The Maltese archipelago comes into its own at Easter, having celebrated the occasion since 60 CE when St Paul’s ship was wrecked upon these idyllic shores. It goes without saying, then, that the Christian festival holds great meaning here, and celebratory spring processions mark the occasion with due pomp. Easter aside, Malta is particularly appealing between March and May, and it’s the perfect time to take a ferry across to Gozo. The diminutive island is peppered with wildflowers, and its secluded shores are refreshingly quiet. To really reap the rewards of the season, here are the top five places to visit in Gozo at springtime.
Ramla And San Blas
Skirted by paradisiacal shores, the most spectacular places to visit in Gozo during spring are its beaches. Head out to the ever-popular Ramla Bay. Crystalline waters make this one of the prettiest places on the island, and without the summer crowds, it’s even more spectacular for a scenic beach walk. San Blas offers an additional dose of tranquillity, its steep descent a deterrent for most. If you can brave the climb, there’s every possibility you’ll be rewarded with an entire flank of sandy shore to yourself.
The Salt Pans
Salt production is a centuries-old industry in Gozo, and it is still alive and well on the north coast of the island. The fascinating landscape of saltpans cut into the coastal rock is hard to miss; the salt is harvested here during the summer but spring visitors will be able to get a good look at the production process. After it’s collected, the salt is then stored in the nearby caves hewn out of the rocky cliffs. If you’re lucky, you may witness one of the locals scraping the saltpans in order to collect the crystals, and you can even ask to buy some Gozo salt to take home.
Victoria
At any time of year, the ancient capital of Victoria is a great place to visit in Gozo. However, it is infused with added sparkle during spring. Gaulitana Music Festival is an annual classical music event that’s loved by both Gozo locals and visitors to the Maltese archipelago. Taking place in spring, the festival showcases a range of classical music styles in some impressive venues throughout the city. Otherwise, time your trip for Easter weekend to experience those jubilant processions on Sunday.
Wied Il-Għasri
In Gozo, winter is best spent cosying up in local cafés. Come spring, however, it’s all about the great outdoors. This island is home to some phenomenal natural rock formations which offer rewarding nature walks. Wied Il-Għasri is one such spot. This dramatic gorge is a popular hiking zone, with a refreshing dip in the crystalline waters on offer once you’ve navigated the steep staircase down. Plus, the clement spring weather certainly helps on the climb back up.
