Gozo, a luxury escapade in Mediterranean

Malta’s famous Azure Window island
2020-06-18
/
/ Kolkata
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Photo Credit: ViewingMalta.com

For the absolute luxury travel seekers looking for new destinations in the middle of nowhere, Gozo, an island of the Maltese archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea is an expensive but interesting offbeat pick.

The Indian seasoned luxury travellers have for long been on the lookout for extra-ordinary places for outstanding travel experiences. The pandemic may have halted all travel for the moment, but when travel resumes, luxury travel will be one segment that will pick up faster than other as it ticks two key aspects – absolute privacy and abundant money. And this is why Gozo, a lesser-known island of Malta may interest the Indian rich travellers.

How to reach the island?

There are no international airlines that fly directly from India to Malta’s capital Valletta – from where a ferry is the only option to reach Gozo. However, major international airlines like Emirates, Turkish Airlines, British Airways and Lufthansa offer reasonable connections. A Schengen visa is required for the Indians to travel to Malta. From the Malta International Airport, a 40-minute taxi ride to the Cirkewwa ferry terminal and then a 25-minute ferry to the island of Gozo is the quickest and easiest transfer option. There is a set taxi fare from the airport to ferry of Eur 30 (INR 2,500). The ferry costs about Eur 4.5 (INR 350).

Photo Credit: ViewingMalta.com

What’s so special?

This sister island of Malta has been in the limelight after a number of big-budget films and television productions were shot here, especially in the first series of Game of Thrones, the landmark Azure Window featured as the backdrop of some of the most memorable scenes.

Gozo is thought to be the legendary Calypso’s isle of Homer’s Odyssey – a peaceful, mystical backwater. Baroque churches and old stone farmhouses dot the countryside making it an ideal place for a luxurious vacation.

Victoria is the island’s capital where lies the ancient citadel, the island’s fortress, which was used as a safe haven when the island was frequently raided and people were taken by pirates to be sold into slavery during the 15th and 16th centuries. The rugged landscape and spectacular coastline are some of the Mediterranean’s best dive sites too.

The island becomes complete with historical sites, forts and an amazing panorama, with one of the archipelago’s best-preserved prehistoric temples, Ġgantija. From Victoria, it is easy to reach all the other towns and small villages. You can head west towards the setting sun to visit Għarb – the most western village on the archipelago. From this village, you can gain access to Dwejra and the location once known for the famous Azure Window which sadly collapsed into the sea in March 2017.

Famous for its scenic hills, the island has many more spectacular natural features, including the Inland Sea and Wiedil-Mielaħ Window. The beaches on the island, as well as seaside resorts, are popular, with the most popular ones being Marsalforn and Xlendi. There are many good high-quality luxury resorts here for a luxury staycation with premium facilities available on demand.

Local food is extremely refreshing and famous, especially the bread and the cheese. Following Malta’s fusion culture, some of the best dishes in Gozo to be tasted are Stuffattal-fenek (rabbit stew), Kapunata (stewed vegetable), Minestra (vegetable soup eaten with bread) and Pastizzi (cheese pastry).

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