Gozo Facts for Kids

Gozo (Maltese: Għawdex), once called Gaulos, is a beautiful island in the Mediterranean Sea. It's part of the Maltese archipelago and is the second-largest island in Malta. Gozo is known for its peaceful countryside and lovely rolling hills, which you can even see on its coat of arms. It's a great place to explore nature and history!

Welcome to Gozo!
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Welcome to Gozo!

Gozo is a small island, but it's packed with amazing sights and sounds. It's much quieter than Malta's main island, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing adventure. Many people visit Gozo to enjoy its natural beauty, ancient buildings, and friendly atmosphere.

Where is Gozo?

Gozo is located just a short ferry ride northwest of the main island of Malta. It's part of the country of Malta, which is a group of islands in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. The island is about 14 kilometres (8.7 miles) long and 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) wide. This means you can explore a lot of it in just a few days!

A Peek into Gozo's Past

Gozo has a very long and interesting history. People have lived on the island for thousands of years!

Ancient Times

The first people arrived in Gozo around 5000 BC. They built amazing temples, like the Ġgantija Temples, which are even older than the pyramids of Egypt! Later, different groups of people, like the Phoenicians, Romans, and Byzantines, came to Gozo. They all left their mark on the island.

Knights and Beyond

In the 16th century, the Knights of St. John took control of Malta and Gozo. They built strong forts to protect the islands from invaders. Gozo was often attacked by pirates and other armies, so its people had to be very brave. Later, the British ruled Gozo for many years before Malta became an independent country in 1964.

Exploring Gozo's Nature

Gozo is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, from rocky coastlines to green valleys.

Amazing Landscapes and Beaches

The island has many beautiful spots to explore. You can find tall cliffs, hidden coves, and lovely sandy beaches. Some popular beaches include Ramla Bay with its reddish sand and San Blas Bay. Even though the famous Azure Window natural arch collapsed in 2017, Gozo still has other incredible rock formations and sea caves to discover.

Unique Wildlife

Gozo is home to some interesting plants and animals. You might spot the Maltese Wall Lizard, which is a type of lizard found only on these islands. The island's clear waters are also home to various fish and marine life, making it a great place for snorkeling and diving.

Fun Things to Do in Gozo

There's so much to see and do in Gozo, whether you love history, nature, or just relaxing!

The Cittadella: A Fortress City

One of Gozo's most famous landmarks is the Cittadella. It's an ancient walled city built on a hill in the middle of the island. From its high walls, you can see almost all of Gozo! Inside, there are old streets, a cathedral, and museums that tell the story of the island.

Ancient Temples

Don't miss the Ġgantija Temples, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These huge stone temples are some of the oldest freestanding structures in the world. It's incredible to think about how people built them so long ago without modern tools!

Diving and Water Fun

Gozo is a top spot for diving and snorkeling. The clear blue waters and amazing underwater caves and reefs attract divers from all over the world. You can also enjoy swimming, kayaking, or taking boat trips around the island.

Charming Villages and Towns

Gozo has many small, quiet villages, each with its own unique charm. The capital city is Victoria (also known as Rabat), which is a busy hub with shops, restaurants, and markets. Exploring these villages gives you a real feel for local Gozitan life.

Getting Around Gozo

Getting to Gozo is easy! You can take a ferry from Ċirkewwa on the main island of Malta. Once on Gozo, you can get around by bus, taxi, or by renting a car or bike. The island is small enough to explore at your own pace.

Images for kids

View of Mġarr Harbour from the Gozo Channel Line
MV Ta' Pinu, one of the four ferries operated by the Gozo Channel Line, on its way from Gozo to Ċirkewwa.
Transport bus in Gozo in 2017
Gozitan landscape in Għasri, as viewed from the Cittadella.
View of Mġarr ix-Xini, with Comino and mainland Malta in the background.
Maltese Wall Lizard (Gozo)