Victoria — The Capital of Gozo With 7,500 Inhabitants

Maklowicz reports: "The capital of Gozo is really just a small town, because it has roughly seven and a half thousand inhabitants." Victoria (formerly Rabat Gozo) is the heart of the island — small, but full of character.

Pjazza Indipendenza — The Heart of the Town

Pjazza Indipendenza (locals say "It-Tokk") is the central square with a daily market. In the morning they sell local vegetables, gbejniet cheese, olives and honey. In the cafés, retirees sit over coffee and pastizzi. This is the quintessence of Gozitan life.

The Food Market

Gozo is famous for produce you won't find on Malta: gbejniet (goat cheese in vinegar and pepper), sundried tomatoes, prickly pear honey and local wine. At the market you buy everything straight from the farmers.

Beyond the Citadel

Victoria has more than the Citadel. Astra and Aurora Theatres — two rival opera houses (yes, Victoria has opera!). St George's Church with a baroque interior. Narrow streets with stone houses and hanging flowers.

Buses to every corner of Gozo depart from Victoria. It's the natural starting point for exploring the island.