With the winds picking up speed and beaches slowly clearing up, one thing is undeniable. It’s officially Autumn in Malta. Though it may not feel like it with the Mediterranean summers that seem to get ever longer, the year is nearing its end. The fall is a highly underrated time in Malta and Gozo, though perhaps one of the most pleasant. Here are a few ways to spend autumn in Gozo!
The Autumn Weather in Gozo
Those who are unfamiliar with Gozo’s perpetual good weather, will be happy to learn that it’s not yet time for coats and gloves. Gozo, an island belonging to the archipelago of Malta, is blessed with a classic mediterranean climate. Temperatures in the autumn season are rarely lower than 20 degrees celsius and can rise to just below 30. The water remains swimmable in November, sometimes even December. Gozo gets very few days of rain, rarely more than 10 in December, the wettest time of year. And with conditions so ideal, the island is bound to be bustling with activity.
A Rural Autumn Getaway in Gozo
Several sectors see their peak in the autumn months in Gozo. Farming is one of them. If you are looking for things to do in autumn, visiting a farming estate should top your list. October to December is renowned for its citrus and olive harvests, as well as for being the time that the prickly pear ripens. Experiencing Gozo’s rural lifestyle is one of the best ways to celebrate the season of the Earth’s bounty. In fact, many restaurants on the island offer curated cooking classes, where you can personally see the fresh local produce become a comforting traditional dish.
Autumn also happens to be the wine season. Gozo’s wineries usually offer wine tastings for visitors to taste Gozo’s finest. But why stop there? A fall afternoon is never complete without a taste of local craft beer, renowned for its quality and landmark inspired names. The island’s sole craft brewery offers tours and beer tastings to complete the experience.
Gozo’s countryside is much more than good food and farming. It’s famous for its beauty. It’s always a good idea to hike your way through the valleys and coastlines of the island. You can do so through 9 different country walks. Each tells a different story of Gozo and its surroundings, from the Dwejra Walk, which takes you through the famous Dwejra Heritage park, to the Xagħra Heritage Trail, leading you to the mystical Ggantija Temples. While visiting the countryside on one of your trails, take a break by paying a visit to the local fauna. Admire some horses at Dreams of Horses Farm and the Qala stables, or some alpacas at Gozo Alpaca Walks.
Boat Around Gozo
With October comes the wind, creating the perfect weather conditions off the Gozitan coast for yachting. The fall is a very busy time for the boating and yachting industries in Malta. Just some weeks ago, the Royal Malta Yacht Club hosted its annual Rolex Middle Sea Race with a whopping 100 participants. Gozo will be privy to a similar event soon too. The BOV Gozo Autumn Weekend will take place from November 8th to November 10th. It comes highly recommended to watch any of the 6 races that form the Regatta, which will be inaugurated in Marsamxett Harbour. Several social events will take place surrounding the races, including happy hours and networking dinners.
If you are unable to attend the regatta, you should visit the harbors nonetheless. Aside from Marsamxett, the Mgarr harbor should definitely be on your list as it is Gozo’s main port. You can charter a boat or yacht privately, with a group of friends, or simply get a taste of the nautical life by taking a sailing lesson or two.
A Season of Wellness
If you are looking for calmer activities to fill your autumn visit to Gozo, try some spas or wellness resorts. Gozo has no shortage of spa, yoga and massage parlor offers, given its natural and serene atmosphere. You can book a day at a spa or take the full plunge into a wellness resort for a few days to learn the art of Yoga.
Seminars and Classes
For the more creatively inclined visitor, you can fill your autumn days in Gozo with seminars and classes. There is an extensive list of guest-hosted seminars on incredibly wide topics. Several are group cooking classes, which are a fantastic way to make friends and build a network. Educational opportunities will also be set up for families and children, such as themed reading nights for Halloween. Many masterclasses are also marking their spot on the autumn schedule, such as Tara Lois Jewelry’s silver jewelry classes. Nearing the end of November, local councils will put on workshops for building nativity scenes or cribs, a very typical tradition in Malta and Gozo.
If you seek a social experience with commonly minded peers, events will be organized in some of Gozo’s most popular local spots. Nadur Square and Ghajnsielem will host several events such as a Halloween night and other gatherings.
