Picnics must be one of the top 10 things to do in Gozo in winter. Pack up a picnic or get yourself a quick fix by dropping by one of the bakeries and grabbing a Gozitan ftira as a hearty lunch along with some sweet treats, for which most of the Gozitan bakers are notorious. Picnics at beaches like Ramla Bay, Ħondoq ir-Rummien, ix-Xatt l-Aħmar and Xwejni can be described as pure bliss. Make sure you have a good jacket, as the winter sea breeze can be chilly! What better way to do this than enjoying the great outdoors and nature? After all, it helps in getting the daily dose of vitamin D. If long-winded treks and brisk, strenuous hikes along the coast or around and through the villages are not your ideal activity, nothing stops you from wallowing down laid-back paths in the countryside. These still renew body and soul. The green hills and meadows streaked with wildflowers beneath blue skies are a joy to behold and an excellent opportunity for photography enthusiasts. The beaming crown daisy, lelluxa as it is locally known, which blooms during the season, is a sunny reminder that the winter holiday in Gozo is about cosy sunshine. Favourite winter walk paths include the northern route along the salt pans, the uphill ascent leading to Tal-Ġurdan lighthouse or the more arduous and rougher climb of Għammar Hill, the walk around the areas of Santa Luċija, Għar Ilma and the Għadira ta’ San Raflu overlooking Xendi bay, a stroll at Ta’ Ċenċ plateau and walks in the area of Xatt l-Aħmar.
Picnics must be one of the top 10 things to do in Gozo in winter. Pack up a picnic or get yourself a quick fix by dropping by one of the bakeries and grabbing a Gozitan ftira as a hearty lunch along with some sweet treats, for which most of the Gozitan bakers are notorious. Picnics at beaches like Ramla Bay, Ħondoq ir-Rummien, ix-Xatt l-Aħmar and Xwejni can be described as pure bliss. Make sure you have a good jacket, as the winter sea breeze can be chilly!
Although Gozo has become a firm winter sun holiday destination for travellers from mainland Europe, Gozo in winter is much less hectic. When making your dining-out arrangements, it’s best to call the restaurant, as some places might have limited opening hours during the winter season. Whether you’re dining out at seaside spots or village centres, ask for the local fare of the season, such as the traditional soups and winterish stews.
If you’re in Gozo in mid-February, you can experience Gozo’s romantic nod in the cultural calendar to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The calendar of events for Gozo in winter is spiced up with Retro cinema films, drive-in movie night, an artisan fair in Villa Rundle Gardens, and at Ta’ Dbieġi Artisan Village, romantic comedies and concerts, all part of Valentine’s programme prepared for this year.
February is stringing along the colourful Carnival celebrations for some more noise, fun and excitement. Carnival is one of the highlights of the things to do in Gozo in winter. You might want to follow the glee of the joyful parades and mingle with the amused crowd of revellers, or you might want to hide away from it all. After all, this is what a laid-back winter holiday on the island of Gozo is about.
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