Gozo is a small island located in the Mediterranean Sea, right next to Malta, and is part of the same archipelago. Most people visit Gozo as a day trip from Malta and that is a pity, as Gozo island has so much more to offer. On Gozo you can enjoy natural phenomena all by yourself, stroll through small villages and enjoy a delicious cuisine. Gozo is rugged and undiscovered. And that has its charm. In this article you’ll discover the best things to do on Gozo island, including my tips for places to visit, activities and restaurants.
Welcome to Gozo
Gozo, together with Comino, is part of the Malta archipelago and is the northernmost island. Getting to Gozo requires a bit more effort, as it only can be reached by boat from Malta. As soon as you arrive on the island you immediately feel a different vibe. Gozo island is small, the roads are rural, winding and narrow, which sometimes makes you doubt whether you are driving properly, and it is much quieter than Malta. The island consists of 3 large hills, rugged rock formations along the coast and a landscape in which the sand-colored buildings and architecture blend in perfectly. With Africa and Sicily nearby, you can imagine that Gozo has different influences both culturally and culinary.
Discover my tips for things to do on Gozo island
Large limestone cliffs, idyllic bays, impressive viewpoints, turquoise water and lovely villages. On Gozo you can visit sights and experience the many things to do in a pieceful way. Moreover, you don’t have to queue and entrance fees are low or don’t even exist. A few more reasons to put this island on your list. Enjoy my list with tips for things to do on Gozo.
Wied Il-Ghasri
How I loved this place! Wied Il-Ghasri is a gorge that flows into the sea. You can enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the azure water of the bay, which is wedged between the high cliffs. Because of the underground cave system, the sea is rich in all kinds of fish. But the views from the top are especially worth it. A short walk takes you to the end of the gorge, where you have a far-reaching view of the sea and the rock formations of the island.
Keep in mind that there is a steep descent and also a steep climb back up. Due to its small size, it is one of the few places on Gozo that gets busy quickly, so plan your visit early in the morning. Visiting Wied Il-Ghasri is among the best things to do when you are on Gozo.
Xwejni Salt Pans
Along the north coast of Gozo there are the Xwejni salt pans, dating from Roman times. One group of salt pans looks more beautiful than the other, but with the blue sea in the background, this entire area makes for great pictures.
Salt has always played an important role in Gozo, especially for the preservation of fish and meat. And this is the perfect area because of the salty sea water easily ending up in the holes of the rocks, allowing the sun and the wind to do their work. Several families are still involved in salt production in a traditional way, especially between May and September when the salt is extracted. Small salt companies, located in the former salt warehouses of the rocks, offer Gozitan salt to bring home as a souvenir.
Explore the island from the water
What is more beautiful than experiencing an island from the water? One of the best things to do on Gozo is to take a boat trip around the island. Outdoor Explorers Malta offers private boat trips, for a few hours or a whole day, sailing you along the immense rocks with secret bays of Gozo. Along the way you take a dip in the lovely water and have a drink on the deck. You can also opt for a tour to Comino, the smallest island in the archipelago for a swim in one of the lagoons. Just make sure you include the sunset in your tour. It won’t get any better!
The coastline at Dwejra
Dwejra is located on the west coast of Gozo. It was known for its Azure Window, a special rock formation in the shape of an arch. The Azure Window was the setting for several films and series, including Game of Thrones. Unfortunately, the formation collapsed in 2017 and there is nothing left. Nevertheless, visiting Dwejra is still one of the best things to do on Gozo, because of the great snorkeling and diving opportunities in the Blue Hole, a boat tour in the Inland sea, the fossils that can be observed in the rocks, and the views of Fungus and Crocodile Rock.
Inland Sea
The Inland Sea is a lagoon on Gozo, which is in direct contact with the Mediterranean Sea through an opening in the cliffs. Small boats are ready to take you through the caves to the other side, from where you can observe the rock formations along the coast. A boat trip takes 15 minutes and costs a few euros per person.
Ta’ Cenc and Sanap cliffs
One of my favorite places on Gozo? The incredible cliffs of Ta’ Cenc and Sanap. There are several places along the coast where you can park your car and walk a few hundred meters towards the cliffs. And chances are you’re all alone here. I visited a number of points during my stay, and each time I was the only person walking around. You can go for a walk along the cliffs or find a nice spot and observe the sunset.
Book a winetasting at Tal-Massar
Do you love wine as much as I do? Then book a wine tasting at Tal-Massar. Just like Malta, Gozo produces its own wines and these do not look out of place with neighboring Italy. Tal-Massar wine farm was founded in 1923 by Gozitan Carmelo Hili, who returned to Gozo island from America, and is now in the hands of the third generation.
The nice thing about a wine tasting is that you almost always end up in a beautiful place, including here. Tal-Massar is located on the edge of the town of Gharb, in a natural environment, surrounded by small terraced vineyards. Upon arrival, an explanation is given by owner Anthony. We learn that the vines are in a calcareous soil, which limits their productivity but does not reduce the quality of the grapes. Tal-Massar produces twenty thousand bottles of wine from a single harvest including Maltese Girgentina, Vermentino, Nero d’Avola, Syrah and Merlot.
The explanation, which consists of observing, smelling and tasting, is so educational that you really feel like you are learning something. This is of course followed by the tasting itself, which consists of a white variant, rose, red and a port. Where you get a little sip at many tastings, here you are served half a bottle per two people, combined with Gozitan finger food and homemade brownies along with the port. Recommended as one of the best things to do on Gozo if you are into wines.
Tal-Mixta-Cave – top things to do Gozo
The Tal-Mixta Cave is one of the top things to do in Gozo that definitely should not be missed. This cave, located on a hill, offers the best view of Ramla Bay. According to archaeologists, the cave was used as a shelter for the inhabitants in ancient times, because of its strategic location. You can reach the cave by car via the town of Nadur. Or take a good walk up the hill from Ramla Bay. Try to plan your visit early in the morning or late afternoon, as you really want to take some time to take in the surroundings.
Mgarr Ix-Xini
If you have seen the movie By the Sea with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, this place may look familiar. Mgarr Ix-Xini bay, surrounded by high cliffs, served as the backdrop for the couple’s honeymoon location in the movie. Even though there is little to see, it is a pieceful spot where you can walk into the sea from the pebble beach. The area offers opportunities to go for walks and look for viewpoints.
Ramla Bay
Ramla Bay is located on the north coast and is one of the most popular beaches in Gozo because of its extensive sandy beach, in a bright almost orange-colored color. And although it may be busy here by Gozo standards, it is still quiet, compared to other islands.
Taste the Ftira
Looking for a local specialty from Gozo? Then make a stop at one of the authentic bakeries Maxokk or Mekren’s in Nadur, to taste the Ftira. Ftira might look like a pizza, but has a completely unique taste due to its special base and way of preparation. Many Gozitans will proudly talk about this typical dish. Tip: Buy a fresh Ftira and bottle of wine and find a spot on the cliffs to watch the sunset over Gozo island.
Book a table in Marsalforn
Marsalforn is one of the popular coastal towns in Gozo, because of the boulevard with its good fish restaurants. Make sure to book a table by the sea at Il Kartell, known for its fresh fish and good pasta. After a nice lunch on day 1, I couldn’t resist coming back 2 more times.
Beaches and bays
Gozo has numerous bays surrounded by cliffs and rocks where you can take a dip in the sea. Ramla Bay is the best known and most visited. But there are many other places, where you may sometimes have to make a little more effort by taking a long walk. But it is worth it. These are my tips for lovely beaches on Gozo island:
- San Blas bay
- Hondoq ir-Rummien
- Ix-Xatt l-Ahmar
- Bamberin
- Ghajn Barrani
Cultural things to do on Gozo
Ggantija temples
One of the top cultural things to do on Gozo is to visit the megalithic temples of Ggantija, which are also on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These temples were built in the Neolithic era (between 3600-2500 BC) and are therefore older than the pyramids of Egypt. According to local sayings, only giants could have built this place, hence the name Ggantija, which means huge. Only a few structures have been left, but it is the location on a hill and history that makes your visit interesting. I was very fascinated learning about Ggantija, because I had no idea of the existence of this temple culture around Malta. Even though a lot of research is still being done, in the associated visitor center you will find more information about this ancient civilization, their way of life and the role the temples must have played.
The temples are located on a hill on the edge of Xaghra and you can visit them with the Discover Gozo Combo Ticket, which provides access to various sights and things to do.
Victoria – Citadel
Victoria, better known as Rabat, is the only real town on Gozo and offers one of the most famous sights and things to do: The Citadel.. It is not without reason that it was built in a central location in the Middle Ages and served as protection against external attacks. This old fort, perched on a hill, can be clearly seen from a distance from all over the island. You can walk through the streets past medieval houses, visit the cathedral and the former prison and look out over the entire island of Gozo from the old walls. In Victoria city you will find pleasant squares with terraces and stands to stroll through.
Entrance to the citadel in Victoria is free, but you need to buy a ticket to visit the archaeological museum, the prison, the Visitor Center and the Gran Castello Historic House. The Discover Gozo ticket offers access to various attractions and things to do, including the above.
Ta’Pinu Basilica
Ta’Pinu is a sanctuary that is beautifully located between the villages Għarb and San Lawrenz, surrounded by cacti and plains. There was a small shrine here as early as the 17th century. When several miracles were attributed to the place, a church was constructed in the beginning of the 20th century. It is still an important place of pilgrimage for both locals and visitors. It is one of the things to do and places to stop during your trip to Gozo. Have a look inside at the original shrine and walk around the church to admire the architecture.
It is also worthwhile to walk up the opposite Ta’Ghammar mountain, where you have a good view of the pilgrimage site along the way.
Ta’ Kola mill
Mills are not only in the Netherlands but also in Gozo. One of the things to do around the village of Xaghra on Gozo is to visit the Ta’ Kola mill. This photogenic mill is 200 years old and one of the few still standing on the island archipelago. Mills used to play an important role in the local communities in Gozo as they provided flour for the population. Nowadays the Ta’ Kola mill serves as a small museum and it is nice to make a photo stop. Inside, you can take a tour to see the workshop and learn more about the history of the structure
Villages and churches
On Gozo there are many pieceful villages. You don’t come here to buy souvenirs or visit highlights, but to take a leisurely stroll and take in the lazy life of the local cats. Almost every village has a small church, located on the central square, where the locals gather during a mass or event. Nice villages to include in your itinerary are Xaghra, Nadur, Gharb, Sannat and San Lawrenz.
It is also worth going to the top of the Xewkija Rotunda church and looking out over Gozo and Malta. At 75 meters high, this church has one of the largest free-standing domes in the world, only the Vatican in Rome and St. Paul’s in London are higher.
Mini Travel Guide Gozo island
Hotels on Gozo
Gozo is a small island but with a wide range of hotels in various price ranges. There are mainly small-scale hotels, which in my opinion is a major advantage. Even though travel distances in Gozo are small, a centrally located place, close to the many things to do, is the village of Xaghra. I myself stayed here in Boutique Hotel Il Logga with 12 neat rooms, most of which offer a view over the island and the sea. On the roof terrace you can take a cooling dip in the pool and in the accompanying restaurant fresh fish dishes, with numerous local and international wines are served.
Check prices and availability at Il Logga Boutique Hotel here. My other recommendations include: Cesca’s Boutique Hotel and Ogygia Suites. Looking for more hotels on Gozo? This is an overview.
Tours and tickets
Discover Gozo tickets
Are you planning to visit several cultural attractions and experience the many things to do on Gozo? Then take a look at the Discover Gozo Combo Ticket, which offers access to several interesting museums and archaeological sites, including the Ggantija temples, the archaeological museum and the Cittadella Visitor Center.
Restaurants on Gozo
I already expected the food to be good in Gozo. But I was surprised by the quality and diversity of restaurants. These are my tips for restaurants on Gozo.
- At the Country Terrace in Mgarr you can enjoy fish or pasta dishes with fantastic views of the surroundings. Make sure to reserve a table at the front of the terrace in time.
- Michelin has included this restaurant in its well-known lists for years. Ta’ Frenċ offers fine dining experiences. This former farm is located just outside Xaghra and consists of an idyllic garden and stylish interior space. Of course you want to sit outside on a nice evening. You can enjoy a tasting menu from the chef or create your own à la carte menu.
- For the very best fish, go to Il Kartell in Marsalforn. Don’t forget to order one of the pastas here.
- On the central square of Xaghra you’ll find fresh fish dishes at Oleander and Latini in a cozy setting, with a view of the church.
- In the bay of Mgarr Ix-Xini, fish and little dishes are served in a pieceful setting, right at the beach.
How to get to Gozo island
Do you also want to go to Gozo island? Then you first fly to Malta, or take a ferry from Sicily. Once you arrive in Malta, it is best to rent a car. Keep in mind that you have to drive on the left, a remnant from the time when Malta and Gozo were part of England, so that probably takes some getting used to. But the roads are quiet.
From the airport it will take you one hour to get to the port in Ċirkewwa, located in the north of Malta. This is where the Gozo Channel Line ferry brings you to Mgarr on Gozo. The crossing takes less than 20 minutes, the car comes along and the logistics on site are well organised. Moreover, the ferry runs 24 hours and you never have to wait long, because it departs every 30 to 45 minutes. The ride from Malta to Gozo is free: you buy your ticket on the way back. Are you traveling to Gozo without a car? Then it is also possible to travel from Valletta to Gozo, with the Gozo High Speed Ferry, within 45 minutes.
Book your flight
Looking for a flight to Gozo, Malta? Use Skyscanner, when it comes to searching for cheap flights across the world. An easy way to compare and book flights, as it searches websites and airlines around the world with one click.
Car rental
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Travel insurance
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More about Gozo
Looking for more tips and things to do on Gozo island? Have a look at the website of VisitGozo.
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