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The island of Gozo boasts numerous beautiful beaches that are worth a visit. With so many options, we have shortlisted the top eight beaches you cannot miss. Whether you are here for leisure, business, or academics, don’t forget to pack your swimsuit and head to these beaches to soak up the Mediterranean sun.
Gozo’s spectacular sunsets are only one of the many perks of living on this beautiful island. When on holiday in Gozo, nothing beats sitting down on a cliff’s edge and watching the sunset after a day of touring the unique island, or even better, on board a boat where the view is always unbeatable. And if you’re lucky enough to live on Gozo, there’s no better way to wind down after a long day.
Another perk of the island life is the weather – due to the mild temperatures and beautiful weather that extends into Autumn and Spring, the sunset spectacles can be enjoyed throughout most of the year.
One thing to keep in mind is that the sun rises in Qala and sets in Gharb, which means that the following locations are sure places to catch a beautiful sunset: Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs, Sannat Sunset Viewpoint, Sanap Cliffs Sunset and Falesie di Gozo and the Salt Pans in Marsalforn.
Another option is to visit the island’s highest points, such as: Ta’ Għammar Hill, Ġordan Lighthouse, Ta’ Lourdes Chapel, San Dimitri and the Citadella.
With all that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of our 12 favourite spots to watch the sunset in Gozo.
Xlendi is a great place to combine a sunset in a small bay with a glass of wine or dinner. In Xlendi there are several small restaurants directly at the bay and at the harbour that invite you to stop for a bite to eat. The sun sets almost exactly in the middle of the bay and you have a great view of the unique colour spectacle. You can get to Xlendi easily by bus or by car.
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The cliffs at Ta’ Cenc are not only impressive in the bright light of day. Along the cliff, at sunset times, you can watch the sun change colour in the sky practically every minute until it finally disappears behind the horizon. To get to the cliff walking area, you actually have to walk a bit. The best way to get there is by bus or car to Cenc. From there it is about a ten-minute walk to the cliffs. The great advantage of the cliffs is that the cliffs stretch for several kilometres along the coast, so it is very easy to find a quieter section of the cliffs if you are not lazy on foot. The cliffs are great for exploring and walking along.
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The Sanap Cliffs are 130-meter-high limestone cliffs that plunge steeply into the deep Mediterranean Sea.It is one of the highest spots along this stretch of shore. As a result, the dramatic terrain rewards you with breath-taking views of the sun lowering into the sea or just behind the far cliffs.
In addition to being a great sunset location in Gozo, it’s also remote and completely silent, apart from seagulls chirping away. There’s no light pollution in the area, so take a torch with you and stay past the sunset for some stargazing. You may get to Sanap Cliffs by following a walking trail that leads here. If you want a longer trek, you can come here from Ta’Cenc Cliffs or Xledni Cliffs following the Tower.
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Dwejra Bay offers two beautiful sunset spots. The famous Blue Hole not only offers a great view of the setting sun, but is also close to the former Azur Window. You.can enjoy the sunset with a view of Fungus Rock. The bus takes you to the bay, so you only have to walk a few steps. But getting there by car is no problem either, as there is a large parking lot above the bay.
Equally impressive are the sunsets from the higher points of the island, such as the cliffs in the south of the island, and the mountain peaks like Nadur and the Citadel.
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From the Citadel in the heart of Gozo, in Victoria, you have a great view of the island both during the day and in the evening. It’s a great place to watch the island change from day to night life during sunset. You have to walk a few steps to get to the top of the Citadel. But the small climb is immediately rewarded with a great view and an impressive citadel. A little tip: You can walk once around the outer ring of the citadel and have a view of the whole island.
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The small village of Nadur offers some beautiful spots to watch the sunset. For example the Ta’ Kenuna Tower at the western end of the village. But if you want an even better view and to be a bit more in nature, the Sopu Tower in the Ta Sopu Landfilled Park is a great alternative. You are right on the cliffs and can enjoy the last rays of the day. However, you also have to walk a little for this sunset spot. From the bus or car, it takes about twenty minutes to get to the tower. But the view is well worth it. If you don’t want to walk so much, you can watch the sunset from the Calypso Cave above Ramla Bay. You can either walk up there from the beach (about 10 minutes) or drive very close to it by car and then walk the last few metres. Note, however, that the path from the beach to the cave is very steep and in the dark it is not a good idea to take this route.
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You may see the sunset from Ramla Bay in two ways: directly from the bay while lounging on the sand, or from Tal-Mixta Cave, which overlooks the bay. If you visit the bay in the autumn, spring, or winter, you will almost certainly have the entire beach to yourself. If you go up to the cave, breath-taking sunset views may be seen through the cave’s broad gap, overlooking Ramla Bay’s brilliant red sandy beach and an endless Mediterranean horizon.
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The Saltpans on Gozo’s northerly coast, just up from Marsalforn, are a captivating landmark and critical resource, sustaining a traditional trade and expertise while gathering one of Gozo’s most significant natural raw resources – salt.Google Pin:
Google pin: https://goo.gl/maps/pRFUpvzcepPwsYAm8
Ta Gurdan Lighthouse, a Gozitan landmark, stands 161 meters above sea level and overlooks the little hamlet of l-Ghasri. This lighthouse is positioned on top of a hill and provides an excellent view of the entire island. On bright days, you might even be able to see Sicily! It’s not difficult to get there; it’s part of the settlement of Ghasri, which is about a 20-minute walk from Ta’Pinu Sanctuary. A paved upsloping route from “Triq il-Fanal” leads directly to it. The hike up to the lighthouse is rather steep, but it is a beautiful stroll with spectacular views.
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Ta’ Ghammar Hill is a hill is a part of the village of Ghasri, a few hundred meters away from Ta’ Pinu shrine. There’s an path opposite Ta’ Pinu that leads you to the top of the hill. The route up is marked by stations of the cross. A vantage point on the climb up gives a glimpse of the shrine below as well as a wonderful panorma of the island of Gozo. During the golden hour, the view is simply magnificent. Once you reach the top of the hill, you will also find an ancient stone amphitheatre, magically lit. To get to the summit, park the car in the vast church parking lot and ascend the Way of the Cross path.
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This chapel is dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes and is located on a cliff overlooking Mgarr Harbour. From the ferry terrace, it’s one of the first things you’ll see welcoming you to Gozo.There is a little square and open area outside the chapel. The views of the Gozo Channel, the island of Malta, and the greenery at Fort Chambray and the surrounding areas are excellent from here.
The chapel is easily accessible by foot or car from the port or the village of Gajnsielem.
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A trail goes to the tower of Marr ix-Xini from the bottom of the bay on the left side. It’s a lovely walk, and aside from the trip to the tower, you’ll appreciate the spectacular views over the canal from this vantage point. At sunset, the sky transforms into a wonderful piece of art, and the entire bay glows golden.
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Kayaking is a popular activity in Gozo all year-round, why? Malta’s small neighbouring island, Gozo, has a lot to offer. Besides a beautiful landscape, the island also has a unique steep coast with hidden caves and coves that can only be accessed by sea. The best way to explore these unique spots is by renting a kayak. A kayak tour is the perfect way to escape the heat and leave the crowds behind on a warm, sunny day. Not only can you relax and enjoy the view while paddling and marveling at the open sea, but you can also swim in beautiful bays and beaches.
If you have plenty of time and fancy a day trip by kayak, it is recommended to paddle to Comino by kayak, not only do you avoid the crowded ferries, but you can travel to the wonderful island at your own pace. You see great rock formations and discover a great underwater world while paddling. If you want to take it a bit easier and see a different side of Gozo, you should definitely paddle along the cliffs.
Paddling through the various caves of the cliffs is an adventure in itself. However, you should not do this without a guide, as not all caves are suitable for exploring by kayak. They will also give you tips on how best to paddle through a very narrow hole or, if it is very narrow, how to push your way through.
Because the water is so clear and blue, you can see almost all the way to the bottom. Here and there you also spot a few bigger fish. You always paddle close to the cliff, so if you put your head back and look up the high cliff, you feel really tiny. The cliffs in Gozo are over 145 meters high in some places. You can see the layers of rock and history on the cliff. It is always interesting to see how nature itself has deformed over the years.
Until a few years ago, you could still paddle through Gozo’s famous Azur Window. Unfortunately, the famous Window collapsed in a storm a few years ago. Now you can kayak over it and marvel at the large boulders underwater. Today, the Azur Window can only be seen in photos and videos. Games of Throne fans watch out: The famous bloody wedding of Daenerys and Kahl Drogo in the first season of the series was filmed there and you can see the Azur Window in the background.
If you choose a guided kayak tour along Gozo, you can get more out of your experience.
The warm climate in Malta and Gozo makes it possible to practice kayaking almost all year round. Here are our tips depending on the time of the year:
Booking an activity when you are a student at BELS English Language school in Gozo is quite easy. We work with the top kayaking providers on the island and can book the entire activity for you at the front desk. When booking through BELS, you can trust that the activity will be of high quality and fun
If you’re planning to travel to the island of Gozo and enjoy watersports, have a look at our guide to diving in Gozo. You can also add an English course in Gozo to your trip for a versatile, educational and sociable experience in Gozo. Contact our team at [email protected] to learn more.
Gozo and Malta are known as one of the best diving destinations in the Mediterranean. Gozo, as the smaller of the two islands, is usually more popular than Malta. The mild climate, even in winter, virtually ensures diving fun all year round. The good visibility (even at depths of 50 metres) and the exploration of underwater caves and grottos make the Maltese Islands a popular diving destination.
Gozo offers a lot for divers, but what if you’ve never been diving before but would like to give it a try. On Gozo, that’s no problem. Almost every diving school on the island offers introductory courses for beginners. So, you don’t need any experience. You are given the equipment and a short crash course on how to handle and operate the equipment. The instructors help you both on land and underwater with any problems or questions that come up. So, you dive in a small group for about an hour. Due to the great water visibility on Gozo, you can see a breathtaking underwater world from the first few metres.
If you are on Gozo for a longer period of time, you can get your PADI certification here. Depending on how much time you have and how long you can dive per day, the lessons will vary. You can also take an intensive course and get your licence in no time at all.
Gozo offers dive sites for all levels, we have divided the sites by location and included comments on the difficulty level.
For the more experienced diver, the three wrecks on Gozo provide real adventure.
There are many diving schools on Gozo, so it’s easy to lose track. However, depending on what you are looking for, you will quickly find the right diving school for you. The schools offer a comprehensive programme for all levels of divers (beginners (first approaches), advanced (deeper dives) and professionals (complex cave systems)).
Some dive schools are open all year round. Due to the mild water temperatures, even in winter, winter diving is not unknown in Gozo. Should you take a diving course, you can expect them to be designed to international standards (PADI and CMAS).
Since Gozo is a popular location for both English courses and diving, many of our students visit our English school in Gozo to combine the two activities. We have a partnership with various diving centres and can help you book your entire holiday directly. Your weekdays will start with English courses in the morning, followed by diving sessions in the afternoon. This can be arranged for complete beginners or experienced divers.
Read an experience by Marie, a young adult from Germany who tried diving for the first time in Gozo.
I had the opportunity to take a diving course organised by the school. I took the introductory course dive because I can snorkel but have never been diving before.
In the morning I attended courses and I took everything I needed for diving with me to school. After lessons, I got prepared directly at school. Then we were picked up for the dive course by one of the dive instructors from the language school. This was great because we didn’t have to worry about any transfers. We then went by car to the diving centre.
There, each participant had to fill out a health form and we were provided with the equipment. We could choose between a short or a long wetsuit. We also got neoprene shoes, a mask and fins. And the most important thing is the diving waistcoat with the oxygen tank. After each student had received their equipment, we were given a short crash course in diving.
The instructor is super nice and explains everything very precisely and understandably. So that when we drove to the dive site by car, we knew exactly how to behave underwater.
After putting on our equipment on site, we climbed into the water via a small ladder. The equipment is very heavy on land, but fortunately, you don’t notice it in the water. The first time underwater was quite exciting, but with the help of the instructor, it was no problem at all. Once everyone was underwater and we felt comfortable, we slowly moved on to deeper water. And the visibility and underwater world on Gozo did not disappoint. We saw a lot of fish, and could even dive to 12 metres. The dive was a lot of fun and now I want to get a diving licence next so I can see even more of the great underwater world.
Write to us at [email protected] and we’ll guide you through the whole process of booking your trip directly online.
If your idea of a holiday must include nature and you want to find a suitable place for learning English outside a city, the islands of Malta and Gozo may be what you are looking for.
Malta’s nature is nowhere as famous as the sparkling azure sea and the picturesque coast, however, it has a particular and unique charm. Though trees are not abundant, there is much to be enjoyed amidst the dramatic rocky landscape strewn with bushes and wildflowers. Students who want to take English courses while also spending time outdoors in nature are always happy with the combination Malta provides.
Scattered here and there you will find hunters’ lodges and stone igloos known by the name “ġirna” as well as prehistoric megaliths standing tall and mysterious parallel cart ruts cut deep into the rock. What’s most remarkable is the rock. Five layers of rock include varieties of white limestone, blue clay and greensand, which colour and texture define the landscape and the nature that prevails.
As you explore the caves, ridges and the valleys, you will stumble upon fossils, indigenous lizards, snakes, birds and wild rabbits. Your eyes will feast on curious and colourful varieties of cactii and wildflowers, you can taste wild spinach and wild asparagus, while the salty air smells of fennel and wild thyme, and sometimes of pine.
If it is nature you love, you’ll probably prefer the island of Gozo. Gozo is largely unspoilt and still offers plenty of pristine nature to enjoy. Despite its smaller size, there is loads to explore in terms of the coast, cliffs, caves, valleys, and so on, and it is easier to get away from it all in Gozo than it is in Malta. Especially in the cooler months, Gozo’s hills are covered in a lush green carpet and lots of wildflowers.
The Xemxija heritage trail takes you up a Roman Road to the rock-cut apiaries, past a 1000-year-old carob tree, along a path that has punic tombs on one side and temple remains on the other. Here you may venture west into Mizip Forest or continue north to a ridge, which is also the location of the Roman baths. Although located near a residential area, few walks in nature provide such a variety of curiosities.
Buskett Gardens is one of the largest woodland areas of Malta. It was originally the gardens of Verdala Palace, which was built in 1586 by Grand Master de Verdalle and today serves as the summer residence of the President of Malta. Set around a valley with a stream flowing through it, the gardens include wild woodland as well as orchards, which originally served as a hunting reserve.
A short walk from Buskett, one can venture into private property to gain access to one of the most remarkable features on the island. Ghar il-Kbir translates as the great cave and consists of a complex of what were once underground caves inhabited by troglodytes. Nearby is a mysterious web of cart ruts known as Clapham Junction, due to their resemblance to the railway station’s crisscrossing lines.
Set 250 m above sea level, the village of Dingli is set on the edge of the highest cliffs of the island. In some areas, the awe-inspiring sheer drop gives way to land below, some wild and some cultivated. If you feel adventurous, find a way to wander down below. But watch your fall, it’s a long way down!
On the outskirts of the rural village of Bahrija, along winding country roads across an apparent wilderness with stunning views, you will eventually come across one of the most remote and beautiful bays of Malta. Fomm ir-Riħ, the mouth of the wind, features a pebble beach, surrounded by grand cliffs, which can be accessed by a 15-minute trek down a steep path.
The northwest of Malta, from Golden Bay to ix-Xagħra l-Ħamra, was declared a national park in 2007. Majjistral Nature and History Park includes natural habitats, agricultural activities, and historic and archeological sites. The park is freely accessible and several guided tours, activities and events are organised regularly.
Grab your camping gear, apply for a permit online, and head into the woods. Well, almost. Although the area of woodland is actually very small, l-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa is a favourite camping zone with the locals; this condensed area of Malta’s nature, complete with cliffs, rubble and hidden coves for swimming, has the added bonus of wonderful views of Mellieħa bay and the village, the Red Tower, and the sunset. It is also an ideal site for a picnic or a long walk through the woods and along the coast – try to locate the underground cave where the roof caved into the water! You can also access this magnificent location with a kayak which can be found in either Armier or Mellieħa Ghadira Bay beach.
The entire area stretching from Wied Babu, just below the village of Żurrieq, to Għar Lapsi, is an absolute delight to explore. The first stop after Wied Babu, a lush valley with gorgeous sea views, is Wied iż-Żurrieq, a teeny bay where you can take a boat to see the Blue Grotto. Further along the coast (you need not take the road) you will eventually come to the area of the magnificent Mnajdra and Ħaġar Qim megalithic temples, which are complete with a museum and visitor center. Much further along, where the cliffs are ideal for rock climbing, is Għar Lapsi, an ideal place to finish the trek with a swim, some fantastic snorkeling, and simple good food, as children splash in the water while the adults play cards or gossip, with their tea in glasses, at tables outside the boathouses. It does not get more natural than this; this is a true taste of Malta.
Our BELS Gozo English school is housed in a traditional farmhouse that has been renovated into a modern educational establishment, with everything needed for a comfortable learning experience. You can mingle with international students in our front garden, study in a silent environment, and enjoy the slower pace of life on the island of Gozo.
In any search for locations to learn English, Malta is likely to come up on top. The same can be said when looking for top island travel destinations. In recent years, the beauty of our islands has received worldwide appreciation, with visitors from all over the world coming here to experience the unique character, varied culture, rich history, and natural wonders. People love Malta because of how easily accessible it is due to its central location in the Mediterranean. Then there’s the sun, magnificent beaches, a slower pace of life, and an energetic cosmopolitan lifestyle. And of course, the fact that it’s an English-speaking country and former British country.
Being an English-speaking country has also placed Malta as the ultimate destination to learn English. There are a variety of schools for all ages, which are open all year round. Over the years, English schools in Malta and Gozo have gained a reputation for the quality of education they provide. Also, when compared to other popular destinations, there’s the added benefit of the year-round warm climate and lower cost of living. Here you can make steady progress and find quality English courses, while also learning in an immersive environment.
Here at BELS Language schools, we’ve compiled a guide to help you plan your trip to learn English in Malta. It’s based on our years of experience and common inquiries from our students.
As a first step we always advise to speak with us directly, since we can guide you depending on your nationality and visa requirements, preferred travel dates and course duration. These factors are important to consider from the start.
While everyone knows about Malta and the opportunities to learn English there, few are aware of the smaller island of Gozo, which forms a part of Malta. And no trip to Malta is complete without truly experiencing both islands. We recommend at least a full week to get to know Gozo and all its unique nooks and crannies. Yes, Gozo is tiny – but it’s full of charm and worth the extra mile. It’s also home to BELS English language schools, located in the middle of the countryside in the rustic village of Kercem.
Each island and school have their own character and are suitable for different kinds of travellers. When you speak to us, we’ll answer all your questions and suggest the ideal location for you. It’s also possible to split your study trip and learn English at both schools. It’s the best way to discover both islands during your stay.
Most students either need to learn general English for everyday use, business English to improve their career prospects, or academic skills to prepare for an upcoming exam. In some situations, students need a personalied approach to develop English for a specific purpose. It’s imperative to choose the right course for effective and lasting progress. So outline your needs and aims well, then speak to our school to guide you.
At BELS we have a variety of courses for all levels, ages, and learning interests. We’ve also got a team of experienced professionals who have the expertise and eagerness to help. We will guide you in determining your correct level of English from English courses for beginners, elementary, pre-intermediate, intermediate, upper-intermediate, and advanced courses in English, for business or leisure.
When speaking to us, we’ll help you choose the best course and map out a learning plan to get your English where it needs to be.
Once your course is chosen we’ll move on to accommodation. The choice of accommodation throughout your trip has an impact on your overall experience. One of the most important aspects of learning English abroad is becoming a part of an international student community.
When learning English with us, the social aspect is present at school and even in our residences. There’s also the option to live with a local family and experience the culture first hand (as well as taste, with deliciously prepared homemade meals).
Depending on your personality we’ll also guide you through choosing the accommodation that would suit you most – whether you prefer to stay in host-family, student residence, hotel or private apartments.
The time of travel and duration of stay often influence the price. Firstly, there is the high season which is usually from the middle of June, until the end of September. If you study English in the winter period, you will have lower rates. And the best part is that the discounted rates are also available in the shoulder periods – September, October, May and June are all blessed with summer weather and low season prices.
If you study for a longer period, so anything between 8+ weeks, you will also benefit from cheaper weekly rates.
If you want to get an indication of prices, you can use our online pricing tool. To get an accurate quotation and ensure you are selecting the right course, it’s always best to speak with us directly. One of our team members will provide an accurate and complete quotation and the necessary steps to register for courses with us directly. Everything can be planned with us.
Whether you want to learn English for business or leisure, whatever your age or skill level, the minimum course duration is one week. Long-term courses are also very popular, for those aiming to become fluent in English. Once you have selected your course dates, take the time off and book your course.
You only need to book your flights. We assist you with organising everything else, including visa applications, taxi bookings and car rentals, accommodation, sightseeing and activities. As soon as you arrive at the airport, our driver will welcome you and take you directly to the accommodation, also providing a welcome pack and keys to the residence.
Learn English in the mornings and enjoy our gorgeous islands after classes. We can help you have a good time! We advise you and help you organise your sightseeing, boat trips, adventure sports, walks, festivals, beach-going and anything you wish to do. Have a great time on holiday and go home with a new skill and a course certificate to demonstrate your success!
Browse through our student testimonials to see what you can expect when learning English with us in Malta or Gozo.
Gozo is a unique island in the middle of the Mediterranean, which forms a part of the Maltese archipelago. It is often referred to as Malta’s sister island, and it’s always been a popular destination for visitors making day trips from Malta. In recent years Gozo has become a much sought-after destination for its unique balance of nature, simplicity, culture, and lively atmosphere. To experience the real Gozo and all it has to offer, we recommend spending at least a week or two there.
The only way to get to the island of Gozo from Malta is by ferry, and there are two main points that do this.
Visitors can choose between two main ports:
Anyone who visits Gozo falls in love with the little island instantly When compared to Malta, the beautiful island of Gozo has quite a distinctive character and retains many unique cultural and social aspects of bygone times.
One of the best aspects of Gozo is its size – it is approximately 14.5km long and 7.5km wide, with a shoreline of just around 43km and a population of 28,000. And every inch of the island is full of character. Flat-topped hills and cultivated fields characterise the landscape, while the coast has rugged cliffs, steep valleys, and beautiful inlets. Baroque churches and old stone farmhouses dot the countryside. With sunny weather, expansive beaches, a thriving nightlife, and 7,000 years of history, there is a great deal to see and do – anything from historical sites, forts, and amazing panoramas, as well as one of the archipelago’s best-preserved prehistoric temples.
Gozo is famous for its unique blend of history and culture, with influences from the myriad of colonisers along the years. All of these influences created something truly unique which is known as the Gozitan way of life. You’ll find aspects of Mediterranean culture, Arabic influence and more recent influences thanks to the ex-pats from all over the world who have chosen Gozo as their new home.
Here’s a list of things the island of Gozo is well-known for:
The island has a slower pace of life with little to no traffic and everything is nearby, making it a lot easier to relax. Whether you’re on holiday or living and working there, the simplicity and tranquillity around you make it impossible to get stressed. On Gozo, having a balanced life that values well-being comes naturally.
Gozitans are renowned for their splendid sense of hospitality and a laid-back attitude to life that appeals to most visitors. In the past, the Gozitan way of life was mainly based on agriculture and fishing. These aspects are still highly visible on the island which gives it a certain charm.
Nowadays, the island has also adopted a more cosmopolitan lifestyle. In part, this is due to the large and ever-increasing ex-pat community on the island. Many people from all over the world are choosing Gozo as their home – from young people looking for a new life, people visiting to learn English or enjoy the culture sector, to individuals working remotely and older people choosing to retire on Gozo. The island has plenty to offer for everyone.
Visitors here are those who enjoy the simpler things in life, such as picturesque countryside, wholesome food and wine, quaint villages, and integrating into the local way of life where traditions are still very much alive.
The best things to do in Gozo include anything from natural wonders, marvellous beaches, rich history and amazing cuisine. Read our ultimate list of things to do in Gozo.
Being an island stretching 14KM means you’re never too far from the beach. The coast of Gozo is dotted with little coves and marvellous rocky beaches. Apart from that there’s several sandy beaches as well.
Have a look at the full guide to the best beaches in Gozo.
The variety of accommodation options in Gozo cater to any kind of traveller, both in relation to budget and preference. There’s a beautiful selection of traditional farmhouses which have been renovated to meet modern needs, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, boutique hotels and hotels. If you prefer to have your own private apartment, have a look at the selection on Airbnb.
If you’re visiting Gozo to learn English with us at BELS, we can provide accommodation in our superior student residence or local host families. Private self-catering apartments are also available for groups or families.
Food lovers take note! Gozo is blessed with authentic fooderies all over – be it restaurants, cafes, bistros, street food vendors or local farm-to-fork style eateries. Plan your foodie bucket list with our ultimate Gozo food guide.
Another benefit of the small island life on Gozo – it’s easy to get around with short distances and minimal traffic. The public bus system is extremely effective. It’s also easy to cycle from one place to another if you’re n good shape (just keep in mind the heat and hills!). You can rent a car, motorcycle, or electric scooter. You just need a valid EU license.
Gain new language skills, meet like-minded people and explore the island with new friends. We have a lovely community made up of international students and staff, eager to welcome you. We can provide complete packages including courses, accommodation, airport transfers, and leisure activities. Contact us to map our learning plan, organise your trip and learn how to experience the best of Gozo.
Carnival is celebrated in the winter, with a 7-day program full of illuminated floats, bright costumes, traditional rituals, and grotesque masks. In the weeks leading up to carnival, you can feel the excitement in the air, and the frivolous attitude is contagious.
When Carnival is mentioned loads of bright images of costumed revellers, parades, and hedonistic rituals come to mind. Yet no matter where you go, there’s always something unique about the way carnival is celebrated. That’s definitely the case when it comes to carnival in Malta.
Carnival in Malta and Gozo goes back to the arrival of the Knights of St John in 1535. To this day, the carnival in Malta has kept its traditional roots; a daytime parade of elaborately designed colourful floats, dance competitions in fancy get-ups, and children running around in all sorts of costumes.
The heart of the action for younger revelers and families takes place in Valletta in Malta, or Victoria in Gozo. Every village organises a daytime carnival with dancing competitions and float competitions which local groups of enthusiasts spend months preparing for. Folklore rituals are practiced on both islands, with some variations across different villages. You could also taste carnival in Malta; Prinjolata is a colourful, traditional carnival treat that can be found in all the local supermarkets and cafes.
If you’re in the mood for a more adult atmosphere there’s the Nadur grotesque carnival in Gozo, which is known for its outrageous and spontaneous nature. It’s the only carnival in Malta (and the whole world) that is celebrated in such a way. Throughout carnival week, the streets of Nadur invite a multitude of masked and hooded creatures to roam and rave. It’s rather unique to Nadur so the best way to understand it, is to experience it yourself. Visitors usually describe it as a mash-up of Halloween and Carnival, but we’ll let you get your own impression of it.
Daytime carnival activities include a parade of vibrant floats and dance competitions in extravagant getups. Dance festivities start out with a Maltese folklore dance called ‘il-Maltija’, where a number of locals dress up in traditional clothing and dance about to folklore music.
Carnival is also an opportunity to experience tradition when studying English in Malta. Two uniquely Maltese carnival activities are called ‘ġostra’ and ’kukkanja’. The ‘kukkanja’ involves hanging a selection of hams, sausages, and meats on a greasy pole in the middle of a square. Participants have to climb up to earn their prize. The ’ġostra’ is similar, only this time participants have to run up a greasy 30-foot pole over the sea.
Nadur Carnival is known for its outrageous costumes that are mash-up of the grotesque and macabre, cross-dressing, and alternative. Locals disguise themselves in anything from bedsheets to sackcloths, often with a satirical tone. It’s a spontaneous carnival, so ditch the eBay costumes and get creative to fit into the grotesque, fervent atmosphere. If you’re studying English in Malta or Gozo during carnival, go to Nadur on Friday or Saturday evening, which is when the madness’s at its peak.
It’s not exactly an activity, but a must nonetheless- you can’t find it anywhere else in the world. If you’re studying English in Malta around carnival time keep an eye out for Prinjolata in all the cafes, pastry shops and supermarkets. The delicious colourful treat is prepared especially for carnival in Malta.
All English courses at BELS are delivered in a communicative approach, with a friendly and sociable atmosphere within the classrooms. It’s a great opportunity to boost your English skills, meet like-minded people and make friends to explore the islands together. Read about our adult English courses available in the winter season.
Judging by its size you’d be surprised to learn about the astounding amount of historical places in Malta and Gozo. The islands are dotted with historical sites dating back to 3000 B.C and centuries later new historical sites are still being unearthed.
Malta’s a melting pot of cultural histories. Its layered history begins with prehistoric settlers from Sicily who arrived around 5200BC up to the British who were the last to rule before the islands gained independence in 1974. The Greeks, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines and the Turks are amongst those who left their mark on Malta along the years. And the result? A unique culture and lifestyle that brings together aspects from Italy, North Africa and England.
Many visitors add Malta to their bucket list precisely because of its fascinating history.
Malta’s megalithic temples are prehistoric monumental buildings that are amongst the earliest free-standing stone buildings in the world – even older than the pyramids.
Amongst the many megalithic sites on the main island of Malta, the most notable temples are Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra which are next to one another in Qrendi in the south. Apart from being a remarkable site in themselves, the natural surrounds and cliffside views are spectacular. You can easily understand why prehistoric settlers choose this place to call home.
The most documented megalithic temple is found on the smaller island of Gozo. Ggantija temples are a world heritage site and date from around 3600 to 3200 BF. This site consists of two temples and the surrounding grounds are enclosed in a massive boundary wall.
Shrouded in mystery, this UNESCO World Heritage site is an underground prehistoric sanctuary and burial site; the only one of its kind in Europe. The catacomb chambers at the Hypgoeum are remarkably well preserved, with red ochre paintings and carvings on the walls. There are many legends and theories about the existence of this site but it’s best to visit and listen to the audiotapes or join a guided tour. Due to limited daily visitors, it’s best to book this site months in advance.
A visit here during your trip to Malta will take you back to where it all began. With evidence of human habitation dating back more than 7,400 years, Għar Dalam gave evidence of the earliest human settlement on Malta. It also contained fossilised bones of extinct creatures like dwarf elephants, hippos, micro-mammals and birds. It is said that these remains are from animals that lived here back when Malta and Sicily were still connected by land.
If you’d like to discover some of the island’s underground connection, make it a point to visit these catacombs. The two sites are a complex of interconnected, underground Roman cemeteries which represent the earliest evidence of Christianity in Malta.
Mdina, also known as the silent city, is a fortified city perched on top of a hill. With a story that traces back to over 4000 years ago, Mdina has witnessed many different stages of history of Malta. With each colonizer came different uses of the city as well as renovations. Today it’s one of the most visited place by tourists as well as being close to the hearts of locals. Apart from the museums and craft shops, it’s known for having the best chocolate cake on the island as well as some delicious ice-cream. Plan an afternoon stroll here and stay until dusk.
Citadella is an iconic landmark in Gozo. Just like Mdina, it is a fortified city on one of the highest positions of the island. And due to Gozo’s small size it’s visible from anywhere in Gozo. It’s light design make it particularly stunning during the night time. Citadella was built in 1500 BC with many additions over the years, and just like Mdina it’s passed through many of the island’s colonizers. Plan a visit here around sunset for a magical feel. Have a drink at a winebar, take in the views and enjoy the silence.
It’s official name is Saint Agatha’s Tower and it was built as a watchtower between 1647 and 1649 and manned during both wars. The fort is unique in it’s castle-like structure. The tower is open to visitors and inside you can see the original floor and walls. From on top of the tower you can see stunning views of Malta, Gozo and Comino.
Want to learn about more places to visit in Malta? Have a look at our blog section.
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