Three delightfully contrasting islands make up the Maltese Islands. The largest of these, Malta, is sophisticated with a wide variety of superb hotels, excellent beaches and busy nightlife. Comino is the smallest, a haven for anyone who loves water sports, with some of the best swimming in the Mediterranean. And then there is Gozo.

Gozo is a third the size of Malta, but greener and more rural. Its landscape has hills and deep valleys as well as rugged cliffs, which give natural protection to the island's small harbours and inlets. Life here moves at a leisurely pace, revolving around farming and fishing.

It is an island where time seems to have stood still. There may be de luxe hotels, wonderful small restaurants serving fish caught only hours before being served at the table, and a nightlife in summer to match the very best in Malta but it is all charmingly concealed in a magnificent and truly tranquil landscape. Gozo is where you can also get away to secluded privacy when you want to. Little wonder it has become known as an island paradise.

To get to Gozo you take a 30 minute ferry trip from Malta's northernmost tip, during which you sail past Comino with its glorious Blue Lagoon, just visible through a narrow entrance in the rock coastline. Alternatively you can take the helicopter service from Malta International Airport, a trip which normally takes 10 to 15 minutes. Whichever way you choose, on landing you are instantly captured by the island's serene charm and beauty. At every turn one finds oleanders, geraniums and bourgainvillae in full bloom in summer and lush crops in the fields in winter, while picturesque villages with imposing baroque parish churches and charming farmhouses, dot the countryside.