Things to Do in Gozo: 12 Best Places, Beaches and Day Trips

Gozo is Malta’s greener, quieter sister island, a short ferry ride from the north of Malta. It has red-sand beaches, sea cliffs, prehistoric temples and some of the best diving in the Mediterranean. Here are the best things to do in Gozo, how to get there and how to get around.

12 Best Things to Do in Gozo

1. Explore the Citadel in Victoria

The Citadel (Ċittadella) is the fortified hilltop at the centre of Victoria, Gozo’s capital. Walk the walls for views across the whole island, then visit the cathedral and the small museums inside.

2. See the Ġgantija Temples

The Ġgantija Temples in Xagħra are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and among the oldest free-standing structures in the world, older than the pyramids of Giza. Tickets are sold by Heritage Malta.

3. Visit Dwejra and Fungus Rock

Dwejra on the west coast has dramatic cliffs, the Fungus Rock sea stack and the Inland Sea, a lagoon linked to the open sea by a tunnel in the rock. Small boats take you through the tunnel when the sea is calm. The famous Azure Window stood here until it collapsed in 2017.

4. Swim at Ramla Bay

Ramla Bay is Gozo’s best-known beach, with orange-red sand and shallow water. The cave in the cliffs above it is linked to the legend of Calypso from Homer’s Odyssey.

5. Visit Ta’ Pinu Basilica

Ta’ Pinu, near the village of Għarb, is Gozo’s national shrine and a major place of pilgrimage. It stands alone in open countryside and is especially striking at sunset.

6. Spend an Afternoon in Xlendi Bay

Xlendi is a narrow bay on the south-west coast with seafood restaurants on the waterfront and clear water for swimming and snorkelling off the rocks.

7. Walk Along the Salt Pans

On the north coast near Marsalforn, hundreds of square salt pans are cut into the flat rock. Salt is still harvested here in summer, and the pans make a great coastal walk at any time of year.

8. Swim in Wied il-Għasri

Wied il-Għasri is a narrow gorge that ends in a tiny pebble cove. Steps lead down to the water, which is calm and clear on still days. Do not swim here when the sea is rough.

9. Kayak at Mġarr ix-Xini

Mġarr ix-Xini is a sheltered inlet on the south coast, popular for swimming and kayaking along the cliffs towards Comino.

10. Go Diving or Snorkelling

Gozo is one of the Mediterranean’s best-known dive destinations, with clear water, caves and sites such as the Blue Hole at Dwejra. Dive centres across the island run courses for beginners.

11. Take a Boat to Comino

Boats leave Mġarr harbour for Comino and the Blue Lagoon, a crossing of about 15 minutes. Go early in summer to beat the crowds from Malta.

12. Eat Like a Gozitan

Try ġbejniet, the small sheep’s milk cheeses of Gozo, and Gozitan ftira, a local bread topped like a pizza with potato, tomato and anchovies. Village bakeries and restaurants in Victoria and Xlendi serve both.

How to Get to Gozo from Malta

There are two ways to cross. The car ferry is the classic route and the only one that takes vehicles. The fast ferry from Valletta is quicker if you are staying near the capital.

Route	Crossing time	Takes cars	Good to know
Ċirkewwa to Mġarr (Gozo Channel)	About 25 minutes	Yes	Frequent sailings. You pay on the way back from Gozo.
Valletta to Mġarr (fast ferry)	Under 45 minutes	No	Handy from Valletta, Sliema and the south.

Getting Around Gozo

• Public buses: most routes start from the bus station in Victoria and reach the main villages and bays.
• Hop-on hop-off bus: a simple way to see the main sights in a day without driving.
• Car hire: the most flexible option, and you can bring a car over on the Gozo Channel ferry. Compare car hire.
• Jeep and quad tours: guided tours that reach viewpoints and dirt tracks. See our Malta tours guide.

Where to Stay in Gozo

• Victoria: central, with the Citadel, shops and the main bus station.
• Marsalforn: a small seaside resort with restaurants and the salt pans nearby.
• Xlendi: a pretty bay with waterfront restaurants and swimming.
• Farmhouses: restored stone farmhouses with private pools are a Gozo speciality, ideal for couples and families.

Gozo Tours and Day Trips

If you are staying on Malta, a guided day tour is the easiest way to see Gozo, with transport, the ferry and a guide included. Options include coach, jeep, quad and boat tours.

Gozo FAQ

Where is Gozo?

Gozo is the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago. It lies north-west of Malta, with the small island of Comino in between.

Is Gozo worth visiting?

Yes. Gozo is quieter and greener than Malta, with some of the best beaches, coastal walks and dive sites in the islands. Even a day trip gives you a very different side of Malta.

How many days do you need in Gozo?

One day covers the main sights. Two or three days let you add beaches, a boat trip and a slower pace, which is what Gozo is best for.

Do you need a car in Gozo?

Not necessarily. Buses from Victoria reach most villages and the hop-on hop-off bus covers the main sights. A car gives you more freedom to reach quieter bays.

How do you pay for the Gozo ferry?

On the Gozo Channel ferry between Ċirkewwa and Mġarr, you pay for the return trip when you leave Gozo, not on the way there.

Keep Planning

Sources: Gozo Channel, Heritage Malta, Visit Gozo, Malta Uncovered: Gozo ferry.