These days, if I’m not underwater, I’m likely indulging in my other favorite pastime – horseback riding – or simply spending time with the horses, feeding them, cleaning their stables, or just being around them.

There’s something endlessly calming about horses: their large, gentle, intelligent eyes and the way they look at you. Honestly, even their scent soothes me. Maybe it reminds me of my childhood. In fact, I started riding with the same childhood best friend I learned to dive with.

Gozo’s natural beauty captivates me. I love the sea, but I also can’t live without mountains, and thankfully, Gozo has both. Even the road from my home to the stables is breathtaking and deeply meditative. It reminds me of the Northern Camino in Spain, where you see the endless sea from the mountains.

Gozo Stables is a family-run farm that rescued Gypsy Cobs from Ireland (my favorite breed, though I had never ridden one before and didn’t even know they made good riding horses). They also have donkeys and a pony named Luna, who belongs to the owner’s grandson. Beyond that, there are plenty of dogs, all kinds of birds (really, everything from pigeons to peacocks, chickens, and roosters), and somewhere around the property, sheep and goats, since they also make their own cheese on the farm.

The Gozitan cheese, known as ġbejniet, is a staple in the local cuisine – cherished by both islanders and tourists. The recipe is passed down from father to son, and it’s available in various flavors, like black pepper or mixed herbs.

I find this “simple” life incredibly fulfilling: caring for animals, staying connected to nature and supporting the local community. The farm also hosts eco-tourism: you can stay there or go riding, either on horseback or by cart. Yes, you can even ride the donkeys, though I personally don’t trust them much..they’re stubborn and unpredictable creatures! The owner’s son works with them more closely and even enters them in competitions, both for beauty and speed. They’re currently training for the big feast in Nadur at the end of June. Stay tuned for that!

If you ever find yourself in Gozo, I highly recommend visiting this wonderful place. The people are incredibly kind and definitely worth meeting and I’m sure that they’ll only enrich your experience on the island.

What kind of activity brings you closer to yourself and helps you better understand who you are?