Happy New Year from Santa Luċija. AKA St Lucy’s (as it’s affectionately known). So after closing up my laptop for the weekend, I hopped on a ferry to the sister island. One of the perks of being on an archipelago is that you get to island hop. For less than €5.
I may have mentioned this, once or twice before, but… Gozo is the smaller sister island of Malta. Only she’s greener, and more of a natural beauty. Just check out that tufted green jacket worn through the “winter” months. (And of course those cliffs) 🤩
I 💙 visiting Gozo all year round, but, there’s something more special during the winter months. It’s the hiking trails, sunshine and tranquility for me.
Anyways enough about Gozo—let’s talk about Santa Luċija. This tiny village rests peacefully between Kercem and Victoria in Gozo, the cute spot where I decided to ring in 2024.
Like the rest of Gozo, St Lucy’s is a laid-back rural beauty. Only, thanks to a once-existing natural spring, its fertile lands are greener than the rest of the island. So after a day or so of relaxation, you can imagine I was eager to get out and explore.
Santa Luċija is a super quiet hamlet, and with only around 2000 residents, I bet it’s like this most of the time. Saying that, it was probably a tad quieter because all the local shops were shut over the festive period.
Could you live in a tiny village?
I’ve always fancied myself as a villagey girl, and out and about on my jollies, the people I came across reinforced this. They were not only friendly but sweet too. One person even offered me a lift to the supermarket in the next village!
Oh, and I passed a couple enjoying tea (at least I think it was tea 🙃) and soaking up the sunshine; I was greeted with choruses of, “Is-sena t-tajba.” (Happy new year in Maltese).
During my stroll, I stumbled upon colourful narrow alleyways. And just 👀 at these whimsical-looking houses. Which one would you choose to live in?
Ah, and I couldn’t resist stepping inside St Lucy’s church. I mean it was just moments away. Annnnd there wasn’t anyone inside, well, apart from the nativity… it was oh so peaceful.
Now, of course, being a city girl… 😅 I just had to have a nosey in Victoria. It’s a 15-minute stroll away.
But if you’re a beach lover, Qbajjar Bay Beach (yep, the one near the salt pans), Xlendi and Dwejra aren’t too far away. If you’re feeling even more outdoorsy, hike to Ta Cenc Cliffs—the views are breathtaking.
You’ve also got the Għar Ilma and Il-Mixta caves just waiting for an adventure.
But weekends, even extended New Yearsy ones…
they pass too soo quickly.
So, how did you ring in the new year? 🥳