Gozo’s charm is perceptible the moment you see it on the horizon, even before you set foot on it. It is a lusciously rural and tranquil island that has clung to the Mediterranean traditions while at the same time developing sophisticated hotels and residences as well as restaurants to cater for the discerning upscale holiday maker – the visitor who looks for an enriching experience. Life on Gozo moves at a leisurely pace, and Gozitans are living proof that life in the slow lane is not that bad after all.

The villages scattered all over the islands all have one feature in common – the baroque churches which – till this very day – are still at the centre of the life of the community. This community life reaches its culmination during the summer months when the villagers celebrate the feast of their patron saint. This week-long festival is rooted in religious tradition through processions with statues of the patron saints held shoulder high, band marches all over the village, ending every evening with a fireworks display.

Having a chat with a couple of old men, sitting on a bench in one of the village squares during an afternoon siesta, can be quite an illuminating experience, as it gives you an insight into the way the islanders look at life.

Everywhere you go in Gozo, is a sign of the way history has left its mark on this tiny island. From the overwhelming Ġgantija temples, dating back to c.4,000 B.C. to the Citadel – the old fortress situated in the middle of the island, which over the centuries has been the salvation of many an islander during the regular pirate attacks on the island.

Gozo is also a destination for those who want to experience new things such as the rugged landscape and spectacular coastline which await exploration. Other preferred activities include the traditional bathing, either at rocky inlets or the red sand beaches, as well as sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling, fishing and diving. In fact, Gozo has some of the Mediterranean’s best diving sites.

A visit to Gozo can easily put you in the mood to retire there, like many ex-pats who have already made Gozo their adoptive country. They all seem to agree that Gozo epitomises how the passage of time does not necessarily mean cultural degradation or the annihilation of traditions.

This is an island which not only has withstood the test of time – it has succeeded in turning it to a precious ally. In fact, Gozo is more than the sum of its own history – it is THE experience of living and breathing the wisdom acquired through the ages – a glimpse of which can be seen in the warm and welcoming eyes of its people.