Are you looking for peace and quiet? Malta’s “little sister” is perfect for a promised stay rich in emotions and unexpected landscapes. Here is some information on what to do in Gozo…
The must-sees in Gozo
Rabat – Capital of Gozo
You can then visit the romantic walled city which is also the capital of Gozo. Also known as Rabat, its Citadel overlooks the city and offers an extraordinary panoramic view with a maze of alleys where you can still hear the footsteps of the Knights of the Order of St. John.
It could also be compared to the silent city, Mdina of the big sister island, which can be seen in the distance. Going back down to the old town, venture into the Basilica of Saint George. Dating from the seventeenth century, it is one of the most important churches on the island.
Its splendid gilded baroque decorations and its profusely sculpted marble are the visible traces of the devotion that the Gozitans devote to their God. The square of the same name (San Gorg in Maltese) is also worth a visit for its timeless atmosphere and its lively stalls all around.
Tip: Public buses are not well suited for visiting Gozo as you will always have to go back through Victoria and miss some points of interest. We recommend the tourist bus. More information and ticket here.
To see other ways to visit Gozo, go to this part of the article.
Dwejra – Inland Sea in San Lawrence:
This is where the Azure Window stood (collapsed on March 8, 2017 during a storm). Classified as a natural reserve and almost untouched by construction, the site stretches around a bay and its inland sea, the Inland Sea, a sort of immense collapsed cave that is truly unique in its kind. It is from here that fishing boats take tourists through the tunnel dug by the Mediterranean Sea. Walk along the surrounding cliffs to the Dwejra Tower with its magnificent view of Fungus Rock to the south.
Find the best hiking itineraries here.
The small port of Xlendi:
Continuing south, you will arrive in the small port preferred by many Maltese: the romantic Xlendi. Tucked away and seemingly sitting there for hundreds of years, this village is perfect for a lunch break or a fish dinner. Walk along the cliff path on the right side of the bay where it is said that the nuns of the village used to bathe without fear of prying eyes.
Farniente in Marsalforn:
Another possibility for lunch, this charming little seaside resort was once an active fishing port. Very popular in the summer, there are some great restaurants overlooking the bay.
A must-see on the west side of the city is the thousands of salt marshes carved into the rocky plateau. They adjoin caves and natural shapes carved by the wind all along this wild coast. A true lunar landscape, a paradise for photographers and romantics who will find an inexhaustible source of inspiration. Continuing westward, past the island’s great lighthouse, stop at the Ta Pinu Basilica in Gharb, identifiable with its huge bell tower standing beside it. In front of it, a walk is necessary between the 12 stations of Christ sculpted along the path that goes up to a place of pilgrimage very popular with the Gozitans.
The beaches of Ramla Bay and San Blas Bay:
Their golden red sand and the surrounding nature make them a true corner of paradise. Located a few kilometers from each other in the north of Gozo, they are definitely worth a visit. In high season Ramla Bay, the largest, is very (too) popular. Some straw huts are even open at the entrance of the beach to eat. But we prefer the wiser 2ᵉ, reserved for the more adventurous.
The fascinating UNESCO temples of Ggantija :
Built between 3600 and 3200 BC (before the pyramids of Egypt), they are located in the center of the island of Gozo, in Xaghra. Even if they have been under a pile of brambles for a long time, they are really very impressive and very well presented. Surrounded by an enclosing wall 6 to 7 m high in some places, the site was listed in the 18th century and its excavation began in 1828, followed by the last work in 1950.
The visit begins with a playful introduction to the daily life, rituals and artistic techniques of the Neolithic inhabitants. After this amuse-bouche, direction the temples. The southern one, although the older of the two, is the better preserved and larger. There are two altars, one of them in three parts and the remains of a fireplace. Once in the North Temple, you can see beautiful sculptures from the past.
From Malta, you can take an excursion with a English-speaking guide who will take you there and explain to you:
Free cancellation
Pick-up included from Malta
Book now, pay later
If you prefer to visit on your own, know that you will have 30% reductions with the My Little Malta card on entrance tickets. (Valid in all Heritage Malta museums and sites)
Rotunda of Xewkija, the Maltese Taj Mahal :
In the small village of Xewkija with a few hundred inhabitants is the third largest unsupported dome in the world (and yes, notwithstanding Mosta, its Maltese rival). The rotunda of Saint John the Baptist, erected and consecrated in 1755, after the Second World War.
The dome, supported by 8 concrete columns covered with stones, is 75 meters high and has a diameter of 28 meters. Its weight is estimated at 45,000 tons! Decorated with modern paintings and sculptures, it has many stories to tell.
It is also possible to observe it up close by boarding an elevator built especially for visitors. From up there, you will have the opportunity toadmire the dome and a breathtaking view of the island of Gozo.
Tip: For fans of Festas, this is celebrated on the Sunday closest to June 24, the day of St. John the Baptist.
Ta’Cenc Cliffs:
If you like outdoor walks, this is the place to be. These cliffs offer a splendid panorama. However, in order not to get lost, plan your walk. Indeed, these cliffs are not or hardly indicated, do not count on the presence of signs every 10 meters.
The highlight of the show Mgarr ix-Xini:
A small cove with clear water, you will have to walk a bit to get there, because the parking lot has only a few places and access is not easy by car. A tiny beach awaits you as well as a restaurant, the Mgarr ix-Xini Kiosk, where the filming of By the Sea took place in 2014 (Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, sound familiar?). If you prefer to bring your own picnic, tables are also available to eat with your feet in the water… or almost!
How to visit the island of Gozo?
To visit Gozo by yourself you will have to take the ferry from Cirkewwa, in the very north of Malta, then rent a car or take the tourist bus for 18€. Alternatively, you can take an organized day trip to Gozo.
If you decide to go there by yourself, once there, we advise you not to take the public bus network in Gozo unlike in Malta, as you often have to go back through the center of Victoria to change direction.
Visit Gozo alone
Multi-stop tourist bus
Instead, take the tourist bus in Gozo which will be more suitable. You can get on and off as you wish, the bus passes every 45 minutes. In addition, you will have an audio-guide with explanations in English.
Click below to reserve your bus tickets.
👉 Find other guided tours of Gozo by clicking here.
Rent a quad or buggy in Gozo
You can easily rent a quad or buggy at Gozo Quad Hire or Hammerhead projects.
Plus, with the My Little Malta discount card, you’ll get 10% off at Hammerhead projects and up to 20% off at Gozo quad hire.Find out more here.
Rent a motorcycle or scooter in Gozo
To rent a 125cc scooter or motorcycle in Gozo, visit Hammerhead projects. This time too, with the My Little Malta discount card, you’ll get 10% off the rental price.
An electric bike or a gyropod
To rent an electric bike or a segway (gyropod) in Gozo, go to Gozo Segway. At Gozo segway, you’ll get 10% off the rental price with the My Little Malta card.
Visit Gozo on a day trip
If you want to visit Gozo in one day, the best thing to do is to take a day trip from Malta and back. A driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Gozo by private boat (to avoid waiting at the ferry). On the way, you will discover Comino and its magnificent blue lagoon.
Several means of transportation are available:
Excursion to Gozo by quad with guide
If the weather is good, we recommend this quad tour that you drive yourself with a guide during which you will visit the best spots of the island, you will have a local lunch and the explanations in English of the interesting points. It’s a guarantee of a great day out. You can be 2 per quad.
Take advantage ofa 5% discount when booking on the Yippee Malta website with the promo code: LPM5
Rated 4.9/5
Direct booking with the operator
Free cancellation
Excursion to Gozo by tuk-tuk with guide
Si vous êtes plusieurs ou que vous préférez vous faire conduire, nous vous recommandons le tour de Gozo en Tuk-tuk. It’s a big 3-wheeled motorcycle with a dedicated English-speaking driver-guide for you. You can be 6 people on the excursion and you will be sure to get a good view and good sound.
Watch the video yourself:
Take advantage of a discount by booking directly on the Yippee Malta website with the promo code: LPM5
Rated 4.9/5
Direct booking with the operator
Free cancellation
Excursion to Gozo by jeep with guide
In colder weather, you may prefer the comfort of a jeep with driver to visit Gozo. In the same way, everything is included in this day, transportation, boat, lunch, guide, and the visit of Gozo by Jeep.
Click below to book your full day:
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Pick-up service included
Book now, pay later
