Brits looking for a peaceful holiday destination free from the crowds of tourists may want to take a closer look at this underrated spot. It is a pretty little island in the Mediterranean Sea, and is part of the Republic of Malta.

The island has a population of around 31,232 (out of Malta's total 443,227), and its inhabitants are known as Gozitans. It is rich in historic locations such as the Ggantija temples, which, along with the other Megalithic Temples of Malta, are amongst the world's oldest free-standing structures.

But perhaps the best thing about the Maltese island of Gozo is that it offers a much quieter holiday pace than the mainland of Malta, which can get very over-crowded in the summer months, and is just a 45-minute ferry ride away from its better-known big sister.

Visitors can expect average highs of 24C in May, as well as around nine hours of sunshine per day.

It is the perfect place to soak up beautiful Mediterranean views, tuck into local cuisine and meander along the island’s many rural hiking paths.

The island is rural in character and less developed than the island of Malta. Gozo is known for its scenic hills, which are featured on its coat of arms.

The island has other notable natural features, including the Inland Sea and Wied il-Mielah Window. There are a few sandy beaches on the island, namely Ramla Bay in Xaghra and Nadur, as well as seaside resorts that are popular with both locals and tourists, the most popular being Marsalforn and Xlendi. Gozo is also considered one of the Mediterranean's top diving destinations and a water sports centre.

Gozo is just 67sqkm in size (25sq miles) and there are 15 bus routes offering a travel network across the island. Visit the capital Rabat (or Victoria as it’s also known), where you’ll find a medieval citadel which is home to the Gran Castello Historic House, the Gozo Museum of Archaelogy and Gozo Cathedral.

There’s also an open-air market just below the citadel in Independence Square, selling produce, clothing and souvenirs. You can also travel by boat to the smaller nearby island Comino from Mġarr Harbour and take a dip in the tempting turquoise Blue Lagoon water.

If you want to stay in style, then the five-star Kempinski Hotel in San Lawrenz has acres of gardens and no less than five different swimming pools.

The hotel is suitably grand, with elegant facades and a selection of stylishly decorated rooms. Its three different restaurant offerings serve up some serious fine dining treats.

There are plenty of more affordable options, from small boutique hotels to AirBNBs and even camping.

There are direct flights from the United Kingdom to Malta. Direct flights usually depart from London Heathrow Airport, London Gatwick Airport and Manchester Airport. EasyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 all fly to Malta. Flights are from £85 in May.

The ferry from Malta to Gozo, specifically from Valletta, costs between 16 and 43 euros (£13 and £37) You can catch this ferry from Lascaris Wharf Terminal in Valletta. Alternatively, you can catch the Gozo Channel ferry from Cirkewwa, leaving every 20 to 30 minutes in peak season.