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Towns & Villages in Gozo | |||||||||||||||||
If calling from the UK Malta Free Phone: 80073737
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Gozo - The Idyllic Island in The Mediterranean 'It
was indeed a spot where even immortal visitors must pause to gaze
in wonder and delight' Victoria
Victoria, more commonly known as Rabat (meaning suburb and as with Mdina and Rabat on Malta, the town is a suburb of the Citadel), is the capital and hub of activity and lies precisely in the center of the island. The name Victoria was given to the town in 1897, in honour of Queen Victoria in her Jubilee year. This town combines an impressive hilltop Citadel and a lovely town below. Victoria is the islands most populated town and is the administrative centre, which includes the main school, hospital and law courts.
San Lawrenz is a hilltop farming village that dates back to 1575. Ta'Dbiegi lies on the outskirts of the village and is the highest point on the island (190 meters above sea level). From the quiet village square one takes the road down to Dwejra, which boasts of several natural wonders including, Fungus Rock, Azure Window and the inland sea. Gharb, meaning 'west', is the westernmost village in Gozo and is one of the prettiest and most peaceful villages on the island. Gharb is a place of intense natural beauty. Several British ex-patriots have made their home here, restoring old farmhouses. Xlendi is a typical fishing village wedged between majestic cliffs, making it the most picturesque and romantic village on the island. Over the years a number of Hotels and buildings have been built, making it a main summer resort. Restaurants line the seafront entertaining patrons to al fresco meals.
Zebbug takes it name from the Maltese name for 'olives' and is set on two adjoining hills to the North of the Island, where one can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Gozitan countryside and the Mediterranean. Marsalforn has transformed itself from a seaside village frequented by wealthy Gozitans to the Island's largest resort. Here there is a good choice of diving spots and the deep clear waters of Ghar Qawqla are a swimmer's delight. Marsalforn offers the widest variety of bars and restaurants, most of them al fresco. Xaghra rises on a hill in the central northeastern part and towers over Marsalforn. Here one can enjoy a glorious panorama over a wide sweep of Gozo. In Xaghra one will find the pre-historic temples of Ggantija meaning ' gigantic' due to the size of the megaliths.
Sannat lies to the south of the Island and is a quiet agricultural village. Besides the excellent views of the countryside and the sea, one also finds several prehistoric remains in the area. Munxar, a suburb of Sannat, lies on the very southernmost tip and its name is the Maltese name for 'buckshaw'. The area offers breathtaking views and is ideal for relaxing walks. Xewkija is best known for its Rotunda church which is the most conspicuous landmark on Gozo. The dome is one of the biggest in the world. This village is on the crossroads between Rabat and Mgarr.
Nadur is set on top of a flat ridge 152m above sea level and was the main watch tower for the whole east coast during the time of the Knights of St. John. Needless to say, the views from this village are mesmerising. Qala is a quiet rural village east of Nadur and has one of Malta's few surviving 19th century windmills. Also here, one can enjoy far-reaching panoramic views of the Gozitan countryside and Comino. Ghajnsielem towers above Mgarr Harbour, (the Island's main harbour). The Knights of Malta built Fort Chambray to protect the harbour and make the channel safer, however, with the passage of time, this fort has lost its previous role and at present is being onverted into an upmarket residential complex. |