We had planned to take the fast ferry from Valletta to Gozo, which takes 45 minutes, but the ferry was cancelled because of high winds. https://gozofastferry.com
Instead, we took the slow ferry from Cirkewwa. Bus 41/42 from Bay B6 at the Valletta Bus Terminus travelled to Cirkewwa. The ride was €1.50 and took 1 hour and 15 minutes.
On the way, we saw the Rotunda of Mosta. The official name is the Sanctuary Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady. It's a Roman Catholic parish church and Minor Basilican of Mosta. Built between 1833 and 1860s, it was modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. It is the 3rd largest unsupported dome in the world (after the Pantheon and the Rhode Island State House).
We also passed St. Paul’s Bay.
Mellieha had a couple of sights--the Parish Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary is a Roman Catholic parish church that was built between 1881 and 1898.
St. Agatha's Tower is a large bastioned watchtower in Mellieha. It was built between 1647 and 1649, as the sixth of the Lascaris towers.
Arriving at Cirkewwa, we could see the ferry.
We purchased a return ticket for €4.65. Technically, the trip to Gozo is free. The trip back costs €4.65. Since we didn't know how difficult it would be to purchase tickets in Gozo, we went ahead and bought the tickets in Cirkewwa. The ferries depart every 30-45 minutes. https://www.gozochannel.com/ferry/schedule/
Once the boarding announcement was made, we were directed to walk through the building to the gangway.
Cars lining up to board the ferry. It was a pretty efficient process and took about 10 minutes to load everyone.
The inside of the ferry is pretty spartan.
Passing the island of Comino, which has good diving and snorkeling spots.
Arriving at Mgarr in Gozo. The ride took 25 minutes. Gozo is believed to have been the isle of Calypso in Homer's Odyssey.
Exiting the ferry terminal, we turned right to find the buses. Bus 301 traveled to Victoria, where we spent the next 2 nights. We missed the 2-hour window by 7 minutes and paid another €1.50. The ride took 20 minutes.
2021 11 30
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