Best Things To Do And See In Gozo (Malta)
Are you trying to plan a trip to Gozo? Wanting to know the best things to do on the fascinating Maltese island?
There are countless visitors to Malta and Gozo each and every year, and knowing the best things to do on the island of Gozo can be a challenge.
This is why we have created a guide to help you create the ultimate Gozo itinerary that can satisfy any length of trip.
So, let’s take you through the best things to do and see in Gozo (Malta):
Disclaimer - this blog post contains affiliate links where we can earn a commission, if you make a purchase through them (at no extra cost to you).
Gozo Overview
Language: Maltese; though English is widely spoken
Currency: Euro
Population: 30,000
How to get to Gozo: Gozo Fast Ferry or Virtu Ferry
Highlights: Victoria Citadella; Tal-Mixta Cave; Sightseeing Bus Tour; Jeep-Tour and Powerboat Ride
Can I drink the tap water? Not advised unless you are using a LifeStraw to filter the water.
Best Hotel to stay in: Duke Boutique Hotel
Best Places to Stay in Gozo
When looking for where to stay in Gozo, you have plenty of different options, whether private farmhouses converted to homestays or large, traditional resorts and spas.
Thankfully, there is a great selection of brilliant boutique hotels in Gozo, so whatever your budget, you will always be able to find one of the best places to stay in Gozo.
Underneath, we have highlighted some of the best options when you’re considering the best places to stay in Gozo. We have chosen the best options in Victoria, the central hub of Gozo because that is the best place to base yourself when you’re visiting the island.
The Escape Villa
A 4-bedroom private villa found in the heart of Victoria. The villa comes equipped with an indoor and outdoor pool, as well as room for housing up to 9 people.
A fully equipped kitchen makes The Escape Villa the perfect place to stay in Gozo when you are travelling as a big group or when you want to have a homely feel to your stay in Malta. You can find availability and prices for the Escape here.
Duke Boutique Hotel
Undoubtedly the best hotel in Victoria, the Duke Boutique Hotel, can be found directly next to the Villa Rundle Gardens.
For a luxurious stay while in Gozo, how about opting for the presidential suite? The room features a private hot tub and brilliant views of the surrounding area. At night time, see if you can spot the famous Cittadella lit up on the hillside.
Breakfast is served on-site daily. The hotel has excellent access to the local shopping complex, making it easy to find supplies and use the Duke Boutique Hotel as the perfect base for exploring Victoria and the island of Gozo. Click here to find availability and latest prices.
Brief Overview of Gozo
Gozo is only 67 sq km (26 sq miles) and is less than a quarter the size of the main island of Malta. Much of that land is occupied by farmers’ fields and unspoilt wilderness, making it a wonderful European destination for hiking and taking long breaks from the hustle and bustle of corporate life.
Malta is one of the best islands in the Mediterranean to visit in the summer and it’s a similar story for its slightly smaller neighbour of Gozo.
Gozo and Gozitans (the name given to residents of Gozo) have a very calm, relaxed, slow pace to doing things. Illustrated by the fact that many shops and stores close for up to 4 hours in the middle of the day so that the Gozitans can escape the hot summer sunshine and relax by their pools.
The thing that sets Gozo apart from many other islands in Europe however, is the incredible diving spots the island has to offer. Gozo consistently ranks within Europe's top 5 diving spots, making it a brilliant island to include in your 7-Day Malta itinerary.
With great transport links from the main island and plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars spread across the island, you soon realise why Gozo is one of Europe's most up-and-coming rural destinations. One of the best things about Malta, and by extension Gozo, is that it is one of the best winter destinations in Europe - meaning you can expect warm weather pretty much all year round.
While many only visit Gozo for a few hours, usually by choosing one of the best day trips to Gozo from Malta, we think they only scratch the surface of the island. Instead, you should try and spend as much time as possible in Gozo.
Let’s start our round-up of the best things to do and see in Gozo (Malta) by beginning in the centre of the island.
Best Things to do in the Centre of Gozo
Victoria (Rabat)
Victoria, known as Rabat by the locals, is the island's modest capital city and one of the best cities in Malta. It is the perfect place to base yourself during your Gozo adventure. Victoria has the best infrastructure on the island and is wonderfully situated to make sure you can explore the whole of Gozo.
There are many amazing things to do in Victoria; underneath, we shall highlight just a few of them.
Victoria Cittadella
The medieval Citadel of Victoria, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and is the ideal place to discover the fascinating stories and history of Gozo and its people.
Inside the Citadel's ancient walls, you will discover churches, museums, historic artefacts and even an old prison that was still in use up until the 1960s.
It-tokk (Independence) Square
It-tokk Square, or Independence Square as it is more commonly referred to, is the social centre of Victoria and a place where you will find the majority of tourists and visitors to the city.
The square features a number of coffee shops, roof-top bars, restaurants with balconies overlooking the square and several boutique souvenir shops. Whenever you need a bite to eat, or iced coffee to escape the intense Maltese sunshine, then It-tokk Square will be able to provide it.
Visit Ta’ Pinu
A 45-minute walk, or 10-minute taxi ride, from the centre of Victoria, lies the impressive Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu - simply known as Ta’ Pinu.
Gozo and Malta are famous for the impressive churches dotted throughout the archipelago, but it is hard to overlook Ta’ Pinu when it comes to the most stunning of them all.
For a church with such an exciting history, Ta’ Pinu is in fact, very young. Work began on the church in 1922 and was completed a decade later in October 1932. As well as the main building itself, the site of Ta’ Pinu also features an impressive 61m-high bell tower and several beautifully crafted mosaic memorials.
Stations of the Cross Walk
Directly in front of Ta’ Pinu you will find Ta’ Ghammar Hill, home to the famous ‘Stations of the cross’ walk. The walk takes around 20-30 minutes and is uphill throughout - though we would not call it strenuous.
On your way up the top of Ta’ Ghammar, you will walk past a number of statues depicting the stations of the cross. You follow the path, with the statues dotted throughout, until you reach the amphitheatre and the final statue at the top.
From the summit, you will also be greeted with 360-degree panoramic views of Gozo.
Xaghra
Ggantija Temples
The Ggantija temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to roughly 3200 BC. To put that into perspective, the free-standing monument outdates both Stonehenge and the Egyptian Pyramids.
The megalithic structures are just about surviving and are remarkably well preserved for such an ancient creation.
As well as wandering around the temples, you are also able to visit the interpretation centre before entering the site. This allows you to learn about the history of the temples before discovering them for yourself.
Ta Kola Windmill
Just a few hundred metres away from the Ggantija Temples site is the impressive Ta’ Kola Windmill that is believed to have been constructed in 1725.
Although the windmill is unfortunately no longer operational, it remains in good condition and has been wonderfully transformed into an interactive museum. On the ground floor, you are able to see all of the tools and machinery that the Miller would have used to help with the daily tasks around the Windmill.
Note: the entrance fee to the temples and windmill is a fairly steep €10. If you only visit one of the attractions at Xaghra this would certainly not be worth the money as the size of both places can be a little underwhelming. Thankfully though, the ticket grants you access to both historical sites and as a result we would definitely recommend making the trip to Xaghra during your stay in Gozo.
Best Things to do on the Southern Coast of Gozo
Mgarr Harbour
It is likely that Mgarr Harbour will represent your first experience of Gozo, given that all commercial ferries and boats travelling from the main island of Malta dock in the harbour at Mgarr.
As you come into the harbour, you will pass by the Mgarr Marina, where a wealth of sailboats and yachts will be moored. Once you exit the ferry, it’s only a short 2-minute walk to the edge of the marina, where you get the chance to view the boats up close.
Mgarr ix-Xini
Mgarr ix-Xini is a secluded bay on the Southern edge of Gozo that has risen to fame since Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie filmed ‘By the Sea’ in the stunning location.
While the film itself didn’t set the world alight, it did introduce people to one of Gozo’s best-kept secrets - unfortunately, the secret is well and truly up now.
Even the ex-French President Nicolas Sarkozy has vacationed in Mgarr ix-Xini. A destination fit for Hollywood stars and European presidents - it is certainly one of the best places to spend a day in Gozo.
Our Tip: The walk from Mgarr Harbour to Mgarr ix-Xini is around 50-minutes and takes you past fishing villages, one of Gozo’s famous dive spots and the Mgarr ix-Xini Guardtower that was erected in the mid-17th century.
Xlendi
Xlendi is a village found in the South West corner of Gozo best known for Xlendi Bay, a popular sunbathing, swimming and diving spot.
The infrastructure in Xlendi is fairly tourist-oriented and features a number of wonderful restaurants and cafes located on the seafront. Xlendi is arguably the best place to sample some of the local fish.
As alluded to earlier, Xlendi is a popular diving spot and the leading diving company in the area is Ritual Dive. Their centre and base is in Xlendi and are attached to the wonderful Front Bar - serving a vast array of cocktails alongside their food - and the Ulysses Hotel has a swimming pool perfectly suited to first-time divers, or experienced divers wanting to hone their skills.
Fontana Cottage Craft Village
On your drive down to the Xlendi, it is worth paying a visit to the Fontana Cottage Craft Village. As the name suggests, at the village, you will be able to find a number of local arts and crafts for sale as well as a wide selection of Gozitan and Maltese delicacies.
Make your way to the very back of the craft village, and you will find the food section, where the artisans are more than happy to hand out free samples of their delicious products. We would recommend trying the traditional Maltese Honey Ring and the Prickly Pear Liqueur.
Best Sights on Eastern Coast of Gozo
Dwejra
Dwejra is perhaps most famous for being the home of an improbable natural rock formation - the Azure Window. The 28-foot tall limestone feature was one of Gozo’s premier tourist destinations until it tragically collapsed during a storm in early 2017.
Today, you can no longer see the original formation as even the column has succumbed to the power of erosion from the sea. Thankfully, there are still plenty of other sites to see in Dwejra that make the trip to the Western tip of the island of Gozo worthwhile.
Inland Sea
The Inland Sea, now arguably Dwejra’s most impressive attraction, is an inland saltwater lagoon that is linked to the Mediterranean by a wonderful, natural, arching cave formation.
On the lagoon's shores are food and drink kiosks and an arrangement of colourful fishermen’s huts.
Maltese fishing boats known as Luzzus can take visitors through the cave and out into the Mediterranean on calm days throughout the summer. For a small €4 charge, the driver takes you out of the lagoon and on a tour of the surrounding area, including the impressive Fungus Rock.
Tip: Diving through the cave at the Inland Sea is world-renowned but if you get a chance, it is equally impressive to snorkel through the cave. The light shining through the water, coupled with the procession of fish and divers deep below you, is truly a sight to behold.
Fungus Rock
Fungus rock can be seen from the coast at Dwejra but is best seen up close from the side of a Luzzu boat. The ‘rock’ itself is in fact a 60-metre-high (200ft) limestone formation that juts out of the sea at the entrance of the Dwejra lagoon.
Legend has it that the Knights Templars discovered Maltese Fungus on the rock and in 1746, decreed the rock out of bounds. The sides of the rock were even artificially smoothed over so that no chancers could swim over and climb the formation.
Today, the Maltese fungus is still being scientifically studied for its pharmacological properties. Though for now, it is recommended that you stick to snorkelling around the nature reserve at Fungus Rock rather than attempting to scale the limestone itself.
Top tip: before leaving Dwejra, pay a visit to the Grammi Fritti Food Truck - they specialise in fried-seafood and fried-vegetables. They are honestly delicious!
Ta’ Dbiegi Crafts Village
Another unmissable spot in Gozo can be found on the left-hand side of the road as you travel down to Dwejra. The Ta’ Dbiegi Crafts Village is the perfect place to pick up an artisanal souvenir as a reminder of your travels to Gozo.
Within the village, you are able to watch glass blowing at the Gozo Glass Studio or intricate butterflies being created from sheets of metal at Inkwina. Finish off your craft village trip with a delicious gelato from L’Għawdxija.
Best Things to do on Northern Coast of Gozo
Ramla Bay and Tal-Mixta Cave
Arguably Gozo’s best photo opportunity, Tal-Mixta Cave lies high in the cliff face on the Eastern edge of Ramla Bay.
The picturesque cave is a little difficult to get to - it is possible to get above the cave and make your way down to the entrance. However, we would personally recommend spending the day at the beach in Ramla Bay - one of the best beaches in Gozo - and then hiking up to the cave from the beach.
Xwejni Salt Pans
The art of harvesting salt naturally has been perfected over several centuries in Malta, and the tradition is well and truly alive at the Xwejni Salt Pans.
The salt pans are arranged in geometric patterns directly adjacent to the seafront - when waves come crashing over, seawater collects in the pans until the sun evaporates the water. The salt that is left behind is then harvested by locals and shipped out across the globe.
You can buy your very own Xwejni salt at the little stalls that populate the road next to the salt pans - brilliant for home cooking and also supporting the local economy.
Note: please be careful when taking photos of the salt pans and be sure to follow any prompts on the signs - it is important not to stand in any of the pans directly as this contaminates the salt.
Wied il-Ghasri
A sea canyon on the Northern tip of Gozo, Wiedil-Ghasri stretches 300m inland before reaching a small beach.
Popular with tourists, Wied il-Ghasri can be accessed by a series of steep, narrow steps that descend into the gorge. Once you are at sea level, you can go for a swim and explore the many caves to be found along the canyon.
Wied il-Mielah Window
Although the original Azure Window sadly disappeared in 2017, the island of Gozo is home to another natural rock formation that is less well-known, but no less impressive.
The Wied il-Mielah Window can be found in the North-Western corner of the island, and as the rock formation is so thick, it is possible to walk directly on top of the window. To get the best view, however, we’d recommend walking down the steep staircase that leads to the water’s edge.
Excursions away from Gozo
Visit Comino
Comino is the smallest inhabited island of the Maltese archipelago and is a perfect place to explore on a day trip from Gozo.
Despite Comino officially being inhabited, there are only 2 permanent residents that call Comino home, so there is no infrastructure on the island - meaning no hotels or Airbnb.
As a result, many visitors to Malta and Gozo decide to take a full-day boat trip to the island so they can explore and return to their accommodation on one of the larger islands in the evenings.
Among the many things to do and see on Comino, the popular activities involve hiking the length of the island (only 2km long), and exploring the abandoned chapels and Saint Mary’s Battery.
Blue Lagoon
Located on the far Western edge of the island of Comino is the world-renowned Blue Lagoon. As the name suggests, the lagoon is home to the most stunningly vibrant blue water.
The picturesque bay also plays host to a beautiful white, sandy beach (a rarity in Malta) and is an excellent destination for snorkelling, swimming and diving.
Getting to Comino and Blue Lagoon
In the summer months, Gozo Comino Ferry offers a number of crossings throughout the day from Mgarr Harbour in Gozo across to the Blue Lagoon in Comino. Ferries begin departing at 8 am and continue until around 6 pm.
Click here for a full breakdown of Gozo Comino Ferry Departure Times.
Alternatively, it is possible to acquire a day trip or tour from either Gozo or Malta, where you will be taken over to Comino and given plenty of time to explore the island and take a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon water.
Underneath, you shall find a number of Comino tour/day trip options offered through Get Your Guide - undoubtedly one of the most reputable and reliable companies offering trips to Comino. GetYourGuide is one of those brilliant apps for travelling that allow you to find local tour guides to take you around the country or destination they love.
Water Sports to try in Gozo
Diving
It is well-known that Malta boasts some of the best diving conditions in Europe and the island of Gozo is one of the main reasons for this.
There are several options when it comes to diving on Gozo, but we have highlighted some of the more reputable companies here: Bubbles Diving Gozo (Guaranteed to dive in a group of no more than 4); Atlantis Diving; Gozo Diving.
Snorkelling
The options for snorkelling in Gozo are quite literally endless and the best thing about snorkelling is that you don’t need a guide. You can simply turn up at the beach, put your snorkel on, and head out to the sea.
The best places to head for snorkelling in Gozo are the Blue Hole (Adjacent to the Inland Sea at Dwejra), Hondoq Bay (Far South-Eastern Point of Gozo) and Xlendi Bay.
Kayaking
If you’re looking to Kayak while in Gozo, there are several kayak rental stands in pretty much every inhabited bay within Gozo, and usually for a relatively small hourly rate.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a guided kayaking experience, Kayak Gozo offers guided tours throughout the summer that take you to many of Gozo’s best sights.
Surfing
Although Gozo isn’t necessarily renowned for its waves, there are a number of places to surf around the island - Ramla Beach; San Blas Beach; Xatt I Ahmar; Qbajjar Bay etc.
Gozo Fun runs beginner surf lessons throughout the summer, starting around €40.
Alternatively, for more experienced surfers, it is perhaps better to opt for Malta Surf School. While most of their lessons are on the main island of Malta, there are occasions where, given the right conditions, they will use Ramla Bay and Qbajjar Bay on Gozo.
Flyboarding
Flyboarding is a relatively new water sport but is an absolute must-try when visiting Malta. Although not available specifically in Gozo, Flyboard Malta offers packages in Spinola Bay on the main island of Malta.
Best Tours available in Gozo
Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour of Gozo - Explore the island of Gozo with a 1-day hop-on hop-off ticket on a city sightseeing bus tour. Starting from Mgarr Harbour, the route takes approximately 2.5 hours, with 15 stops visiting all the major attractions this beautiful island has to offer.
Segway Exploration Tour of Gozo - Take a 2-hour Segway tour around the off-beaten path of Gozo. You will pass through fertile valleys, try seasonal fruits, and visit the best viewpoints, including Mixta Cave.
Full-day Jeep Tour (+Powerboat Ride) of Gozo - See the sights of Gozo on a full-day Jeep tour and get amazing views of the landscapes and hidden corners. Visit the megalithic temple complex of Ġgantija, marvel at the salt pans, Inland Sea and much more.
Full-day Sightseeing Tour of Gozo - Explore tiny Gozo on a full-day sightseeing tour and discover Malta’s sister island. Visit Ta' Pinu Basilica, and take a train ride to the Cittadella. See stunning beaches and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in a laid-back environment.
How to get to Gozo?
If you’re wondering how to get to Gozo from Malta, it is a very simple process and you have a few different options. Underneath we outline exactly how to visit Gozo from Malta.
The only international airport that serves the Maltese Archipelago is Luqa International Airport just outside of Valletta. Unless you happen to be arriving in Malta by boat (The Sicily - Malta Ferry for example) this will undoubtedly be your first stop in the country.
From here, you need to make your way to the Ferry terminals to be able to travel to Gozo.
The ferry options to Gozo are as follows:
Ċirkewwa - Mgarr Harbour
Gozo Ferry (Run by the Gozo Channel Line) - 25-minute crossing - Foot passengers and Car passengers - Fares starting from €15.70 for a car and driver
The Gozo Ferry is the best option for those who are hiring a car during their stay in Gozo. The ferry sets off from Ċirkewwa, which is 45 minute drive north of Luqa International Airport.
The Gozo ferry also runs throughout the night so regardless of what time your flight arrives into Luqa, you will be able to catch a ferry over to Gozo.
Click here for full breakdown of fares for the Gozo Ferry or for a full Gozo Ferry schedule.
Note: interestingly, you do not pay a fee to get the ferry from Malta to Gozo, you simply just drive onto the boat. On the way back, from Gozo to Malta, you will pay at a stand before entering the boat.
Valletta - Mgarr Harbour
The best option for anybody that is visiting Gozo without a car, or potentially hiring a car once they arrive in Gozo, is to use the passenger ferries that depart regularly throughout the day from Valletta.
From Luqa airport, you can grab a taxi to the ferry terminal in Valletta for around €15-20. The designated taxi kiosk is just inside the terminal building as you exit through the arrivals doors.
Alternatively, the public bus (X4 route) from Luqa Airport to Valletta Bus Station will cost you around €2-3 Euros for a single trip. It is then a 10-minute walk from the bus station to the ferry terminal.
Once you arrive at the Valletta Ferry Terminal, you have 2 ferry options:
Gozo Fast Ferry - €12 one-way for a standard, non-Maltese resident ticket - 45 minutes - Foot passengers only
Virtu Ferries Gozo - €12 one-way for a standard, Non-Maltese resident ticket - 45 minutes - Foot passengers only
There is very little to choose between the two ferry options. They both include complimentary wifi, safety instructions, comfortable seats and even have food and drink options available to purchase.
It is therefore best to just arrive at the ferry terminal and get on board the next ferry to depart. Typically, the ferries from Valletta will depart until around 8pm, although there are later departures throughout the summer, particularly on Saturday evenings.
Click here for a full breakdown of the Gozo Fast Ferry Schedule or the Virtu Ferry Gozo Schedule.
Note: on rougher sea days when conditions are harder to navigate, there is the possibility that the ferries won’t run from Valletta. In this scenario, you would have to get to Ċirkewwa to take the Gozo Ferry instead.
Best Ways to Get Around in Gozo
The island of Gozo is only 14km (8.5 miles) long and 7.5km (4.5 miles) wide, meaning it is very easy to get around. Here’s an outline of your Gozo travel options:
Walking on Gozo
Your first option is to walk. This is the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly way of seeing Gozo.
Thankfully, it is never more than a 15-20 minute walk between each of the major towns and villages on the islands, so there will be plenty of places to stop if you do choose to walk.
For those looking for a little more adventure on two feet, the Gozo Coastal Walk takes you around the entire circumference of the island. 55km of unspoilt Mediterranean trails await on this great hike.
Public Transport on Gozo
Arguably the most straightforward option available to visitors of Gozo is to take public transport everywhere you go.
Multiple bus routes are running across the island, with the main bus station in central Victoria. Click here for a full breakdown of the Gozo bus fares and routes.
Buses on Gozo are very cheap and run incredibly efficiently and regularly. Most bus journeys cost around €2-3, and paying by tapping your card is widely used, so there isn’t usually an issue with having to find the correct change like in many rural European destinations.
Car Rental on Gozo
Particularly if you will be in Gozo for more than a few days, we recommend hiring a car.
Word of warning, however, driving in Gozo consists of driving fast, not using your indicators and hoping you haven’t gone the wrong way down a one-way road.
The best place for finding cheap rental car deals is definitely rentalcars.com - from here, you will be able to search for rental cars on Gozo specifically or Malta more widely.
A few of the best places to get started with hiring a car in Gozo:
Taxis in Gozo
Taxis are available in Gozo and are particularly easy to find in Victoria and Mgarr Harbour. Elsewhere on the island, however, you may be waiting for a long time before a taxi passes by.
Recently, Bolt Taxis have started operating fairly efficiently in Gozo and tend to be the preferred option when it comes to taxis.
Quad-Biking around Gozo
For those looking for a more adventurous way to travel around Gozo, then perhaps hiring a quad bike is the best way to go.
On 4 wheels, you will be free to explore the entire island and visit every one of the great destinations we have listed above.
Gozo Quad Rentals offers a brilliant rate of €60 a day (€70 at weekends), including your insurance and the Quad-bike. The best thing about Gozo Quad Rentals is that they are based in Mgarr Harbour, meaning you can walk straight off the ferry and jump straight onto your quad bike.
Alternatively, booking a Full Day Quad-Bike Tour (including lunch) that incorporates a powerboat ride, the main attractions on Gozo and a swim in the Mediterranean is possible.
Tips for visiting Gozo and Malta
Make sure you know what to pack when visiting Gozo and Malta - the summers are very hot and you need to be protected. Equally, the winter evenings are chilly so remember to bring a jacket or two.
The majority of shops and stores close between 12pm-4pm. So expect them to be open from 8am-12pm and 4pm-8pm. Thankfully most tourist-centred places will remain open, but it’s worth planning your trips to the shops around these times.
The shoulder season is the best time to visit. To avoid the crowds and the sweltering summer temperatures, plan your trip for April and May or September and October.
If you want an iced coffee, ask for ‘Espresso with ice and milk’. If you ask for an iced coffee in Gozo (and Malta), you will more than likely be greeted with a combination of coffee, ice cream, milk and whipped cream. If you want a simple iced coffee, then ‘Espresso with ice and milk’ is the way to go.
Tap water is safe to drink in Gozo. There is a misconception that you shouldn’t drink tap water in Malta but this isn’t true. Tap water is perfectly safe to drink but has been known to have a somewhat different taste to many other safe drinking waters.