Gozo - unless you are an 18-30 type, you will like this place. Get a cheap flight to Malta (we paid £120 in June 2000 - expedia), get to the ferry asap and hang out on Gozo.
Accommodation We stayed at the San Antonio Guesthouse http://www.clubgozo.com.mt - pool, breakfast, a steepish 500m walk from the centre of Xlendi harbour at £30 approx per night. I'd go back again - in fact two groups have gone (and raved) on our recommendation. George, the owner, is friendly and tireless, running a clean, well-presented place (see their website for pics and more info).
Xlendi In June we had all the amenities without all of the tourists. I can imagine it getting a bit too busy at the height of the season. Its a small harbour, with no real beach as such, but many people sunbath on the rocks and steps are provided to enter the sea along the harbour. Good variety of eating and drinking establishments - The Stone Crab is special, serving a seafood pizza taller than it is wide, with at least half a dozen king prawns jostling with an aquarium's worth of other fresh seafood. Wine is cheap and plentiful.
Victoria The island capital, easily reached by regular bus is a must. Aside from the Citadel, you can pick up the brilliant local cheese, eat at a wider variety of restaurants - The Panzier, a Sicilian place, is very good. Also, a number of eclectic, rather than themed, bars run along the main drag.
Elsewhere Either by bus or car (hire for about £12-15/day) you can get to half a dozen other beaches, visit historic churches and other buildings and see some of the craft shops (particularly glass-blowers)
Diving In Xlendi, Moby Dives are superb. The current Mrs O claimed (at least five times an hour) she would rather die than go diving. Using military grade powers of persuasion I dragged her pallid frame to Moby Dives and three hours later she was still carrying on, this time about how brilliant it was.
Festivals The sound of three brass bands converging on a tiny square is not one you forget (I think its called tinnitus). The whole island seemed to half squeezed itself into a little village for a religious procession followed by a streeet party. Every night fireworks were going off, each village trying to outdo their neighbours.
Views Obviously pretty good to get the current Mrs O to rediscover her romantic side as the sun set over the harbour.
Look out for The lone duck patrolling the harbour. The swimming dogs. Someone who can't play a brass instrument.
Conclusion Malta is the fourth most densely populated country in the world. Gozo is not. In fact its not a lot of things I've come to dread in the Med.
More info Pics, numbers, and other info all on http://www.gozo.com
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I've seen some beautiful Villas in Gozo in magazines, they are like castles.
Don't know if Malta appeals to me or not, I've heard it's not to everyones taste.
purdy 23.08.2001 15:32
Nice op - made me giggle - give my regards to the current Mrs O (how many have there been!) Take Care HEather
Isobel_Princess 23.08.2001 15:26
I've been to Malta and Gozo! i had such a great time. good opinion! love from Isobel
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Advantages: A quiet and restful island with plenty to do and see that takes you back at least 30 years. Disadvantages: You may just go to sleep from the quiet.
Scorpio2 23.07.2001 ·
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Review of Maltese Islands
Advantages: A quiet and restful island with plenty to do and see that takes you back at least 30 years. Disadvantages: You may just go to sleep from the quiet.
Scorpio2 23.07.2001 ·
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Review of Maltese Islands
Advantages: Airconditioned hotel with all the comforts of home. Balcony overlooking a wonderful marina. All facilities within easy reach. Disadvantages: I found no disadvantages in our stay.
Scorpio2 26.06.2001 ·
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Review of Best Western Hotels
Advantages: Plenty to see and do for everybody. Historic and Ancient. Some nice beaches, some rocky coves. Wonderful for snorkeling, water clear blue. Disadvantages: Poor roads, ancient but quaint bus system (Cheap and regular).
Scorpio2 26.06.2001 ·
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Review of General: Malta
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