Day 1-Gozo Trekking- 01 May 2025
The first day of my visit to Gozo was spent with a group of friends. My friend Vincent Parnis picked me up at 6 am from my hotel. Then, we drove north to the ferry terminal, a journey of about an hour. The main plan for the day was to go mountain hiking on the island of Gozo. The group had arranged a speedboat for the trip, and I took both photos and videos of it. Most of these are videos, which I will upload as soon as possible. For the complete history of Malta and Gozo, please visit the History category on my website.
Another view of Gozo Island. Picture this: stunning rocky cliffs stretching out as far as the eye can see, dotted with lush greenery that seems to burst with life. I stood there gazing at the landscape, with the sun shining bright against a clear blue sky. In the distance, I could make out the silhouette of a charming church, its steeple reaching for the heavens.
GħajnsielemTower
I am sitting on the steps of Għajnsielem Tower. The moment I stepped onto those ancient stone steps, I felt as though I had been transported back in time. A little bit of history about the tower, Constructed in 1658 as part of a network of coastal watchtowers commissioned by the Knights of St. John, Għajnsielem Tower was strategically positioned to provide early warnings of pirate invasions and enemy ships. The Knights recognised the importance of safeguarding the islands, and this tower served its purpose valiantly over the centuries, unlike many of the more ornate structures in Gozo and Malta.
This is a group of about 30 adventurers gathered under a bright blue sky, with the sparkling sea stretching endlessly behind us. It felt like we were on top of the world, surrounded by rugged cliffs and vibrant greenery. The shadow you see is of the Għajnsielem Tower.
I was with a couple of great friends, and we couldn’t resist snapping a selfie with the stunning backdrop. Vincent is in the Centre.
The sun was shining, and the laughter was contagious as we shared stories and admired the view. There was something magical about being surrounded by nature, with distant lighthouses dotting the coastline. We explored a bit, soaking in the salty air and the sound of waves crashing below.
As we walked, the unique shapes of the cliffs seemed almost sculptural, like the artwork of nature. I couldn’t resist snapping a few photos of the golden hues against the earthy tones.
There were these charming little houses perched up on the hillside, adding a beautiful touch as people relaxed with a glass of local wine, soaking in the view.
I loved how the group I was with—everyone from seasoned hikers to casual strollers—shared laughs along the way. As we reached a viewpoint, I couldn’t help but snap a photo of the vibrant landscape. There’s something magical about the sound of waves crashing against the shore that makes you appreciate nature.
Just look at the pathway; it’s barely wide enough for one person, and in some spots, there are no spaces between the path and the cliff on the right side. Very dangerous indeed. I slipped twice because I was wearing jogging shoes, and I should have worn mountain climbing shoes. These are available in sports stores like Adidas, Nike, and Puma, but not in shops in Dubai, for apparent reasons. Next time, make sure to wear the proper footwear to avoid any mishap.
See the steep slope on your right side. If you miss, you will hit the cliff below. This is where I slipped, but I was lucky; it’s not that I care.
The opposite side of the cliff. See the greenish blue water, what scenery!
Another view of the cliff.
Gozo
As soon as I arrived at Mġarr ix-Xini, I was greeted by a charming sign that said “Merħba,” which means welcome. I couldn’t resist snapping a few photos, especially with that stunning backdrop. Overall, it was a slice of paradise—definitely worth a visit if you ever find yourself in Gozo. At the bottom of the stairs is the jetty from where the entire group will be departing to Malta on a speedboat.
We are back after the mountain trek. This is where we will be leaving for Malta. The speedboat will pick us up from here. Visiting that little spot was an absolute treat! Picture this: I’m standing on a rocky outcrop overlooking a stunning cove, with the turquoise water glistening in the bright sunlight. The whole scene was dotted with charming fishing boats bobbing gently, and a little beach area that just screamed relaxation. A few members of the group jumped into the water and enjoyed swimming till our boat arrived,
DAY TWO -GOZO ISLAND
Today, I am visiting a few dairy farms in Gozo and a well-known church on the island. Like yesterday, we started at 6 am and drove to the ferry terminal in the north. This time, we decided to take Vincent’s car because we need to travel around Gozo. So, we had to catch the ferry from the terminal. As already mentioned, most of my memories are in the videos, which will be uploaded soon. Watch this space.
Imagine standing by the sparkling turquoise waters, the sun shining down, and simply soaking it all up. I took a selfie with the breathtaking cliffs behind me—seriously, those rocky formations are like nature’s masterpiece! I can still feel the warmth of the sun and the delight of discovering a hidden treasure.
With the owner of a large dairy farm in Gozo
I met some lovely locals, including a friendly gentleman who knew everything about the cows. It was a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with everyone sharing nuggets of wisdom and local lore. I left feeling like I’d made new friends and promised to come back for more cheese tasting! Sannat is a hidden gem, and I can’t wait to explore more of Gozo.
Just being there, surrounded by nature and these adorable cows, was the highlight of my trip.
The view of the St. Joseph Church from a distance.
The breathtaking view of the ornate church that seems to stand proudly amidst the rural charm. The golden limestone structure glows against the blue backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.
St. Joseph Church
The church is not just an architectural marvel; it holds significant cultural and historical importance for the Maltese people. Built in the late 19th century, it serves as a testament to the island’s deep-rooted Catholic faith and its commitment to preserving the heritage of its communities. The surrounding area is replete with stories, from the local legends surrounding the church to its role in the community’s religious celebrations, which I learned about during my visit.
In front of the statue of Lady Karmni Grima
In 1883, a local woman named Karmni Grima reported hearing the voice of the Virgin Mary as she passed the small chapel dedicated to Ta’ Pinu. The Virgin Mary instructed her to recite prayers and encouraged her to foster greater devotion. This spiritual event soon gained significance among the local faithful, sparking increased religious fervour and transforming Ta’ Pinu into an important pilgrimage site.
Following this event, the popularity of Ta’ Pinu chapel increased significantly. Reports of miraculous healings and answered prayers grew, leading to the enlargement of the chapel into the impressive Basilica of Ta’ Pinu, consecrated in 1931. Today, the Basilica remains one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Malta and Gozo, symbolising faith, hope, and divine intervention for thousands of pilgrims each year.
