Malta and Gozo Adventure

The diminutive island of Gozo, 14km across at its widest point, is a world away from the hustle and bustle of home. Populated with tiny villages and pretty hills this is a delightful place to begin your Mediterranean adventure. Xlendi, your base in Gozo was once a quiet fishing village.  Your hotel is only meters from the beautiful bay where you can swim or snorkel. In the morning you take a jeep safari around Gozo, a much more rural island than its neighbour to the south. 

In the morning you take a jeep safari around Gozo. Gozo is known as the fruit basket of Malta, and you will see much of the flora and fauna of the island as you are taken to the more remote parts of the island. The safari begins with a drive to Dwejra Bay where you can see the Azure Window, a spectacular arch formed out of the rock by thousands of years of wind and waves and the Inland Sea, a landlocked seawater lake, sheltered from the sea by an archway entrance. Weather permitting you might be able to take a boat trip from the Inland Sea to the Azure Window (optional).

From here you continue to the village of Xaghra and visit Calypso’s Cave. Gozo is revered as the legendary island of Ogygia, home of Calypso In The Odyssey, and it is this cave that is believed to have been her home. Here you will be greeted with panoramic views across the Mediterranean and the fertile Ramla Valley. From here it’s a short drive to Ramla il’Hamra (Red Sandy Beach) where there is time to swim in the warm sea. Your drive continues along the fertile valley enjoying views of the surrounding hills and the Citadel as you head back to Xlendi.

 
The afternoon is free for you can get to know the area a little better. A wander through the countryside, along countless trails is a great way both to relax and to discover Gozo. You may like to swim in the clear, warm waters of the Mediterranean.   All activities are optional, allowing you to see and do as much or as little as you choose. (B)

Today you will have a pretty unique experience by experiencing a day in the tranquil life of a local shepherd at the Ager Foundation, a pioneer and promoter of eco tourism in Gozo.  Gozitan shepherds still tend their sheep and goats in pristine countryside, accompanied by dogs guiding the herd on its way.  Hands on involvement in the feeding and milking of the sheep as well as your valued participation in the process of Gozitan cheese-making enable you to experience it too.  The processing of Gozitan cheeselets, which are consumed fresh, sundried, salted or peppered is a fun experience.  You will also enjoy an authentic traditional lunch with your host featuring Gozitan cheese, olives, sundried tomatoes and crusty oven baked bread - delicious!  (BL)

Today has been left free so you can choose from a variety of activities to make the most of your time in this Mediterranean jewel. There are many activities that can be enjoyed here, from chilling out in the Splash and Fun Water Park, visiting pretty Marsaloxx and historic Mdina, horse riding along the Golden Bay area or visiting Popeye village. (B)