Gozo
It looks like a beautiful day ahead from my terrace at the Westen Dragonara Hotel. With a whole day to wait for my visa renewal, why not make a trip to Gozo?
Off we go on one of the classic yellow Malta public buses headed for the northern port city of Cirkewwa ( the names here are amazing). This 30 year old bus is in great operating condition. The 45 minute trip winds north from the Sliema area through many beautiful towns and harbors. Cost is one and one-half Euros.
After a 45 minute bus ride we arrive at the ferry terminal. The ferry bow raises up to allow cars to drive on board. Gozo is in the distance to the right.
Beautiful water in the Cirkewwa harbor. Gozo in the distance.
Enroute we pass Comino Island on the right.
Arriving at the port of Mgarr.
Another ferry leaves as we arrive. Service about every 45 minutes. Round trip is four and a half Euros.
This is the main street of the largest city, Victoria.
A typical Victoria side street.
St. George's Basilica.
The Victoria central market square.
The market is missing many of the normal tourists, who are held up by the volcano smoke from Iceland.
An understated memorial to the Victoria citizens who lost their lives in World War II. Over 250 persons from this small city died in the war.
From a distance you can see how the Citadel dominates the city of Victoria.
From the ramparts of the Citadel you can see forever.
Looking down onto the Basilica and the market square.
The tower of the tall St. John the Baptist Church stands tall over the city of Xewkija in the center distance.
Last look at the Citidal from the north of Victoria. We are heading to the prehistoric temples of Ggantija near the city of Xaghra.
Built over 5000 years ago, these temples are the oldest known man made structures.
West view.
North view.
East side.
That's it for Ggantija. Time to head back to Mgarr and the ferry back to Malta.