When travelling to the Mediterranean, most people think of highly publicised tourist destinations like the French Riviera or Ibiza. However, there are other equally lovely spots throughout the region, some of which you may have heard of in passing, but never thought of as a place to travel on holiday, and certainly not as a solo woman.
Actually, these are just the places you want to enjoy simply because they are less trendy, and you are equally less likely to be a target for men seeking vulnerable ladies on their own. Have you considered the island state of Malta as a holiday destination when travelling solo? And even better, visit the lesser known Island of Gozo.
Visiting the Two Sisters of the Maltese Archipelago
There are three islands in the Maltese Archipelago which are inhabited and a number of smaller islets which can be explored by boat. Malta is the largest island, with Gozo next in line, and the third – and smallest – island in Malta is Comino. When planning a holiday in Malta, many women find that they are more at-home in Gozo than in Malta, simply because of the smaller population and higher concentration of families.
While Gozo does cater to an active tourist industry, there are fewer clubs and a less vigorous nightlife than on the main island of Malta, from which the nation takes its name. The two sisters that draw the largest number of tourists are Malta and Gozo. There are things to do and see on Comino as well, but if your time is limited, stay in Gozo while visiting Malta.
Why Many Solo Women Travellers Choose Gozo
Women who have travelled to Malta often say they felt more at home in Gozo because of the high focus on family life. Malta is not only growing in popularity as a tourist destination, but it is a financial epicentre in the Mediterranean. If you want to visit Malta, you can stay on the quieter island of Gozo while making day trips into Malta for shopping, visiting some of Maltas sights or even just to eat at one of the island’s 5-star restaurants.
Or, why not spend a day at a luxury retreat and spa getting pampered?
Yes, you will find these things in Gozo, but you will also feel much more comfortable when travelling alone. You can also rest assured this is not a gender bias as men travelling solo often prefer to stay in Gozo as well. If you have never been to Malta, you may not know exactly how to plan your trip so that you can ferry back and forth between the sister islands, or where to stay for the ultimate in comfort. Here you can find helpful tips to organise your solo trip to Gozo so that you have every amenity you require and the information you need to get around.
A Visit to Victoria Is Always a Joy
Take a stroll in Victoria
The capital of Gozo was renamed “Victoria” in 1887 at the request of the then Bishop of Malta, although the locals still refer to their capital as Rabat.
This was in commemoration of the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria, so it makes sense that the name was a sign of respect for the sovereign queen of the British Commonwealth. While many nations, including Malta, were granted autonomy while remaining member states of the Commonwealth, they still are tied to the British in varying degrees. With that history in mind, it’s time to view some of that history up close and personal. When you’re done, it’s time to pursue every woman’s favourite pastime – shopping!
There are three major shopping malls in Gozo:
The Duke Shopping Mall (see the relevant, totally British name?)
Arkadia Commercial Centre
Tigrija Palazz
These are nice to visit, and you will see various artisans displaying their wares, but for an authentic look at Gozitan shopping in Victoria, you must wander the streets and alleys to visit smaller shops which are not quite as commercial. Take a moment’s respite from walking to eat a bite of authentic Gozitan street food at a local café.
By all means, visit Malta to see an amazingly upcoming financial epicentre in the Mediterranean, but do stay in Gozo where you’ll be treated like a part of the Gozitan family. If you travel as a solo woman to any location on earth, Gozo should be at the head of the list. You’ll soon see why.
When travelling to the Mediterranean, most people think of highly publicised tourist destinations like the French Riviera or Ibiza. However, there are other equally lovely spots throughout the region, some of which you may have heard of in passing, but never thought of as a place to travel on holiday, and certainly not as a solo woman.
There are three islands in the Maltese Archipelago which are inhabited and a number of smaller islets which can be explored by boat. Malta is the largest island, with Gozo next in line, and the third – and smallest – island in Malta is Comino. When planning a holiday in Malta, many women find that they are more at-home in Gozo than in Malta, simply because of the smaller population and higher concentration of families.
