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The UK has been experiencing record-breaking heavy rain for the first part of 2026, and during the gloomy weather, most people dream of visiting a much warmer destination. Gozo is a tiny Mediterranean island between Sicily and the North African coast, known for its incredibly green hills, dramatic cliffsides, and tranquil beaches.

It is right next to Malta, a larger island that attracts countless tourists and has become a very popular destination for anyone looking for a seaside holiday. Many people in Britain know about Malta because Queen Elizabeth II lived there in the 1950s, when she first married Prince Philip before ascending the throne. Malta is known for being a bustling island good for nightlife with plenty of historic sites, but Gozo is a lot quieter, and if you want to relax and escape the crowds, then it is a fantastic island to visit.

Samantha Debono, a travelling expert known as the Maltese Wanderer online, has shared that Gozo is best visited around about now for the absolute best experience.

She said: "Gozo during the winter (barring the Carnival festivities) and early spring months can be described using one word: PEACEFUL.

"The place is extremely quiet, with much less visitors when compared to the summer months. There are no crowds, no queues to the museums and attractions and there is little to no traffic on the roads."

Gozo is known to be much greener than Malta, and it can be fun to just wander around to explore sights, such as Dwejra Bay, a rugged rock formation that is absolutely breathtaking.

What makes the area special is Fungus Rock, also called Mushroom Rock, which is home to a rare flower that has historically been highly prized by the Knights of St John for its healing properties.

Visitors can take a boat to explore the area's hidden coves, go snorkelling in the clear water, or simply go in the late afternoon to enjoy the spectacular sunsets over the horizon.

It is also worth walking around Victoria, Gozo's capital city, known for its honey-coloured buildings and narrow streets filled with numerous independent shops, cafes, and bakeries to explore.

In the heart of Victoria, you will find the Citadel, a fortified area on the top of a hill that is over a thousand years old, where you can see the entire island as well as Malta out at sea.

If you like drinking, the area is renowned for its Lord Chambray beer, and there is also a brewery at the Gozitano Agricultural Village, near Victoria, and surrounded by flowering fields.

Gozo remains quite warm even in late winter, with temperatures typically around 15C to 18C. It is also very budget-friendly compared to mainland Europe at this time of year as hotel prices are considered very reasonable.

Samantha said: "Accommodation on the island is so much cheaper during the winter season! Most hotels and B&Bs rent out their rooms for up to half their peak season prices. You're also more likely to find the better rooms in hotels still available during low season, unlike during peak season,"