General Information
About the Island of Gozo
 

Gozo boasts some of the best diving in the Mediterranean with a wide range of shore and boat diving sites, well-established diving organisations and schools, a relaxed easy-going attitude, an infrastructure offering a choice of accommodation and a variety of activities for non-diving partners.

The rocky topography of the Maltese Islands, made up of Gozo itself, Malta and the uninhabited Comino, results in a rapidly shelving sea bed giving many opportunities for shore diving. With good visibility, warm water, underwater scenery including caves, caverns, overhangs and swim-throughs, no tides and few currents, Gozo offers relatively uncomplicated diving for all abilities.
 

The island of Gozo and the tiny little island of Comino is a real paradise for divers and snorklers. These islands have fortunately retained their natural state due, to a large extent, to the sea and its fauna.

The attraction of Gozo for the diver, however, is based on its unique topographic structure, its healthy water situation and its rich fauna.

Apart from other positive aspects, one of the most important is that Gozo is an all-year-round centre for the diver. Even in a severe winter (which is extremely rare) the sea temperature never drops below 13° Celsius. The climate and duration of sunshine at that time of year are similar to an average North European summer, sometimes even better. In stormy weather, sheltered coasts offer a sufficient number of interesting diving sites.

Azzure Window - Dwejra (source: gozo.com)

Diving in winter offers the advantage that many species of fish move inshore to shallower, slightly warmer waters and as they are not disturbed by swimmers during this season, the diver has even better opportunities for observation and photography than in summer. Sea temperatures in summer are about 23° Celsius, and divers may wear a light 3 mm diving suit or even swim without one.

Gozo and Comino are within easy reach of the European mainland-two to three hours at most-the facilities compare favourably with other more distant and expensive countries. The Gozitan people make you feel at home and practically everyone speaks English.

The islands offer a well-developed infrastructure for divers, which represents a high standard and is capable of coping with the most sophisticated demands.

The Gozitan diving schools have organised themselves into the Association of Professional Diving Schools, with the result that the staff are well-trained and responsible. All schools offer up-to-date equipment of the best quality with an excellent follow-up service. It is not necessary to bring along your own equipment for a short diving visit as it is possible to hire equipment at a reasonable rates. The diving schools have compressors which are regularly checked by the Department of Health. Against presentation of the Maltese diving permit any diver can get his cylinders filled or can rent cylinders.

Beginners and advanced divers will receive all help and assistance from the schools to ensure that their diving holiday in Gozo is trouble free and enjoyable. Diver safety is target number one. The seas around Gozo are virtually tideless. Underwater currents are very rare in Summer and more frequent in Winter. However, due to the small size of the island, divers can shift to an alternative dive site very easily. In places which are hard to reach, it is more comfortable to dive from a boat, especially as there is always somebody available for assistance and control of the divers. The schools also make sure that at all interesting dive sites the diver finds entry without problem
 
Diving Regulations
Diving is closely regulated in Malta

• Children: Children under 14 may not dive with an aqualung while those between 14 - 18 require written authorisation from their parents.

• Fitness: A doctor's certificate of fitness to dive is required. This can often be organised by dive centres on the islands - but worth checking in advance. Asthma, diabetes and epilepsy are disqualifying factors.

• Dive Leaders: All divers must be accompanied by a Maltese Government registered diver. These permits can be obtained in Malta for those qualified to PADI Open Water Diver with 10 logged dives or BSAC Sports Diver. Permits can often be obtained in advance by Maltese dive centres.

• Instruction: Qualified instructors wishing to teach during their visit to Malta will require a Sports Instructor Permit - again normally available in advance through dive centres.

The population of Gozo stands at about 28,000.

The official language is Maltese which is spoken in distinguished dialect that amazingly differs slightly from one village to another. The language has Semitic origins and Romance influences, while the English language stands as the second official language.

Getting There
Regular scheduled flights from Europe to Malta International Airport with many chartered flights at holiday times. It is necessary to book flights early if travelling over school holidays Gozo could be reached in two ways; either by Ferry or by Helicopter. The most common is the Ferry service between Mgarr Harbour in Gozo and Cirkewwa Harbour in Malta, with a basically roll-on/roll-off schedule.

Mgarr Harbour (source: gozo.com)

Transport
Transport is provided by a fair service of buses from Mgarr to Victoria and vice-versa and from Victoria to all towns and villages in Gozo. The main bus terminus is situated in Victoria and route numbers are on the front of the buses. Taxi stands are found in Victoria and Mgarr. One can also go around in hired cars, motorbikes and bicycles. However, when it is not too hot, Gozo's relatively short travel distances, makes trekking a worthwhile venture. Click here for more information

The climate
Climate is typically Mediterranean. It is generally mild in winter save for the first four to six weeks of the year when it is normally a bit cool, wet and sometimes unpredictable. The average temperature for winter is 16 degrees Celsius and it covers the period between December and March. Summer is rather long, dry and sunny, with August being the warmest month. The average temperature for summer is 25 degrees Celsius and it covers the period between April and November.

Live weather forecast from Gozo

The currency
Currency is the Maltese Lira (LM) which is approximately equivalent to 2.4 Euro. The Maltese Lira has denominations of LM 20, LM 10, LM 5 and LM 2. The Lira is divided into 100 cents. Click here for a currency converter.

History
The first settlers arrived in Malta between 5,000 - 4,000 bc and many prehistoric sites are open to the public. The strategic position of Malta in the Mediterranean meant that most sea-faring nations visited the island at some stage. Remnants remain from Phoenician, Greek, Carthaginian and Roman visits. Saint Paul was shipwrecked here and lived for a season in a cave at Mdina - Rabat. In 870, the Arabs became the new rulers until being ousted in 1090 by Europeans and Malta eventually became the base for Knights of Saint John after their eviction from Rhodes in 1530. The Knights made an annual token payment of rent (the famous Maltese Falcon) every year and were responsible for constructing many of the fortifications around Valletta. Malta suffered the 'Great Siege' in 1565 when Suleiman the Magnificent attempted and failed to destroy the Knights. Napoleon arrived on Malta in 1798 and evicted the Knights, only to find them temporarily restored by the British in 1802, Malta itself becoming a British possession after the Treaty of Paris in 1814. The Second World War saw a further siege and the eventual awarding of the George Cross to the Island before Malta achieved independence in 1964.

Horse Wash - Qbajjar Marsalforn (source: gozo.com)

Non - Diving Activities
The charm of Gozo is apparent the moment you arrive there.  Greener, more rural and smaller than Malta, life on Gozo moves at a leisurely pace.  The rhythms dictated by the seasons, fishing and agriculture.

In winter and spring, the Island is covered with flowering herbs and lush crops.  In summer, it’s awash with oleander, bougainvillea and geranium. 

Gozo is steeped in myth. Thought to be the legendary Calypso’s isle of Homer’s Odyssey, it’s a peaceful, mystical backwater. Baroque churches and old stone farmhouses dot the countryside.  

Its rugged landscape and spectacular coastline await exploration. Choose from rocky inlets to red sand beaches or sail, snorkel, dive and fish.  Gozo has some of the Mediterranean’s best dive sites.

But there’s more.  Gozo comes complete with historical sites, forts and amazing panoramas. Plus one of the archipelago’s best-preserved prehistoric temples, Ggantija.  Not to mention a nightlife and cultural calendar all its own, and some great dining out. 

Some of the most picturesque scenery of all the Maltese islands can be found in Gozo. So put on your hiking boots and enjoy the countryside on Calypso's Isle. There's something to discover, whatever the season.
 

Inspired by the mysterious and yet superbly skilful megalithic builders of the temples of Ggantija, the Gozitans have adopted and perfected their building tradition. Thus, Gozitan architects and stone masons have, over the years, laboriously built churches with domes whose stunning dimensions dwarf the villages in which they stand. Most churches were constructed during the baroque period with the characteristic accent lying on the grandiose and the aesthetic.

Typical Village Feast (source: gozo.com)

The capital Victoria, lies on the centre of the island. It boasts the dominant Citadel, two splendid churches, namely St George's Basilica and the Cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary,several small churches and monasteries, two opera houses and various urban commercial outlets. Surrounding Victoria, are Gozo's thirteen villages, which are: San Lawrenz, Għarb, Għasri, Xagħra, Munxar, Sannat, Fontana, Kerċem, Żebbuġ, Xewkija, Nadur, Ghajnsielem and Qala.

The Citadel is one of the most beautiful architectural complexes on the Islands. Behind its austere bastions the Citadel hides a number of fine buildings, museums and the Cathedral .

Villages in Gozo reflect a way of life simultaneously rural and refined with superbly proportioned squares and carved balconies. From the old traditional farmhouses with their typical archways to the most contemporary houses, the incredible amount of architectural detail is surprising in its creativity. Balconies are embellished with balustrades, flower pots, Georgian style facades, roof gardens and bougainvillaea.

The countryside is recognised by its rubble walls and the prickly pear hedges peeping over or bordering terraced fields. Green hills and fertile valleys separate one village from the other. Wherever you look, the sea is always within the reach of the eye. In fact, Gozo has an amazing coastline with its tiny creeks, sand beaches, blue sea, majestic rock formations and protruding watchtowers. Low lying coastal stretches of limestone, are chequered with salt pans while high and dramatic cliffs trigger awesome emotions with their native blend of salty air and wild herbs.

At the foot of the cliffs at Dwejra, the Azure Window (see first two pictures of this article) is the superb companion to another interesting landmark Fungus Rock upon which, recorded since the times of the Knights of St. John, grows a very unique type of fungus with alleged therapeutic properties. Close by, the Inland Sea provides a wonderful opportunity for a boat trip with a difference.

On the opposite side of the Island, look out for the unforgettable view from Calypso Cave overlooking the beautiful and distinguished red sands of Ramla Bay. Also for those who would not miss a chance for a swim, a short stroll, or just to relax, the crystal clear waters of Marsalforn and Xlendi bays beckon the visitor's appeal. Furthermore, Marsalforn and Xlendi together with Mgarr Harbour, are Gozo's main fishing villages. Being an island, the fishing industry has been cared for since generations. No wonder that there is no bay which does not shelter a variety of fishing boats and with several boathouses for their maintenance.

Country Walk - Qala (source: gozo.com)

The tradional fishing boat is the colourful luzzu with its normally blue bulwark and with the eye of osiris on white, red or brownish background on the prow. Especially when its calm, the reflection left by berthed fishing boats on the water inspires a lot of artists' imagination. Most nostalgic is also the scene of vessels leaving harbour at early dawn, or while returning at sunset. The image of luzzijiet with their bows skimming through the calm blue water, leaving behind streams of silver ripples is simply unforgettable. The day's catch is, apart from any romanticism, obviously the toiling fisherman's most important aspect of his trade.