As October arrives in Gozo, the island begins to shift gears, leaving behind the intensity of summer and embracing the mellow tones of autumn. The days are shorter, the air carries a subtle crispness, and the landscape is dotted with the rich hues of the season. This is a time when Gozo reveals a different kind of beauty—a quieter, more reflective charm that invites you to slow down and savour the gifts of the harvest.
October in Gozo is marked by a softening of the landscape. The once golden fields, scorched by the summer sun, start to green again with the first rains of the season. The heat of summer gradually gives way to cooler breezes, making it an ideal time to explore the island’s many trails and hidden paths without the overwhelming intensity of the sun. The terraced hillsides, now tinged with autumnal shades, beckon walkers and cyclists alike to discover the quieter corners of Gozo.
The vineyards, which just a month ago were heavy with grapes, have mostly been harvested. The winemakers are busy in their cellars, turning the season’s bounty into wines that will be enjoyed in the months and years to come. However, the olive trees, their branches still heavy with fruit, are in their prime, ready to yield the liquid gold that Gozo is known for. The olive harvest is a community affair, with families and friends gathering to pick the fruit, celebrating the season’s abundance with a shared sense of purpose and tradition.
Even as autumn takes hold, traces of summer linger on in Gozo. October is the last hurrah for some of the island’s sweetest fruits. Pomegranates, their ruby-red seeds bursting with juice, are at their peak. These jewels of the Mediterranean are used in everything from salads to desserts, adding a vibrant splash of colour and a tangy sweetness to the table. They are also a common offering during the island’s many festas, where the streets come alive with the sounds of celebration.
Quinces, too, make their appearance in October. Though often overlooked, these fragrant fruits are a true delicacy when prepared properly. Slow-cooked into jams or jellies, or poached with spices, quinces bring a taste of the old world to the modern palate. Their unique, tart flavour is a reminder of Gozo’s rich agricultural heritage, where nothing is wasted, and everything has its place.
While the land begins to cool, the sea around Gozo remains warm, continuing to provide its bounty well into the autumn months. October is a prime time for lampuki, also known as dorado or mahi-mahi, a fish that has been celebrated on the island for centuries. The lampuki season runs from late August to November, and by October, the catch is at its best. These fish, known for their firm, white flesh and mild flavour, are a staple of Gozitan cuisine during this time.
Local fishermen, using traditional methods, lay out rows of palm fronds on the water’s surface to attract the fish, a technique that has been passed down through generations. The lampuki are then caught and sold fresh at the markets, where they are eagerly snapped up by locals and visitors alike. Grilled, baked, or stewed in a traditional pie, lampuki is a taste of autumn that is not to be missed.
October is also the time when Gozo’s fields yield some of the heartiest vegetables of the year. Pumpkins, with their vibrant orange flesh, are harvested in abundance. These versatile gourds are used in a variety of dishes, from comforting soups to sweet desserts, embodying the warmth of the season. The Gozitan pumpkin soup, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, is a favourite on the island, offering a taste of home and hearth as the evenings grow cooler.
Other root vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, and beetroots, are also in season, their earthy flavours providing the foundation for hearty autumn meals. These vegetables, nurtured by the island’s rich soil, are the unsung heroes of Gozitan cuisine, offering sustenance and comfort as the island transitions from the heat of summer to the coolness of winter.
As the pace of life on the island slows down, October becomes a time for reflection and gathering. The festas continue, albeit with a different energy from the exuberance of summer. The celebrations are more intimate, with the focus shifting to the hearth and home. Families come together to share meals made from the season’s produce, enjoying the simple pleasures of good food, good company, and the warmth of a crackling fire.
The island’s traditional crafts also come to the fore in October. The weaving of baskets, the making of lace, and the crafting of pottery—all skills passed down through generations—are showcased at local markets and festivals. These crafts, like the island’s cuisine, are a testament to Gozo’s enduring connection to the land and its people’s ability to thrive in harmony with the rhythms of nature.
October in Gozo is a time of quiet beauty, where the island’s natural rhythms dictate the pace of life. It’s a season of abundance, but also one of balance, where the last of summer’s gifts meet the first signs of winter. The air is filled with the scent of wood smoke and the sound of rustling leaves, creating an atmosphere that invites you to slow down, take a deep breath, and truly appreciate the simple, yet profound pleasures that this island has to offer.
Whether you are exploring the countryside, tasting the seasonal produce, or simply enjoying the tranquillity that October brings, Gozo in autumn is a place where the essence of the Mediterranean is distilled into every moment. So, take your time, savour the season, and let the island’s gentle embrace guide you through this magical time of year.
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