Few things bring nostalgic springtime vibes quite like a picnic. In Gozo, it is never just a simple outdoor meal, but an experience beneath blue skies, surrounded by greenery, or along sandy shores with waves gently lapping at your feet. It is about being — and almost becoming — one with nature, away from the madding crowds.

Anyone who lives on the island will have cherished memories of picnics in the countryside or by the seaside. Sometimes it is about a quiet afternoon at Ramla or Ħondoq ir-Rummien, when a novel or a deck of cards means a peaceful hour. On other occasions, especially when picnics stretch on, they become a joyful feast of delicious food and typical snacks, along with games of hide-and-seek, tumbles through freshly harvested, empty fields, and moments spent capturing memories.  The appeal of picnics is for young and old alike. With this in mind, Visit Gozo met up in Xwejni with Ana Kisling, who, in a short span of time, has become Gozo’s picnic muse.

Ana, who hails from Ukraine, can be described as a world traveller. Her previous career as a business-jet hostess meant she has lived a hectic life and been to many places.  In her 20s, she was travelling everywhere and decided to settle in Austria. However, she soon discovered that Austria was not a match. In her native Ukraine, Ana had lived close to the sea, and the sea’s call still resonated in her soul. At one point, Ana visited the island of Malta. She confesses that she had not heard of Gozo, and when she visited, it was the cliché ‘love at first sight’!  It was July and the mesmerising festa season in full swing, the billowing flags, the sunsets at Ramla … bawled Ana right away – so much that she simply stayed.

When asked what makes Gozo so special, Ana does not linger. “For me, it was always the warmth of local people. Yes, it’s a beautiful place, and the sea and blue sky, but it’s the people who really made me feel like I want to stay”.  She goes so far as to mention that even flying to Malta with Air Malta felt noticeably more welcoming.  Topping all this is Gozo’s seemingly predisposition to serendipity, which matches Ana’s love for daily adventure and lifestyle.

Ana’s foray into the picnic business began in 2018, when, as a mother, she would escape into the Gozitan countryside with her daughter, turning simple outings into cherished and beautifully curated moments of quality time.  These experiences soon sparked the idea of offering the same sense of intimacy and charm to others—well before the concept gained wider popularity in the years following COVID.  Ana drew on her past experience as a flight attendant, creating unique lunches or dinners for business clients, and took this to the next level with Gozo acting as a backdrop. Always seeking to be in tune with the environment, Ana explains that the picnic experience is very different from a restaurant dining experience.  Restaurant dining experiences are nearly always akin to one’s expectations, but a picnic always provides the ‘pleasantly surprised’ factor!

Now in her eighth year of hosting picnic guests, Ana is grateful for what Gozo has led her to.  She explains that 85% of people who seek her out to organise their picnics are tourists.  Families and couples of all ages contact her, and these days she also caters to many girl groups looking for a bachelorette or just on an exclusive girls’ trip. The picnic experience revolves around the occasion and what the client is seeking.  Sometimes picnics turn into special days, like birthdays, marriage proposals, and honeymoon trysts, but many times they are simply a matter of delightful fun.  One English guy contacted Ana and booked a romantic picnic to propose to his girlfriend before he booked the flights and the hotel!

When it comes to the food, Ana is aware that she is not a local, but she has endeavoured to bridge the gap in her knowledge by going back to the roots.  She quietly explains that one lady in Xaghra taught her how to prepare traditional dishes. She started with the basics and learned about the different types of pastry Gozitans use for ‘qassatat’, ‘imqaret’, and pies, along with the preparation of baked pasta, stews, and other dishes.  While she accommodates clients with special dietary requirements, Ana’s picnic menus are all about typical small-island cooking, in line with the time of year, the weather, and the island’s produce.   The choice of fruits offered is always guided by what is in season, reflecting the island’s natural, quiet abundance.

Picnics are intrinsically tied to the location, and Ana sees the island as a blessing, with a magical selection of spots to suit different moods. Ultimately, the choice depends on the client’s request, but it is shaped by the time of year, the hour of the day, and the nature of the group or celebration. Even the same place takes on a different character with the changing seasons. She explains that many travellers are spellbound by sunset picnics at the saltpans, while she personally cherishes private sunrise moments with her daughter. Whatever she creates, Ana strives to make each experience feel relaxed and effortless, taking genuine joy in crafting something memorable for others. Her eyes light up as she reflects, “I love seeing people enjoy the island. Sharing these moments allows me to connect with others — many of whom become friends long after their picnic has ended.”

She is full of enthusiasm when speaking to anyone thinking of visiting Gozo. “It’s an amazing island. It’s very different from Malta, and you can’t truly understand it without experiencing it for yourself — otherwise, you miss out. It may be the same country, but it’s a completely different island.”

Smiling she adds, “Come with an open heart and an open mind. But even if you don’t, Gozo has a way of opening both for you — helping you see life through new eyes.”

VisitGozo would like to thank Ms Ana Kisling for this interview and for sharing the photos.