Gozo, known as Għawdex to the Maltese, is an island forming part of the Maltese archipelago. The island is part of Malta and the second-largest island in the archipelago. Compared to its southeastern neighbour, Gozo is more rural and known for its scenic surrounds and slow pace of life. The island has a population of around 37,500 and its inhabitants are known as Gozitans.
Gozo is a treasure trove of historic locations such as the Ġgantija temples, which, along with the other Megalithic Temples of Malta, are among the world’s oldest free-standing structures.
Gozo is less developed and was known for the Azure Window, a natural limestone arch that was a remarkable geological feature, until its collapse on Wednesday 8th March 2017. Several television series and films were shot in this location. Adjacent to this site one will find the mesmerising Inland Sea and close by the Wied il-Mielaħ Window. Gozo has quite a few beaches as well as seaside resorts that are popular with both locals and tourists. The most popular are Marsalforn and Xlendi. Gozo is considered one of the top diving destinations in the Mediterranean and an international centre for water sports.
During the Neolithic Period the Ġgantija temples were built and not only are they among the world’s oldest free-standing structures, but also one of the world’s oldest religious structures. The temple’s name is Maltese means “belonging to the giants” because of Maltese legends purporting this. Another important archaeological site which dates back to the Neolithic period, is the Xagħra Stone Circle. Folklore and some ancient Greek historians such as Euhemerus and Callimachus maintain that Gozo was the island that Homer described as Ogygia, home of the nymph Calypso. Therefore Gozo is often referred to as “Calypso’s Island”.
