MALTA
Everything you need
to know about Gozo
here was one great omission from my bucket list, mostly because I had no idea how beautiful it really is and that is Crystal Lagoon. I found out about it through my research before the trip to Malta and once I took a dive in its waters, my initial thought was ''everyone should experience this at some point''.
The Xwejni Salt Pans are a prominent attraction on the island, offering visitors a glimpse into the age-old tradition of natural salt collection.
Our biggest trip outside of Valletta was for our visit to Gozo, the second largest island in the archipelago. It was a hot August after all, we had to find some comfort in the sea. It was a 1 hour drive to the port to catch the boat and as soon as we landed in Gozo we took a tuk-tuk to drive us around (€79 / person). The one thing I really wanted to visit was the Salt Pans: the Xwejni Salt Pans are a prominent attraction on the island, offering visitors a glimpse into the age-old tradition of natural salt collection.
If you go through with it, Victoria is the heart of it. You will find local stores and cafes and nice streets to stroll but nothing much to do. Another stop is the Cittadella, the ancient fortified city. Occupied since prehistoric times, though today only a few families reside within the Citadel walls. In the square, you will find the magnificent baroque Cathedral dedicated to Santa Marija, the Law Courts, and the Bishop’s Palace.
Other stops include the church of Saint John the Baptist, two beautiful bays, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu and Sanap Cliffs where I took the incredible picture with me facing the endless blue. To be honest, the tuk-tuk experience was great fun and different but most of the attractions, though interesting, can be skipped if you don’t have many days ahead of you.
To be honest, the tuk-tuk experience was great and different but most of the attractions, though interesting, can be skipped if you don’t have many days ahead of you. That’s if you want more time swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Blue and Crystal Lagoon. And you have to. If you must add something to your bucket list, make this be the lagoons. The water is extraordinarily clear, you feel like you were in a swimming pool. You are between sea caves and cliffs, the water is cool, it’s meant to be your perfect summer destination. And while I had an extreme fear for jellyfishes (I read there were many) we saw none and even if there were you would be able to see them clearly through the waters.
