Gozo

Gozo has a distinct character all its own. The countryside is prettier than that of its larger neighbour, the pace is slower and there are far fewer tourists. The island has its share of medieval architecture and prehistoric temples, making it a great place to escape the tourism mill.

The commercial centre of the island, Victoria, has a sleepy 17th-century feel. Head to the top of the Citadel, or ‘Gran Costello’, for a view of the entire island. The Norman House, on the Citadel’s grounds, houses an interesting folk museum.

You can retrace the footsteps of Ulysses at Calypso’s Cave, in the cliffs overlooking Ramla Bay on the northeastern coast. Other spelunking opportunities include the underground Xerri’s Grotto and Ninu’s Cave in the tiny town of Xaghra, a couple of kilometres southwest of Ramla Bay. The Ggantija temple complex, also near Xaghra, is the most spectacular in Malta.