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4 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 13 JUNE 2025 NEWS Answering BRIAN, a family man and father of two, has been a professional diver since 1996, having begun his diving career right after com- pleting a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Brian's story into the div- ing world is intertwined with his personal life. Now, just past his fiftieth birthday, Brian explains that his girlfriend's family (now wife) ran a dive centre, and this was the hinge on which the story unfolded. "I was already a diver," Brian recalls. When the dive cen- tre manager decided to leave, they needed someone to take over, and Brian was ready to embrace a new job and adventure. This was nothing short of surprising to his family, who were not yet aware that he was into diving, and he quietly informed them that he was spending 10 days in Malta to acquire the necessary diving in- structor certifications. Brian's first diving experience is a memory that sticks with him to this day. His first dive at Xwejni Bay at 18 was an impressive and beautiful moment, and he remi- nisces, "The underwater world was just so different from any- thing I had known". The echoes of this dive still live on, as Xwe- jni Bay is still one of his favourite places to take students for train- ing dives. The cove at Xwejni provides easy entry and enchant- ing crystal-clear waters, making it the ideal location for novice divers. The shallow waters grad- ually deepen, perfect for practis- ing buoyancy control and other fundamental diving skills. Brian is, however, keen on emphasiz- ing the experience, saying that beyond the mechanics of diving, it's also about giving the students their first magical experience of the underwater world. Clearly, for Brian, diving is not just a job but a lifelong passion, and when asked what made him fall in love with diving, he is quick to mention that it was not just the thrill of the underwater world but the environment it created for him to escape the daily stress of life. Diving, for Brian, offers a much-needed release. "When I dive, it's my personal getaway. It's where I can disconnect from the mobile phone, the calls, and the world's noise. It's the one place where I can truly relax," he ex- plains. "Even after all these years, I'm never bored of it. Every dive is unique. Even if I have dived in the same spot, like Double Arch Reef, a hundred times, I see something different every time. For Brian, it's not just about exploring new places but also about reconnect- ing with the deep silence of the ocean. "Underwater, you're in a completely different world. No horns, traffic, or stress—just pure silence and serenity." When diving in Gozo, Brian quickly points out the island's un- paralleled underwater landscape. As an avid diver, he has had his fair share of diving stints in the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, the Pacific, and the Caribbean, but Gozo remains his favourite place to dive. "The underwater topog- raphy here is unique. We have caverns, tunnels, swim-throughs, and arches like the Double Arch Reef and Triple Arch Reef," he explains. "This landscape, with its various features, is unlike an- ything I've found elsewhere." Gozo's topography allows divers to explore stunning natural fea- tures, including the famous Blue Hole and the Inland Sea. In Gozo, the underwater topog- raphy is second to none, and Bri- an goes to explain that the Medi- terranean marine fauna is unique because it has a range of inter- esting species. His diving philos- ophy embraces the concept of exploration. Whether searching for nudibranchs in the crevices or ledges of steep reef walls or being on the lookout to spot an elusive octopus, diving in Gozo is about appreciating the small, unique details of the underwater world. Brian also highlights how acces- sible these dive sites are. "What makes Gozo special is that you can reach some of the best dive Brian Azzopardi, the director of Atlantis Diving Center in Gozo, discusses his passion for diving and what makes the island of Gozo such a unique diving destination THOUGH small in size, Gozo offers an impressive range of scenic viewpoints that show- case its rugged charm and Mediterranean beauty. From hidden caves over- looking red-sand beaches to towering cliffs and ancient citadels, Gozo rewards those who seek out its best vantage points. Whether you're an avid pho- tographer, a nature lover, or simply looking for the per- fect sunset spot, here are five must-see viewpoints that cap- ture the soul of Gozo. Tal-Mixta Cave Perched about 100 metres above sea level, Tal-Mixta Cave offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the icon- ic orange-red sands of Ram- la Bay. While a beach day at Ramla is always a treat, the view from this natural cave (called Għar in Maltese) adds a whole new perspective. If the heat allows, lace up your trekking shoes and make the short climb; photographers and nature lovers will be re- warded with one of Gozo's most photogenic views. If it's too warm, no worries, just re- lax on the beach and take it in from below! Dwejra Bay A stone's throw from where the legendary Azure Window once stood lies the spectac- ular Dwejra Bay. Towering cliffs, stunning sunsets, and the mysterious Fungus Rock guarding the entrance make this bay a must-see. Whether you're here for the geological beauty, a photo session, or just the peaceful atmosphere, Dwejra delivers. Ta' Cenc Cliffs For dramatic seascapes and unforgettable sunsets, head to the Ta' Ċenċ Cliffs on Gozo's southern coast. These tow- ering limestone cliffs plunge steeply into the deep blue, of- fering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Ideal for a romantic evening walk or a quiet moment of reflection. The Citadel (Cittadella), Victoria This UNESCO World Herit- age Site sits atop a flat hill in the heart of Gozo. From the ancient fortified walls of the Citadel in Victoria, you can enjoy sweeping views of the entire island—from rolling hills to distant valleys. Wheth- er you're a history enthusiast or simply chasing the sunset, this hilltop fortress won't dis- appoint. Wied il-Mielah Window This is Gozo's last surviving natural window, a stunning limestone arch sculpted by wind and sea. Found at the end of the Wied il-Mielaħ Valley near Gharb, it's easy to reach by road and offers a striking contrast of rugged rock against crystal-clear wa- ters. Perfect for adventurers, the area promises exciting dives, rock climbing, and sce- nic walks. 5 viewpoints not to miss when in Gozo Dwejra Ta' Cenc cliffs Wied-il-Mielah