knew deep down what I was leaving behind, that my life would be very different. It took me decades to reconnect with my childhood friends, meeting up finally by returning for

the first time since my departure after 30 years.

I met my husband David at university when we were 17 in Melbourne, where both our parents resided after migrating to Australia , not realising that our families knew each other from Gozo. How lucky is that! Small world!

When did your family emigrate to Australia?

My family migrated to Australia the first time in the late 60s where I was born. When I was three we bang back to Gozo for 8 years, then finally returning to Australia once again where we settled. We are travellers and try to visit Malta/Gozo yearly. Our strong connections with Malta and Gozo were never lost.

Where did you settle and what jobs do you have?

David and I are both teachers (primary, secondary, tertiary), and so is our son who is in his mid 20s. Since leaving Gozo at 11 years old, I have strived to continue to speak, read and write in Maltese. David and I both completed a double degree together, one in Education and the other in Multiculturalism. I also have a univer-sity Maltese Language degree which I was lucky enough to acquire in Melbourne as part of my tertiary level studies. Both David and I are now semi-retired as we like to travel, enjoying the freedom to do short-term and substitute teaching around Australia and also internationally.

I COME FROM A LAND DOWN UNDER !

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Tell us a bit about the Maltese/Gozitan community in Australia? The Maltese community is very strong in Melbourne, particularly in the western suburbs. My parents have always spoken to each other and us kids in Maltese (Gozitan actually!) and so my Maltese has a certain twang, so I am constantly told! In my teenage years, I enjoyed being part of the Maltese poetry group in which a few poems were published. I loved my years with the Victorian Language School teaching the Maltese language to students up to Year 12/Form 6. I was also involved with the SBS Maltese Melbourne Radio where I took my students weekly to be interviewed or share some of their work or experiences on air. My father would go for rabbits using ferrets and so stuffat (rabbit stew) was a staple dish for us. Festi were also a regular occurrence, however not as colossal as the ones in Malta and Gozo of course. My father is also an għannej (folk singer) and my parents belong to a very active għana club. I’ve always loved my Maltese roots and traditions and wouldn't have it any other way!

Were you told stories about the mother-land growing up ? Oh yes! I have never forgotten the traditional stories and tales shared about my parents’ lives back in their day. I remember my nanna milking the goat daily, making ġbejniet and wool. My father being a folk singer is exceptionally talented at telling stories through song. My husband and son are always engrossed when he starts one especially around a plate of Pastizzi and qassatat One must get very comfortable as his stories have chapters, even sequels! I have heard them all, however they seem to become more colourful and vibrant with hand gestures and facial expressions the more he tells them!

What did you miss about Gozo ?

This is a question that I find the hardest to answer as it conjures many vivid memo-ries. I was fortunate enough to come to live in Australia, yet Gozo has never been too far from my mind. My childhood in Gozo has made me the person that I am and I have many fond memories of my life on the tiny island.When I arrived in Melbourne, straight away I missed my daily routine life, Marsalforn beach, the familiar friends and family, the food, the festi, school, daily church fun… Life was very basic, uncomplicated and simple in Gozo. In summer, us children were outside

in the streets all day long from morning till night, with a wholesome lunch and a siesta, an afternoon swim at Marsalforn and sit on the shore in groups till well into the night. I truly missed my primary school friends and some I wrote letters to for over two decades. Many were later discovered through facebook 30 years later, culminat-ing in an elaborate Year 6 1978/79 class reunion where approx 50+ classmates met up and celebrated at Cornucopia Xagħra. Best time of my life seeing my old classmates again from the Year 6 cohort!

What’s your favourite Gozitan food ?

It is hard to emulate the recipes in Australia without the fresh and local produce of Gozo/Malta. I love aljotta the best, braġjoli and stuffed marrow. Street food is devine – pastizzi, qassatat and imqaret. No meal can be eaten without a bottle of a chilled Kinnie!

If you could give tourists 3 tips when visiting Gozo what would they be?

1 - A great way to see Gozo is to catch the local public transport around the island. There is also a Hop-On Hop-off bus. We do rent ourselves a car in Gozo, however parking is limited so be prepared to get your walking shoes on, but that is part of the adventure! Churches, off the beaten-track-beaches, markets, laneways and other historic/cultural sites are never too far away.

2 - Sampling local cuisine and street food is a must. We enjoy food tours particularly the Xewkija Magro Bros. factory with delicious sampling of local produce. Another favourite is Ta’ Mena heading towards Marsalforn. Make use of the fresh fruit/veggie vans parked in the local streets. I loved my daily fix of figs fresh from the fields. Watermelon and tomatoes taste so different and are very fragrant in Gozo. Prickly Pears bring back memories of my father peeling them for us and warning us not too eat too many, which of course we never listened, causing dire consequences! Oh so delicious!

3 - Malta is also an English speaking country so you will enjoy meeting and chatting with the locals. For example last year on our visit to Gozo, we were walking through the back streets of San Ġorġ and we caught up with a lady doing bizzilla/lace who, with a huge smile always enlightens passerbys about her life and her love of lace. So friendly! The same day, I was showing David my Pre-School nearby from the outside and a little old nun in her full habit, who was sweeping chatted with

us. I told her how I used to ring the bell and ask for 1 cent or even 5 mills worth of the church wafers left overs (ostji). She was such a happy soul, telling us that she knew my family and that she wanted us to go back the next week for a tour of the nuns’ home/living quarters and the tiny rooms where I had my 4 year old Pre-school lessons! Amazing experience! Following that, we kept walking through the winding street and I took David to my Primary school, where the Head was also more than happy to chat and take us on a tour of my beloved Year 6 classroom and school. So special! These memories are so wonderful and will be with me forever!

You re-newed your wedding vows on Gozo in 2015, which Church did you do this at and why ?

The beautiful Lourdes Church was the obvious choice for our ceremony. Each year as we travel to Malta and enter Gozo’s Mġarr Harbour by ferry, Lourdes perched high on the hill, welcomes us back. The views from the church court-yard, overlooking the harbour are exqui-site and captivating especially at sunset. It was a magical ceremony! What followed was a special night at the local beach of San Blas - watching the Mediterannean sunset, beach BBQ, dancing and laughing the night away with my favourite Gozitan friends.

How often do you return home to Gozo? and would you ever return to live ?

Absolutely! We'd love to live in Gozo for the Spring/ Summer period and escape the Aussie winter. We try to get to Malta and Gozo each year.

What do you love about Australia ?

Australia is an amazing country with a diverse and multicultural population. The landscape is varied from beautiful beaches, to natural bushlands, to alpine regions and natural coastlines. Australia has always been known as the ‘lucky country’, with many opportunities for a balanced life of work and leisure. Each state of Australia is unique. We have now enjoyed living in Queensland for over 20 years. It has a relaxed vibe, beautiful weather all year around and pristine sandy beaches and hinterland walking trails. I feel privileged and blessed to have lived parts of my life in both Australia and Gozo, having experienced various cultures and traditions, surrounded by wonderful people and places. Gozo will definitely always hold a very special place in my heart…Home is where the heart is !

A Gozitan Australian Love Affair

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A wedding abroad in a sunny climate can seem like a far fetched dream for many couples but getting hitched in a place where you are more or less guaranteed that rain will not ruin the big day is becoming very popular, and is a lot easier to organise than you think.

Gozo is a dream wedding destination, you have everything you could possibly wish for, sun, beaches, some fantastic venues, plenty of Churches, fabulous food and stunning accommodation for your guests, all at a very reasonable price.

One such couple, Andy and Michelle decided to tie the not after they visited Gozo on a day trip from Malta...they simply fell in love with the Island..they tell us their story about the big day and share some hints and tips about a wedding abroad.

Michelle and Andy, first of all congratulations on getting married, where are you both from and how did you meet?

I’m Irish and Andy is Scottish. Andy

plays Irish music (the fiddle) and when we met I was an Irish dancer. He was playing music at the gig I was dancing at.

What prompted you to choose Gozo as your wedding destination? Were you looking at other countries?

We got engaged in Malta and did a day trip to Gozo. We fell in love with the place straight away!

Did it live upto your expectations?

100%! Amazing food, scenery, people and climate – what more could you ask for.

Did you invite guests from the UK/Ireland? Where did everyone stay? Did you plan any events during their stay ?

We had about 70 guests mostly from Ireland/England but a few from other European countries too. The wedding party stayed in a stunning large villa (sorry I can’t remember the name) and the guests stayed in beautiful smaller villas called ‘Bella Vista’ in Xaghra.

GOZITANWEDDINGFAIRYTALE

All photos were taken by Hu O’Reilly,Hu resides in Dublin, Ireland and canbe contacted via his websitewww.huoreilly.com 32

Tell us all about the wedding day, Transport to the venue? Ceremony? And reception? What was on the menu?

Ceremony: This was held outdoors at Tal-Lunziata valley, Kercem, Gozo. There was seating for 50 people, the other 20 people sat on the wall overlooking the valley or stood. The service lasted approximately 20 mins. It included a opening song, lighting of the candles, three readings, exchang-ing of the rings/vows and a conclud-ing song. It was very relaxed and intimate. Guests were then trans-ported in an old Gozo bus. Reception: This was held at Ta Mena estate, Gozo, a beautiful vineyard with a permanent marquee. The food and service were both excellent and it couldn't have been better! George Borg of Connection Caterers was the man in charge. Any request or ques-tion we had was responded to swiftly.

We wanted to have something different to other weddings we'd been at as a little surprise for our guests so we organised a fireworks display as Gozo/Malta is famous for firework displays. It was short and sweet (as it's not cheap to book) but went down a storm so we were delighted.

Did you get any local help planning the wedding?

We used wedding planners called Doris and Anthony Grech. For a very reasonable fee they organised every-thing including a meeting with a local florist, Xerri's Garden Centre, Victoria. Doris and Anthony were extremely helpful and very well organised. Their fee included their presence through-out the wedding day from early hair appointments until the first dance. The day would not have ran so smoothly without them.

Your wedding photos are fantastic and really capture the authenticity and uniqueness of Gozo, who was behind the camera?

Hu O’Reilly, from Dublin, a very talented photographer!

Michelle, your wedding dress is stunning, where is it from?

I purchased my dress from De Stafford Bridal, 21 Exchequer Street, Dublin. The ladies in the shop were extremely helpful (but not pushy like other shops). I had a flower for my hair which wasn't sitting properly on the comb and they fixed it up for me for no charge which was great!

How easy was it getting married on Gozo ? Was there much red tape? Do you have any tips for couples think-ing of getting married here ?

In terms of advice, if the wedding is abroad we would strongly recom-mend wedding planners. Doris and Anthony made it all stress free and very smooth running for us. Regarding wedding favours, we went onto ebay and found lots of different companies to order from at a fraction of the price you would pay in wedding shops. If you're flying Ryanair you will need to book a seat for your wedding dress otherwise it has to go in the hold or your hand luggage. Details can be found on their website. Lastly, the day absolutely flies so make sure you enjoy every minute of it!!!!!!

What is your favourite memory of the wedding?

We both had a chat about our favour-ite part of the day and we both agreed that being driven around the island in the vintage car we had hired for the day, with a glass of champagne in our hand won hands down. We got to sit back and relax together for about 15 minutes sipping champagne and looking at the beautiful scenery of Gozo, GREAT!!

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Michelle & Andy’s Gozo Wedding

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harlotteCAn Interview With...

Why did you decide to open a Fair Trade art gallery in Gozo?

I fell in love with the art work and I felt compelled to develop a working relationship with the talented and innovative artists who were creating such special pieces. This naturally led to a collabo-rative exhibition to promote their work on the Maltese Islands for the first time. Our first pop-up exhibition in November 2015 was a great success and it inspired me, with my Organika/Lazuli team, to take the next step and create a permanent new art gallery. I saw an opportunity in Gozo to link art, craft and business; promoting Fair Trade in a North/South dynamic. We found a stunning exhibition space on Palm Street,in the pedestrian heart of Victoria, which immediately felt like home. With this art gallery we continue our commitment of establishing new facets of Fair Trade in Gozo, and celebrating the beauty of cultural integration and diversity.

How did you discover Fair Trade art work?

I have always been a firm believer in the principles of Fair Trade. I have been running two Fair Trade retail businesses in Gozo-Organika and Lazuli - for the last eight years but in my previous professional life I was a cultural manager. I discovered this incredible Fair Trade artwork in Paris three years ago at a Fair Trade Expo and I was immediately excited by the idea of introduc-ing the concept in Gozo. I was touched by some of the similarities with Gozo and themes in the artwork: the maritime landscape; flora and fauna; subsistence agriculture and fishing; religious faith and symbolism; colonialism and insularity.

Which artists are you currently representing at your gallery, and can you describe their work?

For the 2016 season Lazuli Art is showcasing distinctive and original metal work. The gallery features pieces by three artists from the Caribbean island of Haiti. The art work centres on the transformation of industrial steel drums into magical works inspired by nature, mythology and local legend. Alongside the Haitian artists, Lazuli Art is also showing diverse and mesmerising work by metal artists from Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwean artists are based in the capital Harare, and work together as part of a Fair Trade Co-op. Using recycled metals; car parts, industry scrap, fridges and cookers, these innovative artists bring to life intricately beautiful birds, fish and cacti.

What does the future hold for Lazuli Art?

There is more incredible metal work to come from Madagascar, Burkina Faso and Morocco. With each new season Lazuli Art will introduce a new medium and present Fair Trade art work by artists making waves in their profession. We also have new initiatives such as educational workshops for schools, and cultural evenings that will infuse the art gallery with music, wine tasting and topical lectures. For us, Lazuli Art is more than just an art gallery; it’s a living, breathing vehicle for exploration into the world of creativity.

For more information about Lazuli Art and the art work on show, please visit www.lazuli.com.mt or the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/lazuliart or contact Lazuli Art on +35699436443 or visit 83, Palm Street, Victoria.

All photos courtesy of Mike Ross

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83 Palm Street, Victoria, Gozo99 43 64 43

Fair Trade Art Gallery showcasingRECYCLED METAL ART WORK

Summer opening times:

Monday - Friday: 10 am - 6 pmSaturday: 10 am - 4 pm

https://www.facebook.com/lazuliart

Now is a great time to purchase property on Gozo, an Island which has property to suit all budgets !

move2Gozo Real Estate is a boutique agency established nearly a decade ago by David and Fiona. Their focus is on the high level of service they give to both buyers and sellers, as well as their award winning website www.move2gozo.com listing carefully selected properties. With 40 years of travelling to and living in Gozo, they have an intimate knowledge of the islands and what they have to o�er..

Fiona, a company director, said “If you visit our website you will see that we take great care in presenting as much information and high quality photos for viewers as we can in a user friendly way. We work closely with our clients throughout the process, and beyond to give them a high level of service. The market last year was exceptional, and this year is likely to be similar. Good properties will not be on the market long. We have recently experienced properties selling even before details could be listed online. We have a substantially larger portfolio of properties than we ever list online, so contact us with your speci�c requirements.”

Move2Gozo also pioneered a new collaborative model for selling and sourcing properties in Gozo and Malta to ensure that there is more focus on the service levels they deliver to their clients.

David Pace, a company founder, said “The challenge we have found is getting other industry competitors to understand and embrace our approach to collaborative selling which bene�ts both buyers and sellers, in particular by eliminating the common deja vu experiences of clients viewing through multiple agencies, and providing for consistent listing and pricing of properties. If all agencies follow our model, it is a win-win solution for everyone. It encourages us all to focus much more on raising the standard of service we deliver, giving clients a far more e�cient and rewarding experience. ”

Buying A Property

The process here is quite straightforward. Once a property has been selected and we have negotiated a price agreement, along with any special conditions, between you and the seller, an appointment is set with a Notary to prepare and sign the Preliminary Agreement or what is commonly known as the 'Konvenju' or 'Promise of Sale', which legally binds both the purchaser and the vendor to conclude the

transaction within an established period of time, subject to any agreed conditions.By law, all immovable property transactions must be transacted through a Malta Notary Public and be registered with the Public Registry. The Notary, usually appointed by the buyers but has a care of duty to both parties, will prepare a sale agreement. On agreement to the terms of contract and signing of the 'Konvenju' you will be required to pay 1% provisional stamp duty as part payment of the full 5% ( see current stamp duty exceptions below), the balance of which is due on signing of the �nal deed, and an agreed deposit, which is generally 10%. It is advisable therefore to ensure that you have the necessary funds lodged directly with the Notary's client account in Malta, some days prior to the signing of the Konvenju. Failure to do this may jeopardise or delay the signing.

During the 'Term of Konvenju’

The Notary Public carries out the necessary searches to verify legal title and to ensure that there are no outstanding debts, hypothecs or liens on the property. If an AIP (Application for Immovable Property Permit) is required, then the Notary will make the application on your behalf. Typically this takes between 2-4 months. An AIP is required if you are an EU citizen and already own a property in the EU, or you are not an EU Citizen. There are exceptions to AIP requirements, including purchasing in special designated Areas. Contact us for more details. The Vendor will complete all special requirements e.g. complete any outstanding works, as agreed with buyer and/or as speci�cally stipulated in the konvenju. The vendor is also obliged to supply, or commission if one does not exist, an EPC (Energy Performance Certi�cate) Report for the property. These certi�cates are valid for 10 years from issue. The Purchaser should complete all the special requirements e.g. organise any bank loan, check on building permits, etc. as agreed upon with seller and stipulated in the konvenju.

It is important to be aware that the deposit is forfeited in favour of the vendor if the purchaser does not appear on the �nal deed without a valid reason at law.

During this entire period move2Gozo, as part of their service, are on hand to guide and assist in any queries, concerns or issues the client or the vendor may have in relation to completing the contract. move2Gozo have very good relationships with all the leading banks on the island and can also assist you in setting up meetings with the bank of your choice. They also o�er project management or full turnkey services for any renovations you may need to carry out on your new property. This service is o�ered exclusively to client who have purchased through move2Gozo. Once all the mandatory requirements of the agreement have been met, a date is set for the actual signing of the Final Deed. This can also be before the end of the 'Term of Konvenju' if both parties agree. The contract signing will usually take place at the o�ce of the Notary Public or at a venue jointly agreed by the buyer and seller and the Bank, if a bank loan is involved. The �nal deed is read and agreed upon and the balances due will be paid accordingly. These are; balance of the selling price to the vendor; the balance due to the Commissioner of Inland Revenue for stamp duty as well as notarial fees. The keys to the property are then handed over and you become the new owner of the property. The Notary public registers the contract with the Public Registry.

Expenses incurred when buying a property

Stamp duty

5% duty on documents is calculated on the purchase price of the immovable property. If the Buyer is a European Union Citizen declaring on deed that he/she shall reside in the property being purchased as his sole ordinary residence, then the preferential rate of 3.5% is applied on the �rst €150,000 of the price. In respect of transfers of immovable property, made before the 31st December 2016, no duty shall be chargeable on the �rst €150,000 of the aggregate value of the consideration paid for the acquisition of such property, provided that this is the �rst immovable property acquired inter vivos by such person. No stamp duty is charged on the cost of any furniture or other movables declared in the contract of sale. Promise of sale agreements have to be registered with the Inland Revenue Department and 1% provisional duty is payable at this stage on the contract value of the property being transferred. The provisional duty is o� set against the �nal duty due on the �nal deed, or is refunded in case the deal fails to materialise.

Notarial Fees

A Maltese Notary is a publicly appointed o�cial, who is responsible for conducting the relevant Public Registry searches, ensuring that the there are no issues with the property’s title and that the transaction is carried out according to Maltese law. It is mandatory by law for a sale of Immovable property to be notarised by a publically appointed Malta Notary.

Typically 1.5 to 2% of the immovable property price is due as notarial fees. This amount may vary according to the volume of title research required but is calculated transparently and according to law using a public online calculator, which can be found on the Notaries of Malta website.

If you would like to organise a viewing trip we can source the vast majority of properties available, as we do not list many of them on our website. Contact us to organise a shortlist based on your requirements, book a visiting date and accommodation, and leave the rest to us

Purchasing via one of Malta’s residency schemes

Malta o�ers a range of schemes and programmes o�ering di�erent opportunities to acquire residences and residency in Malta.

-Malta Retirement Programme-Malta Citizenship by Investment Programme -Malta Residence Programme for EU Nationals-Malta Residence and Visa Programme (for no EU Nationals)-Global Residence Programme (for no EU Nationals)

All the above programmes have di�erent conditions and bene�ts and are beyond the scope of this article. Contact us at move2Gozo if you wish to �nd out more about a programme that may suit your needs. We can also put you in touch with suitable tax advisors to determine which scheme may work best for you.

move2GozoReal Estate

A European Property Awards WinnerInternational Property Awards Winner

Tel:+356-7963 0221/+356 2155 0692Email: info@move2gozo.com

www.move2gozo.com

By move2Gozo Real Estate, o�ering quality & service

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Live The Mediterranean Dream

Photos courtesy of move2Gozo and VisitMalta

FOR SALE

ZebbugRef: ZEB1006 €225,000

Ground floor four bedroom apart-ment at the edge of the village overlooking panoramic sea and country views with private courtyard and use of a large communal pool.

XaghraRef: XAR1028 €275,000

This charming three bedroom tradi-tional farmhouse full of traditional features is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac and has been fully restored to high standards with two courtyards and a pretty garden.

GharbRef: GRB1032 €750,000

Immaculately presented five bedroom family home in a quiet residential area with a large pool and raised garden. Fully air-conditioned with two fireplaces and an open-plan living area creating lots of entertainment space.

GharbRef: GRB1034 €1,100,000

Beautifully finished traditional farm-house with six bedrooms and two swimming pools and a lovely garden and terraces overlooking country views.

8 Hot PropertiesOn Gozo

To view any of the properties listed or for a more extensive property list, please contact us to arrange a shortlist based on your require-ments. Book a visiting date and accommoda-tion and leave the rest to us.

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move2gozo

GharbRef: GRB1038 €260,000

A spacious, beautifully finished and presented three bed apartment, located on the edge of the village, overlooking excellent country and sea views

QalaRef: QAL1021 €395,000

Recently built four bedroom town-house with swimming pool and garage close to Qala square with its’ popular bars and restaurants. Fully equipped to high standards of com-fort with air-conditioning, fireplace and under-floor heating.

GhajnsielemRef: GHA1014 €140,000

Two bedroom penthouse with a high quality finish, fully-fitted kitchen and a good sized terrace with room for outside entertaining. Serviced by an elevator and within easy reach of all amenities..

GharbRef: GRB1027 €375,000

Spacious three bedroom house of character built in the traditional style in a quiet location with swimming pool and open country views at the edge of the village. Move2Gozo Real Estate can be contacted by email at info@move2gozo.com, via their website, www.move2gozo.com, by phone on +35621550692/+35679630221. UK buyers on +44(0)8453103516 39

Our GozoThis edition’s news, views and discoveries..........................................................................................................................................................................

It has been a project which has been spoken about since I was visiting Gozo as a 7 year old back in the late 80’s and is one which has come back into the headlines and then faded away again. The Gozo-Malta Tunnel link could �nally become reality after the prime minister and leader of the opposition committed themselves to a Gozo-Malta tunnel link, 2030 has been muted as a target date.

Many visitors to Gozo will tell you how romantic the ferry across to Mgarr is, including myself and how it is very much part of their holiday, however, the reality is that a high speed connection between the two Islands is vital from an economic perspective. Ask those from Gozo who commute across to Malta on a daily basis both to work and study and they will tell you stories of leaving their homes at 4.30am and not returning until early evening. Lets be clear here, the building of a tunnel will not be at the detriment of the Gozo Channel Ferrys but simply o�er a fast, e�cient alterna-tive to those that need to travel between the two Islands quickly.

The project �rst gained momentum back in 2012, shadow Gozo minister Chris Said had mooted the idea of a tunnel but the new government edged towards the bridge idea and a Chinese company, specialising in such projects made a multi- million euro o�er for the project, but this was dismissed.

Prime minister Muscat said ‘’There should be a discussion on what type of tunnel should be constructed, whether only for cars or for a metro or maybe both,” Muscat warned, however, that the wider the requirements, the larger the need for strategic environmental assessments and the sense of urgency and immediacy he felt from the Gozitans would be sidelined.

Muscat laying his cards on the table”, said that he would prefer a public-private partnership. “It is a mistake to think that a tunnel would be free of charge. There must be some form of a toll to generate income and interest from the private sector. Without it, in my opinion this project will not happen.” He also added, “The Gozo Channel must

continue to be viable as a means to an end, not an end in itself. It is needed for cargo and as an alternative route. Right now discussions are underway for the introduction of a fast ferry between the islands. “Gozo simply could not wait several years for something to happen. The fast ferry project must be completed.”

A geological study of the project could take 8 years and the government have been warned that it could be a race against time as the three ferries would need to be decommissioned by 2030.

Gozo Tourism Authority chief executive Joe Muscat called for social studies on how tourism will be a�ected on Gozo. He said, “Will Gozo become a day trip destination? Will tourists spend more nights at hotels in Gozo? Remember that half of Gozo’s GDP comes from tourism…” However, he said that Gozo would certainly “lose its character” without the tunnel due to the brain-drain of its residents to Malta.

I will be watching with interest... 40

Open DailyFrom 10:30am

Until Late

Triq Santa Marija, Marsalforn, GozoFor Reservations Call: +35621556606 Email: ottersloungeandbistro@gmail.com

Find us On Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/OttersBistro

Al fresco Mediterranean and local cuisine just right on the water's edge. Stunning views of Marsalforn Bay. Lounge bar area, deckchair area with showers and changing rooms. Live entertainment during the evening throughout the summer.

Our Gozo News

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The Gozo Cultural Support Programme was recently launched by the Minister of Gozo, Anton Refalo, this new initiative has been put in place to support the professionalisation and development of four leading artistic organisations.

The scheme, which is being managed

by The Arts Council Malta and the Ministry for Gozo, supports the Victoria International Arts Festival, Gaulitana as well as the opera productions of the Aurora and Astra theatres.

A total of €230,000 has been set aside annually to support the programme over a three year period.

Congratulations to Xewkija Tigers who are the kings of Gozo football. Not only did they win back to back champion-ships but they did the treble !!! also winning the cup and the super cup, Oratory Youths the unfortunate losers in both �nals. The question is, who can stop the super tigers next season ?

Book Review

GOZO, Is The Grass Greener..............................................................

Author Freya Barrington upped sticks from the UK and along with her husband, Steve, packed up the car and drove the 1900miles across Europe and down to Gozo.

In her book, Gozo, Is the Grass Greener, Freya recounts their tales of life on Gozo and the result is a funny and witty account on their escapades.

So Freya, we have been waiting to read this book for a while, tell us all about it and how you ended up writing it...

‘’It was late in 2010, when Steve and I decided we’d had enough of living in the UK. Like many people, we wanted to “get away”, to make a new start, to �nd our little piece of heaven somewhere. But where?

The answer came after we took a short holiday on the tiny island of Gozo. We had visited Malta several times, but had never made the short 25 minute ferry trip over to Malta’s little sister Gozo. We did not realise what we had been missing. After a week in Gozo’s truly idyllic Xlendi bay, we were hooked. Three months later, we had packed up and were ready to roll.

We decided to drive the 1900 miles, dragging our lives in a trailer behind us. This was mainly due to our old and much loved lurcher, Ollie who at almost 19 years old was too old to be �own over.

Gozo quickly became a real home for us and we made many wonderful friends. The magic of Gozo worked like a charm and we all too easily fell under its spell. We loved the laid back lifestyle, the friendly people, the beautiful sunshine, and so much more. There are few places left in the world where you really can leave your door unlocked, the keys in

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Our Gozo News

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Swimmer Maria Pia made history when she recently won 3 swimming medals at the Special Olympics National Games in Cyprus, becoming the �rst Gozitan to do so, Maria won 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze. medal. A huge achievement. Well done Maria, Gozo is very proud of you !

Gozo is a well known �lm shoot location and the sixth series of Game of Thrones has recently started airing. Daenerys and Drogo's wedding wasn't �lmed in Morocco, but rather on Gozo. The Azure Window, became the backdrop. Apart from Game of Thrones, this natural attraction has also found fame in �lms such as Clash of the

Titans and The Count of Monte Cristo.

According to a recent survey by ‘Private Fly’’ the approach into Malta airport which includes �ying over Gozo was voted the number one top scenic airport approaches in the world beating o� competition from the likes of Nice and LA.

...your car and your handbag on the table of a co�ee shop without the worry of it being stolen. Gozo is one of those places; safe, welcoming, all embracing – it captivated us from the start.

Working as singers, which is something we had been doing in the UK, we became part of the fabric of Gozo; performing in hotels and restaurants as well as on roof tops and beaches. We even made a music video while we were there, �lming in such iconic locations as the Citadel in Victoria and the Azure Window in Dwerja.

As we settled into our new home, I started writing an online blog about our day to day life in Gozo. I wrote about our reasons for moving here, our epic and somewhat nail biting trip across the Alps, along with Ollie. I wrote about the people we met, the situations we found ourselves in and much more. I was surprised but pleased to �nd that I was building a follow-ing on the blog. People began to write to me, asking when it was going to be a book. I had already written one book, entitled Known to Social Services, which was a �ctionalised account of my life as a child protection social worker in the UK. I was extremely fortunate in securing a publishing deal with Faraxa Publishers in Malta who released Known to Social Services in February 2015. I approached them with the idea of transforming the blog about Gozo into a book. They agreed, and so began the task of rewriting 12 months’ worth of blogging!

I decided to call the book, Gozo Is the Grass Greener? It was, of course, a rhetorical question, and one, which looked, not only at our lives in our new home, but also our new life together as a couple. Steve and I had both been married before, and I wanted to ask the same question; Is the Grass Greener? in regard to our new relationship. We married while in Gozo with old Ollie as our best man at the ripe old age of 21. As I write, Steve and I have been together for ten years, so I guess I’ve answered that one !

As for Gozo; the �ve years we spent there were not only enormous fun, they were restorative. Sometimes, we do need to get away; from the realities of the daily grind, from aggravat-ing circumstances and more. For us, leaving the UK, was long overdue, and our choice in going to live in Gozo for a while, was inspired. Gozo was indeed a magical island for us both. It gave us so much and demanded nothing in return. It �lled us; heart and soul. It healed us, it delighted us and in return we loved it back.

All good things must come to an end. Both of us knew when it was time to move on, to �nd a new adventure, to see what was around the next corner. We felt it long before we put it into words, but we both agreed that we had to say goodbye to our

safe haven. With heavy hearts and many tears, we left Gozo in May 2015. As we sailed across that tiny stretch of blue sea to Malta, I turned back to face the little island one last time. I whispered my silent thanks to a place, which we had called home; a place where we found peace, and a place, which to this day remains in our hearts as a rare and precious gem. If you’ve never been to Gozo; be careful, you just may fall under its spell, and like we did, you may end up staying.

Gozo Is the Grass Greener? is not intended as a tourist guide, or a “What to do in Gozo” type book. It is a highly personal and candid account of one couple’s experience of life in Gozo. Illustrated with numerous photographs by Zebbug resident Neil Whittaker, and �lled with laugh-out-loud anecdotes and more serious stories for which handkerchiefs may be needed. The cover of the book was brilliantly drawn by Michael Martin who is the current illustrator of Fred Basset, the famous Daily Mail Basset Hound.

Gozo Is the Grass Greener? Received an Honourable Mention at the 2015 London Book Festival. Published by Faraxa, it is available from Amazon and good book stores.

Freya Barrington is the pen name of a senior child protection social worker in England, who worked for local authorities that required experienced social workers to o�er support when there were sta� shortages. Freya has been with her musician husband Steve

for ten years. They are currently renovating a property in Brittany. In her spare time, (when she has any) Freya enjoys horse riding, walking, bird watching, reading, cooking, drinking good co�ee and spending time with friends and family. Freya continues to write two blogs, one in regard to her day to day life as she works and travels, and one with more serious content relating to social work.

Freya is indebted to Faraxa Publishing who have o�ered so much support in her career as a writer.

Please visit Freya's website and blogs at www.freyabarrington.com. www.gozoisthegrassgreener.blogspot.com for more details on this exciting new author.

.......................................................................Author Bio

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DINING

Gozo, A Foodie Heaven

Lying behind the Citadel in a quiet part of Victoria you will find the wonderfully restored Brookies Restaurant & Music Bar which is now firmly back on the Gozitan restaurant scene. The owners have gone to great lengths to offer visitors a unique dining and drinking experience in extremely laid back surroundings. At Brookies you can feel the history that surrounds you. The menu has been redesigned and offers a unique twist on classic dishes. Starters include home made beef carpaccio, smoked duck breast and tail on prawns wrapped in potato. Amongst the choice of mains are braised lamb shanks, pork belly and quails in cinnamon and honey, as well as pizza, pasta, meat and fish

dishes. Brookies hold regular music events which are advertised on their website www.brookiesgozo.com and their facebook page. For reservations contact (+356) 2155 0942. Address, 1/2 Triq Wied Sara.

Well known Gozitan Philip Spiteri is now chef patron of a new establishment in Ghajnsielem called Ta’Philip. After spending more than 25 years wooing diners in Marsalforn Philip has decided it is time for a new challenge and has moved to St. Anthony Street, Ghajn-sielem, overlooking Mgarr which will now hopefully be his home for many years to come.

Gozo offers a wide spectrum of flavours. In fact, The Island boasts a myriad of opportunities to savour the finest traditional Mediterranean or typical Gozitan cuisine. These pages you will discover what each town and village has to offer from a culinary perspective.

Top Picture, Brookies Restaurant & Music Bar, Victoria. Bottom Picture, the interior of Ta’Philip in Ghajnsielem. 44

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Philips vision is to bring to your table a “Made in Gozo” dish, by prioritising produce coming from the archipelago, coming close, as the local resources allow them, to become a zero-milage restaurant.

Ta’Philips uniqueness is accentuated by their wood-fired oven, which combines design and craftsmanship, thanks to it’s rotating interior mechanism which optimises cooking whilst preserving the environment.

One floor beneath the restaurant lies the Candle Lounge for those who would like to prolong their evening with an after dinner drink. The wine cellar, is a must-stop for wine lovers, stocked regularly with the best local and foreign wines. For reservations tel: +356 79001965, email seeyou@taphilip.com

Nadur, Special Views

FlieguFliegu, which means The Channel in Maltese is now a mainstay on the food scene. Upon walking into the restaurant diners will be taken aback by the amazing views of the of Mgarr, Comino, Malta and The Gozitan Countryside from both the dining room and the terrace. Owners Tony and Vanessa Grech know what they are doing, and the menu is a good balance of both Mediterranean and local cuisine with meat and fish dishes with a twist. There is also a full pizza menu cooked in their Italian, woodburning pizza oven. For wine connoisseurs Fliegu has over 100 different local and foreign wines to taste, all available to view in their walk in wine celler. Open for lunch and dinner daily, or if you feel like a relaxing drink whilst taking in the view, everyone is welcome to experience Fliegu....Fliegu can be found on The Mgarr Rd opposite The Nadur Youngsters football ground. For reservations call +356 2155 0055

Xlendi, Waterside Dining

The Boat HouseAs the name suggests, this restaurant is housed within an old converted boathouse and is full of character, it has an almost New England feel to it. In 2015 The Boat House was awarded one of the top 40 restaurants in the Maltese Islands by the The Definitive (ly) Good Guide who said this about the boathouse, “Definitely recommended”. Serves an “ample variety” of “outstanding seafood” and “very good options for non-fish diners” in a “stunning location”. A “great package” and ““by far one of the best dining

experiences”.. Specialities include fresh fish and seafood, live lobsters, suckling pig, Argentinean and Irish beef. Open daily from 12pm. Marina St, Xlendi, tel: +356 21569153. Reservations are recommended.

Il Kcina Ghawdxija, The name means the Gozitan Kitchen and now has new home on the Xlendi waterfront. Set up by seasoned restauranteur, Charlie Bonnici, the remit of the menu is local Gozitan food, and it is the only restaurant in Xlendi that serves only local Gozitan food. The team really want their clients to experience the Islands Rich culinary experi-ence. Charlie is passionate about Gozitan food and culture and the menu reflects his up bringing, I am sure even Gozitans would appreciate the dishes as those their mothers and grandmothers used to make. Dishes include Minestra and Pulpetti tal-hut, Imqarrun il-forn and Torta tal-fenek. If you want to experience authentic Gozo food then this is the place to go. Xlendi Waterfront, Xlendi, For reservations tel:+356 7953 9117.

Sapana Indian Restaurant Most of us like Indian cuisine and a change from the norm, Xlendi is home to the Islands only full service Indian restaurant, Sapana, located two paces from the sea. Sapana is what I would call an old school Indian restaurant, it’s not a pretentious, new style Indian you might find in London, but one that serves traditional curries, the food is served in the classic iron curry dishes and the portions are extremely generous. Fresh and full of flavour, the menu at Sapana makes for an exciting getaway to Asia. The food is spiced sensation. Great staff and a family friendly atmosphere are also strong selling points. Rabat Rd, Xlendi, tel: +356 21562100.

Captains Table The Captains Table, part of the Moby Dives Complex, is a classic pub, offering great value for money, pasta, meat dishes, pizza’s, burgers and an all you can eat buffet on selected evenings. It’s a great place to go for a pint, with the most extensive array of beers on Gozo, it is the only real English style pub on Gozo and has live music three times a week. Gostra St, Xlendi, tel: +35621551616.

Moby DickThe Moby Dick has a prime seafront location and has been an established favourite for over 20 years. A family run restaurant, it opens from breakfast time and serves a full menu throughout the day. Specialities include some fantastic steaks and a full

range of pizzas and pasta dishes are available. The Moby Dick has a full Chinese Menu, the sizzling chilli chicken comes highly recommended. Look out for the daily specials, including fresh local fish and wine of the week. Marina St, Xlendi, tel: +356 21561518.

The Pirates GalleyThe Pirates Galley, located on the waterside is a new addition to the waterfront and offers great value for money pasta, meat dishes, pizza’s, burgers and a mean break-fast. It’s a great place to set up and watch the world go by and watch divers enter the water beneath your feet. There is also live music at least once a week.

Marvellous Marsalforn

Otters BistroOtters Bistro has one of the most command-ing views of Marsalforn. Set on it’s own, nestled along the rugged coastline, it has a fantastic terrace which is ideal for a spot of lunch during the day, if you are lucky you might see a water polo match or for a romantic meal at evening time. Sit back and watch Marsalforn in all of it’s glory from across the bay. Albert and the team have worked tirelessly to get both the ambiance and the menu balanced. The result, a menu full of vibrant, traditional, hand made dishes that have been well executed. Dining at the waters edge, one has the choice of A La Carte as well as daily specials. Specials include Asparagus & Smoked Salmon Risotto and Crusted Fillets of Dentici, this however changes on a daily basis. As well as the restaurant there is also a beach lido and lounge bar if you just fancy a cool relaxing drink !. Open daily from 12pm - 22.30pm. St Mary St, Marsalforn, tel: +35621556606.

PulenaPulena been a main stay on the Marsalforn food front for the last two decades, the reason is simple, the food is fresh, tasty, well prepared and it’s clear that passion is put into each dish that goes out to the customer. Godwin and his family have worked hard to keep the standards high. La Pulena serves delicious home made pasta, including freshly made baked ravioli topped with tomato, cream and parmesan cheese, and specialises in fresh fish and meat dishes. There is also an extensive pizza menu available. Where possible La Pulena sources it’s menu locally. Marina St, Marsalforn, tel: +356 2155 9777.

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Il KartellIl Kartell is a name which is associated with excellent food on Gozo and has an A* reputation. Now under new management the quality of the food delivered is extremely high, a reason why you will see many Maltese and Gozitan diners. Sit back, relax and watch the beauty of Marsalforn Bay in front of your eyes. Their concept is simple, It’s really about using as much of what they can source locally and freshly to deliver a supreme experience in local and Mediterra-nean cuisine. You will find their menu offers a wide variety of wholesome soups, fresh salads, creative light dishes, platters and antipasto and sumptuous fish, meat, poultry and game combinations suitable for both lazy lunches and relaxed evening suppers. Marina St, Marsalforn, tel: +356 2155 6918.

Sleepy Xaghra

GiannisLocated in Xaghra, on the road just down to Marsalforn, the views from Gianni’s offer some of the best on The Island including The Citadel, Gozitan Countryside and Marsalforn and beyond. The restaurant has it’s origins in the Piedmont region of Italy and is the first Piedmontese Restaurant on the Maltese archipelago and is run by father and son, Gianni and Stefano Remondino. Their Italian origins are shown in the menu and this is real, Italian food and they offer a taste of Northern Italian cuisine. All food is cooked fresh and uses local Gozitan ingredients. Starters include anti-pasti including Pepperoni al forno in salsa di acciuga e aglio, a Piedmontese classic, mains include another traditional dish, Filetto di manzo con salsa Brusca. They also serve up some fantastic pasta and rissotto dishes. Marsalforn Rd, Xaghra, tel: +356 9991 3879.

Rubble BarRubble Bar/Restaurant, has been one of the main stays of the Xaghra food scene for a long time. Local regulars mix with tourists who are drawn to the bar for it’s relaxed atmosphere and a place where you can catch up with friends. The terrace has great views of the square and inside, the bar has an oldie worldie feel to it where you can feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Rubble serves up delicious plates of local Gozitan delicacies, as well as excellent pasta, meat and fish dishes. If you are not feeling peckish then the bar serves great cocktails and has a large selection of wines available. The owner Audrey, will make you feel at home and service is always with a smile. Don’t be surprised if you are on your own

and a stranger strikes up a conversation with you, it’s that kind of place where people are made to feel welcome. Victory Square, Xaghra, tel:+356 21563758.

Ta Frenc Ta’Frenc is an institution for real foodies who are looking for a fine dining experience and executive chef Mario Schembri and his team do not fail to deliver. Ta’Frenc is housed in an authentic old farmhouse and diners have the choice of dining in their own private dining room or on the beautiful terrace. As you walk into the restaurant you may notice a sweet smell in the air, this is in fact the new herb garden where both herbs and flowers are grown organically and used throughout the menu. The menu has a classic French feel to it and includes an a la carte menu as well as various market menus that offer very good value. The fish soup is a must as is the Chateaubriand, if you have room for desert I highly recommend the Crepes Suzette, flamed at the table no less. Ta’Frenc is closed on Tuesdays. Ta’Frenc is also a great place to get married, there is a romantic feel to the place and an array of wedding choices. Marsalforn Rd, Xaghra, tel: +356 21553888.

Victorias Secrets

PatricksAward winning Patricks, Steakhouse and Lounge Chef Patron, Patrick, has quietly built an establishment driven by a refined talent and a clear notion of style that stretches far beyond the sanctuary of his formidable kitchen. With a knack of staying at the forefront of the restaurant scene, Patrick’s consistently delivers freshness, yet confidence inspiring familiarity, in his cuisine and jaw dropping wine cellar. Steak is the house speciality and pride is taken in carefully selecting perfectly marbled prime cuts and aged beef. Other specials some-times include impressive chateaubriand for two, sumptuous Porterhouse Steaks, flavour rich USDA aged beef & delicate Kobe beef Europe Street, Victoria, tel: +356 2156 6667, www.patrickstmun.com

IT TokkThis is THE PLACE in It Tokk to sit back, relax, have some food and enjoy the ambiance of the square. Sitting in a square in Gozo is a great past time and there aren’t many better places than It Tokk, during the day you can watch the market unfold as people go about their daily business and at night you can enjoy wonderful views from the roof terrace of both the square and Citadel lit up in their glory. People past and present all have

happy memories about IT Tokk, it’s a place where friends are made and old friends from a previous life time meet up to reminisce. The atmosphere aside the food is excellent, it is what I would call great hearty food, portions are super and the local rabbit stew, cooked with an old Grech family recipe is sublime. The fish soup goes very well with a slice or two of Gozitan bread and Vanessa, Tony and the team treat each customer as part of the family. The reason it is so successful and people come back time is because they do the simple things well. IT-Tokk, Independence Square, Victoria, tel: +356 2155 1213.

Cafe San MartinoThe best place to sample the old atmosphere in the Citadel is at Café San Martino, the café/restaurant has a great roof terrace that offers superb views of the Island. The menu has typical Gozitan dishes including fresh salads and anti pasti plates with local Gozitan cheese's and meats and which is best served with a glass of local wine. If you don’t feel peckish then Joe and the team will still make you more than welcome with a full drinks service. The sunset views really are second to none. Open from early morning until late at night. (Inside the Citadel, follow the signs)

Dukes Cafe & GaleteriaThe sign of a good place is when it is always busy, this is the case here. From morning until later in the day, Dukes Cafe is satisfying the needs of shoppers, workers and tourists a like. The menu is family friendly and forget Mc Donalds, this is the place where you want to come for a real burger, juicy and wholesome, they won’t leave you feeling hungry afterwards, although we think you might be tempted to one of the delicious ice creams or desserts. Republic St, Victoria, tel: +356 2155 5502.

Cup CakeThe area around the bus terminal is a hive of activity and amongst the hussle and bussle you will find a gem of a cafe/restaurant called Cup Cake. Going strong now for the last couple of years, Chris and the gang have created a menu that appeals to everyone, whether you want a full English breakfast (awesome), a ciabatta/ftira, sandwich, burger, pasta or a la carte. Their breakfast ftira is famous. This has to be one of the best cafeterias on the Island, it does great coffee too. The guys here don’t take themselves too seriously and the atmosphere is fun and friendly. If you want good, honest comfort food then Cup Cake will deliver. Triq Salvatore Psaila, Victoria, tel: +356 2155 1112.

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All roads lead to Victoria, the Capital. Otherwise known as Rabat to the locals, The Islands Capital is very much it’s heart beat. It is where people go to do their daily chores. If you need some-thing, whether it be a fresh pepper, or a pump for your bicycle, Victoria will have it, and if they haven’t just ask a local and they will definitely know where you can get it.

Steeped in History and dominated by The Citadel, Victoria wakes up early. It’s not uncommon to see local cafés and bars, thriving from 6am onwards. In Gozo it’s Pastizzi for breakfast, a local pastry filled usually with Peas or Cheese, the latter being my favourite, washed down with a coffee. A great way to appreciate Victoria is to park yourself outside a bar/café for a couple of hours. Our favourites are It Tokk in Independ-ence Square, Cup Cake opposite The Bus Station, Tapies Bar in San Francisk Square, and the numerous cafes located in St George’s square, as well as Cafe San Martino in The Citadel.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Victoria has gone through somewhat of a transformation over the last two years, it’s had a bit of a ‘’spring clean’’, The Citadel has been returned to its former glory, a beautiful Park has been created (Villa Rundle Gardens) and the main squares of IT Tokk and Savina Square have been given a makeover.A visit to Victoria, and Gozo, would not be complete without a visit to the

Citadel, a historic fortress dating back to 1500BC which dominates the capitals skyline. Within its walls lies a fine 17th century baroque Cathedral designed by Lorenzo Gafà, the Maltese architect who also built the Cathedral of Mdina.

IL Hagar, The Heart of Gozo, museum, is located in St George’s Square and the museum really brings out the full glory of the Gozitan people. Gozo 360 offers a cinematic experience of the Island at the Citadel Cinema just off It Tokk

One of the best ways to appreciate the warmth, beauty, feel, noise and smell of the Capital is to go for a wander, no fixed trails or routes to follow, just follow your nose. Before you know it you will be in the back streets, chatting to a local and drinking coffee with them, or perhaps something a little stronger.

One of our favourite areas to explore is the area between Palm Street in the Centre and Savina Square, further up the hill. Here you will find what I like to call the ‘’Old City’’ it’s full of small Alley Ways that all offer something exciting for the visitor to experience. These Alley Ways all seem to lead to either St Georges Square, It Tokk, or Savina Square and amongst them you will find several artisanal shops where artists will be hard at work making intricate pieces of jewellery or art on stained glass. If you are lucky, you may even stumble

across a lace maker or two, proudly sitting outside their homes, making traditional Gozitan Lace.

Shopping, is normally high on the tourist list and you won’t be disap-pointed in Victoria. An open air market takes place daily in IT Tokk, although you will need to be there early in the morning to get the fresh fish. Repub-lic Street is the main thoroughfare and it runs through the centre of Victoria. Republic Street is flanked on both sides by banks, shopping arcades, bakeries, books shops, an Opera House and a Cinema. The Duke Plaza, houses The Dukes Cafe, fashion shops, and other stores. The Arkadia Centre, a little further down from the Duke has a large supermarket, pharmacy, Mc Donalds and numerous UK High Street fashion shops. The original shopping arcade, Tigrija Palazz is located at the top end of Republic Street and has a large supermarket. Just behind Independ-ence Square you will find St George’s Square which is home to a great shop called Organika, which sells lots of arts and crafts by local artists and organic products as the name would suggest. Their sister shop opposite, called Lazuli sells fair trade clothing and a wonderful perfume range. There is now an art gallery by the same name located at 83 Palm St and has some outstanding art work. For a fantastic array of Liqueur, visit the aptly named The Liqueur Shop in St Georges’s square. For quality crafts we recommend a visit to 'Prickly Pear', the studio of jewellery designer Mogg Robinson which also has items by ten other local designer makers. See www.pricklypeargozo.com for further details, or visit the shop at 96 Triq San Gorg. For unusual glass design including windows, jewellary, pictures and souvenirs, visit Dana’s Glass Art located in Savina Square. See www.danakranz.com for more details. For gifts for special occasions such as Baptism’s, Communions, Weddings, Births & Confirmations, visit Celebrate on Cappuchins St.

Spa’s/Leisure

If you are looking for somewhere to really get away from it all and relax for a couple of hours then head to The studio of Mary Wilson, professional massage & skincare. Now located at Hair & Co, Mary offers a wide range of skin treatments and beauty massages.

CAPITAL VICTORIA

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Dwejra/Gharb

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MIA CASA Bed And Breakfast

Relax at our central but tranquil Gozitan House of Character bed and breakfast in the centre of the old historic part of Victoria. Mia Casa is ideally placed, centrally located in one of the main alleys of the old

historic part of Victoria (Rabat).

Tel: 00 356 27300 169, Email: gozojo@hotmail.co.uk

23 Triq Santa MarijaVictoria, Gozo, Malta VCT1050

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To Mgarr

To Dwerja

To Sannat

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Dirjanu Lanzon

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Bus Station

Triq Sir Adrian Dingli

The DukeShoppingCentre

ArkadiaShopping Centre

Independance Square

Food and DrinkAccomodation

Parking

Cinema

Bus Terminus

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One Way

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Restaurants and Bars

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Medical Centre

Petrol Station iInformation

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1. Cafe Jubilee2. Palazzo Antonin3. IT Tokk4. Grapes Bar5. Piazza Cafe6. La Stanza7. Il Panzier8. Patricks Lounge9. Cordina Cafe Bistro10. Fu Hua11. Mc Donalds12. Dukes Cafe13. Tapies Bar

14. Red Star15. Majii Wine and Dine16. Cup Cake17. Co�ee Break18. Brookies19. Maldonado20. Mo’s 21. Citadella 22. Cafe San MartinoShops23. Organika24. Prickly Pear26. Lazuli

27. Dana Glassart32. Celebrate31. Lazuli Art Gallery33. The Liqueur Shop

Car Hire28. Mayjo29. Gozo Garage

Spa and Beauty30. Mary Wilson

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WHERE TO EAT

Food enthusiasts will not be disap-pointed on a trip to the capital, Brookies is back after a long time out and is a must visit. Steak lovers will feel at home at Patricks Lounge and Restaurant, for top quality Chinese head to Fu Hua, for lunch with a spectacular view Cafe San Martino, located in The Citadel is a must. In Independence Square where the daily market takes placed you will find IT Tokk serving great food and it is right in the heart of the market and the roof terrace has commanding views. Cup Cake, located next to the bus terminal is a great spot to watch the world go by and The Dukes Cafe in the Duke Shopping Centre is a nice spot for a bite to eat or a drink and a great Ice Cream.

INFORMATION

Tourist Information - The Malta/Gozo Tourist Information office is located at 17 Independence Square, opening hours Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm, Sun 9am - 1pm.

Banks - There are two major banks located on Republic Street, Bank of Valletta and HSBC. The banks are generally open between 8.30am and 2pm Mon-Fri and between 8.30am and 12.30pm on saturdays.

Transport - The main bus terminus is located on Main Gate Street.

CAPITAL LIFE

i AccommodationCasa Mia Bed and Breakfast, located in the old part of town is a great choice for those people looking to immerse them-selves into real Gozitan daily life. Casa Mia is brimming with character and each room has been lovingly restored to it’s past glory. Rooms from 35 euros pppn, Tel: +356 2730 0169http://www.mia-casa-bed-and-breakfast-gozo.com/

The 3 * Downtown Hotel located on Europa Street is Victoria’s Only Hotel. It is a 3* Hotel with comfortable rooms and modern facilities. There is also a splash pool located on the roof. Rooms from

40 euros per night. Tel: +356 2210 8000 see www.downtown.com.mt

Gozo Village Holidays based in Victoria on Capuchins St have a wide range of high quality accommodation available accross the Island including large holidays complexes, ideal for weddings and 3 farmhouses in Victoria. Citadella, Giradu and Palazzino Cittadella farmhouses are all well located within Victoria and offer high quality fixtures and fittings. To view these farmhouses or view other accommo-dation the group has, see www.gozovillageholidays.com, Tel: +356 2155 7255. Email: info@gozovillageholidays.com 52

Contact Lara 79913181gozopilates@gmail.com

Lara specialises in 'Healthy Back' classes and is a Body Control Pilates Certified TeacherSmall groups - all ages and fitness levels - mats and equipment provided

Improve: your strength, flexibility, balance, co ordination & postureReduce: your stress & pain levels Enhance: your relaxation & lifestyle ability

Gozo PilatesBuilding Strength

From Within

Xlendi, is a picture postcard bay located to the south west of the Island and is a firm favourite amongst Gozitans, Maltese and Tourists a like. Many people are attracted to Xlendi due to the Waterside setting of the many bars and restaurants that line the quayside. There is also a small sandy beach and excellent sunbathing spots located around the bay and plenty of water sports activities to keep all of the family happy including canoeing, banana boats, pedalos and diving schools. Self-Drive motor boats can also be hired as well as fishing trips organised, see page ...Xlendi is home to over 20 restaurants that serve up fresh fish caught the same day, pasta, pizza, Indian, Chinese, and excellent meat dishes.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

As you would expect from a sea-front location, everything revolves around the water in Xlendi, hire a boat from Xlendi Pleasure Cruises and explore the bays around Xlendi or venture further a field to Comino or around the Island. Xlendi is home to several large caves including St Catherine’s Cave and Carolina's cave. Carolinas is found on the cliffs on the right hand side of the bay if you are looking out to the sea. The cave was once the property of Caroline Cauchi, a wealthy woman from Victoria. In later years she founded the Augustinian Sisters on Gozo and donated almost all of her land, including the cave and other land in Xlendi to the sisters.

During the summer months the Sisters would reside in Xlendi and would bath in the cave that offered them privacy from other swimmers as it could only be reaches by private stairs. St Catherine’s Cave is located to the right of the bay, just as you are entering Xlendi Bay, it is a popular place for snorkelers and divers alike owing to the crystal clear waters found in and around the cave. During the 17th Century, people in fact lived around the cave and it received its name after a Church that was built above the site and the Saint whom the Church was dedicated to. Unfortunately the church is longer on the site. At the Head of the Bay you will find an old watchtower dating back to 1650, it was built on the order of Grandmaster Lascaris and stands 35 ft square at its base and 30 courses high. Although visitors cannot go inside the watchtower, it is currently being restored, but it is well worth the walk, for sun seekers there are some fabulous bathing opportunities around the tower. The Watch Tower can be reached by following the coastal path to the left of the bay through the Kantra Valley and by taking the bridge that connects the headland to the land. Il-Kantra is a valley found to the left hand side of the bay close to the watchtower. The name Kantra derives from Alcantara in Spanish-Sicilian. This is due to the odd shape of the valley that resembles a bow. Il-Kantra is home to many types of flora

and fauna, these are allowed to flourish as the valley isn’t populated. The Watchtower is reached by a bridge built by the Knights of Saint John over the Kantra Valley. In 1955 During British rule of the Maltese Islands several emergency mills were built that were capable of producing flour for the Islands if a Cold War was to break out. One of these mills was excavated in the cliffs behind The Mount Carmel Church, in Xlendi, and is the only one left intact on Malta and Gozo. The excavation of the mill was a huge undertaking, cumulating in an entrance tunnel some 30 metres long, and a 3 storey chamber that housed the grinding and milling equipment, thankfully the mill was never put into use, but there are plans to restore the mill to its former glory as most of the original equipment is still inside.

The church in Xlendi is dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel and dates back to 1868. On the first Sunday of September each year a feast is celebrated in honour of Mount Carmel and it is a really enjoyable weekend to be in Xlendi. During the day water games are held in the bay, with the traditional 'gostra' a greasy pole that you have to climb to seize a flag, proving very popular.

XLENDI SEAFRONT PARADISE

10% Discount On All Take Away Orders For Reservations +35621562199/99557998

Open 7 days a Week From 6.30pmRabat Rd, Xlendi

Triq Il Gostra, Xlendi Bay, GozoTel: +35621551616

LIVE MUSIC

DARTS EVERY THURSDAY

GREAT PUB FOODFRIDAY QUIZ NIGHTS

HUGE SELECTION OF LOCAL & FOREIGN BEER

DAILY HAPPY HOUR

WHERE TO EAT

Xlendi is packed with lots of excellent places to eat, both on the seafront and in the back streets, we recommend the following, The Boathouse, Il Kcina Ghawdxija, Sapana Indian Restaurant, Zafiro, Ic Cima, Ta‘Karolina, The Moby Dick and The Pirates Galley.

NIGHTLIFE

Xlendi is home to The Captains Table, a pub which has live music on a regular basis throughout the year. Late night drinking can be found at C-Seven. Xlendi houses’ one of Europe's most picturesque night-clubs, La Grotto, which is perched on a cliff-side overlooking the Xlendi Valley. See www.lagrottaleisure.com for further details and entry prices. Above La Grotto is a smaller club called Club Paradiso which is open all year round and is operated by the same people as La Grotta.

INFORMATION

Gift Shop - San Lawrenz gift shop on Rabat Rd right next to the beach has all of your gifts and beach products.

Shop - A mobile food trailer visits the car park every morning and stocks staple goods.

Police Station - Xlendi Police station is located on St Andrews Street

Bus - Route 306 operates between Xlendi and Marsalforn via Victoria, the first bus leaves Xlendi at 05.20am.

The 4 * St Patricks Hotel maintains a promi-nent position on the Xlendi sea-front and has rooms that offer a commanding view of Xlendi Bay. All rooms are air conditioned and the hotel has a rooftop pool, the ideal place to relax after a hard day in the sun. Tel: +356 21562951, info@stpatrickshotel.com, www.vjborg.com

The 3* Hotel San Andrea is a family run hotel that offers a warm welcome and sits in front of Xlendi Bay. All rooms are air conditioned and the hotel has an on-site restaurant. Tel: +356 2156 5555reservations@hotelsanandrea.com

For 5* Self Catering accommodation look no further than Best of Xlendi Apartments/Moby Dick complex located on the waters edge. All rooms are expertly finished with plasma tv and

wifi. There are a choice of 1 and 2 bed roomed apartments and nice balconies to entertain in the evening. www.mobydickxlendi.com - info@mobydickxlendi.comwww.bestofxlendiapartments.com - bestofxlendi@gmail.com

If you are heading to Gozo for a diving holiday then the Moby Dives Complex offers a home away from home and is located only a stones throw away from the sea. There is an on-site pub that has regular entertainment. Tel: +356 2156 4429, info@mobydivesgozo.comwww.mobydivesgozo.com

The San Antonio Guest House offers excellent value for money B+B accommodation and a fantastic pool. Tel: +356 2156 3555www.clubgozo.com.mt

VILLAGE LIFE

Beautifal Xlendi

I

Accommodation

VILLAGE LIFE

Marina Street

Mount Carm

al St

Marina Street

Gostra Street

St Andrews St

St Simon Street

Il Ka

ntra Triq Il Qsajjem

Rabat Rd

Xlendi Rd

Bus Terminus

PoliceStation

To Victoria

KeyFood and Drink ATM Lodging Swimming ZoneParking Boat Hire

Bars/Restaurants/Shops

1. Ta’Karolina2. Stone Crab3. The Boat House4. London Lounge5. Captains Table6. Pirates Galley7. London Lounge8. C-Seven9. Paradise

Accomodationa)Moby Dick/Best of Xlendib) St Patricks Hotelc) San Andrea Hotel

10. Sapana Indian 11. Moby Dick12. St Patricks13. Ta’Nona14. Zafiro15. Churchills16. Il Terrazzo17. Ic Cima18. Il Kcina Ghawdxija19. San Lawrenz Gifts

d) Hotel Xlendie) Villa Xemkijaf) San Antoniog) Ulysses Aparthotel

1

23

4

95

6

8

10

11

12

1314

15

16

17

a

b

c

d

e

fXlendi

g

Xlendi Water Sports

€

€

1819

56

LIVELY MARSALFORN

Marsalforn is Gozo’s main summer holiday destination with many Gozitans and Maltese having holiday flats here. It is situated to the North of the island and is only a ten minute drive from Victoria. Marsalforn is a traditional fishing village and boats can be seen coming and going throughout the day providing fresh fish to the bustling restaurants.

Marsalforn is Xlendi’s bigger sister and during the summer months the prom-enades will be full of people and restaurants packed with locals and holiday makers alike. There are a wide range of restaurants to choose from, most situated on the sea-front. For youngsters there is an amusement park located in the car park and during the summer months it is possible for small children to take a ride on a donkey that operates along the promenade. Eating an ice-cream purchased from one of the excellent Galaterias is a great way to round off an evening.

There is a small sandy beach located to the east of the promenade, it can tend to get busy during the summer, espe-cially at the weekend, there are other bathing spots towards the west of the bay on the rocks towards the headland. Xwejni Bay and Obajjar Bay are located west of Marsalforn and offer good swimming and bathing spots as well as several bars and restaurants

WHAT TO SEE AND DOAs you approach Marsalforn

from Victoria, you will probably notice the lush green scenery that surrounds you, this is known as The Marsalforn Valley. The Valley is surrounded by several hills, the most famous being Tas-Salvatur (Our Saviours Hill) also referred locally as Tal-Merzuq Hill (Ray of Light). On top of the hill sits a large statue of Christ the Savior, this was erected in 1904 and sits proudly over Marsalforn.

Marsalforn is a composite word. "Marsa" is an Arabic word meaning `port` or `bay.` There is disagreement on the origin of the second part of the word - `forn` -. Forn means "a bakery" in Maltese, but it is highly improbable that this has anything to do with Marsalforn, for it is unlikely that a bakery would be built in an area with a small population. It is quite likely that this name, like that of other Gozitan ports, might refer to a type of ship. In that case it would derive from Liburna, an Illyrian type of a ship, which became livurna in Greek, and lifurna in Arabic. The name might also have been derived from forna, a word used by Gozitan fishermen to refer to " a cave hollowed out by the sea". There are several of these in Marsalforn, the best known being Ghar Qawqla `the cave at the steep hill`.

Marsalforns history dates back to Roman times and as recently as the

16th Century, Marsalforn was the most important port in Gozo. Food and supplies were imported from Sicily and passengers were able to board boats that took them to Licata in Sicily and further afield. Marsalforn was consid-ered so important during the reign of the Knights of the Order of St John that they considered abandoning the Citadel in Victoria and building a new fort that overlooked Marsalforn Bay. This plan never materialized as the plans were fought strongly by the Gozitan people. With the growth of Mgarr as a port, Marsalforn began to lose its importance on an economical front and was mainly inhabited by small fishing communities.

As you leave Marsalforn to the left of the bay you will come to the bay of Qbajjar, home to two very good restaurants. You will also find Xwejni Bay, home to the Xwejni Lido, a great place to soak up the sun and go for a swim, sunbeds and parasols are great value at 3 euros each.

At Xwejni will find the magnificent Salt Pans, where you will still find to this day families who make their living out of turning the salt from the sea into a product that is served on your table. The families still maintain the ancient traditions that their forefathers adopted. It is possible to purchase the salt directly from the source and also see how the salt is turned from the salt pans to the table.

58

Marina Street, Marsalforn,Tel: (+356) 2155 6918

Mob: (+356) 7955 2001 | (+356) 9946 6271Email: info@kartellrestaurant.com

Website: www.kartellrestaurant.com

FINE VIEWS GREAT FOOD GOZITAN HOSPITALITYOPEN DAILY FOR LUNCH & DINNER

IL-KARTELLRESTAURANT

SINCE 1973

To Victoria

Marsalforn

Pjazza San Pawl Triq

IX - X

ag

hra

Triq

il - Wie

dTriq

ir - Ra

ba

t

Triq Lapsi

Triq

Tri

q S

an

ta M

ari

ja

Triq il

Forn

Misrah Sir Michelangelo Refalo Triq il-Port

Tri

q il

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rtTriq il-Obajjar

3

456

7 8 9 10 1113 14

15

To Xaghra

Qbajjar

12

1. Otters2. Pierre’s3. Neptunes4. Il Kartel5. Ta Pennellu6. Pebbles7. Smiles8. IL Forno

Accomodationa) Hotel Calypsob) Lanternc) Maria Giovannad) Electra Hotel

9. Smugglers10. Dragon11. Simply Blues12. La Trattoria13. Bo-Jangles14. Electra15. Lantern16. Tang Cheng17. Arzella18. Murella19. Chez Amand20. Qbajjar Restaurant

a

b

c

d

Police Station

HotelCalypso

k

17

Food and DrinkAccomodation

Parking

Marina

Bus Terminus

ATMSwimming Zone

Boat Launch

One Way

kKEY

Restaurants and Bars

18

21

12

16

1920

2223

25

24

26

2827

29

1. Qbajjar2. Chez Amand3. Otters4. Pierre’s5. Neptunes6. Il Kartel7. Unwind Bar8. Krya’s Inn9. L’Aragosta10. Dive Bar11. Ta Pennellu12. Marlene D13. Pebbles

14. Cafe Del Mar15. Smileys16. Glassbox17. Electra18. Bo-Jangles19. Il Forno20. La Trattoria21. Smugglers22. Murella23. Calypso24. Odyssey25. L’Antika

26. La Pulena27. Latini28. Beppes29. Lounge 2130. Arzella

Accomodationa) Calypsob) Lanternc) Giovannad) Electra

30

To Xwejni & Salt Pans

WHERE TO EATMarsalforn has over 25 restau-

rants, the majority of which line the sea-front promenade. With so much to choose from it is difficult to choose where to dine, we recommend Otters Bistro, Pulena, Il Kartell, The Ta’Mena Estate and Murella.

NIGHTLIFEFor late night drinking head to Mellos where there are some

excellent cocktail and great tunes. Murella Lounge Bar has a great atmosphere and often has live music and if you are looking for a real pub experience then head to BoJangles, a traditional pub serving pints, pub food and shows live football. If you enjoy belting out a few classics then the Piùtrentanove Lounge Bar holds Karoeke nights every Monday night during the summer, The Glassbox has regular live music.

INFORMATION

Supermarkets - There is a large super-market located on Triq IL Obajjar just up from the Lantern Guest House.ATM's - There is a bank of Valletta cash machine located on The Promenade next to the Dive Bar.Bus - Route 306 operates between Xlendi and Marsalforn via Victoria, the first bus leaves Marsalforn at 06.17am and the last one at 23.17pm

VILLAGE LIFE

Magical Marsalforn

I

Accommodation

VILLAGE LIFE

The 4* Calypso HotelThe 4* Calypso enjoys a prominent location on the water front. With a beach in front of the hotel and a roof top pool this is a family friendly hotel, BBQ evenings are held on the roof and the hotel has an excellent on-site restaurant. Tel: +356 2156 2000info@hotelcalypsogozo.com

The Lantern Guest House is a family run hotel that offers a warm welcome and sits in the heart of Marsalforn, yet in a peaceful location. All rooms are air conditioned and the hotel has an on-site restaurant. Tel: +356 2156 2365rlantern@onvol.net

Maria Giovanna Guest House - a typical Maltese town house that has just been renovated. This romantic and elegantly

furnished hostel is situated in an excellent location in Marsalforn Bay. It offers a warm yet family atmosphere. It is located close to all amenities and the beach. Tel : +356 2155 3630bugejajoe@vol.net.mt

Hotel Electra has been part of the Marsalforn landscape for many years, it continues to over great value rooms, all offering panoramic views of Marsalforn Bay. All rooms are air condi-tioned. There is also an on-site restaurant. Tel@ +356 2155 6196, electragozo@gmail.com

Atlantis Lodge, located next to Atlantis Diving Centre and within walking distance from Marsalforn sea front All the guest rooms have an en suite bathroom, TV, telephone, free WiFi access and air-conditioning unit. Tel+356 2155 4685, diving@atlantisgozo.com

60

At our family run restaurant you �nd the great service and healthy food comes �rst. We serve delicious home-made pasta and specialise in fresh �sh and meat, thus providing a �ne selection of dishes which cater for all tastes. Pizza also available.

Marina Street (il-Menqa), MarsalfornGozo, Malta

7779 5512 )653+( :TM: (+356) 9942 0881

Room With A View.......

La Perla RestaurantSunday Bu�et Lunch

at La Perla where you can feast on

Salads, Cold Cuts, Pasta, Meats, Fish and delectable desserts for only

23 per person.

La Perla is also open for dinner and we offer a set menu as well as full A La Carte menu.

Immerse yourself in the charm of the Mediterranean...Hotel

www.hotelcalypsogozo.com

Join our facebook page today !Hotel Calypso, Marsalforn Bay, Island of Gozo, MaltaTel: (+356) 21562000 E-mail: info@hotelcalypsogozo.com

Scan thisQR code withyour smartphone.

Focus On QalaFocus On Dwejra, San Lawrenz, Gharb

@terihardy

o the west of the island you will find one of the most visited places on the Maltese islands. As you travel through the beautiful village of San Lawrenz you will see signs for the Inland Sea, Dwejra and Fungus Rock. As you make your way down the winding road the full beauty of what lies ahead is only a couple of minutes away. Halfway down the road Fungus Rock and the Azure Window should be in sight and you start to understand why this is well trod-den tourist path. This area of Gozo, commonly known as Dwejra is the one that you will see pictured in all of the guidebooks and if you look more closely then you may recognise the backdrop of many blockbuster films includ-ing Game of Thrones.

Once you arrive in the car park, head down the short hill where a visitors centre can be found on the right hand side which provides lots of information about the local area. At the bottom of the hill you will be greeted by a serene Inland Sea, a lagoon type lake that has

direct access to the sea via a man made tunnel. Swimming and snorkelling is excellent and those brave enough may decide to put on their flippers and venture through the tunnel into the open sea but we recommend you take a boat trip and let the profession-als guide you instead. Once through the tunnel you will see many natural rock formations that look like amongst others a human face and a crocodile. Boat trips normally last around 15 minutes and cost around 5euros per person.

The Inland Sea is characterised by the fishing huts that's surround the bay and have been passed down between family members over many years. Head back up the hill and to your right you will see the magnificent Azure Window, which is a limestone natural arch created after two limestone sea caves collapsed into the sea. This area is extremely popular with scuba-divers and more recently by dare devil rock climbers.

To the right of the Azure Window you will find St Anne’s Chapel, built in 1963, Special festivities are held every year on the 25th & 26th July in honour of St Anne’s liturgi-cal feast. If you are lucky you might even catch a wedding.

In front of the Azure Window you will notice a large rock located just off the mainland. This is called Fungus Rock and legend has it that the plants grown on it hold special medicinal powers. The Knights Hospitaller apparently discovered the fungus and used it as a styptic dressing for wounds and a cure for dysentery. The Knights so prized it that they often gave gifts of Gozitan Fungus to distinguished noblemenand visitors to the Maltese islands. Grand Master Pinto decreed therock out of bounds in 1746; trespassers risked a three-year spell as oarsmen in the Knights' galleys. He posted a permanent guard there and even built a precarious cable-car basket from the rock to the mainland, 50 metres away.

T

63

Inland Sea

@terihardy

@terihardy

Gharb is a beautiful Village, located west of Victoria about a ten minute drive away. Gharb is one of the oldest Villages on the Island and derives it’s name from Arabic, although in Maltese it means ‘’West’’ and it is in fact the western most Village on the Island. Gharb started life as a small hamlet hundreds of years ago and was originally populated by farmers who worked the fertile land. Gharb is quintessentially Gozitian and it’s main square, with the church dominating, has been the scene of many a postcard throughout the years. The village is home to many traditional Gozitan industries and is still home to traditional lace and cotton makers. The Parish of Gharb is the second oldest Parish on Gozo, the current church, built in 1699 is dedicated to the visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth. The feast is celebrated on the 1st Sunday in July. Gharb lies amongst some of the most scenic countryside on the Island, particu-larly at Dbiegi, the largest hill on Gozo. San Lawrenz is the only village named after it’s patron Saint and it is dominated by it’s Church which was consecrated in 1897. The feast of St Laurence is on the 31st July 2016 and the village is full of noise and color.

WHERE TO EAT

There are several options avail-able in Gharb, Jeffries, located on Triq I-Gharb, has been a very amongst tourists and locals for

many years and serves high quality food in a traditional atmos-phere, for reservations Tel: 21561006. Ta’Salvina, located on the main sqaure is is renowned for its local and Mediterranean cuisine, Tel: 2155 2505 for reserva-tions. The Gharb Rangers FC Bar, located at 118 Triq il Knisja, is an institution in Gharb and has a fantastic roof garden where you can while away a summers evening. The bar serves excellent pizzas aswell as other well produced local dishes. In San Lawrenz you will find Tatita’s in the main sqaure and down the road at Dwejra you will find The Azure Window where diners can enjoy an unrivalled view of The Inland Sea. For reservations call +356 2156 6560

Gharb is home to several quirky museums including, The Gharb Folklore Museum located on the main square. The Village also houses the Ta' Dbiegi Crafts Village, a must visit for any visitor looking to sample Gozo’s arts and crafts. In the limits of Gharb you will find the Basilica Ta’Pinu.

Gharb is home to Ta' Matmura Farmhouse B&B, a 300 year old Gozitan farmhouse full of unique character. All rooms are en-suite and there is a lovely pool to have a dip in. Summer rates are

between 80 and 110 euros per room for upto 2 people and there are some fantastic rates during the winter months from 40 euros per room per night. Tel: +356 2155 9233, mail:info@tamatmura.com, www.tamatmura.com

San Lawrenz is home to the 5* Hotel Kempinski and Spa, as you would expect from a 5* Hotel the standard is very high. The hotel is home to 3 very large swimming pools, includ-ing an indoor one, spa experi-ences and several excellent restaurants serving high quality international food. See www.kempinski.com for further details

Gozo Village Holidays have a great complex called Village Ta’Sbejha which is located in the village of Gharb. Ta’Sbejha offers self-catering apartments with patio or terrrace overlooking the pool. It is ideal for large groups. www.gozovillageholidays.com for further details.

Supermarket - There is a supermar-ket just as you approach the entrance to San Lawrenz village, there are also some general stores located around the main square.

Bus – Route 305 runs between Sannat and San Lawrenz via Gharb. Route 302 runs between Nadur and Dwejra via Victoria. Route 311 runs between Victoria and Dwejra

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

ACCOMMODATION

i INFORMATION

KempinskiHotel San Lawrenz

Ta’DbiegiCrafts Centre

Gharb

Triq L-Gharb

Triq IL Knisja

Triq Frangisk Portelli

Triq San Lawrenz

To VictoriaTo Dwejra

Triq Wied Merill

Triq IL MadonnaTal Virtu

Triq it - Trux

Fren

c ta l

- Gh a

rb

Triq Ta’Sdieri

Triq Il Willeg

7

DwejraThe Inland Sea

San Lawrenz

Duluri L

awren

z

Food and Drink

AccomodationParking

ATM kKEY

Restaurants and Bars Accomodation

2. Rangers Bar3. Savina4. Tatita’s5. Azure Window

6. Hotel Kempinski8. Ta’Matmura B+BMuseums7.Gharb Folklore

Museum

5

4

3

2

1

6

Triq Birbuba

To Ta’Matmura Farmhouse8

64

Ta’MatmuraFarmhouse Bed & Breakfast,

Gharb, Gozo

Family run B&B in a traditional 300 year old Gozitan farmhouse. We have three double bedrooms and one King size suite, all with en-suite bath/shower and each with it’s own character and features plus a guest breakfast/dining room, free Wi-Fi and a delightful pool and sun terraces for you to relax after a busy day. Ta’ Matmura is an ideal base for walkers, cyclists, scuba divers, photographers or those who just want to relax & chill – so will it be a base for adventure or a relax-ing haven, whatever it is we look forward to welcoming you. Check us out on Facebook or our website or email for further information

Contact Mark & Jackie: +35621559233 / 77055725www.tamatmura.com - info@tamatmura.com

Facebook – Ta’ Matmura Farmhouse B&B

Nadur is Gozo’s largest village with a population of just over 5000 people. Nadur means ‘’lookout’’ in Maltese and comes from the Arabic word nadara. Perched on a high hill with commanding views of Comino and Malta it is clear why Nadur was an ideal spot to look out for unfriendly enemies.

Several watchtowers were built in and around Nadur , Ta’Kenuna Tower was built by the British in the 19th century and was used as a telegraph link between Gozo and Malta. From the tower you can see much of the Island and the views out towards the Comino channel are to die for. When the Knights of St John ruled the Island a tower was built by Grand Master Nicholas Cotoner and is known as Ta’Sopu tower. It is also called Dahlet Qorrot and San Blas Tower after the two bays it sits between.

During the 1960’s a lot people from Nadur emigrated to the US, Canada, Australia and the UK, many of whom have now returned to the Village and their allegiances to the countries they emigrated to are shown in the flags hung outside their homes.

Outside of Gozo, Nadur is probably most famous for it’s annual carnival that takes place in February during the 5 days that precede Ash Wednesday. The carnival is known as the Grotesque or

Macabre Carnival due to the outfits that are donned by the festival goers.Nadur is also home to The Nadur Wine festival. The dates for the Delicata Classic Wine Festival in Nadur this year, are 19th - 21st August, the village will come alive as the wine festival gets underway at the Ġnien il-Kunsill. The festival will open at 7.00pm and the last wines will be served at 11.30pm before closing at midnight. Live entertainment every evening. Nadur also hosts a Christmas market that is a great spectacle and normally takes places on the first weekend of December.

The focul point of Nadur is The Parish church which was built in 1760 and is dedicated to St Peter and St Paul. The feast takes place on the 29th June each year.

Nadur is home to the Kelinu Grima Maritime Museum. The beaches of San Blas Bay and Dahlet Qorrot are also reached via Nadur.

If you are looking to dine in a restaurant that has fantastic views of the Gozo Channel, Comino, Mgarr and the Gozitan country side then Nadur is home to Fliegu, which means The Channel in Maltese. Upon walking into the restaurant diners will be taken aback by the amazing views of the of Mgarr, Comino, Malta and The Gozitan Coun-tryside from both the dining room and

the terrace. The menu is a good balance of both Mediterranean and local cuisine with meat and fish dishes with a twist. There is also a full pizza menu cooked in their Italian, woodburn-ing pizza oven. Fliegu. For reservations call +356 2155 0055. There are several places to eat in Nadur Village itself, for those looking for a light snack in the form of a Gozitan Ftira or pizza we recommend the Maxokk Bakery for an authentic taste of Gozo. They are located on St Jame’s street in the heart of the village. Gebuba Wine Bar, located on the main square is an intiment bar serving cocktails and wines from around the world. Rabokk located in the main square serves great snacks and pizza’s and is good value for money.

Despite being Gozo’s largest village there are no hotels as such in Nadur, there are however a wide variety of farmhouses to choose from, see www.gozovillarentals.com for more information.

Bus - Bus route 303 runs between Victoria and Mgarr via Nadur every hour from 6am until 11pm.

ATM - There is a Bank of Valletta atm located in the main square.

NADUR FESTIVAL VILLAGE

iWHAT TO SEE AND DO

WHERE TO EAT

ACCOMMODATION

INFOMATION

Triq Borg GharibTriq il - Qala

Triq Sa

nTriq

Sant

Anton

in

SquareKnisja

Triq it-Torri

ta’Kenuna

Triq it-

TelegratuTriq

ir-Ram

la

Triq ir -

Rabat

Triq i l

Triq it - Tigrija

Triq il - Qala Republic Triq San GuzeppTriq

San Bla

s

Triq David Cocco Palmeri Triq Ta’Grunju

Triq Xandriku

Triq il -Madonnata’Lourdes

Nadur Main Square

Qala

TriqCim

cem

Triq

L’Imgarr

To Mgarr

To San BlasBay

To Ramla Bay

To Victoria

Gwann

To Xewkija

Main Square

Triq San Gakbu

Food and Drink

AccomodationParking

ATMKEY

Restaurants and Bars1. Maxokk2. Al Capone3. Rabokk4. Anthonys5. Ta’Kenuna6. Fliegu7. D-Bar

Museums8. Ta Kenuna Tower

Museum

Ta Kenuna Tower

1

23 4

56

78

€

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Mgarr, Gozo’s port, is the gateway to the Island. Mgarr is a picturesque fishing village that hasn’t really changed much throughout the years. One of the most immediate sights will be the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Loreto that sits high above Mgarr and is actually in the Village of Ghajnsielem, it is a gothic style church and was built 1924. In 2011 the church received a set of 8 new bells with the largest weighing 5.5 tonnes. Ghajnsielem celebrates its annual feast on the last Sunday in August.

There are no beaches in Mgarr but just around the corner to the east, you will find Hondoq Bay, a shingle beach that offers good swimming facilities. Comino is a short distance across the water from Mgarr.

WHERE TO EAT

Diners are spoilt for choice with an abundance of high quality restaurants in Mgarr. As you would expect, fresh sea-food is the order of the day but there are top quality restaurants serving a la carte food including Gozitan, Mediterranean and Chinese food. We recommend two restaurants, highly recommended is Ta’Filep, located on Triq Sant’Antnin St, just below the Grand Hotel and is the new home of well known restauranteur and ex Il Kartell, Philip Spiteri. The restaurant specialises in excellent Mediterranean/Italian food, in an intimate dining environment. Tel: +356

2156 1965. IT-Tmun, serves fusion and international cuisine and has a very talented team.

HISTORY/SIGHTS/WHAT TO SEE AND DO

There is a new waterfront area called Żewwieqa Waterfront which involved rehabilitating the area known as Taż-Żewwieqa into a waterfront area by creating pedestrian zones, landscaped plazas including seating area with open sea views, an area hosting the restored Dgħajsa tal-Latini and an informal stage structure. It’s a lovely sport for a walk. Ferry services have operated between Gozo and Malta as far back as 1241 when the fishing industry was firmly established on the Island. As the fishing industry grew, so did Mgarr and com-munities begun to spring up around the vicinity of the harbour, especially more towards the hillside areas. The actual port area didn’t see any development until 1841 when a breakwater was built to provide extra protection. Through-out the 20th and 21st century the breakwater was extended several times and in 2008 a new ferry terminal accommodating 600 passengers and 200 cars was finally completed at a cost of €9.3 million. Sitting above Mgarr Harbour to the left is Fort Chambray, an old historic city located within a fortress. Built over 250 years ago during the reign of the Knights of St John, the fort was initially built as a replacement to the Citadel in Victoria. There was

also a thought that building the fort would increase trade between Gozo and Malta. The Fort was only ever used once for military purposes, in 1798, during Gozo's defense against the revolutionary forces of General Bona-parte. Several British regiments were stationed at the fort during the Crimean and First World Wars but fell into disrepair during the 20th century. .

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation -The 4 * Grand Hotel sits above Mgarr and offers command-ing views of Mgarr, Comino and Malta. Rooms are well laid out and the hotel has a fantastic pool which has great views of Comino and Malta. For reser-vations see www.grandhotelmalta.com for further details.

INFORMATION

ATM – There is an ATM machine situated at the ferry terminal.

Trips to Comino - Check out Xlendi Pleasure Cruises who offer shuttles and trips to Comino and around Gozo. See www.xlendicruises.com

Supermarket - There is a supermarket on the hill on the left hand side as you leave the harbour.

Bus – Route 301 runs between Victoria and Mgarr and coincides with the ferry timetable.

MGARR GATEWAY TO GOZO

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8. Da Luigi9. Monkeys Fist10. Seaview11. Al Porto12. Ta’Filep13. Huan Yuan14. Porto Veccio

Accommodation14. Grand Hotel

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XAGHRA CHARMING VILLAGE

Xaghra, located to the North East of the Island is the second largest Village on the Island with a population of just over 4200 people. The village is perched on a high hill and has great views of much of the Island including Ramla Bay. In Maltese, Xaghra means ‘’wilderness’’, a term relating to its location on top of a hill. Many people believe that Xaghra was one of the inhabited parts of Gozo, and looking at the architecture of the village and its surroundings it is easy to understand why. The focal point of the Village is the Church, dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The church that stands today was built in 1815 and the church is covered in marble throughout. The Village feast is celebrated on the 8th of September and if you are on Gozo at the same time, a visit to the feast is a must. In the weeks prior to the village feast, the Xaghra Youth Centre organise the annual Xaghra Youth games, an annual event that revolves around the history of the village, Gozo and Malta and includes horse racing, the building of the Ggantija Temples, The Great Siege of 1565 and other events. If you are on Gozo around the 22nd August the games are a great family event.

Xaghra is home to a good number of museums and historical monuments including Calypso’s Cave, The Ggantija

Temples, Ninu’s Cave, Xerri’s Cave and Ta’Kola Windmill, you could quite easily spend a day in Xaghra. One of our favourite past times at my Gozo is sitting in Xaghra square and watching the world go by.

For food lovers Xaghra is home to some excellent restaurants. A newcomer to the Gozitan food scene and located in Xaghra, on the road just down to Marsalforn is an Italian restau-rant called Gianni’s. The views from Gianni’s offer some of the best on The Island inlcuding The Citadel, Gozitan Countryside and Marsalforn and beyond. The restaurant has it’s origins in the Piedmont region of Italy. Tel: +356 9991 3879 for reservations. Rubble Bar located on Victory Square serves both lunch and dinner and has a fantastic menu with a good variety of local delicacies as well as some excellent steaks. Inside Rubble you will find an old style bar that has a really friendly and welcoming environment. Audrey, the owner, is a fantastic host. If you are looking for something a little different, the Cornucopia Hotel hold BBQ evenings around their pools throughout the summer, live music is also provided, contact +356 2155 6486 for dates and reservations. If you have a sweet tooth then we highly recommend that you visit Cafe Reale, located on Victory Square. They serve some amazing

homemade cakes and pasteries

Xaghra is home to Sardinella B+B, a delightful house with a great pool to cool off during the warm summer days. Your host Kelvin will offer a warm welcome and is on hand to offer advice on where to go and what to do and where to eat. For details and rates see www.sardinellabedandbreakfast.com The 4* Cornucopia Hotel, built around an old converted farmhouse the hotel has real charm. see www.vjborg.com Gozo Villa Rentals have some excellent choices, www.gozovillarentals.com and have the most comprehensive database of farmhouses and villa’s in the market.

Bus – Bus route 322 runs between Marsalforn and Mgarr via Xaghra roughly every 90 minutes between 05:24am and 22:39pm

Airport Transfer - Victory Garage are based out of Xaghra, for transfers or general chauffeur services call +35621551051

Shopping - There is a daily morning market that takes places in The Main Square in Xaghra that sells fresh vegeta-bles and fish. There is also a supermar-ket located on Triq L’Ispiera.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

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ACCOMMODATION

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Food and Drink

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ParkingKEY

Restaurants and Bars1. Giannis2. Xi-Xi3. Oleander4. D Venue5. Co�ee Jubilee7. Rubble Bar

Accomodation6.Cornucopia11. Sardinella B+B

Museums7. Ta’Kola Windmill8. Ninus Cave9. Xerris Grotto10.Toy Museum

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INFORMATION

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Tas-SalvaturHill

Breeze Restaurant

The friendly, family run restaurant offersa mediterranean cuisine and vegetarian menucomplemented with a local and foreign wine list.Now serving Pizza !

Open daily from 9am-3.30pmand from 6.00pm until late.Closed on Thursdays

Experience the scrumptious selection of antipasti, salads, pasta, steaks and fresh �sh at Rubble Bar in the heart of Xaghra Square, where exotic local ingredients and mouth watering sauces come together in a symphony of �avours. We warmly welcome you to join us for a casual lunch or dinner where you will devour genuine food, at good prices and with stand out service. Or come along and simply chill out and relax with some friends over a few drinks or refreshing cocktails in a warm and cosy ambience.

Rubble Bar and Restaurant, Independence Square, Xaghra, GozoTel +356 21563758

Accommodation

Visitors to Gozo are quite literally spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation, the island has some excellent accommodation available and first time visitors are quite literally blown away by the choice available. Whether you are looking for a 5* Hotel or a quaint B+B, all budgets and tastes are catered for.

When deciding where to stay on Gozo it can prove to be a difficult decision as many factors are taken into consideration, do you want to be close to the sea ? in the country side ?, hidden away from the hustle and bustle of daily life in a quiet village ? do you want to go half board, self catering etc. For those visitors looking for a room with a sea view, there a several excellent options available, The 4* St Patricks Hotel in Xlendi is located on the waters edge and offers commanding views of the beautiful bay, The St Patricks Hotel has a small rooftop splash pool and during the summer months holds regular special events on the rooftop. In Marsalforn you will find the 4* Calypso Hotel, located in the port, rooms offer great views of Marsalforn Bay. The hotel has a rooftop pool and during the summer hosts regular BBQ nights where live music is provided. Mgarr is home to the 4* Grand Hotel which has commanding views of the Gozo Channel towards Comino and Malta. The hotel has a large sized swimming pool amid peaceful surround-ings where guests can while away the summer days.

For Visitors with a larger budget and looking for a luxury stay then they need look no further than the 5* Hotel Ta'Cenc and Spa in Sannat. The hotel offers it’s own version of luxury and privacy. The Hotel is set in mature gardens and guests are left alone to their own devices, if you are looking for real privacy then Hotel Ta'Cenc and Spa is a must stay. There is an excellent Spa facility on-site offering full spa and body treatments, an ideal way to pass a few hours away and retreat from the sun. The hotel has it's own beach access and several swimming pools where you can laze around and enjoy a cocktail or two.

You could easily come to Gozo for a week or two and not want to leave the hotel.

Surrounded by beautiful gardens, The 5* Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz features luxurious air-conditioned rooms all set around a fantastic pool area. There is an on-site spa which offers luxury treatments. The property's 3 restaurants feature fine Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, including local fish and homegrown produce. La Caverna Wine Bar offers fresh antipasti platters and 300 different wines

For a taste of village life then head to the 4* Cornucopia Hotel, located on the outskirts of the Village of Xaghra. The hotel has a farmhouse feel to it and you really do get that ''away from it'' feeling, the hotel has two large swimming pools and hosts a twice weekly BBQ night during the summer months.

At the budget end of the scale you will find the 3* Downtown Hotel located in Victoria. Now the only hotel in the capital, guests will find great value for money, the rooms are large and comfortable and the hotel has a rooftop splash pool if you fancy a dip.

Xaghra is home to Sardinella B+B, a delight-ful house with a great pool to cool off during the warm summer days. Your host Kelvin will offer a warm welcome and is on hand to offer advice on where to go and what to do and where to eat. For details and rates see www.sardinellabedandbreakfast.com Xlendi is home to the San Antonio Guest House, a intimate guest house with 20 rooms that has one of the best swimming pools in Xlendi. The rooms offer excellent value for money and the house is in a peaceful part of Xlendi. In Marsalforn a warm welcome awaits

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Our Top Hotel PicksHotel Ta’Cenc & Spa, SannatFor total peace and tranquillity during your stay on Gozo, look no further than the 5* Hotel Ta’Cenc. Luxurious rooms are spread throughout the beautiful gardens. www.vjborg.com

Grand Hotel, MgarrThe 4* Grand Hotel sits above Mgarr Harbour and enjoys superb views of Comino and Malta. Rooms are spacious and include large terraces to enjoy the views from.www..grandhotelmalta.com

Calypso Hotel, MarsalfornThe 4* Calypso enjoys a prominent location on the water front. With a beach in front of the hotel and a roof top pool this is a family friendly hotel.www.hotelcalypsogozo.com

Hotel San Andrea, XlendiThe 3* San Andrea is set on the waterfront at Xlendi. Rooms are spacious and sea-view rooms offer superb views of Xlendi Bay. The hotel has an excellent restaurant.www.hotelsanandrea.com

St Patricks Hotel, XlendiThe 4* St Patricks Hotel, set on the waters edge at Xlendi Bay offers views to die for of the crystal blue sea located in front of the hotel. You can quite literally touch the sea from your balcony.www.vjborg.com

Cornucopia Hotel, XaghraHidden away in the sleepy village of Xaghra you will find the 4* Cornucopia Hotel. The hotel has a homely feel to it and the luxurious surround-ings will not want you to leave.www.vjborg.com

Kempinski, San LawrenzA 5* Hotel the Kempinski is an exclusive hide-away resort in San-Lawrenz. The hotel offers a fantastic spa and three outdoor pools and all the luxury you would expect from a 5* hotel.www.kempinski.com

Downtown Hotel, VictoriaWell located in the Capital, Victoria, the 3* Downtown offers excellent value for money, rooms are large and there is a rooftop pool to cool down in.www.downtown.com.mt

Discover The Best of Gozo’s places to stay

www.gozovillarentals.com

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TOTAL GUIDEACCOMMODATION

you at the Lantern Guest House, centrally located and a minutes walk from plenty of bars and restaurants. Marsalforn is also home to the Electra Guest House and Maria Giovanna Hostel both offering excellent value for money.

Gozo Villa Rentals, have the most extensive rental property database on the Island offering stunning farmhouses, villas, penthouses and other self catering accommodation. They have access to several hundred properties on the Island, many of which on an exclusive basis. Whether you are looking for a small farmhouse, or something on a more grander scale, Gozo Villa Rentals will have something to suit your budget. To view their portfolio visit www.gozovillarentals.com; email: info@gozovillarentals.com

There are now a number of B+B’s dotted around the Island, and one of the Islands most authentic, can be found in Victoria. Casa Mia Bed and Breakfast, located in the old part of town is a great choice for those people looking to immerse them-selves into real Gozitan daily life. Casa Mia is brimming with character and each room has been lovingly restored to it’s past glory. The trip advisor reviews speak for themselves. Rooms from 35 euros pppn,

Tel: +356 2730 0169. www.mia-casa-bed-and-breakfast-gozo.com/

Gharb is a picture postcard village with a beautifal square and Church, it is also home to Ta' Matmura Farmhouse B&B, a 300 year old Gozitan farmhouse full of unique character. All rooms are en-suite and there is a lovely pool to have a dip in. Summer rates are between 80 and 110 euros per room for upto 2 people and there are some fantastic rates during the winter months from 40 euros per room per night. Tel: +356 2155 9233, email: info@tamatmura.com, www.tamatmura.com

Xlendi is a picture postcard seaside village and it has some great choices of self-catering accommodation. Best of Xlendi Appartments/Moby Dick Com-plex are located on the waters-edge and offers unrivalled views of Xlendi Bay. There are a choice of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, the latter ideal for families. All of the apartments are fitted with high quality furnishings and as standard include free wifi and cable tv. For further informa-tion, www.mobydickxlendi.com or www.bestofxlendiapartments.com; Gozo is a divers paradise and The Ulysses Apart hotel offers divers a home away from home. Ulysses Apart hotel

forms part of the Moby Dives complex which also includes The Captains Table Pub, a great spot for a beer and a bite to eat, and includes an indoor training pool. There are a good choice of individual rooms, studios and one bedroom apart-ments, all with mod cons including cable tv, wifi and air conditioning. Moby Dives also offer a choice of two bedroom maisonettes sleeping up to five people in a private residential complex, Ulysses Village, see, www.mobydivesgozo.com; email: info@mobydivesgozo.com

Gozo Village Holidays have been provid-ing high quality self-catering accommoda-tion on the Island for the past 25 years. The company was started in 1986 with a handful of Villas which has now grown into a major holiday company and they offer a wide variety of renovated farm-houses, villas, apartments and the charm-ing Villages of Tal-Fanal and Ta’ Sbejha. All these properties were designed to fit in perfectly with the atmosphere of the island of Gozo. Although the company has grown they still run a family-run business with a long-held passion for providing beautiful villas in the most picturesque parts of the island of Gozo. See www.gozovillageholidays for more info; email: info@gozovillageholidays.com.

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WWW.ULYSSESAPARTHOTEL.COM

Sardinella Bed & Breakfast, Xaghra

lounge area and barbecue . Breakfast, prepared by your host Kelvin Cooksley, will be served either in the large kitchen/dinning area or in the court yard. Located in Xaghara, only minutes away in the town square, is the Parish

Whether you enjoy walking, cycling, swimming, or just lazing on the beach Gozo’s peace and tranquility will enchant you .

MEET SLEEP RELAX ENJOY

Tel: (+356) 7969 8541Bullara Gozo Homes Liberat Grech Street , Xaghra, Malta

As there is no airport on Gozo in order to get over to The Island then you will need to take an airport transfer and ferry. Victory Garage (www.victory-garage.com) and Mayjo Car Rentals both offer direct and indirect airport transfers. The advantage of a direct transfer is that you are picked up directly from the airport and driven onto the ferry and straight to your destination in Gozo. With an indirect transfer you will be transferred to the ferry terminal where you will leave your driver and go onto the ferry as foot passengers, you will then be picked up by another company on arrival in Gozo. Cost wise there is a differ-ence, direct transfers cost circa €60 and an indirect transfer circa €45.

Whether you enjoy exploring by foot, bike, car, boat, plane, or public transport, Gozo is one of the most accessible islands that you could visit. To get the best out of what Gozo has to offer we certainly advise hiring a car for at least a couple of days, expect to pay around €15-€25 Euros per day depending on make and model of the car/time of year.We recommend Mayjo Car Rentals (www.mayjocarhire.com), and Gozo Garage (www.gozogarage.com).

A great way to see the Island is by bus, unfortunately the Old Gozitan bus’s that used to be the character of the Island are no

longer in use but the bus system is now larger and a lot more reliable. Ticket prices are extremely reasonable, a 7 day unlimited ‘Explore’ ticket costs €21 for adults and €15 for children. On-board single tickets are €2 in the summer and €1.50 in the winter. For routes and timetables and other options visit www.publictransport.com.mt

A great way to see the island which is fun and exhilarating is on a Segway. Gozo Segway Tours offer a variety of tours around the Island, taking in historical sights as well as the local countryside. Tours last from around one to five hours and are ideal for beginners and more serious segway users. Tours start from €15 for a 1 hour 5km trip around Ta’Cenc, Sannat to €60 for a cross country route which takes 4/5 hours and includes lunch in a traditional bakery. There are also a multitude of other trips available, group bookings are also welcome. See www.gozosegway.com for further details.

Over the last couple of years Gozo has seen the introduction of several companies offering sightseeing tours on open top, double deck buses. Details can be found at www.maltasightseeing.com or www.city-sightseeing.com for more details.

The Ferry service from Mgarr Harbour operated between Gozo and Malta by the Gozo Channel Company is the lifeblood for citizens on the island. There are frequent ferry services between Gozo and Malta and the service operates 24/7. During the daytime the ferry operates roughly every 45 min between 06.00am and 21.00pm. Between 23.00pm and 05.00am the ferry operates roughly every 90 min. Ferry tickets for foot passengers costs €4.65, children, €1.15 and for a car and driver the cost is €15.70 return. Please note that tickets are purchased at Mgarr Harbour, Gozo. See www.gozochannel.com for further details.

Sporty readers can hire a bike and explore Gozo at their own leisure, renting a bike is a great way to see the Island and ‘On Two Wheels’, based in Marsalforn rent out mountain bikes, mopeds and motorbikes. See www.ontwoweheelsgozo.com.

Hop on board the new Calypso Train which winds it’s way around the Island, it’s a fun way to enjoy the sights for people of all ages, and takes in all of the cultural and historical sights. The train leaves Victoria on the hour every hour between 10am and 3pm. For details call +356 9947 7322. Check out https://www.facebook.com/CalypsoTrains for special events during the year.

Tel: +356 2155 1051, Mobile: +35699494054/+35699491771Email: victorygarage@gmail.com

www.victory-garage.com

Chauffeur Services Airport TransfersAccommodation

VICTORYGARAGE

Victory Garage, based in Xaghra, are a transport company who have over 30 years experience in the tourist industry. A family run business, Victory garage, provide a comprehensive 24 hour service including airport transfers, taxi service, chau�eur driven cars, sightseeing and guided tours, We can also o�er luxury two-bed roomed apartments and a magni�-cent three-bed roomed farmhouse, with private swimming pool, situated in the picturesque village of Xaghra

24 HOURSERVICE

Chau�eur Services Accommodation Airport Transfers

TOTAL GUIDEGETTING AROUND

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TOTAL GUIDE WATERSPORTSGozo is a watersports and in particular a Divers Paradise. Divers are drawn to Gozo due to the clear, warm waters, but also because of the variety of diving sites available with many caves, reefs and wrecks to explore. Malta and Gozo were recently voted the 2nd Best Place to Dive in the world. There are some excellent diving schools throughout the island and all of the diving schools on the island of Gozo adhere to the highest safety procedures. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver there are courses available for all levels. Diving is possible all year round and underwater visibility is more than 30 metres. The Ministry for Gozo has invested €20,775 on the 52 diving sites in Gozo since January 2014.

A group of divers recently had a thrilling encounter with a gigantic Mola mola fish.With the appearance of an underwater blimp, the fascinating Mola mola, also known as an ocean sunfish, dwarfs the humans as they swim around it. Diver Erik van der Goot, who posted close-up footage on YouTube, said the ‘once-in-a-lifetime experience’ occurred near Wied il-Mielah.

One of the main advantages of diving in Gozo is that many of the dive sites are accessible from the shore. The dive schools on the island are generally led by well-qualified multilingual instructors who have many years experience of diving around the shores. If you are new to diving there are a few legal requirements that have to be taken into consideration. The youngest age that you can dive is 10 years old and under 18’s will require written a parent or

consent. Most of the courses on the island offer beginners courses which generally consist of 1 to 2 hours of actual classroom based teaching on equipment and safety procedures, you will then normally be introduced into shallow waters were you will practise breathing in the water and you would then usually dive for around half an hour in the sea. Expect to pay about €45 for a beginner's lesson, although cost will vary from school to school. All diving schools also offer more advanced and longer courses, including PADI, SDI, SSI, CMAS, BSAC and INNERSPACE Explorers (DIR minded) qualificationsand also the opportunity to rent equipment for more experienced divers who hold the relevant qualifications to dive unaccompanied.

Gozo has some excellent dive sites these include Billinghurst Cave, the Blue Hole and Chimney, Coral Cave, Crocodile Rock, Double Arch Reef, Fessej Rock, Fungus Rock, Reqqa Point, San Dimitri Point, Ta’Cenc, Wied-Il-Ghasri, Xatt l’Ahmar and Xlendi Cave and Reef.

Over the past 15 years several ex Gozo Channel Ferries have been scuttled around Gozo and provide an excellent artificial reef for divers. The MV Xlendi was originally scuttled in 1999 in the waters off IX-Xatt, just to the West of Mgarr. The MV Xlendi sits on the bottom of the ocean, some 40 metres deep and what makes it fascinating to divers is that it is positioned up-side down. For beginner, advanced, sidemount or Technical diving courses visit www.gozodiving.com or www.gozotechnicaldiving.com

If you don't fancy donning a wet suit there are some excellent snorkelling sites and we highly recommend the Blue lagoon on Comino, Mgarr-IX-Xini, The Inland Sea and San Blas Bay.A great way to see the island is by hiring a self drive motorboat. It is possible to go around the island in a day, and is a great way to spend a day in the sun, take a picnic and enjoy the scenery. Xlendi Water Sports offer self drive boats out of Xlendi Bay. Various speed boats available are available on the pier in Xlendi as well as at their booking office in Marsalforn . They also offer boat trips to Comino and around the Island. See www.xlendiwatersports.com. Canoes, Kayaks, Jet Skis, pedalos and trips on a banana boat can be booked via Louis, once again at the pier in Xlendi. Louis can be contacted on 0035699427917. A stay on Gozo would not be complete without experiencing the fun water sports options that Xlendi Water Sports can offer you.

It may be Dark ... It may be Deep ...

... but It does not have to be on Air

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With a unique landscape and crystal clearwaters, Gozo offers a perfect all year naturalplayground for adventure lovers. With itsMediterranean climate adventure activities arepossible all year round with the winter monthsleaning towards land based activities and thesummer months water based activities.

Sea kayaking is a great way to explore Gozo’sdiverse and varied coastline with its caves,hidden coves and picturesque bays andbeaches. With Comino only a ten minutepaddle away it is the best way to see theislands taking your time to enjoy the waterfrom a different perspective. This activity is ideal for families, individuals and groups of friends.

Gozo is naturally rocky and is a hidden treasure

for climbers with its numerous inland crags that are rarely visited by tourist to it's stunning sea cliffs offering long multi-pitch climbs for the more experienced climber. There are bolted sport climbs that are suitable for beginners up to experienced climbers and the island now boasts the longest roof climb in the world making Gozo a destination that can only grow in popularity for climbers.

Gozo’s national symbol is the three hills andeven though the highest point on the island isno greater than 450 meters above sea levelthere are a great number of cycling routes thatoffer a wide range of challenges. They leadthrough quaint villages, along quiet roads,peaceful hills, rough seaside tracks, picturesquevalleys and historical sites.

Hiking is one of the most relaxing andrewarding activities as Gozo has a specialcharm. If you are looking for peace and quietthere are a number of walks that take youalong the tops of cliffs and winding valleys with stunning scenery and local treasures. During the winter months the island is lush and green covered with wild flowers and scented herbs, this is also the time to enjoy the bustling life of Victoria or explore one of the most diverse histories in Europe with its temples and archeological abundance. During the summer the island is more arid but walkingalong the coastline and beaches one can takethe opportunity to cool down in the seaswimming and snorkeling.

If you are visiting for only a short period thenwe would recommend contacting GozoAdventures who offer an authentic andexhilarating way to experience the best that the Island has to offer including activity tours,Sea kayaking, eco tours and climbing and abseiling. All tours are offered at beginners level. Individual, couples, families and groups are welcome. Tel: +356 99994592. www.gozoadventures.com Victor Muscat horse riding offer a unique and adventurous horse riding experience through the hills and valleys of Gozo. Riding on horseback is a unique way to see the island. We advise contacting victor at least two days before you wish to ride to avoid disappoint-ment. For further details please see www.vmcarriages.com

TOTAL GUIDE ADVENTURE

A Xlendi Water Sports SpeedboatPhoto @Gozo Adventures

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TRIP 1TRIP 2 TRIP 3

WWW.XLENDICRUISES.COM

XLENDI PLEASURE CRUISESBOAT TRIPS

23

3130

38

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48Trip & LunchTrip & Lunch Trip & Lunch

PricePrice Price

Boat Trip OnlyBoat Trip Only Boat Trip Only

4Hours 4

Hours8.30

Hours

€

€€

€€€

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ACTIV

ITY - A

DVEN

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- EXP

ERIEN

CE

79

keeping Gozitan culinary traditions alive !

visit us to watch food in the making & free food sampling

the magro food villagexewkija, gozo - maltawww.magro.com.mtvisits@magro.com.mt

+356 2155 6663

From Mgarr Harbour follow the main road to Victoria, until you reach the main roundabout. Then follow the signs to The Magro Food Village

GOZO FERRY TERMINAL

XEWKIJACHAPEL

TO VICTORIA

MAINROUNDABOUT GHAJNSIELEMHELIPORT

MAGRO FOODVILLAGE