Ghawdex (pronounced “audesch”) is the Maltese name for Gozo. It is a beautiful island with a quiet and different personality from Malta. Greener and more fertile, and reflecting more of a way of life based on agriculture and fishing. Life on Gozo is slower and more relaxed than that on Malta. Despite increasing tourism, the island retains an atmosphere that has enchanted many visitors one of whom was Ulysses, who was supposedly enticed to stay for seven years by the nymph, Calypso. The people are friendly, with a fairly laid-back attitude to life that readily appeals to most visitors.

Gozo is approximately 14.5 kilometres long and approximately 7.5 kilometres wide, with a shore line of 43 kilometres and has a population of around 28,000. Every little town and village has a parish church and not a day goes by without the sound of church bells ringing out across the rolling hills and terraced fields. The main port is Imgarr where regular ferry crossings are made to Malta. There is also a Heliport at Xewkija. All the roads are linked to the capital, Victoria, and both buses and private cars, find themselves going in and out of town on most journeys.

The official languages are English and Maltese. Almost all the Maltese speak English. Maltese is a Semitic language written with Roman script combining elements of Italian, French and English.

For more information of Gozo: www.gozo.gov.mt


For a weather forecast: www.gozoweather.com