Gozo, Malta – Everything you need to know before your trip

Are you planning to visit Gozo, Malta? Here you can read about our best tips, things to do, and other things we think you should know before you travel to Gozo.

Gozo is an island in Malta known for its beaches, old towns, and countryside life. Even though the pace is a little slower here than on the main island, there are plenty of things to see and do.

Things to do on Gozo in Malta

Explore the old Cittadella in Victoria

Malta has many interesting locations with an old history. Citadella in Victoria is one of the many historic spots you should explore in Gozo, Malta.

Victoria is the capital of the Island and also the largest city by population with 7000 residents. The city itself is worth exploring, and especially the old Citadella. The church attached to the Citadella is definitely worth seeing.

Victoria Citadel
Photo: Karina Movsesyan/Shutterstock

Diving

Just like on the ground, there is a lot to explore under the sea. Diving is one of the most popular activities in Gozo, and we recommend the Calypso Diving center.

diving gozo
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Visiting a Beach

There are many beautiful beaches on Gozo, all perfect for snorkeling. The most famous one is Ramla Bay, followed by Hondoq Ir-Rummien, Dahlet Qorrot, San Blas Bay and Dwejra.

Ramla Bay
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Go on a bike ride to explore the beautiful nature

Gozo is known for its stunning bays and peaceful countryside atmosphere. The best way to explore the beautiful sceneries of Gozo is by bike. We recommend renting a bike on the island. You will face many hills and the bike ride might be challenging, but definitely worth it!

Comparing to a car, it’s much easier to make quick stops here and there to enjoy the views.

Bicycle tour gozo
Photo: Renata Apanaviciene / Shutterstock.com

Explore the countryside on Gozo

There are many farmers living on Gozo Island. It’s most common that farmers grow tomatoes, olives, and grapes. Most restaurants on the island cook with fresh farm-to-table ingredients.

Plenty of places on the countryside will let you come for a visit. During your visit, you can explore the country-lifestyle and learn a thing or two about farming. Gozo is also known for the famous cheese Gbejniet.

Maltese wine
Photo: Stephen Barnes/Shutterstock

Tourist attractions on Gozo

Ta’ Pinu

Ta’ Pinu is a very old Roman Catholic basilica located close to the village Gharb. Other than exploring the old church, you can also come here to enjoy the beautiful views.

Ta' Pinu
Photo: Vladimir Zhoga/Shutterstock

Ggantija

Gjantija is an old megalithic temple complex that was built 3600 BC. If you’re interested in history, add this place to your bucket list.

Ggantija Temples
Photo: Konstantin Aksenov/Shutterstock

Gothic Church in Ghajnsielem

There are many gorgeous as well as interesting churches in Malta and a couple on Gozo island. The Gothic Church in Ghajnsielem is one of the most beautiful ones and definitely worth a visit if churches interest you.

Gothic church in Ghajnsielem
Photo: Cge2010/Shutterstock

The saltpans in Xwejna Bay

In Xwejna Bay on Gozo, you can explore natural saltpans, which has been used for hundreds of years for salt production. More than seeing the saltpans, the view at this place is incredible.

Salt pans
Photo: Moehring/Shutterstock

Best beaches and villages on Gozo

Marsalforn

Marsalforn is the most popular tourist spot with lots of restaurants and hotels to choose between. The beach promenade is famous for all the restaurants specializing in seafood.

Marsalforn gozo
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Victoria (Rabat)

Most people end up going to Victoria since it’s the island’s capital. It’s very popular to stay in Victoria (also called Rabat) because of how convenient it is. From here, you can take buses to most parts of the island.

If you compare with the small villages on the island, Victoria will give you more of a city experience.

Gharb

Gharb is a very beautiful and interesting village but also one of the oldest on Gozo. Here you can find remains from the neolithic and Bronze age

Archaeological excavations have revealed the remains of Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements. Gharb is the home for Ta ‘Pinu, the Gharb Folklore Museum and a craft village called Ta’ Dbiegi.

Sannat

Sannat is located in the southern part of Gozo. In this farmers and crafts village, you may see elderly women sitting outside their homes making shawls, and lace handcrafts. If you are interested in handcrafted lace, there are many souvenir stores in Sannat.

Located in Sannat is the stunning Hanzira Valley, a natural gorge stretching down to the beach Mgarr Ix-Xini. This beach is a popular diving spot on Gozo, Malta.

Xlendi

Xlendi is another popular place on Gozo and is particularly known for its beautiful waters. The little village is located on the southwestern part of the island and is definitely worth a visit.

Xlendi
Photo: Andrius Kaziliunas/Shutterstock

Where to stay on Gozo

If you prefer getting around by bus, we recommend you to stay in Victoria. From here, you can catch a bus to most destinations on the island. If not by bus, we recommend either renting a car or bike.

If you decide to stay in Victoria, we recommend The Duke Boutique Hotel, which is a very enjoyable hotel for an affordable price.

Another hotel we recommend is the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz. The hotel’s location is great, found close to Ta’ Dbiegi and Ta’ Pinu.

Travel to Gozo

There are not many direct flights going in and out from Gozo, but it’s easy to get there by boat. There is a boat that will bring you from Malta to Gozo every day.

If you already rented a car on the main island, there is a ferry that transport cars from Malta to Gozo. The boat leaves from Cirkewwa and will drop you off in Mgarr.

A regular ticket with the boat costs 4.65 Euros and with a car, it’s 15.70 Euros.

If you’re looking for more options, you can take a helicopter between Malta’s international airport over to Gozo. This type of transportation will surely cost you a little more.

Travel to Gozo
Photo: Martin Silva Cosentino / Shutterstock.com

More information about Gozo

Gozo is an island in Malta located north of the main island. The population is around 30,000. Gozo is occasionally called Kalypsos Island. According to the stories, Gozo is the place where the nymph Kalypso kept Odysseus for seven long years and is referred to in the Homeros Odyssey as Ogygia.

There is a lot to see on Gozo and most people come here for the relaxing environment and for viewing the stunning landscapes. The island is also known for snorkeling and diving, which attracts many tourists to come to visit.

Gozo is 25.87 mi² (67 km²) and is Malta’s second-biggest island. Located south of Hondoq Ir-Rummien, is Comino. Comino is a peaceful island with lots of nature with wild-growing spices all over the island.

Gozo cave
Photo: Paul Debono Photography/Shutterstock

Do you want more tips about Gozo in Malta? Leave a comment below!

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