The sister island of Malta, Gozo, can add culinary delights to a trip to this popular Mediterranean destination.
Travellers who visit Malta tend to forget that this Mediterranean archipelago has 20 more islands, of which Gozo and Comino are significant. All of them boast a year-round sunny climate – and English is an official language.
Gozo has some fine culinary delights on offer, and do taste some of Gozo's artisanal products, including some of the best sun-dried tomatoes in Europe, or local sea salt harvested from the famous saltpans in Xwejni. A popular ingredient in Gozitan traditional cuisine is cheeselets, locally known as “Gbejniet”, made from sheep's milk. They are small and round in shape and can be eaten plain, savoury, dried, salt-cured, marinated or peppered. On the sweeter side, one can delight in authentic honey and carob syrup. As for local beverages, traditional liquor, wines, and craft beer are the most loved.
During the annual festas (feasts), the village square is one of the best locations for absorbing the local ambience of Gozitan village life over dinner and a glass of local wine.
Popular local fare consists of “Lampuki Pie” (fish pie), “Stuffat tal-Fenek“ (a rabbit stew, considered the Maltese national dish), “Kapunata”, (the Maltese version of ratatouille), and “Bigilla”, a thick pâté of broad beans with garlic, served with Maltese bread and olive oil.
The village festas are typical of the Gozitan summer celebrations and are the main attractions in every village. At the peak of these celebrations, typically between Friday and Sunday, a procession is held in honour of the village's patron saints. Streets are decorated with banners and statues, while the town churches are elegantly decorated on the exterior and interior. Marching bands play tunes along the village square, accompanied by parishioners and street vendors serving traditional cuisine. In Gozo, 15 festas are celebrated during the summer season, one each weekend per village. The island’s capital Victoria is the only exception, with only two larger festas and one smaller one. Some of the most popular festas include Victoria (Mid-July and August 12th - 15th) and Xaghra (September 6th - 8th).
Gozo is considered the legendary Calypso's isle in Homer's The Odyssey. It is said to be perfect for those seeking a more relaxed stay. The island also offers historical sites, forts, and secluded beaches. It has one of the archipelago's best-preserved prehistoric temple sites, the Ġgantija temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Two ferry companies take travellers from Malta to Gozo, one in 45 minutes from Valletta, the other in 25 minutes from Cirkewwa.
