We were fortunate enough to spend five full days on Gozo island recently. As I was leaving to get on the ferry, I was a little gutted to be heading back to Malta. But what made me even sadder, was seeing tourists arriving who were planning to go on a tour and spend just a couple of hours on the island before returning to Malta.
Many people visiting Malta squeeze in a day trip to Gozo, assuming a few hours is enough to see the best of the island. But as soon as you step off the ferry, you realise that Gozo has so much more to offer than a whirlwind tour can do justice to.
With its rugged coastline, charming villages, ancient sites, and laid-back atmosphere, Gozo deserves more than just a fleeting visit.
Here’s why one day simply isn’t enough – and what you should do while you’re there.
Why Rushing Gozo is a Mistake
Many visitors leave Gozo wishing they had stayed longer. One day only allows you to scratch the surface – you’ll likely spend much of it travelling between locations rather than soaking in the island’s relaxed pace. Staying overnight lets you experience Gozo at its best, whether it’s a quiet morning in Victoria, a sunset at Xlendi Bay, or a leisurely dinner under the stars.
The other thing to keep in mind if you visit Gozo for just one day, especially with a tour operator, is that this means that locals aren’t benefiting from your visit. Take time in Gozo, investigate the amazing restaurants and wineries, drink coffee in a quiet square, or dine by the water. Take time to see the island properly.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Gozo, consider extending your stay – two, three or even up toa week is ideal! The island has too much to offer for just one day – and you’ll thank yourself for giving it the time it truly deserves. You can find our top tips for the best things to do on Gozo below.
Getting to Gozo
The most common way to reach Gozo is by ferry from Ċirkewwa in Malta, which takes around 25 minutes. If you’re travelling without a car, you can also take the fast ferry from Valletta to Mgarr, which gets you there in 45 minutes. Once you arrive, you’ll find that Gozo is best explored by car, bike, or even on foot if you enjoy long walks in nature.
Public transport on Gozo is an option, but be prepare that most bus routes come in and out of Victoria and Mgarr (the port), so you might have to grab a few buses to get where you want to be. That said, the island is tiny, so you’re not talking about long bus rides here!
Best things to do in Gozo – a map
Below you can find a map of the best swimming spots and things to do in Gozo.
Exploring Victoria: The Heart of Gozo
Victoria (also known as Rabat) is Gozo’s capital and an essential stop. Dominating the skyline is the Citadel, a fortified city with incredible panoramic views of the island. Wandering through its narrow alleys, you’ll find historic churches, museums, and charming cafés.
There’s a whiff of the bohemian to Victoria, with vintage stores and quirky bars. It was right up my street and I felt like I settled into it like slipping on a comfy pair of slippers.
Highlights of Victoria:
- The Citadel: A must-visit for history lovers and those who want breathtaking views of Gozo. It’s free to wander around, but you can spend a few euros and get access to the museum, the dungeons and a few other bits.
- St. George’s Basilica: A stunning church with an intricately decorated interior.
- Independence Square: A lively spot with market stalls and cafés perfect for people-watching. From here, take the various streets spilling off the square to find second had stores and other souvenirs.
Coastal Beauty: Gozo’s Best Beaches and Swimming Spots
Gozo’s coastline is one of its greatest assets, with hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. We spent three of our five days on Gozo walking around the coastal trail on the island, so got first hand experience of every single nook and cranny of the coast.
Best beaches and swimming spots:
- Ramla Bay: Famous for its striking red sand and clear waters.
- Xlendi Bay: A picturesque spot surrounded by cliffs, ideal for a sunset swim.
- Dwejra: Once home to the Azure Window, it still offers fantastic swimming and diving opportunities.
- Mgarr ix-Xini: A secluded bay with excellent snorkelling and a great seafood restaurant nearby.
Gozo’s Incredible History and Archaeology
For such a small island, Gozo has an impressive history, with sites dating back thousands of years. We visited with John’s parents who are very much history buffs, so spent time taking in the main sites.
- Ġgantija Temples: Older than the pyramids of Egypt, these Neolithic temples are a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see. Entrance costs €10 and you’ll likely want about 60 to 90 minutes here.
- Ta’ Pinu Basilica: A beautiful pilgrimage site in Gharb known for its serene setting and intricate mosaics.
Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Walks
If you love the outdoors, Gozo is a dream destination. The island is crisscrossed with hiking trails that take you through stunning landscapes and rugged cliffs. But of course, the best walking is to be found on the magnificent coastline. Highlights include:
- Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs: A dramatic coastal walk with breathtaking views over the Mediterranean.
- Mgarr to Mġarr ix-Xini: This is the start of the Gozo coastal trail, taking you from the port of Mgarr and to the quiet cove of Mgarr ix-Xini.
- Sanap Cliffs: One of Gozo’s lesser-known gems, offering peace and solitude.
- Marsalforn to Ramla Bay: A scenic trail that combines countryside and coastal beauty. This ones not for everyone though – it’s a pretty rugged and undulating path.
You can find full details for hiking the coastal paths of Gozo here.
Gozo’s Food and Wine Scene
Gozo’s culinary scene is another reason to stay longer. With fresh seafood, local cheeses, and delicious wines, there’s plenty to indulge in.
- In Mgarr, Ta’ Philip is a top choice for farm-to-table dining with local ingredients. Tmun Restaurant offers fine dining and one80 Kitchen has great views of the harbour.
- Gozo’s wineries: Sample Gozitan wine at Tal-Massar or Ta’ Mena Estate. Best to book ahead for wine tasting.
- In Xlendi, there are some fantastic restaurants close to the water – we opted for Il-Kċina Għawdxija, which we thought had the best aspect and also lovely wait staff.
- And in Victoria, you’ll find eclectic restaurants. For Asian food, try Yume Fusion.
- Finally, we loved the small town of Qala, which seemed to have more restaurants and bars than people. Try Kaputa for hearty Italian food with a view to the church.
Where to stay on Gozo
BUDGET: Shanti Ghar Gozo is a quiet slice of bohemian heaven close to Xlendi. A lovely B&B with a pool.
MID-RANGE: The Duke Boutique Hotel is in the heart of Victoria. This is an ideal location if you want to visit lots of the island as Victoria is the central hub for buses.
LUXURY: Hotel Calypso is in the pretty town of Marsalforn. A 4* hotel with wonderful views and balconies overlooking the water.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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