Author: Leanne Meilak

How to Spend The Perfect Gozo Day Trip

Posted on by Leanne Meilak

I will continue to shout it from the rooftops – Gozo is so much MORE than a day trip! BUT if you only have one day in Gozo, make it count!

This small island is full of beauty, history, culture, flavour, and warm-hearted locals who still live life at an unhurried pace. Whether you’re arriving from Malta for the day or staying overnight, here’s how to spend your time discovering the best of Gozo — from its rolling countryside to its traditional food culture.

Morning: Discover Gozo’s Living Heritage

Start your morning in Xagħra, one of Gozo’s most historic and picturesque villages. Wander through its lively square, where locals sip coffee under the shade of the church, and admire the baroque architecture that captures the essence of island life.

While in the area, visit some of Gozo’s cultural treasures — the UNESCO-listed Ġgantija Temples, which are older than the Pyramids, the Ta’ Kola Windmill, and the mysterious Ninu’s Cave, a hidden gem beneath a traditional home.

From here, head to nearby Nadur, a village known for its scenic views, stunning Basilica of St Peter and St Paul and authentic local character. Meander through its narrow streets, stop at an ancient bakery and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of daily life before heading down toward the coast to experience Gozo’s breathtaking natural side.

Midday: Coastal Beauty and Bays of the East

By midday, it’s time to explore Gozo’s northeastern coastline, home to some of the island’s most beautiful beaches and hidden coves. Take a refreshing dip or simply relax by the crystal-clear waters at Ramla Bay, famous for its golden-red sand, or head to the smaller, more secluded San Blas Bay or Dahlet Qorrot Bay.

These spots offer a tranquil escape where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun and admire the raw beauty of Gozo’s rugged landscape. For those who prefer a touch of adventure, Hondoq Bay near Qala is perfect for swimming or snorkelling while taking in views of Comino and the Blue Lagoon in the distance.

Afternoon: Gozo’s Wild West

After enjoying the coast, make your way westward to discover the island’s dramatic scenery and sacred landmarks. Start at Dwejra, where the Inland Sea and surrounding cliffs create one of Gozo’s most awe-inspiring natural sites. Be sure to take a boat ride through the caves and grottos, where sunlight reflects off the limestone walls and turns the water into brilliant shades of blue.

Continue your journey to the Ta’ Pinu Basilica, a national shrine and a place of quiet reflection surrounded by countryside views. Then, head north to the Xwejni Salt Pans, where sea salt has been harvested by local families for generations — a perfect photo stop and a glimpse of Gozo’s enduring traditions.

Evening: A Taste of Gozo — The Perfect Ending

As the sun begins to set, make your way to Victoria, Gozo’s capital, for the Victoria Sunset Walking Food Tour by Taste of Gozo. This immersive evening experience is the perfect way to end your day — blending history, culture, and cuisine into one unforgettable journey.

Stroll through the golden-lit streets as your local guide (that’s me!) shares stories of Gozo’s past and introduces you to some of the island’s best-loved traditional foods. You’ll meet local producers, sample Gozitan specialities, and experience Victoria come alive after dark.

It’s more than a tour — it’s a true taste of Gozo, and a way to connect with the island through its people, flavours, and spirit.

Make Your Day in Gozo Count

Whether you’re here for a quick visit or a long weekend, Gozo rewards those who explore it slowly. With its rich history, warm hospitality, and deep-rooted traditions, the island offers something truly special — and your perfect day isn’t complete without tasting it for yourself.

Join the Victoria Sunset Walking Food Tour — the ultimate way to end your day in Gozo.

Founder and Experience Maker

Leanne Meilak

The Art of Ġbejniet: Gozo’s Iconic Cheese Through the Generations

Posted on by Leanne Meilak

I can still remember standing in the shaded courtyard of my grandmother’s home in Gozo, the scent of straw and hay in the air and the soft sounds of her filling and flipping the ġbejna moulds echoing gently in the breeze. I would watch, captivated, as she moved quickly and confidently, her hands guided by years of practice, shaping each small cheese with pride and precision. After she worked her magic, the cheeses would be left to dry in netted huts, their fragile domes protected from insects but open to the warm air. Rows of ġbejniet, like white pearls, basked in the Gozitan sun, slowly maturing and deepening in flavour. These memories are as vivid to me today as they were then, and they remain one of my most treasured connections to the island and its traditions.

Gbejna, an Arabic word meaning ‘small cheeslet’, may be modest in size but is mighty in its cultural and culinary significance. This humble cheese packs a powerful punch of flavour and texture and serves as a delicious representation of the Gozitan way of life. Made predominantly from sheep’s milk, gbejna is traditionally prepared during the spring season – March through to May – when mother sheep give birth and begin their milking cycle. The cheese is shaped, salted, air-dried, and in some cases, preserved in oil, vinegar, or pepper. Each step, from the sourcing of the milk to the drying process, is steeped in time-honoured techniques that have been passed down through generations.

Cheese making on Gozo dates back over a thousand years, with deep roots in the island’s Arabic heritage. The knowledge and skills needed to create ġbejniet have survived centuries, enduring not only through formal learning but, more importantly, through observation, repetition, and familial pride.

Ġbejniet come in several varieties — fresh (friski), air-dried (moxxi), or peppered (tal-bżar) — and each has its own distinct texture and flavour. Fresh ġbejna is creamy, delicate, and slightly tangy, while dried versions become firmer and more intense in flavour, with the peppered kind offering a satisfying kick. In Gozitan kitchens, ġbejna is more than just a table cheese — it’s a versatile ingredient used in beloved dishes like ravjul (Gozitan ravioli filled with soft ġbejna and herbs), traditional pies, and qassatat. Whether crumbled into a salad, baked into pastries, or served simply with crusty bread and local olive oil, ġbejna remains at the heart of many home-cooked meals.

Today, young farmers are carrying the torch forward. They are not only committed to preserving traditional methods of cheese production but are also passionate about honouring the land that makes it all possible. Their connection to the earth and its rhythms is something inherited from generations past — from mothers and grandmothers who, like many Gozitan women of their time, grew up tending animals, collecting fresh milk, and forming ġbejniet with skilled, loving hands. For these young artisans, it’s more than a livelihood — it’s a way of life.

At Taste of Gozo Tours, we celebrate these living traditions. Our food experiences connect guests to local farmers, offering the chance to see the process up close, ask questions, taste freshly made ġbejniet, and truly understand the heart of Gozitan food heritage.

If you’ve ever tasted a ġbejna fresh from the mould, sun-dried on a Gozitan rooftop, you know that it is more than just cheese. It is a bite of history, of family, of land and sea. It is the story of Gozo — one small cheeslet at a time.

Interested in learning more about Gozo’s rich culinary traditions? Join our walking food tours in Victoria or our seasonal farm-to-table experiences. From salt harvesting to cheesemaking, every bite tells a story.

Taste of Gozo Tours Wins Prestigious Award

Posted on by Leanne Meilak

We are thrilled to announce that Taste of Gozo Tours has won the ‘Niche Business Achievement Award 2024’ from the Gozo Tourism Association! This prestigious recognition highlights our dedication to promoting authentic Gozitan cuisine and creating unforgettable culinary experiences for visitors. Our food tours showcase the best of Gozo’s local flavours, from traditional farm-to-table dining to artisanal cheese-making and olive oil tasting.

Winning this award is a testament to our commitment to sustainable tourism, local food heritage, and exceptional guest experiences. We want to thank our partners, local farmers, chefs, and—most importantly—our guests, for supporting our journey in making Gozo a top destination for food lovers.

Gozo Tourism Awards – Times of Malta article

Past Awards – islandofgozo.org

Discover Gozo’s Traditional Cuisine with us!

Taste of Gozo brings you the best of Gozitan cuisine, helping visitors discover the island’s most authentic flavours. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a chef, or a traveller looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, Gozo’s rich culinary heritage is sure to impress. Check out the ‘Our Tours’ tab in our website.

Why You Should Visit Malta’s Sister Island Gozo

Posted on by Leanne Meilak

Should You Visit Gozo, Malta? The answer is a resounding yes! Don’t make the mistake of visiting Malta without exploring her smaller, charming sister island — Gozo.

As a self-professed Gozo enthusiast, I may be unashamedly biased but my love affair with this dynamic and captivating island is for good reason! For me, Gozo is the more intimate and ‘boutique’ version of its bigger sister Malta. As such, the island offers a much slower pace, less crowds and the authenticity we all seek when travelling to new places.

Just a short ferry ride from the main island of Malta, Gozo is nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean. It may be small in size, but it certainly packs a punch, offering everything you could want from a holiday destination and more. Whether you’re a history buff, nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, pursuing health and wellness, or a hopeless foodie like me, then Gozo has something to offer. So should you visit Gozo? Absolutely! Here’s why this little-known gem deserves a spot on your travel itinerary.

1. Gozo’s Slower Pace of Life

One of the first things you’ll notice about Gozo is its relaxed and laid-back vibe. Unlike the bustling main island of Malta, Gozo offers visitors a chance to unwind and take in the serene atmosphere. The island’s peaceful villages, quiet roads, and uncrowded beaches make it an ideal destination for those seeking a slower pace of life.

Victoria, the island’s capital, is a charming town that perfectly blends old-world charm with modern convenience. Wandering through its narrow streets and exploring local markets, you’ll feel a deep connection to the island’s history and culture without the rush of big-city tourism.

2. Breathtaking Natural Scenery

Gozo is a paradise for nature lovers, offering spectacular landscapes that range from rugged coastlines to lush countryside. The Dwejra Bay area offers stunning cliffs and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for diving and snorkeling.

For those who enjoy hiking, Gozo’s scenic trails offer picturesque views of the countryside and coastline. The Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs provide panoramic vistas over the Mediterranean, while a walk through the Sanap Cliffs leads to hidden coves and secluded beaches. Ramla Bay, with its distinctive red sand, is a popular spot for beachgoers.

3. A Rich Historical Tapestry

Gozo boasts a history that stretches back thousands of years, with ancient sites that rival some of the world’s most famous historical landmarks. Ggantija Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are older than the Pyramids of Egypt, dating back to around 3600 BC. These megalithic temples offer a fascinating glimpse into the island’s prehistoric past and are a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

In addition to its prehistoric sites, Gozo is home to The Citadel, a fortified city that has stood for centuries. Located in the capital, Victoria, The Citadel offers spectacular views of the island from its walls and houses historical museums that tell the story of Gozo’s rich and varied past.

Taste of Gozo Day Trip tailored for Sun, Sea, Food, History, Culture

4. A Haven for Adventure Seekers

Despite its tranquil appearance, Gozo is a fantastic destination for adventure lovers. The island offers a wealth of activities, including hiking, cycling, and watersports. The coastline, with its numerous caves, coves, and inlets, is perfect for kayaking and exploring the hidden nooks of the island.

Scuba diving in Gozo is world-renowned, with some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean and a variety of dive sites to explore. The Blue Hole, near Dwejra Bay, is one of the top diving spots in Europe, with underwater caves and diverse marine life that attract divers from around the globe.

For a unique experience, you can also try rock climbing along the island’s limestone cliffs or join a quad biking tour to explore the rugged terrain.

Taste of Gozo Day Trip tailored for Sun, Sea, Food, History, Culture

5. Vibrant Festivals and Local Culture

Gozo’s vibrant culture comes to life through its festivals and traditional events. If you visit during Easter, you’ll experience the Good Friday processions, which are some of the most elaborate in the region. In summer, the island hosts various village festas—colorful celebrations honoring local patron saints, with fireworks, music, and feasting.

During the autumn months, the Gozo Wine Festival and Gozo Ceramics Festival are great opportunities to experience the island’s creative spirit and artisanal craftsmanship.

Gozo boasts the best spontaneous Carnival in all of Europe before the Lentern season of Easter kicks off. A spectacle that has to be seen to be believed!

6. Warm Hospitality

Perhaps one of the most memorable aspects of visiting Gozo is the warmth of its people. Gozitans are known for their hospitality, and visitors often comment on how friendly and welcoming the locals are. Whether you’re staying in a family-run guesthouse or chatting with market vendors in Victoria, you’ll feel like you’re part of the island’s close-knit community.

Team Building Food Experiences Bakery Gozo Malta

7. A foodie’s paradise – Authentic Gozitan Cuisine

No trip to Gozo is complete without indulging in the island’s authentic cuisine. Gozo’s culinary scene is a celebration of traditional Maltese flavours, with a few unique twists. Gbejniet, the local sheep’s milk cheese, is a delicacy often served with fresh bread and olive oil, while ftira, a type of local flatbread, is commonly topped with tomatoes, capers, and olives.

Farm-to-table dining is common in Gozo, with many restaurants sourcing ingredients locally. Be sure to also sample some Gozo wines, which are cultivated in the island’s fertile soil.

For an incredible culinary and cultural experience, book a tour with Taste of Gozo. We have walking food tours in the city of Victoria and can also tailor make a private experience for you and your party based on food encounters.

Gozo Gourmet Trail Traditional Ftira Bakery Malta

While Gozo may be small in size, it is vast in the experiences it offers. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, an adrenaline-filled adventure, or a dive into history, this charming island has something for everyone. Its blend of natural beauty, rich heritage, and local charm makes Gozo a destination that promises to leave a lasting impression.

Book a walking food tour in Gozo’s capital, Victoria with Taste of Gozo Tours to experience our capital city whilst enjoying our local cuisine. To experience a deep dive into Gozo’s rich and colourful food history and culture, take a look at our Gourmet Trail. Interact with locals and experience the roots of our island identity.

Founder and Experience Maker

Leanne Meilak