GOZO & GGANTIJA TEMPLES

At the agreed-upon time, one of our comfortable vehicles will pick you up from the hotel for a seamless transfer to the port.

Following a brief twenty-minute ferry crossing, you'll arrive at Mġarr Harbour, immediately immersing yourself in the unique atmosphere of Gozo.

Gozo is an idyllic Mediterranean island of quaint fishing villages and peaceful bays. The pastoral landscape features green, rolling hills with a patchwork of small farms that lead down to sandy beaches and small coves. Although the two islands are only separated by a mere eight-kilometer channel, upon setting foot on the island, you will immediately notice that Gozo has its own unique character and atmosphere and is far more rural and picturesque than the island of Malta.

You will start your tour by visiting the megalithic temples of Ġgantija, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. This impressive archaeological site dates to c. 3600–2500 BC, along with Ta’ Ħaġrat Temples and Skorba Temples in Malta. The temples of Ġgantija are believed to be the second oldest free-standing monuments on Earth, second only to Göbekli Tepe in Turkey and predating Stonehenge in England and the Pyramids of Egypt by approximately 1000 years!

The etymology of “Ġgantija” is derived from the Maltese word for giant (“Ġgant”) because it was believed the site was built by a race of giants. This mythological idea makes sense considering that the temples are constructed from megaliths (massive limestone blocks) measuring more than five meters in length and weighing over 50 tons.

After visiting the temples of Ġgantija you will proceed to visit Victoria, the delightful capital city of Gozo. Victoria is not just the geographic heart of Gozo; it is also the center of everyday activity. It manages to combine the bustle of its market and shops with a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. It is a great place to watch the islanders go about their day, especially when the main market square comes to life.

At the heart of the city lies another majestic site: the medieval fortress known locally as “Iċ-Ċittadella” (The Citadel). With its distinctive skyline and imposing military architecture, this ancient, fortified structure stands out as Gozo’s major landmark, a beacon visible from all over the island.

The area has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, and the site now occupied by The Citadel is believed to have been the acropolis of the Punic-Roman city of Gaulos, or Glauconis Civitas. During the medieval period, the acropolis was converted into a castle, which served as a refuge for Gozo’s population. A suburb began to develop outside its walls by the 15th century, and this area now forms the historic core of Victoria.

Your next visit is to the delightful sea inlet known as Xlendi Bay. Located at the end of a deep, lush ravine that was once a riverbed and surrounded by picturesque steep cliffs, the bay is now on the must-visit list of most day-trippers to the island. Xlendi’s small but lively promenade is busy at all times of the day, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and a handful of souvenir shops. Though seemingly bursting with activity during the summer, Xlendi Bay remains a refreshingly quiet place even at the height of the season.

Your last stop is at Dwejra, situated on the western shore of the island of Gozo. This area is a geological and ecological haven. All the various surroundings are a blend of geology, landscape, fauna, habitats, shorelines, seascapes, archaeology, flora, and history, which makes this site an experience to remember.

Your return to Valletta is scheduled for around 18:00 hours.

Greca Tip: Dwejra is also known for its Inland Sea, a small bay surrounded by high cliffs and connected by an impressive 65-metre-long natural tunnel that opens out into the open sea, a truly fascinating natural formation that evokes awe and leaves a striking impression.