A detailed travel guide featuring 40 of the best things to do on Gozo Island, Malta. Experience the best activities, attractions, and places to visit on Malta’s laid-back sister island.
The word Gozo means joy, and whether you’re chasing world-class diving, remote coastal hiking trails, secluded bays, and vibrant sandy beaches, or you want to dive into Gozo’s rich and welcoming culture, joy is exactly what you will discover here!
After exploring every inch of this amazing Mediterranean island, I’ve created this travel guide summing up the top 40 amazing things to do in Gozo, Malta.
I’ve included highlights and unmissable Gozo sightseeing attractions like the striking Ramla Bay beach, the iconic Blue Hole, and the extraordinary megalithic temples of Ġgantija, as well as some hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path places to visit.
Quick Things to Know About Traveling to Gozo Island
The island of Gozo is Malta's northernmost island, a more relaxed, tranquil, and raw travel destination that should certainly not be missed.
While still quite a small island at only 67 km² (26 sq mi), it is the second largest island in Malta after the main island (Malta Island). Gozo is separated from this main island by the Gozo Channel, a distance of less than 5 kilometers via ferry or fast boat, passing the tiny island of Comino on the way.
This makes visiting Gozo very easy, either on a day trip or by staying a few days on the island. So, before we dive into this list of things to do on Gozo, here are some useful things to know.
How to Get to Gozo from Malta
There are three main options for getting to Gozo Island from Malta. These are the public car ferry, a fast ferry, and visiting on a day trip (speedboat).
Option 1: Gozo Day Trip from Malta
While I recommend spending at least two days on Gozo to really take in the culture and see the best sites, it is possible to visit Gozo on a day trip.
There are two full day trip options that really stand out in terms of inclusions, reviews, and value for money. These are the Self-Drive ATV Tour & Powerboat Ride and the Gozo Full-Day Jeep Tour & Powerboat Ride.
These are similar experiences, and in the end, it just comes down to whether you prefer exploring on an ATV or in a Jeep. Both of these day trips include Hotel pickup/drop-off in Malta and visits to some top Gozo attractions and popular places such as:
- Famous beaches like Ramla Bay
- Victoria & the Citadel
- Calypso Cave
- Marsalforn Village
- Bonus: Speedboat trip to the Blue Lagoon & Comino Caves
Option 2: Public Car Ferry to Gozo
Next, travelers have the option of taking the public car ferry to Gozo from the small port of Ċirkewwa on the northwest corner of Malta island. This short ferry ride takes approximately 15 minutes and ends at the main port in Gozo (Mġarr Harbour).
Additionally, passengers taking the Gozo Ferry can simply turn up at the port, with trips departing roughly every thirty minutes. You'll pay for your return boat trip ticket on the way back to Malta (roughly €20 for a car and 2-passenger return trip).
Car Rentals in Malta
The best way to experience both Malta and Gozo islands is to rent your own car! I recommend booking well in advance using price comparison sites like DiscoverCars if traveling in the busy summer season.
Option 3: Fast Ferry to Gozo
Next up is the fast-ferry option from Valletta to Gozo, taking approximately 45 minutes. This costs around €15 per person for the return journey.
The fast ferry terminal is located at the Lascaris Wharf Terminal in the Valletta Grand Harbour. Similarly to the car ferry above, the trip ends at the Mġarr Port on Gozo.
Remember that this fast ferry cannot accommodate vehicles. Therefore this is only a good option for visitors staying in Valletta and looking to explore Gozo on foot or via the limited public transport bus system once they arrive.
Where to Stay on Gozo
Due to its small size and well-connected network of buses and roads, choosing the ideal location to stay in Gozo is less crucial than on the main island of Malta.
However, if you ask, locals will always tell you that to get the complete Gozitan experience, what's more important is picking a traditional boutique hotel over a luxury resort or modern hotel. You'll find many boutique hotels in Gozo dotted all over the island, from Nadur to Xlendi. Below are the 3 top picks.
- Quaint Boutique Hotel - Nadur
Accommodation on Malta’s quieter sister island should reflect its more peaceful and traditional ambiance. This beautifully renovated boutique hotel is situated directly beside the Nadur Parish Church, with spacious balcony terraces looking over the town square. - Viewpoint Boutique Living - Xlendi
This family-run boutique hotel dates back 300 years and is situated on a beautiful cliff overlooking the Xlendi Valley and the Mediterranean Sea. The location is ideal for couples looking to get away, with convenient access to the beach and just a short 2 km drive to the Citadella. - Kempinski Hotel - San Lawrenz
For travelers preferring modern, 5-star luxury, the Kempinski Hotel is your best bet. This amazing hotel is located in San Lawrenz, on a 30,000m² tropical oasis. An excellent choice for larger groups and families as there are self-catering apartment options as well!
40 Best Things to do on Gozo Island, Malta
So, with that short logistics run-down complete, let's finally dive into this comprehensive travel guide featuring all the best things to do on Gozo Island, Malta!
1. Visit Comino & the Blue Lagoon
Comino is the smallest of the main Maltese Islands and lies less than a kilometer from Gozo! As a result, visiting the tiny island of Comino and the Blue Lagoon (Malta's main attraction) is very easy from this island.
The island of Comino is very laidback and boasts some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean. A day on Comino is best spent swimming, snorkeling, and exploring its many sea caves and quiet coves.
It's possible to take a ferry from Mġarr Harbour, but this will only visit the Blue Lagoon, which is beautiful but very busy during the summer months. To make the most of your visit to Comino, I highly recommend booking an island tour with Outdoor Explorers, who will take you to many other attractions on Comino like the Crystal Lagoon and the Santa Maria Caves.
2. Visit Rabat (Victoria) & the Citadel
Interested in historic and cultural attractions in Gozo? You can't miss a visit to Rabat (Victoria) and its famous Cittadella.
Rabat is the capital of Gozo and you can easily spend a day exploring its sandstone-colored streets and popular attractions like the Grand Basilica of St. George, Republic Street, the old prison and Independence Square.
However, the main highlight in Rabat is the Citadella (also called Castelo). This medieval citadel sits high on a hill in the center of Gozo Island, overlooking the entire island and the Mediterranean sea beyond.
In a rush? This is a long and comprehensive list covering all the major attractions and worthwhile sites to visit in Gozo. If you're in a rush, I've included a quick list of the 5 unmissable top things to do at the bottom of this post.
3. Ramla Beach, Gozo (Red Sand Beach)
Ramla Bay is located in the northeast region of Gozo Island and is well-regarded as being one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
This particular beach is famous for its red sand, which is unique on Gozo. The water here is also quite shallow, making it a perfect beach for swimming and relaxing.
4. Tal-Mixta Cave
Perhaps the most iconic thing to do in Gozo is to visit the Tal-Mixta cave at Ramla Beach.
This is a cliffside cave with a large overhanging rock opening overlooking the stunning blue waters of Ramla Bay. Travelers can access this cave via a short walk from the nearby parking space. Or, take the short hiking trail from the beach.
I highly recommend visiting Mixta Cave during sunset for amazing views!
5. Kayaking from Ħondoq ir-Rummien Beach
Another fantastic beach on Gozo Island is Ħondoq ir-Rummien Beach (commonly known as Hondoq bay), a tiny sandy cove on Gozo's southeast corner. Ħondoq ir-Rummien Beach is another sandy beach with lifeguards but is much smaller than Ramla Beach.
This is also a popular spot for watersports, including sea kayaking, parasailing, jet skiing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Additionally, due to its proximity to Comino Island, it's possible to kayak to the Blue Lagoon from Ħondoq beach. However, local rules state that tourists must be accompanied by a licensed guide to cross the channel. You can either book this with Gozo Adventures or with Kayak Gozo via GetYourGuide.
6. The Gozo Blue Hole
The Dwejra Bay region in western Gozo has several unique rock formations both above and below the water.
Gozo's Blue Hole is a natural cylindrical tube plunging to around 15 meters in depth, within walking distance of the rocky shores.
This is a great place for swimming and snorkeling in beautiful clear waters. But, for licensed scuba divers, one of the most exhilarating things to do in Gozo is to dive in the Blue Hole. In fact, this is one of Malta's most famous dive sites and a must for any diver!
Tip: Visiting the other Maltese Islands? Make sure to read my comprehensive guide to the top 70 Things to do in Malta!
7. See the Remains of the Azure Window
The Azure Window was once the most iconic natural attraction in Gozo. Unfortunately, this amazing natural arch was lost to the sea in 2017 when it collapsed following a winter storm.
This alluring rocky arch once stood proud right beside the Blue Hole, attracting visitors from all over the world. It even made an appearance in the Game of Thrones series!
Today, there's little left of the Azure Window in Gozo, at least above the water. However, if you decide to dive the Blue Hole, ask your dive leader if you can see the remains of the Azure Window, which is just a short swim from the hole.
#1 Rated Bus Sightseeing Tour on Gozo
Want to experience all the best places to visit on Gozo in a single day? Purchase a 1-day hop-on hop-off bus ticket, which includes 15 stops at the major attractions and higlights.
8. The Inland Sea
The Inland Sea is yet another legendary attraction in Dwejra Bay and attracts beachgoers and divers alike.
This pebbly beach is separated from the Mediterranean sea by a tall cliff just beside the Blue Hole, with just a natural narrow tunnel allowing water to flow in.
Truthfully, this is more of a natural saltwater lagoon than a sea, but the name sticks!
9. Fungus Rock at Dwejra Bay
Okay, the Fungus Rock isn't the main reason why people make it out to Western Gozo. However, it'd be a shame to miss this impressive geological feature when visiting Dwejra Bay.
Fungus Rock is a large, rocky outcrop sitting at the opening to the perfectly circular bay, just beside the Blue Hole and the Inland Sea. The rock itself makes for a great photography subject, especially during sunset and sunrise!
10. Scuba Diving on Gozo
Malta is widely considered to be the best scuba diving destination in Europe. But, did you know that the best dive sites are almost all on Gozo island?
There is a wide range of dive sites from intricate sea caves to historic wrecks. Some of the best include:
- Blue Hole & Azure Window
- Cathedral Cave
- Inland Sea (and Tunnel)
- Billinghurst Cave
- MV Karwela
- MV Xlendi
- Mġarr ix-Xini
The best season for diving is during the summer months of June to late September. During this period, the seas are much calmer, the water is warmer, and the visibility can reach up to 40 meters!
11. Stay in a Maltese Boutique Hotel
Gozo is far removed from the vibrant resort strips you'll find on the main island of Malta. Instead, Gozo is known for its beautiful and traditional boutique hotels and terraced lodgings.
During my time on Gozo, I stayed at the amazing Quaint Boutique Hotel in Nadur. Out of all of the amazing places I've stayed in Malta, this is my personal favorite. If you do stay in this hotel, make sure to grab a bite at the Fat Rabbit restaurant downstairs!
Otherwise, click the button below to compare reviews and prices for the best boutique hotels in Gozo!
12. Ta' Ċenċ Cliffs Sunset Point
Island vacations are all about amazing sunsets! After a long day of exploring and sightseeing, one of the most relaxing things to do on Gozo Island is to head down to one of the many amazing sunset viewpoints on the island.
One of my absolute favorites is the Ta' Ċenċ Cliffs viewpoint, located near the very south of Gozo. This viewpoint overlooks the dramatic Ta' Ċenċ cliffs plunging vertically into the deep sea below.
The best way to get here is to rent a car or ATV and drive to the carpark located near the Google Maps pin: "Ta cenc Cliffs sunset point". From here, it's a quick and easy walk out to the viewpoint.
13. Ġgantija Temples
Most people know about Malta's prehistoric wonders, especially the temple complex of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra on the main island.
However, the oldest of these are in fact found on Gozo Island. The Ġgantija Temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can discover huge limestone boulders and intricate rock carvings dating back as far as 3600 BCE– that's over 1000 years older than the Egyptian pyramids!
For fans of ancient history, this is easily one of the most interesting places to visit on Gozo!
14. Mġarr ix-Xini Beach
So far in this Gozo Island travel guide, I've only mentioned a couple of beautiful beaches, and these are just the most popular. The truth is that this magnificent island boasts dozens of world-class beaches, each with stunningly clear water and attracting a fraction of the crowds you'll find on Malta Island.
One such beach is Mġarr ix-Xini found on the southern end of the island, just a short drive from Mġarr Harbour. This thin, snaking bay forms a sheltered pebble beach in a secluded, rocky setting.
Here, you'll usually only find a handful of local Gozitans enjoying the sun or swimming laps in the narrow cove, and perhaps some divers on the shore.
15. Quad Bike (ATV) Tour
If you Google adventurous things to do on Gozo, you'll be sure to find the classic ATV tours popping up everywhere. That's because Gozo's relatively small size and rocky terrain make it a perfect place to explore by ATV (quad bike).
It's possible to book this once you arrive on Gozo, or by booking online in advance. However, when choosing an ATV tour on Gozo, an important thing to note is to compare the attractions and sightseeing stops.
The tour linked above is well-regarded as the best on the island, stopping at many must-see destinations on Gozo, including Ramla Bay, Marsalforn Village, Victoria, and the famous Citadella.
16. Book a Romantic Gozo Picnic
With its world-class dining, stunning coastal vistas, and elegant, rusting lodgings, it's no wonder that Gozo is considered to be one of the best honeymoon destinations in Europe.
So, whether you're celebrating a special occasion with a loved one, or simply want an extra memorable evening, I highly recommend booking a romantic Gozo Picnic.
Ana, a Gozo local, is well-known on the island for arranging amazing outdoor dinner spreads in stunning and secret coastal regions of Gozo for over four years!
17. Go Beach Hopping
Being a stunning Mediterranean Island, you'd be correct in assuming that its beaches are one of the top attractions on Gozo.
Travelers looking for some of the best beaches can expect a wide variety of soft, sandy beaches and smooth pebbled coves. Some of my favorites include:
- Ramla Beach
- Mġarr ix-Xini Beach
- Inland Sea
- Wied Il-Għasri
- Ħondoq ir-Rummien
- Xlendi Beach
So, either rent a car or ATV, or take one of the convenient bus lines and enjoy that magical Maltese summer sun!
18. Try Ftira Bread at Mekren's Bakery
Did you know that Malta's famous ftira bread has been added to UNESCO's Cultural Heritage list?
This simple, flat sourdough loaf has deep roots in Gozo. This local food is usually eaten filled with delicious savory cheeses, meats, and vegetables. When in Gozo, make sure to stop by Mekren's Bakery for an authentic taste of Gozitan history– you won't regret it!
P.S, I recommend trying the local Gbejniet Ftira. This is a delicious-filled loaf combining local sheep cheese, eggs, potatoes, and local olive oil.
19. Ninu's Cave & Xerri's Grotto
When exploring central Gozo, be sure to stop by the village of Xagħra, where you will discover two unique and very impressive underground caves.
What makes these particular caves unique is that they are only accessible via a private entrance– through a local's house!
That's because these caves were discovered after the construction of these local buildings, with a spiraling access staircase added to each afterward.
20. Calypso's Cave
If you're a fan of literary history, you'll be well aware of Homer's influential Odyssey. Well, many believe that one particular cave on Gozo's northern shore is in fact the very cave where Calypso kept Odysseus for seven years after the faithful shipwreck.
Unfortunately, access to the cave interior is forbidden for now due to a partially collapsed roof. However, there is still a fantastic viewpoint on top of the cave, where you can peer in and over at the stunning views of Ramla Bay.
21. Wied Il-Mielaħ Natural Arch
Yes, the alluring Azure Window is no more. However, Gozo does have one more epic natural sea arch up its sleeve.
Enter the Wied Il-Mielaħ Natural Arch, found on the northwestern coast of Gozo Island. This thick, limestone arch is admittedly difficult to spot at first. However, once you peer around the corner, this impressive geological window opens up to crystal clear, blue waters.
22. Time Your Visit With a Village Feast
If you're lucky enough to visit Gozo during one of the 100+ village feasts, this is one of the most fascinating and fun cultural experiences you can have on the island.
The Maltese feasts (festas) are religious and traditional events taking place every year. It involves lively band marches and performances, religious processions, elaborate firework displays, and of course, lots of delicious food!
This tradition dates back to the 16th century during the rule of the Knights of St John (Hospitaller Knights of Malta) with each village celebrating its own patron saint.
23. Rock Climbing & Abseiling
Readers who have been following my blog for a while know that I'm all about adventure travel. One of the funnest days I had on Gozo was rock climbing and abseiling at the epic Wied Il-Mielaħ, organized by Gozo Adventures.
Gozo is a bit of a climbing hotspot, with dozens of world-class climbing crags ranging from steep deepwater solos to beginner abseiling routes. So, young adventure travelers chasing the most exciting things to do on Gozo shouldn't look past this epic experience!
24. Sopu Tower
Sopu Tower, also known as Isopu Tower, or Torri ta' Sopu in Maltese, is a small historic watchtower built by the Order of Saint John in the 17th Century.
The Sopu Tower, together with the Saint Agatha's Tower (Red Tower) on Malta, and Comino's Saint Mary's Tower, formed a vital warning system during frequent invasions. Upon the sighting of a hostile naval force, guards would light a fire on top of the bastioned towers to warn the other islands of the impending attack.
Today, due to the strategic location, this tower serves as an excellent vantage viewpoint. The tower is just a short drive from the harbor in Mġarr and makes an ideal sunset and sunrise location with uninterrupted, 360-degree views of Gozo, Comino, and Malta.
25. Visit Marsalforn Bay
Marsalforn Bay is another popular seaside beach town on Gozo's northern coast. Here, travelers will discover a quaint sandy beach tucked between the rocky coast near Tal-Qbajjar. This beach is great for swimming or relaxing on the sandy shores, and a favorite for local Maltese weekenders and Gozitan locals.
There are also many seaside resorts located in Marsalforn, as well as countless restaurants, bars, and takeout shops.
26. South Gozo Sea Caves
Looking to get off the beaten path in Gozo? Rent a kayak from one of the friendly vendors near Ħondoq ir-Rummien Beach and explore the many southern Gozo sea caves.
The truth is that this southern coast is dotted with numerous caves, some of which don't appear to have a name at all. Additionally, on calm days, you can enter many of the narrow entrances, which typically unveil huge limestone caverns.
27. Gozo Sunset Cruise
What's the best way to experience the beauty of Comino and the Gozo coastline? That's right, from your own private boat cruise during sunset!
This popular sunset boat cruise organized by the friendly brothers at Outdoor Explorers runs for 3 hours and stops at several idyllic locations on Comino and Gozo, including the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and some local cliff jumping locations, and some secret sunset spots.
Additionally, this Gozo activity is a great option for people traveling in a group, since you'll split the cost between a group of up to six people.
Travel Tip: Everyone knows that the Blue Lagoon can get absolutely packed with travelers during the day. Fortunately, most people depart just before sunset, making this one of the best times to visit!
28. Xlendi Bay (Xlendi Beach)
Xlendi is a far-flung and relaxed beach town tucked away on Gozo's southwestern corner. This rustic village is a great place to explore, with several highlights to stop by, including the Xlendi Beach cliff walk, Xlendi Tower, Eroded Rock, and famous Xlendi salt pans.
Furthermore, Xlendi Bay is home to one of the best dive shops on Gozo, St Andrew's Divers Cove, which is the experienced and professional shop that organized my dive in the Blue Hole.
29. Gozo Windmill (Ta’ Kola Windmill)
The Ta' Kola Windmill, also colloquially named the Gozo Windmill, is one of the most unique attractions on the island of Gozo. This is one of the last surviving windmills in the Maltese archipelago, with a heritage dating back to the Knights' Period.
A team of dedicated locals have recently restored this windmill to its former glory, with visitors free to visit and take a look inside.
Travelers looking for free things to do in Gozo can swing past this 18th-century windmill, located in the heart of Xagħra village.
30. Gozo Salt Pans
If you cruise along Gozo's northern coastline between the famous Wied Il-Għasri beach (number 34 below), and Marsalforn, you'll find a long stretch of unique geological formations edging the coastline.
These formations are in fact man-made salt pans, originally carved during the Roman Times as an effective method of collecting fresh sea salt.
This practice lives on today, with dedicated families passing down the skill for centuries. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of these Gozitans collecting freshly dried salt at one of the below Gozo salt pans:
- Xwejni Bay (Xwejni Salt Pans)
- Marsalforn Salt Pans
- Xlendi Bay Salt Pans
31. Ġordan Lighthouse
Located on top of a rounded hill in northern Gozo is the Ta' Ġurdan Lighthouse, also known simply as the Ġordan Lighthouse.
This lighthouse makes for the perfect viewpoint, with views spanning the entire island. The hill is slightly steep to walk up, and you can't take your car to the top.
However, the views are certainly worth the effort, especially for sunset. Furthermore, due to its close proximity, visiting the Gozo Lighthouse is a convenient option after the Ta Pinu Basilica.
32. Sanap Cliffs Sunset Point
If you find yourself in southern Gozo before the setting sun, make sure to swing past the Sanap Cliffs, one of my favorite high cliff sunset locations on the island.
These beautiful, steep limestone cliffs are similar to the Ta' Ċenċ Cliffs, just a short drive away. Similarly again, the view during the sunset is breathtaking and should not be missed by anyone looking for the most beautiful places to visit in Gozo.
33. Għar ir-Riħ - Cathedral Cave
Għar ir-Riħ is a magnificent sea cave found on Gozo's northern coast. In fact, it is one of the most beautiful in the archipelago and a very popular dive site for highly experienced divers.
What makes this cave dive so spectacular is its amazing domed vault, accessible only via a large opening at 6-18 meters below the surface.
Even if you're not diving, make sure to stop by and take a snap of the picturesque cove and flat roof.
34. Wied Il-Għasri Beach
If you ask me what is the best beach on Gozo, I'll confidently tell you that it's Wied Il-Għasri Beach. That's why, in this Gozo travel guide, I've saved this bucket list beach for last.
This charming natural gorge cuts deep into the coast, forming a deep, narrow cove filled with unimaginably turquoise water. It's white steep, limestone edges are dotted with small green bushes and curve into a tiny, naturally protected pebble beach that is excellent for swimming.
While most guide books and even locals will recommend popular beaches like Ramla Beach and Ħondoq ir-Rummien, a trip to Wied Il-Għasri Beach should not be missed on your list of things to do on Gozo.
35. Chapel of St. Dimitri Sunset Viewpoint
By now, you're probably running out of evenings to plan your sunset adventures on Gozo Island. However, I wouldn't be doing the island justice without including them all, so consider one more!
The Chapel of St. Dimitri (Chapel of St Demetrius) is a small rural Roman Catholic church sitting on the hillside near the village of Għarb in Gozo's northwest.
This viewpoint is a great alternative to the more popular Ġordan Lighthouse since it offers almost identical views across the island.
36. The Ta' Pinu Basilica
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu, or simply the Ta'Pinu Basilica is one of the little sister island's most famous churches (there are over 365 of them!).
This monumental shrine is dedicated to Our Lady of Ta'Pinu and was constructed between 1920 and 1931 in front of an original chapel where Karmni Grima was said to have heard the voice of Our Lady.
Honestly, this church is absolutely stunning, with superb architectural touches and immaculate sculptures inside.
37. Ix-Xewkija Rotunda
While not as famous as Malta's Mosta Rotunda, the Ix-Xewkija Rotunda is still a worthy visit for those traveling around Gozo Island.
This stunning church is the biggest on the island and boasts the third-largest unsupported dome in the world. By Maltese standards the Rotunda of Ix-Xewkija is relatively young, being completed around the year 1971 after a long 20-year construction process.
Travel Tip: Travelers visiting the island of Gozo around the 24th of June will see the feast of St. John the Baptist, when the church is lit up beautifully.
38. Qala Belvedere Viewpoint
The Qala Belvedere Viewpoint is another spectacular viewpoint location on the southern coast of Gozo, quite close to the main harbor port.
For those chasing scenic vistas, head down to the small courtyard in front of the little church (Il-Madonna tal-Blat). This is a great place to look out over the northern Gozo coastline, including Ramla Bay, and even out to the Blue Lagoon and Comino Island.
39. See the World Record Rock
No, it's not the biggest rock in the world. The World Record Rock is the site where Neil Agius established the new world record for the longest unassisted swim through open water.
Neil swam over 125 kilometers (77 miles) from Linosa the Italian island of Linosa, all the way to Xwejni in northern Gozo. The site where he finished is now known as World Record Rock, a small tribute amongst the famous salt pans.
40. Xwejni Bay, Rock, & Cave
The last item on this comprehensive travel guide to 40 awesome things to do in Gozo is the Xwejni Bay.
Truthfully, you won't find many tourists at this rocky cove. Instead, you'll find a small pebble beach and an open sea cave below a picturesque rocky outcrop that is almost hidden from the main road (Triq Ix-Xwejni).
After a long adventure exploring the many famous sightseeing attractions on Gozo, local hidden gems like Xwejni Bay are a welcome treat. The beauty of this one-of-a-kind island is that there are many more gems just like this one, waiting to be discovered!
Quick Roundup: The Top 5 Things to do on Gozo
Alright, I'll admit it, this is a long list of things to do on the Maltese island of Gozo. If you're in a rush and skipped to this bottom section to discover the unmissable top 5 attractions, then here they are.
- Comino & Blue Lagoon Island Tour
- Tal-Mixta Cave
- Rabat and the Victoria Citadella
- Wied Il-Għasri Beach
- Sunset at one of the amazing viewpoints
How to Get Around and Explore Gozo Island
While Gozo Island is relatively small, you'll need some sort of transport to get around to all the attractions and must-visit spots.
Again, I highly recommend renting a car in Malta and bringing it over cheaply on the car ferry. This is exactly what I did and it offers the most freedom to explore.
Alternatively, the only public transport on Gozo is a limited but fairly useful network of route buses. There are a total of 15 bus routes on the island, running in each direction between Victoria (Rabat), and the Mġarr Harbour ferry terminal.
Another option is to rent an ATV near the main ferry port. However, I found this option to be just as expensive as the day trips above and comparable to renting a car on Malta, to begin with.
Gozo Travel FAQs
Gozo Island is 67 km², (25.9 sq mi), much smaller than the main island of Malta (316 km² or 122 mi²). For reference, it takes roughly 20 minutes to drive across the island, from east to west.
The majority of tourists spend a single day on Gozo through an organized tour. However, to make the most of your visit, I recommend spending at least two nights on Gozo Island.
The best regions to book your hotel or resort on Gozo are Mgarr, Victoria (Rabat), Nadur, Marsalforn, or Xlendi. That said, the island is quite small, and by renting a car or ATV, you can explore the majority of Gozo no matter where you choose to stay.
The best way to get to Gozo is by taking one of the many great organized day trips from Malta Island, by taking the local car ferry from Ċirkewwa, or by taking the passenger-only fast ferry from Valletta.
No, Gozo is part of the Independent Republic of Malta, it is commonly referred to as Malta's Sister Island.
Gozo is an excellent holiday destination in Europe, especially for honeymooners, couples, and adventure travelers looking to get off the beaten path.
Gozo is a more relaxed island than Malta and retains more of its authentic flare. It's an excellent place to visit, with hundreds of things to do and see including sandy and pebble beaches, fantastic architecture, and fascinating history.
More Malta Travel Guides & Adventure Inspiration
And that's a wrap for this comprehensive travel guide featuring the top 40 attractions and unmissable things to do on Gozo Island, Malta.
If you find anything that you think I've missed, help other travelers out by dropping a comment below.
Otherwise, take a pick from one of the many other travel guides and inspirational blog posts to Malta below.
