Gozo

SS: With the help of our Pieta neighbors, they contacted friends of theirs in Gozo (neighboring island) and arranged an apartment for us in the pleasant beach town of Xlendi. A quick ferry ride, passing the Comino Island known for the picture perfect Blue Lagoon, we arrived at a beautiful sea inlet surrounded by towering cliffs with everything a tourist could want. We rented a kayak and paddled out to the open sea, ducking into deep caves carved into the soaring cliffs. We scuba dived twice, once in Xlendi bay and the other in their famous Blue Hole and Azure Window. 

Spending a day touring the entire island, we visited the Ggantija, the ancient temple ruins dating back to 3600BC; lunch in the center square of Xaghra; Victoria (also known as Rabat), Gozo's biggest town, with a massive fortification perched on the highest hill with views of the whole Island; ending our day with a sunset at the stunning Azure Window. 

Local intel sent us to the golden beach of San Blas for a truly relaxing sun soaking day. Once reaching the town of Nadur, a crazy steep road led down the cliff side to this hidden golden gem. After a day full of sun, we opted to take the 2€ ride back up the 'mountain'. No wonder it's a secret getaway - access back up should be an Olympic event. 

JG: It's surprising Gozo doesn't command more attention from the masses. Xlendi, due partially to our input from Vince and Laura in Malta, was one of our favorite legs of this trip. It's touristy but not saturated, and there are enough activities without being ruined by the hand of commercialism.

Although our scuba instructor was an "interesting" personality, it was a great experience. Met a nice couple from Dubai, saw some decent plant life along with the remains of Azure Window (it was created when the limestone center collapsed). Part of the show Game of Thrones was filmed there, or so we were told.

Overall, an awesome foray into Mediterranean Europe. No bulls, no mountains - just good, clean living.