Gozo’s reputation as a romantic destination is steeped in the legendary myth of Calypso — the nymph who, in Homer’s Odyssey, held Odysseus under her spell when he was shipwrecked on the island. This aura of longing and enchantment was echoed in the 19th and early 20th centuries, when travel writers described Gozo as an idyllic and pastoral island with rustic villages, dramatic cliffs, and secluded bays, offering serene retreats for honeymoons and romantic escapes.   Today, Gozo stands as a classic romantic destination. With its picturesque beaches, charming boutique hotels, intimate seaside dinners, and growing appeal as a destination wedding venue, the island continues to embody timeless romance in both myth and reality.

If you’re planning a honeymoon or a romantic stay in Gozo, arranging accommodation is one of the easier tasks. Gozo offers a range of options, from luxury escapes to more budget-friendly stays.  Five-star and four-star hotels with all-inclusive resort services, boutique spa facilities, and other luxuries, such as infinity pools overlooking the sea, often offer couples’ packages throughout the year.    For a more intimate setting, staying in a typical farmhouse combines authentic rustic charm with comfort, allowing you to create your own perfect moments – think private courtyards and poolside BBQs under the stars.  Gozo is also home to a series of unique luxury B&Bs.  Whether they’re located in the heart of the city, at the edge of the cliff, or in the middle of the countryside, Gozo’s hospitality is second to none. Moreover, in Gozo it is easy to rent self-catering apartments or homes in the villages or by the seaside.  If you’re combining romantic with wellness, it is good to know that Gozo is also home to several wellness retreats.

Charting a romantic itinerary is about blending nature, sacred spaces, beaches, and villages, and Gozo offers a diverse range of activities to enjoy. Exploring the island is similar to peeling layer after layer, each revealing new experiences to share.  If you love being in nature, start by checking out the stretch of cliffs along the southern side of the island (Ta’ Ċenċ and Sanap cliffs) for an inspiring walk.  Other unique places often associated with serenity include the picturesque San Blas beach, Wied il-Għasri,  Lunzjata Valley and the salt pans area.

Take the time to discover the sacred spots that the island has to offer. Start with one of the oldest temples in the Mediterranean region, the Ġgantija temples, and then proceed to some show-stopping churches and edifices that the islanders have erected in testimony to their faith and devotion, but do not overlook the small chapels.  Tracing a path to these structures will lead you through shady alleyways winding around magnificent golden basilicas, countryside routes beside shrines and inevitably visiting different villages and towns, each with its own story and squares where you can stop for a snack or lunch.  It will be the ideal occasion to indulge in Gozo’s street food, typically in the form of ‘pastizzi’ or ‘ftira’ straight out of the oven of a wood-fired bakery.

A romantic getaway during the summer season is not complete without an aquatic experience.  Spending time at the beach, snorkelling in coves, and exploring the many different bays are all on the list, along with more exciting options, such as kayaking, jet skiing and diving.  For the ultimate romantic escape, consider private boat hire and sunset sailing trips.

Beyond the call of the sea, Gozo is a cultural immersion on many fronts.  Enjoy the local summer feasts, colourful and noisy celebrations beneath summer skies lit by fireworks, step into Gozo’s opera houses in the golden glow of autumn, where every note lingers like romance in the air, and discover the wine and eco estates, amid the vineyards and olive groves spread over the terraced valleys.   For a more hands-on experience, visit the studio of a local artisans and take a go at shaping clay on the potter’s wheel or a stint at loom weaving.

When it comes to dining options, Gozo boasts its share of Michelin-recommended restaurants where intimate fine dining intertwines with creative Mediterranean flair. Beyond this finesse, Gozo is also home to many dining establishments serving local cuisine, featuring fresh seafood, meats, and classic dishes.  Restaurants at Xlendi, Marsalforn and Mġarr seafronts are among the most popular on the island. Still, you will also discover some truly special locations nestled on terraces along the coast with breathtaking views, offering al fresco dining in a relaxed and effortlessly romantic vibe, perfect for intimate celebrations and proposals.

Some say Gozo’s name can be translated to mean joy.   Perhaps this refers to the delight that fills the heart of those who escape to its shores and countryside.  Maybe it is the joy that is evoked at first light of dawn or that lingers in the golden glow of a sunset.  Perhaps it is carried in the gentle breeze or the playful splash of waves at the beach, the quiet of tranquil walks, the reverence of sacred sites or in the authentic flavours of local cuisine.  Gozo is an invitation to fall in love again with the world, with yourself and with each other.