Learn English at IELS Malta in Gozo

Gozo, meaning 'joy' in Castilian, is the name the Aragonese gave this island. The Arabs, who came to rule this precious piece of land a thousand years ago, and who strongly influenced its Semetic language, left behind the name that has stuck in the vernacular: Ghawdex (pronounced Aw-desh). Gozo is the second largest island of the Maltese Archipelago, which consists of three islands: Gozo, Comino and the main island of Malta. 14 km by 7 km in area. Gozo is hilly and from the south-west to the north-west, the coast is entirely sourrounded by cliffs. Gozo is rural and uncomplicated, its culture and way of life rooted in fishing pastoral and agricultural traditions. With a population of only 29.000, there is a quiet and peaceful atmosphere even in the main town of Victoria, named in honour of Queen Victoria´s jubilee in 1897.

The island is not for those looking for a hectic nightlife, but for those who treasure tranquillity and a slow pace of life. However, there are a few excellent night spots which are very popular during the summer months. The island is well served by restaurants, where the cuisine is good and varied, offering local as well as continental dishes. One can also enjoy specialised restaurants such as Chinese and Indian. The visitor is spoilt for choice. The inhabitants of Gozo have their own distinct character and identity. Lifestyles, accents and dialect are noticeably different to those of the main island of Malta. Gozo is renowned for its cottage industries, particularly spinning, weaving and creating garments from goats´and sheep´s wool. Handmade Gozo lace is an object d´art which continues to flourish despite competition from machine-made lace.