naviquan

The oldest man made, free-standing structure in the world. The Ġgantija temples are the earliest of a series of megalithic temples in Malta. They were constructed during the Neolithic Age (3600-2500 BC), which makes these temples more than 5500 years old and one of the oldest sacred religious places. Legend has it that a mythical giantess brought 20 feet (6 meters) megaliths on her head while holding her child in her hands.

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There are no ditect flights from the United States to Malta. Choose any convenient for you route to Malta International Airport (IMLA) - the only airport in Malta (not far from the village of Luqa) serving the whole Maltese Archipelago. If you rent a car and drive follow signs to Gozo from the airport taking route No.1 all the way to the northern point on Malta to Cirkewwa harbor where the ferry leaves for Mgarr harbor on Gozo. In Gozo follow signs to Victoria (central city) and then to Xaghra. From Malta International Airport you can also use taxi transfer to Gozo Ferry. Book this service in advance. On Gozo there is public transportation - bus which will take you from Victoria to the site of Ġgantija.

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Late spring - from April to June or fall is the best time to go. But in fall be aware of strong winds (sirocco)

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You can find villas and old farmhouses converted into private vacation rental holiday homes. You may also find some modern apartments. Your best bets with hotel accomodations is Cornucopia Hotel Xaghra, the only hotel located near Ggantija Temple and Calypso's Cave (0 Gnien Imrik Street, Xaghra, Island of Gozo XRA 102, Malta ), prices from $70 to $115. Alternatively, you can stay in Victoria, the main town on the island of Gozo. Good hotels in Victoria include: - Downtown Hotel located 1.1 miles from Xagħra (Triq L-Ewropa, Victoria, Island of Gozo), €70 - €140
- Grand Hotel, 2.4 miles from Xagħra (Mgarr, GSM 9026 Ghajnsielem, Gozo) offers more luxurios accomodations; it has rooftop dining and pool with views of the island of Malta; free bus service is provided to the beaches of Ramla Bay and San Blas Bay €80 - €300 Research and book hotels in or near Xaghra, Malta

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Swimming; snorking, ll kinds of watersports; places for surfing/sailing are Qbajjar bay, Ramla Bay, Hondoq Bay; sightseeing historic and natural wonders like Calypso Cave, described by Homer in "The Odyssey" , Xerri's Grotto - the small cave under one of the streets in Xaghra, Ninu's Cave; shopping in Victoria; Archaeology Museam also worth visiting.

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Xaghra is an enchanting ancient village on the island of Gozo. Its main square and the twisted hairpin road up to the plateau is lined with pink and white oleander trees. This was probably the capital of the island in ancient times.The Ggantija temples are nearby, as is Calypso's Cave.

Two-three hours will be enough to visit Ġgantija temple, allow two more hours if you want to explore the village. You may want to visit Ta' Kola which is one of the windmills built in 1725 by the Fondazione Manoel in the 18th century during the reign of Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena. It is situated just off Ggantija Temples in Xaghra and houses a folklore museum.This is one of the very few remaining examples of 18th century industrial heritage in the Maltese Islands. You can buy a ticket with discount for both Ġgantija temple and Ta' Kola sites.

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Tags: Calypso Cave; Ggantija; Gozo; Homer (2); Hondoq Bay; Luqa international airport; Malta; Megalithic; Neolithic (2); Odyssey; Qbajjar bay; Ramla Bay; Ta Kola; temple complex; Victoria; Xaghra

Web Sites:   Visitmalta - The Official Malta Tourism Website. Information on Malta, Gozo, Comino
  Xaghra Local Council - Official Website

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