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Christine Cassar
Located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, Gozo is Malta’s sister island. Also known as the island of the three hills, it is by no means less rich in character, culture or activities.
For starters, it is a less busy and greener version of Malta. You’ll find several beautiful beaches, traditional local cuisine, culture, historic places and a closer look at a more traditional lifestyle.
If you’re interested in a peaceful holiday, Gozo is a great place to enjoy some tranquillity. On the other hand, if you don’t mind the hustle and bustle of the main island but want to explore a different version of the Maltese Islands, then you might still want to pay Gozo a short visit! Two to three days will do the trick.
Are you thinking of visiting the small Mediterranean island of Gozo? Keep reading for all there is to know about this beautiful place.
There’s something truly magical about Gozo. Born and bred on the main island, I’ve always felt a sense of peace from the moment I catch a glimpse of Mġarr Harbour.
Gozo holds a special place in my heart because it’s the perfect place for a staycation. You can experience a quieter way of living, enjoy more greenery, live the local lifestyle and feel a sense of peace in stunning places like Dwejra, Ta’ Sanap Cliffs, Nadur and Xagħra.
Of course, there are places in Gozo that are busier than others. For example the capital of Victoria (also called Rabat by the locals) is always bustling with activity. The same can be said for popular seaside towns like Xlendi and Marsalforn, which come to life during peak tourist season.
As I will explain in later sections of this guide, it might take approximately 1 to 1.5 hrs to get to Gozo from most towns and villages in Malta (including the ferry journey). However, I can tell you one thing; once you finally get to Gozo, you’ll never want to leave!
With several churches, old heritage sites, museums, natural sights and much more, you’re certainly spoiled for choice when it comes to planning day tours and excursions in Gozo.
And on that note, here are a few examples of sightseeing tours on the island.
Tuk-tuks are fun vehicles that can carry a maximum of 6 people. This is one of the best day tours that takes you to several beautiful locations on the island, including Victoria, Dwejra Bay, Xlendi Bay and ta’ Pinu Basilica.
Drivers are multilingual so you can tell the booking agent beforehand your preferred language and they will do their best to satisfy your needs.
On your way back to Malta, you’ll pass by Comino. You’ll get the chance to admire the natural surroundings and stop for a quick swim in the Crystal Lagoon or Blue Lagoon during the summer months.
Your hotel transfer (Malta and Gozo), a traditional Gozitan lunch and the Blue and Crystal Lagoon boat tour are included in the price.
Sunset Tuk-Tuk Tour: Gozo + Blue Lagoon
Interested in booking this tour at a later time of the day? No problem! This Sunset Tuk Tuk tour allows you to discover all the stunning spots (and more) listed above as well as the nearby island of Comino. You’ll see the stunning caves and the Crystal Lagoon and swim in the Blue Lagoon, after which you get a tour of Gozo.
Just like the Tuk Tuk tours, these quad bike tours allow tourists to explore Gozo at their own pace. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll get to visit major attractions and off-the-beaten track locations around the island, including Ta’ Sanap Cliffs, Xlendi Belvedere, Cliffs and Caves, Dwejra Bay, Wied il-Mielaħ Window, Wied il-Għasri, Xwejni Bay, Qbajjar and Marsalforn Bay.
On your way back to Malta, you’ll also pass by the famous Blue Lagoon and the caves (weather permitting.)
The price includes a traditional Gozitan lunch, fuel, equipment, pick-up/drop-off to your accommodation, and anything you need for a memorable day out!
Sunset Quad Tour Gozo + Blue Lagoon
A sunset variation of this tour is also available for travellers who want to beat the heat and enjoy a later start to the day. For the most part, this tour is the same as the full-day tour, however, there are some slight differences.
In this case, the Sunset tour starts in Comino, where you’ll have time to swim in the spectacular azure waters of the Blue Lagoon. You will then start the quad-bike adventure once you arrive in Gozo.
You are also treated to a Gozitan lunch and all the essentials listed in the previous listing.
N.B. Drivers must be over 21 years of age and must present a valid driving licence. This operator takes safety very seriously.
With the Discover Gozo full-day tour, you’ll get an in-depth tour around Gozo. You’ll visit the Cittadella, the Dwejra area, Xlendi Bay and Ġgantija temples – some of the oldest free-standing temples in the world.
Read the section below to get an idea of the top 10 sights in Gozo!
Hop-on hop-off buses are the ideal option for travellers interested in seeing all the main highlights of Gozo.
With two routes and 14 stops, you’ll discover sites like Victoria and the Citadel, Marsalforn, Ta’ Pinu Basilica, Xlendi Bay and much more!
You can choose between the two passes:
A return boat trip on the iSee Malta vessels to/from Gozo is included in the price.
You’re most certainly spoiled for choice with the number of outdoor activities you can do while visiting Gozo Island:
Gozo is brimming with historic landmarks, beautiful sights, popular beaches and so much more. If you’re still working on your itinerary, make sure you have these top 10 sights jotted down!
Location: Victoria
Included on Malta’s tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1998.
The Cittadella, otherwise known as the Citadel, is the old capital city of Gozo. Located in Victoria on the uppermost part of the hill, it is a fortified city that has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. In recent years, the Citadel has undergone a full renovation and was restored to its former glory.
There are no entrance fees when visiting the Cittadella. You can just wander around this old city and immediately get a feeling of what it must have been like to live there during different eras such as medieval times. You’ll also be happy to know that the Cittadella is also home to a number of museums. Namely; The Cittadella Cathedral Museum, The Old Prison and the Museum of Archaeology.
Location: Overlooking Ramla Bay
Tal-Mixta Cave (Calypso Cave alternative) overlooks the reddish sandy hues of Ramla Bay. Although you’ve probably seen pictures of this landmark while browsing your socials, Tal-Mixta Cave is still considered a hidden gem in one of Gozo’s best off-the-beaten-path locations.
So, how can you get there?
If you’re renting a car, drive towards a cliff known as Rdum il-Kbir, overlooking Ramla Bay. Once you reach Triq l-Għassa tal-Maħraġ, keep driving until you reach the end of the road. As soon as you approach the area, you’ll see a sign where you can park your car. Finally, a short walk will lead you to the back entrance of Tal-Mixta Cave.
You can also follow a hiking trail to the cave from Ramla Bay. Although it takes around 10-15 minutes, some areas are quite steep. Once you approach the front entrance of the landmark, you need to bend over a little before making your way inside.
Location: Xagħra
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ġgantija (Giants’ Tower) is a complex of Megalithic temples dating back to 3200 and 3600 B.C. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temples get their name from the size of the stones that were used to build them. To many locals, it would have seemed as if one had to have been a giant to be able to carry such big stones. Impressively, some of the temples exceed 5 metres in height and their weight can range to over 50 tonnes.
This site houses one of the oldest free-standing temples in the whole world. They even date back further than the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge.
When visiting Ġgantija you’ll first enter a museum rich with information and history about the area and the temples. Then you’ll venture out onto a guided path towards the temples outdoors.
The Ġgantija Temples are open from Thursdays to Sundays between 10 AM and 4.30 PM.
Location: Outskirts of Għarb
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu is a Roman Catholic church and shrine. To this day, it is renowned as the most famous church on the island of Gozo.
In 1575, the Ta’ Pinu Basilica was ordered to be demolished due to the bad state that it was in. However, when demolition began, the workman who attempted the first demolition process broke his arm. Many believed that this was a sign that the basilica should not be demolished. It was the only basilica that survived the demolition order.
The Basilica gets its name from its designated procurer in 1598, Pinu Gauci. It was in 1611 that Pinu Gauci offered money for the restoration of the basilica.
Over the years, many locals said they heard someone calling their name to go in whilst walking past the basilica. Furthermore, many miracles were also attributed to the grace of Our Lady of the Assumption.
At the Ta’ Pinu Basilica, you’ll also find a shrine of the Holy Mary where people go to make promises to the Holy Mary in return for something they desire. If you’re interested in history, culture and religion, this is definitely a sight worth visiting!
Location: Outskirts of San Lawrenz
Situated on the west coast of the island, Dwejra is the former home of the famous Azure Window, a natural rock formation that sadly collapsed in March of 2017 during heavy storms. Locals were devastated by this loss since the Azure Window had become such a staple of the Maltese Islands.
People still flock to the area even though the Azure Window is no longer there. Dwejra Bay is also famous for two locations that attract a lot of visitors; the Inland Sea—a great spot for swimming and the Blue Hole—a diver’s paradise.
The Fungus Rock is also another major attraction in Dwejra. Located just at the mouth of the black lagoon, it got its name after the Knights of St John discovered a plant in the area. At the time, doctors believed that its properties could be used as a medicinal cure.
TIP: Many people still take photos of the area where the Azure Window previously stood. Don’t forget to take this staple photo!
Location: Outskirts of Għarb
There’s another arch that has recently been getting more attention since the fall of the Azure Window. It’s called Wied il-Mielaħ Window and can be found in Għarb.
Situated on the outskirts of Għarb, is another natural window; Wied il-Mielaħ. The window itself is reachable via a long rock stairway with a handle. The views are truly incredible, but do be mindful here especially if your mobility is limited or the weather conditions aren’t great.
Location: South of Xewkija and Għajnsielem
Mġarr ix-Xini is a secluded beach found in Għajnsielem, Gozo. To get here, you need to pass several countryside roads. Bear in mind these roads might be narrow and rocky, so you’ll have to get there with utmost care. When you get close to the slope towards the beach, you can park your car and walk the rest of the way. This is quite a long walk, but at least you can enjoy the spectacular landscape views.
TIP: If your car is not in the best shape, you might not want to risk going all the way down because you’ll have quite a steep hill to climb on your way back. Despite the long ride it might take you to make your way down to this beach, it is most definitely worth it.
Once you get to the bottom of the road, you’ll find the sea and a natural valley. The beach here is full of pebbles and the water is very clear. There’s also a snack bar perfect for buying something to eat or drink in this remote location.
TIP: The sea here is great for snorkelling, however, the sea bottom is quite shallow and may be tricky to navigate.
Location: North of Żebbuġ
The famous Xwejni salt pans are found near the small town of Żebbug, Gozo.
They offer a dramatic view of the salt pans which are rock-cut. Interestingly, salt mining from the sea is a local tradition dating back to Phoenician and Roman times! The pans act as sieves into which the salt is left after it washes up on the shore. When the water evaporates the salt is left behind and harvested.
TIP: If you go here early in the morning, you might see the salt vendors collecting salt. You can also buy authentic salt products here!
Location: Outskirts of Għasri
Wied il-Għasri (Għasri Valley) is a beautiful snorkelling site, offering its guests a lovely seabed full of sand and pebbles. One can venture here and have a lovely walk in the country which some might find a tad challenging because of the 100+ stairs to reach this marvellous location.
Location: Xagħra centre
Xerri’s Grotto, Gozo is a secluded cave in the heart of Xagħra. At first glance, you might think you’re walking into someone’s house. However, upon entering, you’ll be left speechless. These caves house an amazing rock formation, full of stalactites and stalagmites which date back thousands of years.
Discovered in 1924 by Anthony Xerri, Xerri’s Grotto is located near another cave named Ninu’s Caves. Interestingly, Xerri’s Grotto was also used as a WWII shelter by the Xerri family.
Once you’ve crossed over and enjoyed your ferry ride to Gozo you’ll descend in Mġarr Harbour. You can then make your way to your accommodation. Once again, you can do this via a private rented car, taxi or bus, depending on where your accommodation is located.
You’ll be delighted to know that, Gozo is full of guesthouses, B&Bs, farmhouses, boutique hotels, hotels and rental houses or apartments.
Here are some popular Gozo hotels and accommodation options that I highly recommend from personal experience.
Right in the centre of Victoria, Gozo (Gozo’s capital city), this hotel is central, modern and chic. Plenty of rooms are available for all budgets. You can even book a Spa room complete with your very own bespoke indoor hot tub, sauna and steam room!
Offering the home away from home feeling within some of Gozo’s beautiful surroundings, this hotel offers a memorable stay for travellers looking for quieter places to unwind. The rooms are comfy and you can also relax at the superb facilities, including the spa and stunning outdoor pool.
A perfect hotel if you’re looking for a B&B while staying in a traditional Maltese farmhouse with a pool and nice views.
One of the best luxury boutique hotels in Gozo that offers a tranquil stay with stunning views of Xlendi Valley. The rooms are spacious, you can relax by the pool and enjoy an exceptional dining experience at the on-site award-winning restaurant.
A chain of boutique hotels offering a bed & breakfast basis and an overall memorable stay. Some rooms have indoor/outdoor jacuzzi baths.
Following major renovation work, this 5-star hotel offers a luxury stay complete with superb facilities, a delicious breakfast and more
Especially if you’re a first-time traveller to the island of Gozo, planning how to get there is one of the key points to take into consideration when planning your itinerary. I can understand that things may feel a little confusing, but rest assured that travelling to Gozo couldn’t be easier!
You can travel with the Gozo Channel Ferry from Ċirkewwa or Gozo Highspeed from Valletta. Both ferry trips are reliable but there are some differences between the two.
To get to the ferry terminals in Ċirkewwa or Valletta, you first need to choose which mode of transport works for you.
You can catch a bus (Just across the road from the Departures main entrance) from the airport to the respective terminal. These are the routes:
Airport to Ċirkewwa: Route X1 (Approx. 1hr)
Airport to Valletta: Route X4 then Route 133 from Valletta Bus Terminus to Lascaris (Approx. 45 mins)
These bus rides may take a while since they stop at several bus stops along the way. If you’re looking for something faster, you can book a taxi (Bolt or Uber).
Once you get to Ċirkewwa, your stop is exactly in front of the Gozo ferry building. As far as ferry tickets go, you don’t pay the fee on your way to Gozo but rather on your way back.
The fares to use the Gozo Channel ferry are as follows: (Add prices in a table)
Car and Driver Standard Fare
Motorcycle and Rider
Passenger
While you’re onboard, do take a look out of the windows or go out onto the deck. If you’re travelling in the morning, you’ll enjoy the views of the stunning Mediterranean coastline; if you’re travelling at night you’re also in for a treat. If it’s not too cold, make your way up onto the observation deck and take a look at the boundless sky full of bright stars. Light pollution is very low when you’re travelling on the Gozo ferry at night, so this is a sight which shouldn’t be missed!
Located at the Lascaris Wharf Terminal at the Valletta Waterfront, this fast ferry service offers 15 sailings daily and gets you to Gozo in 45 minutes. Throughout the journey, you can enjoy some of the most majestic views of the Grand Harbour.
Tickets range for a return trip range between €10 and €14. With regard to journey times, the first ferry departs as early as 6.45 am from Valletta and the last ferry from Gozo leaves at 9.15 pm and 10.45 pm (Sat & Sun only).
Bear in mind that this option is ideal for foot passengers only. Cars are not allowed, but you can bring a bicycle on board (TIP: Book your ticket in advance if you plan on bringing it along since space in the bike rack is quite limited)
More info about the two ferry services to Gozo can be found here: Gozo Ferry.
If you’d rather book an organised tour rather than a DIY trip to Gozo, I’ve got some great recommendations you can look into. Check them out below:
These are ideal options for travellers visiting the island for the first time, who prefer to have a fixed schedule rather than a DIY trip and less waiting times for public transport etc.
There are different ways to discover Gozo Island. Of course, the option you choose depends on your budget, preferences and what you want to get out of your visit. With this in mind, various modes of transport to consider:
Whether you’re spending the day in Gozo or the weekend, you’ll surely need some good tips when it comes to food. Luckily, Gozo is full of restaurants which serve great food and traditional Gozitan cuisine!
Tmun is located in Mġarr, a few minutes from the Gozo ferry terminal. This is a Michelin restaurant renowned for its wide selection of fish and seafood dishes. You’ll be shown daily fresh catches before you order.
Ta’ Karolina restaurant is located in Xlendi, Gozo. It is located right next to the sea and is a great place for date night or any other special occasion, especially during the summer months.
Maxokk is a Gozo staple! Although it’s a bakery and not a seated restaurant, it is one of the most popular spots in Nadur that serves traditional Gozitan pizza! If you’re going to try Maxokk, do phone them to place your order in advance.
Osteria Scottadito invites you to try some of their best typical cucina Marchigiano-Romagnola homemade dishes. Following recent renovation works and a move from the picturesque Nadur Square to Nadur Heights, you can now enjoy your food with the most breathtaking views of the stunning coastline
If you’re looking for a place that serves great Neapolitan pizza, there’s no better place than Casa Vostra. Alongside the star of the show, Casa Vostra serves delicious starters, pasta dishes and, of course, dessert!
Going to the beach in Gozo will present you with a lot of choices! Some of the most beautiful beaches in Gozo are:
Location: North of Xagħra and Nadur
The sand here is of a reddish hue which creates a beautiful contrast next to the seawater. You’ll want to be careful and mind the signs here, especially when sea turtles lay eggs on the beach and are protected. Keep an eye out for the flags as well to signal safety because of the wind!
Location: North of Għasri
Here you’ll find a quaint little beach at the bottom of a rocky staircase in the valley. The water is a very light shade of blue and on calm days, it’s not a sight to be missed!
Location: East of Qala
This is a popular beach on Gozo island, especially among locals. Here you’ll find a white sandy beach as well as a rocky area perfect for jumping and for people who aren’t particularly fond of sand.
Learn about more popular and secluded beaches when reading my article: The best beaches in Gozo.
It’s not surprising to see why lots of locals and tourists fall in love with Gozo. Its charm, hidden gems, stunning views and everything in between give you a taste of the quintessential local lifestyle.
And on that note, here are some of the best things that allow you to embrace the local culture on the island of Gozo:
Gozo underwent several rulers and eras, starting from The Neolithic Period (5000 – 4100 BC) to the present day (2020 AD). Each ruler left its mark on the Gozitan culture and history.
Arguably, the first settlers on Gozo are thought to be from Sicily after a group crossed on a small boat and managed to colonise the island for the first time.
The next phase of history dates back to the temple period when the Ġgantija temples were built. These temples associated with giants have puzzled many minds over time. People have always tried to figure out how it could have been possible for these temples to be built. Over time scientists and archaeologists started to discover cart ruts, which signified that things were being carried. Primitives are thought to have used circular stones as wheels to carry the larger rocks on.
The temple people disappeared and Gozo was repopulated by an entirely different race associated with the Bronze Age. Different from their predecessors, Bronze Age people used weapons made of copper and bronze and cremated their deceased instead of burying them. Amidst the fascinating remains, one can still enjoy a view of the three dolmens on the Ta’ Ċenċ plateau in Sannat.
After the Bronze Age, Malta and Gozo went to the Phoenicians. Dating back to 700 BC, the Phoenicians established a colony in Malta and Gozo. Around 500 BCC, the Carthaginians took over and remained masters of the island for hundreds of years dating back to 218 BCC. Some of the remains from this period include the Punic rock-cut sanctuary at Ras il-Wardija.
In 1551, the entire population in Gozo was enslaved by the Ottomans under Governor Dragut and Grand Vizier Sinan Pasha captivating all 5000 inhabitants to Libya. Fourteen years later, Gozo was re-populated by the Maltese inhabitants after The Knights of St. John colonised the Maltese Islands as part of their reign.
Eventually, the Maltese Islands finally became independent from any foreign rulers on the 21st of September 1964.
Over the years, several movies used Gozo as a filming location. Namely; Single-Handed, wherein the small Mediterranean island was used to depict ‘Resolution Island’.
Warlords of Atlantis was also filmed on Gozo Island in 1978, where Marsalforn Bay was used as the main filming location. Furthermore, it was also used in 1977 as a location for the filming of Calypso’s Island which was a mini-series based on Homer’s Odyssey!
Fast-forward to 2011, Dwejra was also one of the filming locations used in the filming of the hit TV series, Game of Thrones. Angeline Jolie and Bradd Pitt filmed By the Sea at Mġarr ix-Xini between August and November of 2014.
Compared to the main island, the nightlife scene in Gozo is a lot quieter. However, there are still a couple of places to grab a drink and enjoy some music.
After reading a lot of what there is to know about Gozo, you’ll either be sure you want to visit or sure that this place is not for you.
If you plan to visit Gozo, you’re now well-equipped with all the sights to see, places to visit as well as places to eat. I have no doubt you’ll enjoy the immersion into the traditional Maltese and Gozitan culture largely untouched by the ever-developing and technological world.
