Living history and delicious culture
Malta is a land of islands, the second biggest of which, Gozo is the base for our favourite family adventures. Castilian for ‘joy’, the island is only half an hour from Malta by ferry, so its pleasures are easily accessible.
There is something about this sunny little island that has universal appeal. Here at Activities Abroad we think that in part it is its striking landscape which is not only easy on the eye, but provides a base for some awesome family activities from kayaking to diving to climbing. Or maybe it is the enticing and welcoming culture? Gozo has a remarkable history and the pace of life can only be described as easy going. Whichever it may be, this little known Mediterranean wonder is a gem!
The history of Gozo is not just something you read on a page, it is something that you can really experience during our holiday, and we have even seen teenagers engaged in the island’s past! The Maltese islands have been occupied by everyone from the Romans to the Arabs to the French to the British and, consequently, the island is home to a rich and varied culture.
Read moreThe food here really is excellent and families can look forward to local Mediterranean produce: pastries, cheeses, pasta, and wholesome stews, alongside a helping of fresh seafood from the island’s traditional fishermen.
Our Gozo holidays are set in the small village of Xaghra, which families will love for its relaxed pace and excellent eateries. The village is close to the Ġgantija Temples, UNESCO World Heritage structures said to be the oldest free standing constructions on Earth. Their enchanting remnants date from between 3600 to 3200 BC, making them more ancient than the pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge!
We also include an ‘eco-day’ on our trips, an annual favourite which offers families a taste of Gozitan culture – we keep this day a bit of a surprise though so you’ll have to wait to find out all the delights that await!
Photography by Nick Bugeja, Daniel Cilia and Visitgozo.com
A dazzling coastline
Being an island, Gozo is an ideal destination for water sports and you will explore in a variety of ways! it is not surprising that during your time in Gozo your family will have plenty of opportunity explore the surrounding waters in a variety of active and more laid back ways.
Our lazy boat day is a family favourite and as you cruise the coast you get a wonderful view back at the cliffs and rugged coastline. Of course the water beckons you and so there’s always plenty of time for snorkelling, swimming and generally splashing around.
You can see hidden sections of the island’s coastline as you take to the water on sea kayaks. You will kayak past beautiful rock formations and under arches as well as exploring secret coves.
These islands are famed for their dive sites and we help you experience the magic of the underwater world during a Mini B diving experience, ideal for beginners! Strapping on your scuba rucksack, and following training from our expert guides, a sub aqua adventure awaits!
Gozo’s towering cliffs not only provide a scenic backdrop but set the scene for a climbing adventure.
This day offers a challenge for families as you take to the rock face and choose your route to the top. The reward is the satisfaction of ascending followed by the thrill of descending back down!
And relax....
Our week in Gozo offers a balance of free time alongside the thrills of the activities. This gives you the chance to enjoy some family time of the highest quality as you soak up the atmosphere and sunshine together. There is a pool at the hotel, which is the ideal place to cool off and chill out.
We give you a free day to explore on your own and we highly recommend the Ġgantija Temples which are of course well worth a visit, there’s also a great ‘hop on, hop off’ bus should you wish to explore further afield.
Read moreWe also give you some down time at Ramla beach, an excellent location where you can chill out on the vibrant red sands and enjoy the shops and cafes in this small village. Bliss.