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10 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 2 APRIL 2026 CULTURE Gozo, famously known as the island of three hills, is a rural paradise blending breathtaking landscapes, historic 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 rejuvenating wellness retreats in serene countryside charm DESCRIBED as the island of three hills, Gozo has always been a rural travel destination, albeit one that boasts rich architec- tural 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 holi- day! 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 greenery and fields that seem like quilt patches handstitched one next to another, and some raw and wild. The valley of Lun- zjata is one beautiful valley that evokes the illustrations in fairy- tales, and apart from running water, it comes complete with an old chapel tucked in the cliff face. To experience the raw and untouched natural landscape, seek the Mġarr ix-Xini ravine, which cuts through the Gozitan countryside with its rugged cliffs, retaining a wild and pris- tine beauty. Valleys wind their way around the island, sometimes interjoin- ing each other and eventually leading up to the shores and bays. Ramla Valley spouts on the expansive 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 en- riched with majestic cliffs drop- ping into the dark blue Mediter- ranean Sea. Kayaking and boat trips around the coast will let you discover breathtaking views. Sea ad- ventures and activities, such as paddleboarding, snorkelling, and diving, can all be roped in as part of the rural holiday in Gozo. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the vibrant natural heritage of different countryside habitats like garigue, maquis and coastal areas. Outdoor adventures are part and parcel of a rural getaway on the island. Adrenalin seek- ers might also try abseiling, but those who are more laid back or have mobility issues can consid- er the more leisurely Tuk-Tuk tours that seek out some more accessible rural paths. When- ever you're out and about at sunset, seek out vantage points to witness the spectacle of the sun bursting into gold and pink before disappearing into the ho- rizon. 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. Stopping 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 village feast, an annual cel- ebration when the community celebrates its patron saint. Gozo has a rich cultural calen- dar that highlights many differ- ent aspects of rural life. Some villages hold annual festivals highlighting products such as wine, olive oil, honey, and oth- er preserves like olives, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, local jams, and liqueurs. Visiting an eco-farm and its fruit orchards, a sheep farm or a winery is an enriching venture. Recently, Gozo's traditional cui- sine has been the recipient of an award from the International Institute of Gastronomy, Arts, Culture, and Tourism in the Eu- ropean Region of Gastronomy category at the Food Film Menu 2024. For a complete rural experi- ence, indulging in the Gozitan gastronomic experience 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 var- ious crafts and skills that are nowadays considered funda- mental to sustainable tourism. Watch artisans at Ta' Dbieġi Crafts Village working on hand- made crafts like glass blowing, pottery, loom weaving and lace- making. A visit to the salt pans areas along the northern coast of Gozo will bring you face-to-face with the sea salt harvesting in- dustry, but as you explore Gozo, you might stumble upon other artisans at work in their work- shops. Besides the fun, educational, and inspiring experience a rural holiday offers, Gozo's rural get- away is also about rejuvenation and wellness. Relaxing and un- winding at a countryside retreat benefits body, mind, and spirit. Many farmsteads have been ren- ovated 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 identity is essen- tially 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 Wied il-Ghasri