Gozo
Get ready for the fireworks! The 4.5 stages of getting to Gozo for Santa Marija week
Getting through the chaos of Gozo’s massive week

Kristina Cassar Dowling

Santa Marija is nothing if you’re not in Gozo - this is a Maltese fact and one that should be passed on from generation to generation. There’s something extra special about the tiny island of Gozo during Santa Marija week, and this epic adventure requires a bit of preparation to make it perfect. Here's what to expect!

Pre-Stage: The farmhouse booking

This is one needs to have been tackled a couple of months before, so if you were smart (and lucky) enough to find a vacant farmhouse for the Santa Marija festivities, make sure you get all the facts straight - linen, towels, cooking utensils: are they included in the package? If you didn’t get hold of a farmhouse, you may still be able to snatch up a hotel room for the week; it will be worth it! Alternatively, party on through the night and sleep on the beach in the day? It could work...

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Stage 1: The travel & unloading

You’re in the Gozo Ferry queue, there’s a little bit of traffic, but you’ve made it to the next island. Now: you’ll need to find the farmhouse, get all your stuff in order, unpack, make sure the living areas are perfect for the ultimate Santa Marija vibe. And then… Maxokk. 

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Stage 2: The early hype and fireworks

You’re all settled in - it’s time to get your grub, drink, tan, swim and relaxation on! You blast some light music during the day, fire up the BBQ, enjoy the company you’ve accepted on this trip and live it up! You’re feeling great aren’t you? And wait… then come the fireworks… literally!

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Stage 3: The delusion kicks in

At some point, you start to realise that the week is coming to an end, the time on this magical rock will soon be over and all you’ll have left to look forward to is Monday morning, back in the office. So you quickly jump into the farmhouse pool, hold back the tears and soak it all in until it’s time to go.

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Stage 4: The slightly depressed couple of hours

Goodbye Gozo, you’ve no idea how much you will be missed. You share your sadness with your Gozo buddies and the feeling’s mutual, you’re all solemn but you know it’s all going to happen again next year, so you quickly change the subject: how to make the next Santa Marija even better than the last. 

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The great thing about the Maltese islands is the sense of escape you have between Malta and Gozo - there’s so much more greenery, a way more relaxed way of life and a great mini-holiday location, 20 minutes away. Perfection. 

9th August 2019


Kristina Cassar Dowling
Written by
Kristina Cassar Dowling
A local writer in love with the Maltese islands, Kristina is a hunter for all things cultural both in Malta and outside its shores. A curious foodie, music fanatic, art lover and keen traveller with an open mind and a passion for writing.

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