Xlendi Fishing Village. Xlendi Bay lies to the southwest side of Gozo. Its small sandy beach is ideal for both young and old, while for the more adventurous it is possible to swim and snorkel off the rocks bordering the beach. Because of its reef formations, Xlendi is an ideal diving site even for beginners. Xlendi is also a typical Gozitan fishing village and harbours a number of fishing vessels. It is also equipped with several tourist-related amenities, such as bars, restaurants and hotels. Xlendi takes its name from a type of Byzantine vessel that used to shelter in this port. The village lies between the two majestic cliffs of Munxar and Kercem and is considered the most picturesque and romantic fishing village of Gozo. The statue of St. Andrew dominates the little harbour where fishing boats create a colourful myriad of colours. The cliffs bordering the inlet on the harbour side can be reached via a steep flight of steps cut into the rock. From the top one can either enjoy a magnificent bird's eye view of the harbour or proceed to the natural Grotto known as "L-Ghar ta' Karolina" which used to be frequented by the nuns for swimming. Xlendi Tower lies on the opposite promontory. This was built by the Knights of Malta in 1650. Gozo Gozo, which in Maltese is called Għawdex (pronounced: Awdesh), is a derivation of other older names such as Gaulos. It has an area of 67 square kms, is 14 kms long and 7 kms wide. With a coastline of 43 km, it is the second largest island of the Maltese Archipelago that, together with the smaller isle of Comino and the main island of Malta form the Republic of Malta. Gozo is popularly called The Island of Calypso, that is a nickname originating from the Greek mythological location of Ogygia referred to in Homer's Odyssey. In this epic poem, the fabled island was controlled by the nymph Calypso, who had detained the Greek hero Odysseus for seven long years as prisoner of love. The Maltese Islands are situated in the centre of the Mediterranean - 93 km south of Italy and 290 km north of North Africa and therefore enjoys warm summers and mild winters.. Gozo lies about 5 km in the North West of Malta and the distance between Ċirkewwa in Malta and Mgarr Harbour in Gozo, involves a 25 minute ferry crossing. Driving is on the left, just as it is in the UK and you will find everyone in Malta and Gozo is fluent in English as it is Maltas second official lauguage. Throughout the years Gozo has been vastly influenced by the cultures and history of a series of dominators including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spanish, the Knights of St. John, the French and the British, who all left their mark on the cultural and the folkloristic heritage of the population. In comparison with mainland Malta, one finds a more varied geology and larger relief contrasts, with typical flat-topped hills. Over 31000 people inhabit the island and this amounts to one-twelfth of the overall population of Malta. When compared to the overall area of the Maltese Islands, Gozo covers approximately one-third of that area. This means that the island of Gozo is not overpopulated, and therefore greener and quite more peaceful.
