The Maltese archipelago has long been a crossroads of legends, myths, and ancient tales. Among the most captivating is the story of Calypso, the nymph who bewitched Ulysses on the island of Ogygia, an island widely believed to be today’s Gozo. This mythical connection blends Greek epic poetry with the dramatic landscapes of Malta, making Gozo a unique destination where history and mythology intertwine.

The Nymph of Ogygia

In Homer’s Odyssey, Calypso, daughter of Atlas, rules over the remote island of Ogygia. Ancient tradition strongly links this mythical island to Gozo, the greener and more mystical sister island of Malta. According to legend, Calypso lived in a cave overlooking Ramla Bay, described by Homer as a place of:

• lush greenery
• flowing springs
• fragrant meadows

Here, she welcomed Ulysses, shipwrecked after the fall of Troy.

Seven Years of Captivity and Temptation

Calypso sought to keep Ulysses by her side, offering him immortality in exchange for his love. But Ulysses, faithful to Penelope and longing for Ithaca, refused her advances.

For seven years, the hero lived between longing and enchantment — until the gods intervened and ordered his release.

Reference: Pierre Blanchard, “Mythologie de la jeunesse”, 1803

Ogygia and Gozo Through History

Gozo’s identification as Ogygia dates back to antiquity. Scholars and poets, including Callimachus of Cyrene in the 3rd century BC, considered it the “navel of the seas,” a mysterious place at the edge of the known world.

Today, Calypso’s Cave remains a symbolic site overlooking Ramla Bay. Although the cave itself is currently inaccessible due to landslides linked to natural green clay deposits (the same clay myths say Calypso used for her beauty rituals), the legend endures.

Ta’ Mixta Cave: The Alternative Viewpoint

As Calypso’s Cave became unsafe, travellers began visiting Ta’ Mixta Cave, a natural grotto on the eastern side of Ramla Bay.
It offers:

• panoramic views of the iconic red-golden sands
• one of the most photogenic lookouts in Gozo
• a dramatic setting that evokes the atmosphere of ancient myth

The name Calypso also resonates in modern maritime history. The famous oceanographic vessel of explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau was originally:

• a WWII BYMS-class minesweeper,
• later converted into a ferry connecting Malta and Gozo,
• and finally transformed into the legendary exploration ship used for Cousteau’s documentaries and expeditions.

This unexpected link adds another layer to Gozo’s mythological heritage.

Malta and Gozo have inspired countless stories, myths, and sacred narratives for millennia.

Mythic and Historic Tales Intertwined

Some of the most famous include:

• Calypso and Ulysses (Gozo as Ogygia)
• The shipwreck of Saint Paul in Malta
• The goddess Tanit, revered in ancient Mediterranean cultures
• Megalithic temples, often attributed to giants in folklore
• Gozo’s nickname: “Island of the Giants”, linked to the Ġgantija Temples
• Ġgantija itself meaning “Tower of the Giants”

These tales reveal how the islands’ landscapes, shaped by wind, sea, and time, nourished myths that still resonate today.

Even with restricted access, Calypso’s Cave remains a powerful symbol. The view of Ramla Bay, along with the island’s storytelling traditions, continues to inspire visitors seeking:

• Greek mythology
• Mediterranean history
• dramatic natural landscapes
• ancient legends rooted in real places

Gozo’s blend of epic narrative and natural beauty offers a unique experience, reminding travellers that in Malta, myth is never far from reality.