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Gozo, Malta’s second-largest island, offers a peaceful retreat from the busier main island. Known for its rough landscapes, historical sites, and beautiful beaches, Gozo is the perfect spot for a more relaxed experience, with excellent snorkelling opportunities and stunning coastal views.

Things to Do in Gozo

Citadel

The Citadel in Victoria is one of Gozo’s most iconic landmarks, rich with history and breathtaking views. As you walk along its ancient walls, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views that stretch across Gozo’s countryside, all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. The Citadel has played a key role in Gozo’s defence over the centuries, with some sections dating back to medieval times.

Entry to the Citadel is free, allowing you to wander its ancient walls and enjoy the panoramic views of Gozo at no cost. If you want to visit the museums inside to dive deeper into its history, like the Gozo Museum of Archaeology and the Old Prison, you’ll need to buy a ticket.

Tickets: An adult ticket costs 5 EUR and can be bought online at Heritage Malta

Tip: Visit in the early morning or just before sunset to avoid crowds and enjoy the views in peace.

Victoria (Rabat)

As Gozo’s capital, Victoria (also known as Rabat) is the island’s cultural and historical hub. Its central location makes it the ideal base for exploring Gozo. Wander through the charming narrow streets, where traditional stone buildings and quaint shops give a sense of the island’s local life.

A visit to It-Tokk Market in Savina Square is a must, especially in the mornings when the market comes alive with fresh produce, local crafts, and artisanal products. It’s the perfect spot to pick up souvenirs or try some Maltese delicacies like ġbejniet (Maltese cheese).

Restaurant tips:

• Red FR: This local favourite serves some of the best pastizzi in Gozo, Malta’s iconic savoury pastry. Perfect for a quick snack while exploring Victoria and the Citadel.
• Casa Vostra: A cosy restaurant offering a relaxed atmosphere and a menu full of Mediterranean favourites. It’s a great spot for lunch or dinner.
• Maldonado Bistro Gozo: For something a little more refined, Maldonado Bistro offers an excellent Mediterranean dining experience with fresh, seasonal ingredients and a stylish setting.

Ta’ Pinu Basilica

Located in the countryside of Gozo, Ta’ Pinu Basilica is a spiritual and architectural gem. This stunning basilica, which dates back to the 19th century, is a popular pilgrimage site and is known for its peaceful atmosphere and intricate design. Even if you’re not religious, visiting Ta’ Pinu is a beautiful experience. The views from the basilica are spectacular, and there are walking paths nearby for those who want to enjoy the surrounding countryside.

The interior of the basilica features beautiful mosaics and religious art, so make sure to step inside for a moment of quiet reflection. If you’re visiting in the evening, the sunset views over the surrounding hills are magical.

Make sure to dress appropriately when entering the basilica, your shoulders and knees should be covered out of respect.

Salt Pans

Gozo’s salt pans are a fascinating glimpse into the island’s traditional salt production, a practice that has been carried out for over 350 years. These rectangular pans are carved into the coastline and use the natural evaporation of seawater to produce sea salt. The area offers a unique landscape of geometric shapes against the backdrop of the sea.

Tip: Visit in the late afternoon when the lighting is soft, and be sure to buy some locally harvested sea salt to take home as a souvenir.

Ta’ Kola Windmill

Located in Xagħra, Ta’ Kola Windmill is one of the last surviving traditional windmills in Malta. The windmill, built in the 18th century, has been restored and turned into a museum, where you can explore the original mill machinery and the miller’s living quarters. It’s a peaceful and educational stop that highlights Gozo’s agricultural history.

Tip: Combine your visit to Ta’ Kola Windmill with a trip to the nearby Ggantija Temples, one of the oldest freestanding structures in the world, for a full day of exploring Gozo’s rich history.

Comino Island

Comino Island, the smallest of Malta’s islands, is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, especially at the famous Blue Lagoon. Whether you’re looking to swim, snorkel, or simply relax, Comino offers some of the best spots to cool off and enjoy the natural beauty of Malta.

• Blue Lagoon: One of Malta’s most iconic spots, known for its incredibly clear, blue waters. It’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just unwinding by the shore. As it’s a popular destination, it will get crowded during peak times! So plan your visit early in the morning or around sunset for a more peaceful experience.
• Crystal Lagoon: Less crowded than the Blue Lagoon, the Crystal Lagoon is a quieter spot for a swim. While it’s rockier and the waters are not quite as intensely blue, its remote feel adds to its charm, making it a special place to visit if you prefer a more tranquil atmosphere.
• Santa Maria Caves: These caves are a well-known spot for snorkelling and provide a unique opportunity to see a variety of marine life. The Santa Maria Caves are a must for those wanting to explore underwater Malta.

Visit By Ferry

Most ferries will take you to Comino from either Cirkewwa (Malta) or Mgarr (Gozo). We visited Comino Island from Gozo with Ebsons Ferry, which also made quick stops at the stunning Crystal Lagoon and Santa Maria Caves on the return journey.

Rent Your Own Boat

Alternatively, you can rent your own boat and explore at your own pace, as we did with Blue Waves Watersports (mainland Malta). Renting a boat gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace, though keep in mind that weather conditions can make the ride more adventurous, and you can’t anchor everywhere.

Boat Tour

Another great option is to join a boat tour, either during the day or at sunset. We opted for a sunset tour, which was a more relaxed experience, and the perfect way to unwind as the sun sets over the Mediterranean.

Gozo’s Beaches

• Daħlet Qorrot Beach (pictured here): Known for its stunning crystal-clear waters, making it a paradise for swimmers and snorkelers.
• Xwejni Bay: Offers picturesque rock formations and shallow waters.
• Hondoq ir-Rummien: Features striking sandy shores and vibrant waters for a perfect day of relaxation.
• Dwejra Bay: Famous for its unique geological formations and the former Azure Window. It is home to the Blue Hole, a top diving spot in Gozo.
• Mġarr ix-Xini: Surrounded by lush greenery and rough cliffs.
• Ramla Bay: Home to striking red sands, it’s one of Gozo’s largest and most popular beaches.

Malta Map

Make sure to save this map to explore the highlights of Gozo (and mainland Malta) more easily!

How to Visit Gozo

The main airport in Malta is Malta International Airport (MLA), located near Valletta. This airport connects Malta to many major European cities, making it the primary entry point for international visitors.

Alternatively, if you’re travelling by car, you can take a ferry from Italy or Sicily directly to Malta.

The most common way to reach Gozo is by ferry from Ċirkewwa (Malta) to Mġarr (Gozo). The ferry ride takes just 25 minutes, and you can bring your car on board. For passengers, a return ticket costs 4.65 EUR, and for those travelling with a car, a return ticket is 15.70 EUR. You don’t need to pay at your departure in Malta, the tickets are purchased at the Gozo harbour. For the latest fares and schedule, check the Gozo Channel website.

If you’re without a car, you can also take a fast ferry from Valletta to Gozo, which takes 45 minutes. This service is for passengers only, and a return ticket costs 15 EUR at the counter or 12 EUR if booked online. For up-to-date information, visit the Gozo Highspeed website.

Getting Around Gozo

The best way to explore the island is by renting a car. This allows you the flexibility to explore the countryside, visit remote beaches, and discover hidden gems at your own pace.

There are 15 bus routes in Gozo. Buses run every hour in each direction, apart from the 301 between Victoria (Rabat) and Mġarr (ferry terminal), which operates every 30 minutes. For the bus routes and schedules, check out the Malta Public Transport website.

Uber and Bolt are available across the island and are a convenient option for trips around the island.

When to Visit Gozo

Malta enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate, making it a great year-round destination. However, the best times to visit are in spring (March to June) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller, allowing you to enjoy the island’s beauty without the hustle and bustle of summer.

Where to Stay in Gozo

Victoria (Rabat), the largest city on Gozo, offers plenty of hotels and dining options, making it a convenient base for exploring the island’s top attractions, scenic countryside, and stunning coastlines. We stayed in a beautifully restored historic house turned into Airbnb, which added an authentic touch to our experience. Prefer staying by the sea? Consider charming villages like Marsalforn or Xlendi, where the beach is just a short stroll away.