Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1540243
6 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 10 OCTOBER 2025 CULTURE FOR many, Gozo might be Malta's best- kept secret. The island, accessible only by ferry, is a unique destination to explore during your holiday. Like a storybook wait- ing to be opened, Gozo offers a mosaic of authentic historical, cultural, religious and adventures and experiences. The island captures the essence of the last mile, a des- tination with a good dose of locations that pulsate with the soul of 'calm' and spots where the rest of the world feels far away, and where you can possibly start a journey of wellness. Ta' Cenc Cliffs On the southern edge of the island stand the Ta' Ċenċ Cliffs, dropping sharply in- to the deep blue sea from a height of 120 metres. Standing at the top is akin to the view of the soaring birds that inhabit the area. Tranquil and still at all hours of the day, the only sounds you're bound to hear are bird calls, insect hums or the sound of your footsteps. There are several country paths to follow around the garigue plateau and the coastal edge. The place is mesmer- ising at sunrise when the sun stretches out from behind Comino and mainland Malta, and utterly magical at sunset when the sea seems to be set aglow with the golden light. San Blas Beach The hidden, red-sandy beach, strewn with large, dark boulders, is a serene spot with no crowds and no loud beach bars. Access to the beach is via a steep path, ensuring it remains peaceful throughout all seasons. There's something deeply primal about San Blas and having the beach all to yourself — a rare kind of peace that's hard to match. As dusk falls and mauve shadows stretch across the glowing reds of the sky, you might catch yourself wondering whether you've stepped into a postcard or if this moment is real. Lunzjata Valley Step back in time and wander off to Lun- zjata Valley. Despite being nestled in the heart of the island, between the city of Victoria and the village of Kerċem, Lunz- jata Valley echoes vernacular rural charm. Enter through the grand arch, a building that testifies to the grandeur and nobility of the hunting grounds of the Knights of St. John. Take a stroll down the main path beside the small chapel built into the rocky ledge right up to the fountain where farm- ers washed their produce. The sauntering cats will greet you, and there amid the lush green fields and orchards, you'll find a sense of luxurious peace. Ta' Pinu Sanctuary Ta' Pinu Sanctuary is, first and foremost, a pilgrim's place. Still, whether or not you're a religious or spiritual person, you will dis- cover that the Basilica amid Gozo's western countryside offers a truly calming expe- rience. The silence, the setting, the stone sculpture, the mosaics and the stained-glass windows open a window in the hearts of many visitors who stop to sit quietly for a moment of prayer or reflection. Qbajjar Salt Pans Located near Marsalforn, the geomet- Ten tranquil spots in Gozo Discover Gozo, Malta's hidden gem, where calm escapes, timeless history, and soulful adventures await at every turn