A tiny Mediterranean island, Gozo, part of the Maltese archipelago, is set to transform from a day trip destination to an overnight hotspot.
The government plans to upgrade an airfield on the island to provide daily flights between it and its larger neighbour, Malta. Currently, the only way to reach Gozo is by ferry, however, the Planning Authority’s Board approved the expansion plans in October. The airfield, located on the outskirts of Xewkija village, is currently used only for emergencies. The project, expected to cost £2 million, will extend the runway to accommodate small fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.
The upgrades are set to cost £1.3 million, with an additional £716,000 spent on three nine-seater aircraft. When the airfield opens in 2026, there could be up to 15 flights per day, including scheduled and chartered flights.
Tickets are expected to cost between £20 and £30. The airfield will also serve as a base for activities like skydiving, reports the Express. For Brits wanting to head to the destination, they can fly to Malta for as low as £37 and then hop on a short flight to the island. Ronald Sultana, director of tourism and economic development at Malta’s ministry for Gozo and planning, stated: “We are not against day tripping, but we want to translate a ratio of that day tripping into longer stays. It will become more sustainable and we will be avoiding mass tourism.”
As part of the plans to boost tourism, infrastructure on the island is also set to be upgraded, with a new sports centre and a range of boutique hotels also set to open on Gozo. Sultana further commented: “These are some of the different projects we’re trying to implement in order to turn Gozo into a destination that one can enjoy on a longer stay”.
After the island of Malta itself, Gozo is the second-largest island in the archipelago. As of 2021, the island had a population of over 31,200 out of Malta’s total 443,227.
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Gozo is rich in historic locations, including the Ġgantija temples, which, along with the other megalithic temples of Malta, are among the world’s oldest free-standing structures. Overall, the island is far less developed than Malta and retains a rural character, perfect for those looking to escape the popular cities of the main island.
It is particularly known for its scenic hills, which feature on its coat of arms. There are a few sandy beaches on the island, such as Ramla Bay in Xagħra and Nadur, as well as seaside resorts that are popular with both locals and tourists, the most popular being Marsalforn and Xlendi.
At present, a ferry journey between the port of Mġarr on Gozo and Ċirkewwa on Malta’s northwest coast takes 25 minutes each way and costs €4.65 (£3.86). The Gozo Channel Line operates a service every 45 minutes during the summer months and almost as frequently in winter.
August is the warmest month in Gozo, with an average temperature of 27C. Even in the heart of winter, temperatures hover around 16C, with November often seeing highs of 22C. The island’s peacefulness, breathtaking scenery, and rich cultural heritage make it a perfect winter getaway.
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