Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1531292
6 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 10 JANUARY 2025 CULTURE GOZO, famously known as the island of three hills, is a rural paradise blend- ing breathtaking landscapes, histor- ic treasures, and authentic traditions. With its lush valleys, rugged coastline, award-winning cuisine, and vibrant cultural experiences, Gozo offers an enchanting escape filled with outdoor adventures, artisanal crafts, and rejuve- nating wellness retreats in serene coun- tryside charm. Described as the island of three hills, Gozo has always been a rural travel des- tination, albeit one that boasts rich ar- chitectural and historic treasures that captivate travellers. The island's hilly landscape has ensured that Gozo has several prominent hilltops, and there are definitely more than three hills that can be explored on a rural island holiday! The topography has graced the island with scenic landscapes that change with the seasons. Hilltops naturally lead down to valleys or gorges, some lush with green- ery and fields that seem like quilt patches handstitched one next to another, and some raw and wild. The valley of Lunz- jata is one beautiful valley that evokes the illustrations in fairytales, and apart from running water, it comes complete with an old chapel tucked in the cliff face. To ex- perience the raw and untouched natural landscape, seek the Mġarr ix-Xini ravine, which cuts through the Gozitan country- side with its rugged cliffs, retaining a wild and pristine beauty. Valleys wind their way around the is- land, sometimes interjoining each other and eventually leading up to the shores and bays. Ramla Valley spouts on the ex- pansive red sands of Ramla; Marsalforn Valley leads to one of Gozo's topmost fishermen's villages. Lunzjata Valley and Munxar Ravine intertwine on their way to Xlendi Bay, while the unique Wied il-Għasri leads to the narrow, fjord-like inlet where crystalline waters lap up at the pebbly shoreline. Hiking and cycling are perfect ways to explore the island's rural beauty. Beyond the valleys, hills, beaches, rocky inlets and secret coves, Gozo's coastline is enriched with majestic cliffs dropping into the dark blue Mediterranean Sea. Kayaking and boat trips around the coast will let you discover breathtaking views. Sea adventures and activities, such as paddleboarding, snorkelling, and diving, can all be roped in as part of the rural holiday in Gozo. Wildlife enthusi- asts will enjoy the vibrant natural herit- age of different countryside habitats like garigue, maquis and coastal areas. Outdoor adventures are part and parcel of a rural getaway on the island. Adren- alin seekers might also try abseiling, but those who are more laid back or have mobility issues can consider the more lei- surely Tuk-Tuk tours that seek out some more accessible rural paths. Whenever you're out and about at sunset, seek out vantage points to witness the spectacle of the sun bursting into gold and pink be- fore disappearing into the horizon. As you move around to explore the island, you will notice that villages are still spaced out from one another, some spread over the hilltops and some spilling down the slopes. The church building with the bulbous dome and high steeple is notorious in the villages' skyline, and it often stands out from the other build- ings and houses like a mother hen atop its brood of chickens. In many localities, you will also stumble upon chapels. Stop- ping for a coffee at a village square café' will bring you face-to-face with the locals. Although Gozitans lead a modern way of life, many are still deeply tied to the vil- lage feast, an annual celebration when the community celebrates its patron saint. Gozo has a rich cultural calendar that highlights many different aspects of rural life. Some villages hold annual festivals highlighting products such as wine, olive oil, honey, and other preserves like olives, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, local jams, and liqueurs. Visiting an eco-farm and its fruit or- chards, a sheep farm or a winery is an en- riching venture. Recently, Gozo's tradi- tional cuisine has been the recipient of an award from the International Institute of Gastronomy, Arts, Culture, and Tourism in the European Region of Gastronomy category at the Food Film Menu 2024. For a complete rural experience, indulg- ing in the Gozitan gastronomic experi- ence is vital. Ensure you do not miss out on visiting a local bakery and asking for the typical 'ftira'. Gozo's rural vibe is a mosaic, further enriched through various crafts and skills that are nowadays considered fundamen- tal to sustainable tourism. Watch arti- sans at Ta' Dbieġi Crafts Village working on handmade crafts like glass blowing, pottery, loom weaving and lacemaking. A visit to the salt pans areas along the northern coast of Gozo will bring you face-to-face with the sea salt harvesting industry, but as you explore Gozo, you might stumble upon other artisans at work in their workshops. Besides the fun, educational, and in- spiring experience a rural holiday offers, Gozo's rural getaway is also about reju- venation and wellness. Relaxing and un- winding at a countryside retreat benefits body, mind, and spirit. Many farmsteads have been renovated into comfortable holiday homes. Alternatively, you can seek out a luxurious hotel with complete spa facilities. Whether you're here alone, with your partner, or with your family, Gozo's iden- tity is essentially rural at its core, and this guarantees a wholesome and charming holiday focused on the outdoors, away from the fast-paced world. A rural escape in Gozo