Last updated on August 28th, 2024 at 01:25 pm
If you’re wondering what to do in Gozo, Malta’s stunning second-largest island, this article is here to answer all your questions.
From natural wonders to historic sites to cultural landmarks, Gozo is Malta’s off-the-beaten-path sister island that can keep you busy and happy for as much time as you have to spare. With so many amazing things to do in Gozo, this tiny island in the Mediterranean Sea will leave a lasting impression on you. It might even become your next favourite European island.
Keep reading to find out what to do in Gozo and if it’s worth visiting for more than a day trip, alongside practical information and resources to help you plan the perfect trip to Gozo.
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Travel Resources To Help You Plan Your Trip To Gozo Malta
Before going into detail about what to do in Gozo, here are some resources to help you plan your trip to Gozo.
Where Is Gozo
Gozo is one of the three main islands of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea. Situated north of the islands of Malta and Comino, Gozo is the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago. Its size is similar to New York’s Manhattan Island. In a more rural version though.
Is Gozo Worth Visiting For More Than a Day Trip?
Second only to the Blue Lagoon in Comino, Gozo is considered the most popular day trip from Malta. Even though a day trip to Comino and the Blue Lagoon is indeed the only way to go, as Comino is almost uninhabited and there aren’t any accommodation facilities there any more, Gozo is a destination worth exploring for a few days.
Although very compact, Gozo is one of the best places to visit in Malta and there are lots of fantastic things to do in Gozo. For that reason, contrary to what many people think, Gozo shouldn’t be visited on a day trip from Malta Island.
We stayed in Gozo for four days and didn’t regret it. The island’s small villages, rural landscapes, historical sites, beautiful beaches and authentic vibes can neither be enjoyed nor appreciated on a day trip. Therefore, when planning your Malta trip, make sure you leave enough space for a longer stay on the gorgeous island of Gozo.
What To Do in Gozo: 17 Unique Things To Do in Gozo That Prove It’s Not a Day-Trip Destination
1. Wander Around Gozo’s Capital
Named after Victoria, the British Queen, Victoria, also known by its former name Rabat, is the capital of Gozo Island. Situated in the heart of the island, Victoria is the perfect place to stay if you want to explore the entire island.
The capital’s indisputable highlight is its ancient fortified city, the Citadel. The latter reminded us of Mdina, the Silent City on the main island of Malta. Among the must-visit places in the Citadel are the Old Prison, the Folklore Museum, the Gran Castello Historic House and the Citadel ramparts.
Besides the Citadel, it’s worth taking a stroll through the vibrant Independence Square and the small quaint square of St. George’s Basilica in the heart of the Old Town. At the edge of the town near the large parking lot, Villa Rundle Garden is the ideal place to catch your breath under the trees.
2. Visit One of Malta’s Most Popular Pilgrimage Sites
The massive Ta’ Pinu Basilica was built in the 1920s on the site of a small chapel when the latter became a place of pilgrimage because of a series of miracles that took place there. It all started in 1883, when Karmni Grima, a local peasant, stepped inside the old chapel and heard the Virgin Mary’s voice calling her.
You can still visit the old chapel as it’s now enclosed in the enormous Basilica and retains its original 17th-century altarpiece.
If you have time for further exploration, the steep uphill path opposite Ta’ Pinu Basilica leads to the top of Ghammar Hill. This is Gozo’s Via Crucis – the Way of The Cross. As you go up the hill, you’ll see a series of 14 marble statues representing the Stations of the Cross. At the top, you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
3. Learn Gozo’s Prehistory
Situated on a plateau on the verge of Xaghra village, the prehistoric complex of the Ggantija Temples is a Unesco World Heritage Site and one of the main sites to visit in Gozo. The temples date back to the Neolithic Period, between 3600 BC and 3200 BC.
The complex consists of two megalithic temples that were used for fertility rituals even before the Egyptian Pyramids existed. The Visitors’ Centre at the archaeological park’s entrance is home to resources that offer valuable insight into what life must have been like over 5000 years ago. So, make sure you don’t miss it before making your way to the Neolithic temples.
4. Go Chasing Windmills
Located in the heart of Xaghra village, the 18th-century Ta’ Kola Windmill is one of a handful of windmills still standing on the Maltese Islands. Alongside the nearby Parish Church, Ta’ Kola Windmill was once the place to be on windy days when the villagers gathered to grind grain into flour and make bread.
Step into the windmill’s small museum to get a glimpse of village life by checking out the original milling gear and the last miller’s residing rooms.
5. Admire Gozo’s Salt Pans
Lining the north coast of Gozo near Marsalforn Bay, this three-kilometre stretch of salt pan canvas is one of the most scenic places to visit in Gozo.
Carved in the rugged landscape, the centuries-old Xwejni Salt Pans concentrate seawater and, as the sun helps it evaporate, salt makers harvest this so vital mineral. The salt is then stored in the mountain caves above the salt pans, where you can also find shops to buy local Gozitan salt.
6. Marvel at Gozo’s Most Iconic Scenery
Stretching along the island’s northern coast, Ramla Bay is one of the best beaches in Gozo. The beach is set in a beautiful unspoilt location with red sand and crystal-clear water. Due to its northern orientation, the beach is exposed to strong northern winds so check the weather before you visit.
Overlooking Ramla Bay, Tal-Mixta Cave is a natural cave that used to be inhabited in prehistoric times. Centuries later, it was used as a defensive outlook by the Order of St. John. Nowadays, the cave is a popular spot to enjoy the sunset.
7. Discover a Hidden Sea
Without a doubt, our favourite place in Gozo was the Inland Sea. This unique scenery was probably formed after the ceiling of a massive cave collapsed. Through an 80-metre-long tunnel, the insanely gorgeous natural pool flows into the open sea.
You can join a boat trip to the sea caves and the nearby Blue Window, once Gozo’s most famous attraction before its collapse in 2017. Said boat tours depart from the fishermen’s sheds on the shore of the Inland Sea.
Not far from the Inland Sea is the Blue Hole, one of the most popular diving sites in Gozo. Exploring the compelling underwater tunnel must be a unique experience for scuba diving aficionados. A short walk from there, Dwejra Tower is the perfect place to enjoy panoramic views over Dwejra Bay and the Fungus Rock.
8. Head To Gozo’s Other Famous Window
Gozo’s renowned Azure Window may have collapsed in 2017 due to a heavy storm, but you still have the opportunity to marvel at a similar natural arch on the island’s northwestern coast. Situated on the edge of the region’s valley, Wied Il Mielah Window is easily accessible through a steep staircase near the road.
9. Look For The Mushroom Rock
A 20-minute hike from Wied Il Mielah Window along the coast, Mushroom Rock was one of the rock formations in Malta that blew our minds. The walk to the rock is one of the best things to do in Gozo as it offers epic views of the surrounding lunar landscape. Keep in mind that there’s no shade along the way, so don’t forget to bring a hat and a bottle of water.
10. Be Enchanted By Gozo’s Small Fjord
Nestled on the southwestern coast of Gozo, Xlendi is a well-organised seaside village, the ideal place to spend a few hours or half a day. Xlendi is home to a small sandy beach sheltered from the winds and perfect for swimming, diving and snorkelling. It’s also where you can admire Gozo’s mini fjord, a landscape of utter natural beauty.
From Xlendi Beach starts a scenic seaside path that leads to Xlendi Tower. Built by the Knights of St John in the 17th century, Xlendi Tower boasts an excellent location with the best views of Xlendi Bay and the high cliffs along Gozo’s coastline. Xlendi is also part of the Il Munxar – Il Xlendi Heritage Trail that leads to Sanap Cliffs.
11. Enjoy a Spectacular Sunset
Located south of Munxar village on Gozo’s southern coast, the Sanap Cliffs viewpoint is one of the best sunset spots in Gozo. You can get there by walking along the coastal path from Xlendi Tower.
Alternatively, you can reach Sanap Cliffs by leaving your car near this spot. From there, take the southward dirt path towards the coast until you reach the cliffs. Then, walk along the cliff’s edge towards the viewpoint to the west.
12. Don’t Say No To a Second Amazing Sunset
Stretching along Gozo’s southern coastline, Ta’ Cenc Cliffs are the tallest cliffs on the island. The plateau at the top of the steep cliffs is home to important bird populations.
At the end of Ta’ Cenc village, there is a small parking lot from where the plateau starts. On your way to the Ta’ Cenc Sunset Viewpoint, you will find one of several areas in the country with ancient cart ruts. Take the trail that leads to the viewpoint and find the perfect spot on the rocks to enjoy a spectacular sunset over the dramatic limestone cliffs.
13. Relax at a Secret Cove
If you’re wondering what to do in Gozo for a peaceful day by the sea, keep reading. Located at the opening of a gorge that ends on the south coast of Gozo, the sheltered bay of Mgarr-Ix Xini was used as a hideout by the Knights of Saint John during the Great Siege of Malta.
Nowadays, Mgarr-Ix Xini is a secluded tiny pebbled beach with emerald waters, ideal for a relaxing swim or lunch at the beach restaurant. Keep in mind that the road to the small beach is quite narrow and steep.
14. Walk To Gozo’s Oldest Lighthouse
Set atop a hill about one kilometre from Gozo’s northern coast, Ta’ Gurdan Lighthouse was constructed in the 19th century by the British. Back in the day, the lighthouse would render the crossing between Malta and Sicily easier and safer. Today, the top of the hill around the lighthouse provides an outstanding panorama.
To reach the lighthouse, leave your car here and walk the steep yet short path that leads to the lighthouse. The site was under restoration works when we visited, so we recommend checking before visiting.
15. Get To Know Gozo’s Second City
Nadur is one of the island’s biggest towns. Overlooking the south coast of Gozo from a vantage location, the village is worth a visit for its glorious Baroque Church of Saints Peter and Paul and the quaint main square it dominates. Moreover, from the southern edge of the village, you can enjoy a great panorama of the south coast.
If you’re in the mood for a quick swim, the breathtaking beach of Hondoq ir-Rummien is a mere 10-minute drive from Nadur.
However, the main reason to visit Nadur is to pay a visit to the town’s bakeries, the best places to try the traditional Gozitan Ftira or pizza. Our favourite was Maxokk Bakery. On your way to the beach, grab a mouthwatering Ftira and you can thank us later.
16. Appreciate The Photogenic Boathouses
We were tempted to keep this place to ourselves (and to locals), but, in the end, we decided to share it with you, dear readers. The Bay of Dahlet Qorrot is a place of unfathomable beauty, a short drive from Nadur.
Carved in impressive limestone rocks, fishermen’s boathouses with brightly painted doors have been used to protect fishing boats during storms for centuries. When the weather is fine though, they provide the perfect photo backdrop.
17. Plan a Day Trip To The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon in Comino is the most popular tourist attraction in Malta. If you’re not planning a day trip to Comino from Malta Island, there are plenty of ways to get to the Blue Lagoon from Gozo, too.
The most hassle-free among them is to join a private boat tour to Comino and the Blue Lagoon. This way, you’ll have the opportunity to explore secluded beaches away from the crowds, watch marine life by snorkelling in crystal clear waters and see Comino Island in a tailor-made way.
How To Get To Gozo
The only way to get to Gozo is by sea from Malta Island. Gozo is connected to Malta by ferries that run daily via the Gozo Channel. Ferries depart from Cirkewwa, the northern port of Malta, and arrive at Mgarr, the port in the south of Gozo. Ferries are frequent, departing every 15 to 30 minutes. The journey takes about 25 minutes.
You don’t need to buy your ferry tickets in advance. But do have a look at the ferry schedule before arriving at the port. What surprised us about the Malta -Gozo ferry was that we didn’t buy any tickets on our way to Gozo but paid for both ferry rides on our way back to Malta.
You can get to Cirkewwa Port from Valletta, Malta’s capital, by car or bus in about an hour. The closest airport is Malta International Airport, which is about a 50-minute drive from Cirkewwa Port.
How To Get Around Gozo
Gozo is a small island and very easy to get around. The longest driving distance on the island is no more than 30 minutes. If you’re driving, the best way to get around Gozo is by car. We travelled to Gozo with our rental car from Malta. This allowed us to enjoy the best places in Gozo at our own pace.
However, we often envied the rental quad bikes we came across on the way and we plan to hire one next time we’re in Gozo. What’s more, an eco-friendly way to see the island’s main attractions is by e-bike or segway.
If you’re not familiar with driving on the left-hand side of the road, driving in Malta might seem hard at first. But you’ll get the hang of it quickly. That said, if driving is not an option, there is public transport on the island.
Local buses run daily every hour. Buses between Victoria, Gozo’s capital, and the ferry terminal run every 30 minutes instead. For a hassle-free way to get around Gozo, you can jump on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus or join a tuk-tuk tour across the island.
Best Time To Visit Gozo
Similar to Malta, the best time to visit Gozo is from April to October. In the summer months, the high season brings lots of tourists, but also outdoor events. July and August are the best months for swimming in crystal-clear waters, doing water sports and enjoying Gozo’s sandy beaches.
With mild temperatures and good weather, the best time for sightseeing and exploring the island without the hordes of tourists is spring or autumn. We visited Malta in spring and we were in Gozo in late April. The weather was perfect, except for some windy days, the flowers were blooming and we didn’t feel any place on the island was overcrowded.
Nevertheless, if you plan to visit Gozo in the off-season, keep in mind that Nadur is famous for its Carnival, which takes place between February and March.
Where To Stay in Gozo
Victoria (Rabat)
Compared to Malta island, Gozo is rural and less developed. The island’s capital and only city is Victoria or Rabat. Victoria is the best place to stay in Gozo as there are plenty of options for bars, restaurants and grocery stores. What’s more, Vicotria is one of the best areas to stay in Malta without a car as it’s well connected to the port and the rest of the island by public transport.
Here are a couple of fantastic hotels to stay in the heart of Victoria:
The Duke Boutique Hotel: Just a short walk from Citadella, this boutique hotel offers clean spacious rooms, parking on-site and a convenient location.
Maria Rosa Suites: Set in the heart of Victoria, near the Citadel, Maria Rosa Suites is housed in a unique building and offers its guests minimalistic luxury.
Nadur
Apart from Victoria, Nadur is yet another great place to stay in Gozo. Less busy than Victoria, the quaint town was our base during our trip to Gozo. In Nadur, there are a few restaurants, but also bakeries to try the popular Gozitan pizza.
We stayed at Laremi B&B, a traditional family-run guesthouse and were delighted with its welcoming owners and superb breakfast. What we loved most about this guesthouse though, was the delicious homemade dinner, prepared in the house by Francesco, the owner, and enjoyed in the company of the owners’ family.
On top of everything, parking outside the B&B is super easy.
Now that you know what to do in Gozo, we hope you’re leaning towards spending a few days there instead of rushing around its main attractions on a day trip. No matter if you’re a nature lover, architecture enthusiast or simply longing for a beach vacation, Gozo is the perfect place to relax, unwind and make memories to last a lifetime.
Gozo has a special place in our hearts and we hope we can go back soon. Will you join us?
WORDS & IMAGES: Katerina
EDITING: Maria