Life on Gozo is strongly influenced by the constant sunshine in this sub-tropical zone [ -> climate]. The prevailing catholic population has nothing in common with the hectic way of life found on Malta. The “Gozitans” are distinguished for their charm, kindness and sincerity. However, living conditions within the Maltese community are far from easy. These limestone islands belong to the European Continental Shelf and tower more than 100 m above the sea. Heat and a lack of water have clearly marked the landscape. Where formerly - about 3000 years ago - forests covered large expanses of land one finds barren rock soil and minimal vegetation and wildlife today.

Informationen (in parts from the dive guide “ Diving around Gozo ”)

About Malta - Arrival - Immigration - Ferry - Money - Holiday seasons - Weather - Environmental protection - Language

About Malta: Republic of Malta (Gozo). Area:316 (67) km², Population:375.000 (30.000), Population density:approx. 1200 (375) / km², Religion:98% catholic, Language: Maltese and English, Government: independent republic since 13.12.1974, Economy: tourism, small industry supplying the EU [<-]

Arrival: Flights to Malta are operated by a number of airlines and charter services. The average flight time to Malta from most European cities is 3 - 4 hours. Upon arrival at Luqa, Malta’s international airport, one has the choice of either the helicopter service or alternatively taking a taxi to Cirkewwa and then a ferry to Mgarr. This route is especially cheaper for groups and the trip takes about two hours. [<-]

Immigration: For residents of the EU a valid identity card or passport is sufficient. When entering Malta it is necessary to complete an immigration card, which is usually distributed in the aircraft shortly before landing. N.B. identity cards for children must contain a photo.  [<-]

Ferries Malta-Gozo: Regular services operate during summer (June – September) every 30 to 120 minutes, punctually 24 hours a day. During the winter the frequency is halfed and no services operate between approx. 2 and 5 a.m. . The return fare (around 2 Lm per person) is paid on the journey from Gozo to Malta. Cars cost an additional 5 Lm. The transfer takes 30 minutes; there is a cafeteria on board. Information is available at the “Gozo Channel Company” in Mgarr Tel: (+356) 21 556114.  [<-]

Money: The Maltese pound (Malta Lira = Lm) is presently about 2,50 Euro or 1,7 Pounds Sterling. Because tourism plays a major role in the Maltese economy, exchange is no problem, either  at the airport (cash, traveller cheques, EC or credit card) or directly on Gozo, where one can find numerous banks and cash machines in Victoria, Marsalforn and Xlendi. Also meanwhile many hotels, restaurants and shops accept the major credit cards. [<-]

Holiday seasons: During the hottest months July and August a surprisingly large number of guests flock to the islands. Venturing outdoors in the intense heat can be torturous. In the months preceding and following this period the weather is still rather hot but bearable, so this is the recommended time for a diving trip.

From April onwards the weather on Gozo is quite pleasant. The sea is still cool but this has the advantage that most diving sites are then deserted. The sun is already warm enough to sunbathe or to dine outside and the countryside is verdant. This fades as the power of the sun increases each day. The late summer is also quite pleasant. Water temperatures have meanwhile increased (24°C) and this is the best time to find bigger fish.

By the end of September the sun decreases in strength and winds become stronger and more frequent. Occasional showers bring brief relief to the sunburned countryside. Tourists may visit the island the whole year over but by December it becomes cool and most tourist activities close for the winter break. Similarly many dive bases close until the spring. Life on the island slows down during this period so the peace and tranquillity are perhaps an incentive to visit the islands in spite of the rough weather. [<-]

Environmental protection: Unfortunately Malta is not renowned for its environmental protection. On the contrary: vehicle exhaust fumes, illegal rubbish dumps and smoking factory chimneys (these are only found on Malta) give clear evidence that, generally speaking, the Maltese people have little regard for their environment. Also bird hunting is very popular. Each year hundreds of thousands of birds’ are either shot or netted. Not only is this extremely cruel but it could ultimately lead to the extinction of endangered species. Furthermore a vast quantity of poisonous lead finds its way into the soil and water. The situation in the sea appears to be slightly better. This is only because the prevailing currents carry rubbish and sewage away. Overfishing by various nationalities in and around Malta is a further problem.

Language: Although Maltese is the official language almost all Gozitans speak English, the second national language. Even anyone that speaks only a little English need not to despair, as the friendly Gozitans will be happy to assist you. For those wishing to understand the language, beware! Modern day Maltese is originally derived from the Phoenician language. Over the centuries Latin, Arabic, Italian and even English have influenced this difficult dialect. An example: try pronouncing “Tejjipx” - which means “no smoking”.....

Fortunately only a little skill is required to pronounce the village names correctly [<-].

More information: - Dive sites - Galery - Dive guide “Gozo” - What´s new? - 

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