Three great walks in Gozo.

When the long, hot summer begins to give way to cooler and fresher weather and the landscapes come alive with autumnal colours, the months of September, October and November is a fabulous time to explore the island of Gozo on foot.

Whatever level of hiker you are, Gozo, with its vastly varied landscape, ranging from gently rolling rambling hillside paths, to jagged cliff tops, will cater for every walker’s ability. We explore three great walks in Gozo.

San Raflu – San Lawrenz

At the village of San Raflu follow the country road until you reach a man-made pond known as “L-Ghadira”. At the pond take the rugged path that leads to the left and to the south-western point of Gozo. You will pass a small Phoenician settlement that provides a fantastic vantage point of the Mediterranean Ocean. Follow the path through a lush and beautiful valley until you arrive at the western village of San Lawrenz.

Birbuba – Gharb

Start at the church in the charming village of Birbuba and take the road that forks to the left. Follow a winding road that will take you through an area known as San Dimitri where you will catch sight of the Ta’ pinu Sancturary and Lighthouse. Follow a road that eventually becomes a footpath and leads to a beautiful valley known as Wied il-Mielah. This path will take you along a stunningly magnificent  stretch of coastline until you eventually arrive at the Ghasri valley and later the village of Ghasri. Then take a path that climbs steeply to the 19^th century lighthouse. Head back towards Ta’Pinu until you finally reach the delightful village of Gharb.

Nadur – Nadur

Situated at an altitude of 170 meters, the walk from the picturesque village of Nadur is on the ‘hilly’ side and therefore is only suitable for walkers seeking a more strenuous walk. From the church at Nadur make your way down to the Mistra rocks where you will see the recently renovated Ta’Sopu watchtower, which was used to protect the island during the Second World War. Follow signs to Qala that will take you through many stunning fields boasting traditional windmills until you eventually arrive back in Nadur.

Gozo Music Festival 2011

The island of Gozo may be a haven of peace and tranquillity, but you can rest assure, it knows how to host a party, or several to be exact.

If you prioritise packing some authentic festivities into your summer vacation, this small Maltese island offers regular local events, festivals and celebrations that will more than satisfy any yearnings to experience a touch of Maltese party culture, and none more so than the Gozo Music Festival 2011.

Held annually in August, the Gozo Music Festival is by far the island’s biggest and most popular summer event. Since it began in 2003, the music festival has grown in reputation and prestige, with a bigger and better line-up consisting of both international singers and groups and local artists headlining the festival each year.

This year, the Gozo Music Festival will take place on August 21^st and is in its tenth edition. To celebrate its tenth anniversary, the festival promises to be the biggest and most memorable one to date. Although the official line-up has yet to have been announced, the event, which is held in the Gozitano Complex, will be transformed into two huge open-air dance floors, with dancers, fire jugglers and fireworks, heightening the excitement and spectacle.

For those wanting that extra exclusivity, Gozo Music Festival VIP nights are available, giving elite Gozo revellers access to the VIP areas, where they can mingle with the stars of the show.

This highly entertaining event, which blends the local Gozo culture with a cosmopolitan and international ethnicity, and in doing so attracts a growing number of visitors each year, is organised by Dynamic Promotions.

For more information on the Gozo Music Festival visit the Dynamic Promotions website at: www.dynamicpromotions.com.mt and for the best villa Gozo can offer, check out Vintage Travel’s excellent options.