What to do in Gozo Activities and must-dos!

Hello, here I am again with an article that brings together all the things to see and do in Gozo. I know that for some people there’s nothing to do in Gozo, or only for one day. But I can assure you, having spent 5 days there, that there are many wonderful places to discover. Between unspoilt nature, hidden coves, turquoise waters, coastal walks, cliffs and small villages, there are plenty of must-sees. Admittedly, it’s a small island, just 67km². But that gives you the opportunity to discover it at your own pace.

To tell you the truth, what I really liked were the magnificent, unspoilt landscapes without the crowds. I know tourists are part of the game (I’m one myself), but it’s nice to enjoy breathtaking panoramas as if you were alone in the world. As for me, I went in April; I can’t guarantee that it will be the same in summer. One thing’s for sure: it’ll still be less crowded than Malta. What also impressed me was the tranquillity of Gozo, after spending 8 days in Malta. For me, it was a fitting end to my stay in the Maltese archipelago. In 4 days (+1 with my quad trip) I was able to take the time to discover and appreciate this Mediterranean island.

As you can see, if you have the time, I really recommend spending a few days on Gozo. You’ll hear all about it! In any case, the aim of this article is for you to know everything about what to do in Gozo. And believe me, as you read on, you might be surprised! That’s all I’ll say, and I’ll leave you to find out for yourself!

I almost forgot: before I start, as you can’t get to Gozo without passing through Malta, I’ll give you all the info on what to do in Malta in a full article.

Well, I’ve given you a few reasons above, but that’s far from the end of it! Beyond the scenery and hidden gems, visiting Gozo is also about immersing yourself in the local history and culture. For example, did you know that Gozo’s Ġgantija temples are older than Egypt’s famous pyramids? In fact, they’re one of the oldest religious monuments in the world! I confess that I didn’t even know that before I went there. Just one example to show you that Gozo is full of more surprises than it looks.

It’s also a destination for everyone: walkers, beach lovers, history buffs and more. You won’t be bored! It’s just that you’ll have more peace and quiet to explore. Personally, I think that’s a plus! In fact, I’d go as far as to say that it’s rare to find an island in the Mediterranean without too many tourists these days.

Naturally, I had to start with Gozo’s famous capital, Victoria. It’s a bit like the epicentre of the whole island: it’s where all the bus routes start from, it’s got lively alleyways, good restaurants; it’s really worth a detour. And to take it a step further, from its citadel you can enjoy a 360° view of the whole island: it’s simply magnificent. It’s as if you’re standing on top of everything. And if you’ve been in Gozo for a few days, you’ll easily recognise the villages with their different churches and basilicas. It’s incredible: you can even see the coast in the distance. It’s definitely a must-see. As you might expect, it’s quite crowded, but as it’s quite big, it’s not uncomfortable at all (at least in April).

Victoria also has a very special atmosphere as you lose yourself in its colourful, flower-filled alleys. They’re as beautiful as those in Malta, but quieter! There are also some nice little squares. I’m thinking in particular of Pjazza San Ġorġ. You’ll soon see why! It’s a lively square with cafés (very nice for brunch on Sundays) and in the middle is the Basilica of St George. Frankly, it’s gorgeous inside and out (all marble and fine gold). As a little anecdote, we went there on the Sunday before Holy Week, and Gozo being a very Catholic island, everyone was all dressed up and ready for mass.

To say a little more about Victoria, it’s here that the Italian influence is felt most strongly. On all the main streets, you’ll find small shops selling Italian food. If you want to eat on the go, I recommend the arancini. For those who don’t know, it’s like a ball of fried rice, topped with tomatoes, peas, mozzarella and ham (it’s very good!). If you take the time to stroll the streets of the capital, you’ll also come across stores selling local crafts and souvenirs. If you’d like to pick up some gifts for yourself or your loved ones, now’s the time! What’s more, it’s not at all expensive compared with other places.

For my part, I hadn’t been there on my quad bike outing in Gozo. We bypassed it, and it’s true that with the traffic and people on foot, it wouldn’t have been practical and we wouldn’t have been able to enjoy it. But I still think that Victoria is a must-see and that you’ll love it. What’s more, I think it’s just like Gozo: for a capital city, it retains all its authenticity. It’s definitely worth discovering!

We now move on to one of my favourite places on the island, and I must say I was lucky enough to stay there during my four days in Gozo! You may have heard of the port of Xlendi. It’s not really a port anymore: there are a few boats, but it’s mainly a watersports area. The bay is beautiful, the water turquoise. It’s the perfect setting for all sorts of activities: snorkelling, diving, jet-skiing and so on. I myself was tempted to try snorkelling in such beautiful transparent turquoise water and I can tell you I was not disappointed. By the way, to give you a better idea, the bay is surrounded by small restaurants that serve excellent fish – I recommend them! And from these same restaurants, you’re right on the water’s edge and you can already see several schools of fish (grey, black, orange and more or less big!).

The bay is also very well developed, with paths, stone platforms and ladders so you can swim or dive from the shore. You can really jump into the water from the whole length of the bay. I have to admit, with the water so beautiful, sometimes even when I was just out for a walk, I felt like jumping in. Speaking of walks, after four days I’d even developed my own little habits. For example, there’s a very good ice cream parlour on site that I recommend (Gelateria Granola)! So we took our little ice creams and went for a walk in the evening, watching the sun set over the bay.

In short, I’d go so far as to say that Xlendi Bay is one of the best places to stay in Gozo, because you’ve got it all here: the peace and quiet of a small town, but also the vibrancy of restaurants, water sports… Of course, you don’t have to drive 10-15 minutes to eat. On the practical side, to get from Mgarr (where the ferry arrives) to Xlendi, the roads are good, so there’s really nothing to worry about!

As I told you at the beginning of this article, the temples of Ġgantija (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) are among the oldest religious sites in the world. They date back to around 3,500 BC (that’s a long time ago!). The visit begins with an indoor museum that explains the history of this civilisation and how the temples were built. It’s here that the rituals and traditions are explained. I think it’s a good way to start your visit, as a preamble.

Frankly, even for those who aren’t museum buffs to begin with, this is a pretty immersive experience. Then it’s on to the outdoor area, which is just as compelling, as you immerse yourself in a life that goes back over 5,000 years.

There are well-marked paths through agricultural fields, with flowers and trees typical of the island of Gozo, to the temples. It helps to imagine what their lifestyle was like as the temples are situated on a hill: you can really see the whole of Gozo from there, which was of course strategic (in case of attack). The tour ends with a look inside the temples, or rather what’s left of them.

As you can imagine, some of the stones have collapsed, while others are supported by scaffolding. Nevertheless, when you enter the temples (there are two) you can see the different rooms, which are well preserved. On some of the stones you can even see the names of people and the dates they came to the temples, especially around the year 1000.

It was quite impressive to see all this and you could really imagine yourself. And the most incredible thing was to realise that it was over 5,000 years old! I thought the tour was well thought out and kept you engaged from start to finish!

As soon as you set foot on Gozo, you immediately notice that there are a lot of religious buildings. Roughly speaking, they’re everywhere (I’m not exaggerating, I assure you!). Even though the island is small, there are over 40 of them! To put it simply, in every village there’s a church or basilica towering above the landscape. Some are large and impressive, others are more discreet, but they all hold a piece of Gozo’s history.

Among them, the best known is the Ta’ Pinu basilica. It’s right in the middle of the countryside, surrounded by fields and hills. Frankly, it’s magnificent from the outside. And when you step inside, it’s all the more impressive. In fact, I think it’s one of the most beautiful basilicas I’ve ever seen. In fact, it’s a very important place for Gozitans, with thousands of people coming here to pray. Even if you’re not a believer and just want to discover Ta’ Pinu’s architecture and decor, I can assure you that it’s well worth the detour. Admission is entirely free.

To introduce other religious buildings that I saw during my stay and that are just as important for Gozo:

• In Victoria: as I mentioned above, there’s the Basilica of St. George. It’s in the center of town, surrounded by beautiful little streets. You can’t miss it! If you push open the door, you’ll see that it’s superb, with marble columns and fine gold everywhere. Still in Victoria, in the heart of the Citadel, you’ll find the Cathedral of the Assumption. It’s completely different from the basilica, simpler and more sober. For the record, it was rebuilt after an earthquake. To visit it, you’ll need to buy an entrance ticket (around €5 for adults).
• At Xagħra: further north, we discover the Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady. It stands in the middle of a large square, surrounded by small cafés and houses. When you arrive at the square, you can’t miss it: with its two bell towers and large, bright facade, it’s very bright. From the inside, it’s spacious, with plenty of light too.

• In Qala: at the easternmost tip of Gozo, you’ll find St. Joseph’s Church, although everyone just calls it Qala Church. It overlooks the entire village from its small hill. The view from up there is stunning—on a clear day, you can even see Comino and Malta in the distance.
• In Munxar: right next to Xlendi Bay, there’s a peaceful little village with St. Paul’s Church. It’s much less known than the others, but it’s still lovely and intimate. Definitely worth a quick stop!

And to finish, there’s the Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Xewkija! It’s simply the largest religious building on the island! Its dome is massive—you can see it from far away across Gozo. (More on that in just a bit!)

Of course, there are many other religious sites, less well known but just as charming, such as St. Dimitri’s Chapel in Għarb, St. Anthony of Padua Church, St. Catherine of Alexandria Chapel in San Lawrenz, and St. Margaret’s Church in Sannat.

As promised, I’m talking about the Xewkija Rotunda. The Rotunda is also known as the Basilica of St John the Baptist. As soon as you arrive on the island, you’ll see it in the distance. It’s a truly impressive sight: its huge dome dominates the whole area. Frankly, when you look up, you feel very small. The basilica is built of the same golden stone as the other buildings on Gozo, but here everything is bigger. Inside it’s the same: huge and bright. Bonus: you can climb to the top of the dome. Once you’re there, the view is simply magnificent: you can see Gozo with its fields, the sea and the various villages. It’s a must see!

To be honest, because the village is so small, the basilica seems to take up all the space. As a little anecdote, I had the good idea to go there in the late afternoon on the Friday before Holy Week, so I can tell you that there was plenty of entertainment and everyone was ready to attend Mass. It was another moment that shows how important the Catholic religion is to the people of Gozo.

As you know, I stayed in Xlendi. When I arrived, I have to admit I didn’t expect to find one of the best starting points for hiking in Gozo. Right by the sea, there’s a coastal path that’s easy to access. I followed it all the way to the Gozo cliffs. Even in April, it was already quite hot since there’s no shade at all (I can’t even imagine it in the middle of summer, haha). I could have continued on to the Sanap Cliffs, then the Sannat Cliffs, and finally to the Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs. But between the Gozo cliffs and the Sanap Cliffs, the path isn’t very secure—definitely not ideal if you’re afraid of heights.

No worries though, I decided to split it into two hikes. The next day, I started from Ta’ Ċenċ (the other end) and walked up to the Sanap Cliffs. It was absolutely stunning! Even though you’re following the coastline the whole time, new cliffs keep appearing, which makes it really motivating. For the more adventurous (and if you’re not afraid of heights), you can do the full hike in one go, from Xlendi all the way to the Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs. Doing it round trip can take about 3.5 hours at a good pace. But again—there’s no shade the entire way.

Also from Xlendi, but heading out in the opposite direction across the bay on the other cliff, there’s a staircase you can take that offers a stunning view over the bay and Xlendi Tower. It’s a nice change of scenery, I think. It’s super short—just 25 minutes round trip to Caroline Cave.

And if you love walking, there are plenty of other hikes to do in Gozo. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• Wied il-Għasri Coastal Walk (40 minutes)

This is a relatively short trail around the Wied il-Għasri inlet. It’s incredibly scenic, right in the middle of wild landscapes! I did it because part of the road to get to Wied il-Għasri isn’t accessible by car (unless you have a pickup truck or a quad, haha). You can then walk down the stairs to the inlet and finish with a refreshing swim. A nice reward, right?

• Ramla Bay – Tal-Mixta Cave Hike (around 1 hour)

This is an easy walk from the red sand beach of Ramla Bay up to Tal-Mixta Cave. Once at the cave, the view over the beach is absolutely stunning!

• Salt Pans Coastal Trail (Marsalforn) (1.5 hours)

This hike follows the coastline around the Marsalforn salt pans. It’s a total change of scenery: the sea on one side, and the salt pans on the other.

• Dwejra Walk (around 1.5 hours)

Even though the famous Azure Window collapsed in 2017, Dwejra is still a beautiful place to explore. You’ve got the Inland Sea, Fungus Rock, and rugged cliffs all around. The trail is a 3 km loop and fairly easygoing—you’ll have plenty of time to snap your best photos.

• Red Trail (Gozo Coastal Walk) – several days

For hiking enthusiasts, there’s also a long-distance coastal trail: the Red Trail. It almost loops around the entire island over 55 km. From what I’ve heard, it’s a stunning route but a bit challenging in some parts. Of course, you can also just do a section of it depending on what you feel like! Personally, I hiked from the Sanap Cliffs to Mgarr ix-Xini. That part was moderately difficult!

Although I’ve already told you a little about them, I can assure you that the cliffs of Ta’ Ċenċ are a must-see. They’re in the very south of Gozo; you can get there by car, on foot from Xlendi or even by boat. I went there on my boat trip to Comino (Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon) and Gozo. It was really great to have all the perspectives! You feel so small in front of these huge cliffs!

To the west of Gozo, near Marsalforn, is a unique setting: the salt marshes. To give you an idea, they are full of rather rectangular basins carved out of the rock and right next to the sea. Their purpose is to dry seawater in the sun and extract the salt. It’s between May and September that the local families come to harvest the sea salt. They really do use it on a daily basis in all their dishes and I can tell you that you can taste it (watch out for those who don’t like salt, ahah)!

Getting back to the setting, this is a place I discovered on my quad bike trip because it really is a must-see. For me, it’s a magnificent landscape that also incorporates the culture of Gozo. A little tip: at the end of the day, almost at sunset, when the light hits the rocks, it’s even more beautiful.

Beach lovers are in for a treat on Gozo. For starters, the island’s largest and most famous beach, Ramla Bay, is simply gorgeous. It’s one of my favourite beaches in the entire Maltese archipelago (which is saying a lot!).

Its charm lies in the golden red sand that contrasts with the colour of the water. I think it’s a nice change from white sand, although, we agree, it’s still pretty! There are food stalls, a restaurant and toilets at the entrance, but once you’re on the beach, it’s just a C-shaped stretch of sand and transparent water… a dream come true!

Then I’d say my second favourite beach is Hondoq ir-Rummien. When I got there, I was very surprised because it’s not one of the best known beaches. However, the water is an intense, beautiful blue, like that of the Blue Lagoon. And because it’s at the southern end of the island, you can literally see the Blue Lagoon in the distance. Isn’t that magical when you think about it?

There are still some stunning coves and beaches in Gozo that I highly recommend discovering, such as:

• Dwejra Bay: crystal-clear water surrounded by magnificent cliffs. A beautifully natural and unspoiled spot!
• Wied il-Għasri: a hidden cove tucked between two cliffs, with incredibly clear water!
• Mgarr-ix-Xini: another calm and secluded cove nestled between white cliffs!

To find out more, feel free to check out our full guide to Gozo’s best beaches! You’ll find all the details there!

Maybe you’ve heard of it: Wied il-Mielaħ is a natural arch in the shape of a window. To be honest, it’s huge and very impressive when you’re standing in front of it. Getting there is another story: the roads are not easy, very narrow, with lots of bends. The ground is good, but it’s not a gravel road either. Once you’ve arrived, it’s easy to park on the road below.

All you have to do is walk a few hundred metres. There you’ll come to a two-sided crevasse, like a cliff split in two. If you go to the left, you’ll be walking along the Wied il-Mielaħ. If you go to the right, there are small steps leading down to get the best view of the arch and take your best photo.

Just a word of warning: the stairs are very narrow, between rock and void. Even though there are barriers, if you’re afraid of heights, it can be a bit stressful. Don’t worry, it’s quite short and quick! In any case, I can tell you that it’s worth going all the way. You’ll come face to face with a huge arch and deep blue water, as if it were a cave. One thing’s for sure: there’s a reason why Wied il-Mielaħ is one of Gozo’s must-sees!

Let me warn you right away: don’t expect too much choice when it comes to gastronomy. We prefer simple dishes. I’m thinking in particular of the “ftira”, a giant sandwich, perfect for eating on the move and filling you up. I recommend taking it on a walk. As for taste, there are ham sandwiches, beef sandwiches with vegetables, tuna sandwiches… Really, there’s something for everyone! This sandwich is made with local bread, rather soft and reminiscent of focaccia. This is hardly surprising, given the Italian influence already present on the island of Malta, and even more so on Gozo.

In fact, even in the supermarkets, most of the products are Italian. And I’m not even talking about the pasta section: it’s a delight! Even in the restaurants, the menus are in English with the Italian translation on the side. And don’t forget the famous Italian ice creams, a real treat!

As well as Italian food, you’ll also find goat’s cheese and local wines. The island of Gozo is greener than Malta, so there are quite a few vineyards. I’d say the wines are pretty good, but of course they’re no substitute for a good bottle of French wine, ahah.

It’s no coincidence that I’m starting with this activity. I had the chance to go on a guided quad tour around Gozo for a full day. It was early in my stay in the archipelago, so I was still on the island of Malta. But that wasn’t an issue—the tour provider picked me up just a few minutes from my hotel and took care of the entire transfer to Gozo.

Honestly, I think it was one of the best days of my whole trip. Between the thrill of the quad ride and the ever-changing scenery, it was a feast for the eyes.

And the best part? I didn’t have to worry about a thing—just enjoy the speed and the views. Everything was smooth and well-organized! To give you an idea of the day’s itinerary, we started by riding along the coast to Ramla Valley. Then we headed to Nadur for lunch; the meal was included, and we got to try some local specialties. In the afternoon, we hit the road again for more quad adventures!

Among the must-see spots, we visited Xlendi Bay, Dwejra Bay, the salt pans, and Qbajjar Bay. I 100% recommend this tour with Manawa—the activity booking platform we’ve been working with for years.

You can also rent a quad yourself if you want full independence and prefer exploring the island on your own. In any case, if quad biking in Gozo interests you, I’ve written a full article about this activity.

Even though I didn’t go diving in Gozo, I know the island is a true little paradise for divers. During my trip, I did my first scuba diving experience in Malta with Corsair Diving Malta, and it went really well! It was a great experience—I had a great connection with the instructor, who was both passionate and reassuring.

What’s good to know is that even though most dive centers are based on the island of Malta, they also organize diving trips to Gozo. Honestly, it would be a shame to miss out!

In Gozo, some of the best-known dive sites include Xlendi Bay, Dwejra Bay, and more! If you’re interested, I’ve also written a full guide about diving in Malta, with all the top spots and dive centers.

And if you prefer, there are also dive centers directly on Gozo, like Blue Waters Dive Cove. No matter your level, they offer everything from beginner dives to full PADI certification courses—if that’s something you’re into!

For me, a boat trip is one of the must-do activities in Gozo—and more broadly, throughout the Maltese archipelago. What I recommend is choosing an excursion that combines Comino and Gozo, departing from Malta. It’s a great way to cruise around Comino’s lagoons—the Blue Lagoon and the Crystal Lagoon—and then sail along the coastline and cliffs of Gozo. Honestly, it’s breathtaking and gives you a completely different perspective than when you see them from above during a hike (like at Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs). Most of these excursions last either a full day or half a day.

You’ll have a choice between different types of boats: there are large day boats with meals included, or smaller boats with around twenty people for a morning or afternoon tour, usually with swim stops. And don’t forget—you can also rent a private boat. It’s more expensive, of course, but if you’re looking to treat yourself, it’s a great option!

Personally, I booked a tour combining both islands through Manawa, and it was amazing. I have great memories of it! If you want to know more about my boat trip to Comino and Gozo, I’ve written a detailed article all about it.

Another great way to discover Gozo from a different perspective! There are several jeep safaris organized on the island that take you to some of Gozo’s most beautiful spots, with a local guide who knows the island inside out! Usually, the provider picks you up directly from Malta and handles your boat transfer to Gozo. Once you arrive, you hop in your jeep and set off on a tour of the island that includes the Qala viewpoint, Dahlet Qorrot Valley, the village of Nadur, the Ġgantija Temples, as well as Xlendi Bay and the famous Inland Sea in Dwejra.

For lunch, you’ll enjoy a traditional Maltese meal included in the tour! What’s great is that everything is organized for you—you just sit back, enjoy the scenery, and get your camera ready at the right moments (no need to drive)! What more could you ask for?

This jeep safari in Gozo is available as a group tour (around €80 per person) or a private tour (about €290). It’s not cheap, but considering everything that’s included, I think it’s well worth the price.

If you want to explore the underwater world while staying on the surface, why not go snorkeling in Gozo? To find the best spots depending on the weather, you can go for a guided snorkeling excursion! These tours usually last about 2.5 hours, including 1 full hour in the water exploring and spotting different marine species. The guide knows Gozo’s waters inside out and will pick you up directly from your accommodation. All equipment is provided (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit).

Once in the water, you’ll be swimming in crystal-clear seas, watching schools of fish and discovering hidden caves. And to top it all off, you’ll leave with souvenir photos!

If you prefer snorkeling on your own, Gozo also has some great surprises in store. If you’re interested, I share everything you need to know about snorkeling in Gozo right here.

Still on the theme of water activities, paddleboarding and kayaking are great fun on Gozo’s calm, turquoise waters!

If you’re into stand-up paddleboarding, Manawa offers a 3-hour paddleboarding tour! The guide welcomes you in Gozo, provides all the equipment, and gives you some basic tips before you test your balance and head out to explore the coastline. The itinerary includes spots like Daħlet Qorrot Bay, Ramla Bay, Dwejra’s Inland Sea, Fungus Rock, and Xlendi Bay. You might even paddle all the way to Comino and its famous Blue Lagoon.

For something more complete, you can go for a kayak + speed boat tour around Gozo. After a quick briefing, you’ll kayak for 1.5 hours along Gozo’s cliffs. Then you’ll hop on a speed boat heading to the Blue Lagoon on Comino. Once there, you’ll have 2 hours of free time to enjoy this postcard-perfect setting!

If you don’t have a rental car or prefer not to walk too much, going on a tuk-tuk tour is a great option! It’s pretty simple: you hop into a tuk-tuk driven by a local guide, and all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride. I think it’s a fun way to pass through the villages, ride along the cliffs, and discover hidden coves and beaches.

To give you an idea, tuk-tuk tours last about 6 hours and include multiple photo stops, short walks, and more. Just so you know, you’ll have more options for tuk-tuk tours between May and September. And let’s be honest—it’s much nicer when the sun is shining!

For those who love adrenaline and heights, Gozo is a great playground for rock climbing! Between the cliffs and the natural rock faces on the coast, the island offers some great places to climb. There are several companies that offer supervised outings adapted to your level. Most sessions last between 2 and 4 hours, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy yourself! All the equipment is provided: harness, helmet, etc. Some of the best climbing spots are Wied il-Mielaħ and Mgarr ix-Xini..

Et comme toujours, je vous ai préparé une section avec toutes les infos pratiques et essentielles à connaître avant de partir à Gozo.

I know that many holidaymakers decide to spend just one day in Gozo. I can understand if you don’t have much time. But I’d still recommend spending a couple of days there. If you want to see all the must-sees, I would recommend spending 5 days there. That’s what I did, and I had time to do it all without forcing myself into a very fast pace.

On the other hand, if you want to reserve some beach afternoons for yourself, return to certain places several times and take it easy, I think a week is best! The ideal length really depends on how much time you have and what you want to do. But I think between 5 and 7 days is perfect for visiting Gozo and relaxing at the same time!

A word of advice: start with Malta and finish with Gozo. It’s quieter and more relaxing. You’ll find it much more enjoyable!

In fact, you can visit Gozo all year round. The best season depends on what you want to do. Personally, I find that spring, from April to June, and autumn, from September to October, are the best times. I’ll tell you why: it’s easy, the weather is good, it’s warm without being stifling and, above all, there are far fewer people than in high season.

The water is a bit cold at the beginning of April (I’ve been in a couple of times), but that’s just a detail, and the rest of the year it’s still great. But that’s just my opinion!

As for summer, July and August, I have to admit that it’s very hot: often over 35 degrees, and it’s very crowded, especially on the beaches and in the tourist areas. But if you like the heat, the festive atmosphere and the long days by the sea, then go for it! Just a word of advice: don’t forget to book your accommodation and activities well in advance to make sure there’s enough space.

When we switch to winter, we’re immediately at peace. Temperatures remain pleasant, between 15 and 18 degrees. If you like hiking, this is the place to be! On the other hand, some tourist activities may not be available. You’ll also have a few rainy days. But if you’re looking for peace and quiet and the countryside to yourself, why not!

If you’re still unsure, I’ve written a full article on when to go to Malta. It’ll be a great help!

To get to Gozo, you’ll need to go through the island of Malta first, as that’s where the nearest airport is—Luqa Airport. You’ll easily find flights from France (Paris and other cities), Belgium, and Switzerland. Once you land in Malta, you have two main options:

• Take the ferry from Ċirkewwa: located at the northern tip of the island, right across from Gozo, the crossing only takes about 25 minutes. Departures are very frequent, even in the low season. Plus, if you’ve rented a car, you can bring it on board without any issues. That’s what I did personally, and I think it’s the easiest way to reach Gozo from Malta!
• Take the fast ferry from Valletta: if you’re staying near the Maltese capital and don’t have a rental car, this will definitely be more convenient. Departures are quite frequent (about every 30 minutes), though the ride takes a bit longer—around 45 minutes.

These are the two most common ways to get to Gozo. If you’d like more details, we’ve written a full article on the topic!

For total freedom, I recommend hiring a car as soon as you arrive in Malta, at Luqa airport. That’s what I did, using the car hire comparison service Discover Cars. It was super convenient and I was able to get some great deals! If you’re staying on the island of Malta for a few days, this is a great way to get around. You’ll just have to get used to driving British, ahah. But don’t worry, you’ll soon get the hang of it.

And to get to Gozo, all you have to do is take the ferry at Pirkewwa with your car – it’s pretty simple, isn’t it? At least once you’re in Gozo, you can move around freely and explore the island without any restrictions.

If you don’t feel like renting a car, no worries—there are other options, such as:

• Bus: the network on the island is actually quite decent. That said, due to the condition of some roads, buses might drop you off nearby and you’ll have to walk the rest of the way to reach certain must-see spots.
• Bicycle: definitely go for an electric bike given all the ups and downs across the island—but otherwise, it’s totally doable!
• Quad: there are several agencies renting out quads, and they’re super practical, even for dirt tracks. Plus, traffic in Gozo is fairly calm, so you’ll be able to drive around easily. And let’s be honest—it adds a fun sense of adventure!
• Taxis: if you’re looking for a comfortable ride without dealing with bus schedules, this can be a great option. There are quite a few taxis on the island. I don’t know the exact prices, but I’d say it’s probably not too expensive!

In Gozo, it’s the perfect place to enjoy Italian or local food made with fresh ingredients! I mostly tried restaurants around Xlendi Bay, such as:

• Zafiro Restaurant: right by the bay—I could even see fish swimming from my table! The atmosphere was lovely. Honestly, considering the setting, I expected it to be more expensive. It’s actually more affordable than in France. And the food was great—I had the seafood linguine, and it was delicious!
• Talija: located on a side street off the bay, so there’s no direct sea view, but the dishes were excellent! Lots of fresh fish options. I had the hake and it was really tasty!

In the capital, Victoria, you can try:

• Maldonado Bistro: a great spot serving Maltese dishes made with local ingredients. I didn’t go myself, but I heard only good things about it!
• Black Cat Café: if you’re into brunch, this one’s worth it! Generous portions and much cheaper than in France. I tried it on a central square in Victoria—the setting was lovely and the brunch was excellent!

There are tons of other places to eat, but I wanted to share the ones I actually tested and approved myself, haha. If you want something simple and local, Nadur has some great taverns!

If you’re planning to stay in Gozo, you’ll find plenty of options depending on the length of your stay and, of course, your budget! To start, here are some luxury hotels if you’re looking to treat yourself:

• Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz: a luxury hotel perfect for an exclusive stay in Gozo. You’ll enjoy access to a spa, two heated indoor pools, three outdoor pools, a hot tub, a gym, and two tennis courts. In short—you won’t be missing a thing!
• Hotel Ta’ Cenc & Spa: the second 5-star hotel on the island! Everything here is high-end: pool, spa, elegant decor—nothing to complain about. Accommodation is in private 35 m² bungalows, just for you.

For mid-range accommodations, if you want comfort without breaking the bank:

• Hotel San Andrea: a charming 3-star hotel located right on Xlendi Bay. That alone makes it worth it! The rooms are comfortable, well-equipped, and air-conditioned (a must in summer, haha).
• Villa Xemxija: you can choose from several apartments just 400 meters from Xlendi Bay! The units can accommodate 2 to 5 people, so if you’re traveling with friends or family, there’s plenty of space. Plus, each has a balcony with a view of the pool or the sea.

And finally, here are some budget-friendly places to stay:

• Lellux Qala: this charming property offers several comfortable rooms. The decor is a bit old-fashioned, but that’s just a detail. Everything is clean and well equipped. Bonus—you’ll have access to a pool!
• Magical Modern Apartment: here, you’ll find a variety of rooms and full apartments in the capital city. The location couldn’t be better—you’ll be right in the heart of the action. Plus, if you don’t have a rental car, staying in Victoria makes it much easier to get around.

If you’re looking for more places to stay and useful info about hotels in Gozo, I’ve written a full guide to help you out!

Now you know all about : what to do in Gozo. As you can see, there’s a lot to do on Malta’s sister island. I really hope I’ve inspired you to go there and spend several days, or even a week (who knows?).

See you soon for more discoveries in the Maltese archipelago!

Written by Laura CALLES

Thanks to Mélanie and Sylvain, I had the chance to explore the beautiful Maltese archipelago and share all the beauty of its islands with you. A little piece of paradise not to be missed!

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