Once in Malta it will only take you between 20 and 30 minutes to arrive in Gozo. The short trip is well worth it. As Gozo is well known for it’s fine crafts, particularly its handmade lace, hand-woven fabrics, blown glass and silver filigree.

The strongest influence on Gozitan cuisine is Sicilian, though the popularity of grilled chops, roasts and three veg reveals a strong partiality to all things British. Tourists and where to go

Local specialties include pastizzi (savoury cheese pastries), timpana (a macaroni, cheese and egg pie), fenek (rabbit), which is usually fried or baked in a casserole or pie, and bragioli( spicy beef rolls). Lunchtime in Gozo should not be a hurried affair. Allow yourself plenty of time - pick a good seat overlooking the harbour at one of the many little resorts that Gozo has to choose from. Try something local to eat in one of several waterfront restaurants, and enjoy!

A visit to the Citadel is a must and will probably be the highlight of your stay in Gozo. A walk in the citadel is a real pleasure. The narrow alleys house shops selling local craft and wandering around you'll find yourself asking what will be view that the next angle will display in front of your eyes, what other hidden treasure you will discover.

Gozitans have a very strong identity within Malta as a whole country. Sometimes this might lead to Gozitans segregating themselves when working or studying in mainland Malta. Gozo is the only region in Malta which has a Minister responsible for it. Generally speaking, Gozo is more socially conservative than the rest of the country.

The history of Gozo is strongly coupled with the history of Malta, since Gozo has been governed by Malta within recent history, with the exception of a short period of autonomy, granted to Gozo by Napoleon after his conquest of Malta, between 28 October 1798 and 5 September 1800.

Gozo earned its popular nickname the Island of the Three Hills probably derived from the hilly view when observed from mainland Malta. Throughout the years Gozo has been vastly influenced by the cultures and history of a series of dominators including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spanish, the Knights of St. John, the French and the British, who all left their mark on the cultural and the folkloristic heritage of the population.

visit:

http://www.paradisemalta.com