Things to do in Gozo: 25+ Ideas for your Trip
So you’ve decided to pay Malta’s sister island a visit and wondering about things to do in Gozo?
You’ve come to the right place: In this article, I’ll help you prepare a fun plan for what to see and do on your visit to the island.
As a tourist-turned-expat and a lifelong Gozo fan, I know the island inside out and lined up the best things to do and places to visit to help you have a great time on your trip.
What is there to do in Gozo Malta?
Located just a short ferry ride away from Malta Island, the island of Gozo is small and quiet and has something magical about it that’s worth exploring. Discover its hidden valleys, sandy beaches and creeks and unlock secrets covered with crystal-clear waters. Wander through the narrow old-town roads to admire traditional Maltese architecture and local life.
Trek, run or drive along scenic pathways that run alongside sheer wild cliffs, rugged coastlines with ancient salt pans and mysterious caves.
Travel back in time inside the oldest standing temple in the Mediterranean that legend says was built by giants, admire the richly decorated churches, or search for fabulous stories from the island’s past in one of the museums in the ages-old Citadel.
You’ll find that despite its size, Gozo offers plenty of activities, whether you’re young or old. From horse riding to wine tasting, from cave hunting to diving excursions, museum visits, or just a relaxing morning by the beach, there’s something for everyone.
Let’s get into my list of recommendations to visit Gozo, starting with my top 10!
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My top 10 things to do in Gozo
1) Take a day trip through Gozo
If you’re visiting Gozo for the first time and want to get a taste of what the island has to offer, there are a few of the best options to spend a day exploring!
A) Gozo Tours with Yippee
A Tuk Tuk tour by Yippee that takes you around Gozo’s landmarks, including Sanap Cliffs in Munxar, Xlendi Bay, Ramla Bay, Ta’ Pinu Basilica and more. You’ll also taste the flavours of Gozo with a homemade lunch included in the price. Departing from Mġarr Ferry Terminal in Gozo at 10:30 and back at 16:30, this guided tour is an excellent option for couples or even groups of up to 6 people per Gozo Tuk Tuk.
Prefer a tour where you can drive your own vehicle (and offroad, too)? Yippee also rents out Quad Bikes (more info: Quad biking tours)! Lots of fun, reasonably priced and a great way to get a good taste of the beauty of Gozo.
B) Take a private full-day tour
If you want to explore Gozo with a private guide, this full-day island tour is for you. From the comfort of a private vehicle with a drive, you’ll visit majestic cliffs and picturesque bays, megalithic temples, and ancient villages.
Looking for other options? Here are my Top 10 Gozo day trips.
C) Use the hop-on-hop-off bus
If you want a convenient and cheap way of getting around to explore Gozo on a day, there’s a hop-on-hop-off bus service that takes you to most of the sightseeing hotspots around the island. With regular stops and guided audio commentary, it’s a convenient service, and with the iSeeMalta Gozo Pass, you also get access to the hop-on-hop-off ferry that allows you to combine a day trip to Gozo with other stops around Malta.
D) DIY: Rent a car
Driving in Gozo is pretty easy, and it’s hard to get lost, being small and relatively quiet. So, if you’re a confident driver and up for a little drive around, this is a great way to do some sightseeing in Gozo DIY-style.
You can either hire a car in Malta and take it with you onto the Gozo ferry that sails from Ċirkewwa (at the northernmost point of Malta) to Gozo Island, or you can rent a car in Gozo.
2) Explore Victoria’s Citadel and old town
This is one of my favourite things to do in Gozo: roaming around and about the ancient medieval fortified Citadel in Victoria. There’s plenty to see and do here that gives you a taste of Gozitan history. Although much smaller than the other bastion town in Malta, Mdina, it’s an intriguing place to visit, even if you’re not a history buff.
Take in the breath-taking view from the bastions of the whole island, savour local food and drinks in one of the many lovely places inside the Citadel’s walls, and visit the following museums:
- The Cittadella Visitors’ Centre is located at the top of the road leading up to the Citadel’s main gate. It’s well worth visiting this museum to get interesting background information on the history of the place, how it served the local population, alterations made over time and a lot more. It won’t take up much time and makes for a good primer before you enter the town. A combination ticket from Heritage Malta also gives you access to the following museums in this list.
- The Museum of Archaeology – featuring artefacts covering an extensive period, from the earliest cultures of Gozo up to the arrival of the Knights of St John
- Gran Castello Historic House – a medieval house hosting exhibits illustrating domestic, rural and traditional ways of Gozitan life.
- The Nature Museum – focuses on the natural history of the island, its natural resources and their use by the island’s inhabitants.
- The Old Prison – a 16th-century prison known for holding some notable prisoners, including a young Jean Parisot de Valette, the Grand Master of the Knights himself.
- Not included in the Heritage Malta combo ticket, The Cathedral Museum – an imposing 13th-century Roman-Catholic church dedicated to the Assumption of Mary – boasts a large collection of centuries-old religious artefacts and art.
A few hours in Independence Square
Right in the heart of Victoria, just outside the old Citadel, you’ll find the small but cute Independence Square. Known by locals as ‘it-Tokk’, this nice little space is perfect for a few hours of relaxation.
At the square, you can find the daily open market if you want to have a little browse around or grab a table under one of the umbrellas between the trees to have a coffee or light lunch. Watching local life pass by, it’s a surprisingly peaceful spot in the heart of Gozo.
From here, you can access several narrow winding alleys of old town Victoria (around St George’s Basilica). These are full of shops selling artisan gifts, souvenirs and cool, typically Maltese-influenced art.
St. George’s Square and the Old Town
Walking towards the South from Independence Square, you’ll quickly reach St. George’s Square (Pjazza San Ġorġ), with St. George’s Basilica being the main feature. You’ll find several cafes here, and the little winding roads that branch out from this square are great for wandering around and enjoying at your own leisure.
Need to do some shopping?
Republic Street, which leads down from Independence Square towards the East of Gozo, offers a few shops (local and international outlets) and two shopping centres: The Duke shopping centre and Arkadia further down the road. Don’t expect a huge amount of shops, but rest assured you can find all the regular basics and necessities here, including a supermarket at each.
3) Admire some of the beautiful local churches and shrines
Basilicas, churches, and chapels abound in Gozo. There are too many to mention, but perhaps the most beautiful five are:
- The Cittadella Cathedral built between 1697 and 1711 in Baroque style
- The Xewkija Rotunda, or Church of St. John the Baptist, has the world’s third-highest unsupported dome and was built and funded by the local community
- The National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu, close to Għarb, with its large room full of ex-votos (religious offerings) left there by those who were blessed by a miracle, are impressive to see. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
- The onyx covered Żebbuġ church, dedicated to the Assumption
- St. George’s Basilica in the old town of Victoria.
4) Visit Dwejra
Dwejra is one of Gozo’s most beautiful locations to explore if you’re into nature and the open outdoors. Located on the outskirts of the village of San Lawrenz, this seaside location was once home to the famous Azure Window, a naturally formed arch attached to one of the cliffs.
Although, unfortunately, that iconic landmark in Gozo collapsed in 2017, there’s plenty of reason to head to Dwejra Bay still:
- Visit the inland sea: A naturally formed bay surrounded by tall cliffs and connected to the open sea through a large cave. At the inland sea, you can go for a swim and snorkel, relax on the little pebbly beach, or take a little boat trip through the cave and the coastline at Dwejra with one of the operators in the bay.
- Admire Fungus Rock from the rocky coastline. This rock formation stands tall just off the coast at Dwejra Bay and has a much richer history than its small size suggests. Centuries ago, when the Knights of Malta ruled the Maltese islands, access to Fungus Rock was strictly forbidden and even guarded at one point in time. Why? The rock was known for the Maltese fungus (actually a flowering plant) that grows on top of it. During those days, it was believed the plant had medicinal properties and was a valuable commodity. Fun fact: There’s a small hole through the centre of this rock, which photographers try to capture when the sunset hits at the right angle.
- Go inside and take a look at Dwejra’s watchtower when the flag is raised. Built in 1652 under Grand Master Lascaris (of the Knights of Malta), the Dwejra Tower was used to defend the surrounding area against attacks from the Mediterranean Sea and forms part of a chain of watchtowers around the Maltese islands. By design, these towers were located within view of at least two other towers to serve as an early warning system (by fire signals) of incoming attacks.
- Into diving? The Blue Hole is a popular dive site. A deep natural rock formation that opens up into an underwater arch some 10 metres below the water’s surface. After the Azure Window’s collapse in 2017, the surrounding site has become an even more interesting spot to explore.
- Do absolutely nothing here. Sit by the seaside, take in the views, take a deep breath and exhale the stress of everyday life. Dwejra Bay is one of my favourite places to do so and a lot of people (local and foreign) visit Gozo regularly just to unwind, go on a wellness retreat or just get a mini-trip close to home.
5) Hop over to the Blue Lagoon and Comino
Comino is the smallest of the three Maltese islands but is a major draw for tourists and locals alike for two main reasons: 1) The stunning Blue Lagoon Beach, and 2) for hiking across this little island to admire its natural beauty.
The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is one of the biggest tourist hotspots in Malta. Located on the North coast, the sea water here is so crystal clear and azure blue you can even see it from Gozo on a clear summer’s day. Many boats moor at the Blue Lagoon for the day, and at the height of summer, it gets really busy.
For that reason, my usual advice is either to go to the Blue Lagoon early in the morning or later in the afternoon (with a sunset as a bonus).
The easiest way to get here from Gozo is using the hop-on-hop-off ferry of iSeeMalta, for which you can buy tickets online in advance here. (Recommended!)
If you’re staying in Malta, this is my recommended operator: Sea Adventure Excursions – Blue Lagoon boat trips.
Comino itself
With only a few actual inhabitants, Comino is one of the few parts of Malta that has remained largely untouched. Named after the cumin plant, which used to grow all over the island, it’s a great place to go on a long hike in Spring and Autumn. With some food and sturdy shoes, you can easily spend a few hours here soaking in some of the natural beauty and a handful of landmarks (including a large watchtower and historical coastal battery). Being a small island, everything is easy to reach on foot.
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6) Pick a cave to explore
Caves in Gozo are plenty, both underwater and above sea level. Shrimp’s Cave, Billinghurst Cave, and Coral Cave are three popular submerged destinations for passionate divers.
Ninu’s Cave and Xerri’s Grotto (both in Xagħra) are two underground caves accessible through the houses that were built on top for a small fee. Full of stalactites and stalagmites, they’re an interesting natural phenomenon to behold.
Tal-Mixta Cave is probably the most popular outdoor and remarkable cave in Gozo. Located to the East of Ramla l-Ħamra, the red sand beach, this large cave looks out over the bay, offering stunning views. It’s one of Gozo’s biggest Instagram hotspots for a reason.
7) Visit the Ġgantija Megalithic Complex
There’s something magical about the magnificent and imposing Ġgantija temples on the edge of the town of Xagħra in Gozo. This temple complex was built over 5,500 years ago and is officially recognised by UNESCO as one of the oldest free-standing buildings in the world. Older than Stonehenge, older than the pyramids of Giza, they were built by early inhabitants of Gozo, of which little is known.
What we do know is that after its excavation in 1826, it soon became clear that Ġgantija was dedicated to a fertility deity. The large megalith stone slabs used in its construction make it obvious that these buildings were revered and formed an important part of everyday life for the early civilisation that lived here. Today, the Ġgantija temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
8) Head to the beach and explore some of Gozo’s valleys
It’s incredible how many secrets a small island like Gozo can hold. Along its coastline, you’ll find a number of tiny bays, secluded beaches in Gozo, valleys and spectacular creeks that are worth exploring.
Ramla l-Ħamra Bay
It’s the red sand here that makes it unique, and that gives Ramla Bay its name. Crowded during summer and hauntingly beautiful in the winter months, Ramla l-Ħamra beach is Gozo’s largest sandy beach. The water is clear and not too deep, although pebbly at the shoreline. While in Ramla Bay, look out for Tal-Mixta cave that looks down upon what is the best beach on Gozo Island.
San Blas Bay
One of Gozo’s hidden gems, San Blas Bay, is a small but picturesque sandy beach in Nadur with shallow and clear waters, reachable only on foot.
Daħlet Qorrot
Locals love it, and so will you. It takes a workout to reach it on foot, but you can drive there from Nadur. The rocky bay is excellent for swimming, and the views are first-class.
Ħondoq Ir-Rummien
Blue-green waters and a small sandy beach facing Comino. Packed in summer as it’s a favourite spot among locals and divers.
Wied il-Għasri
Wondering what to do on Gozo Island? Take a walk off the beaten track and go in search of Wied il-Għasri, a hidden creek away from it all. One of the best swimming areas on the island if you ask me. The sheer rock walls hide many ancient secrets.
Mind you, it’s not easy to get down to the shingle beach, and going back up is an adventure in itself, but well worth it. Extremely popular for diving and snorkelling.
Wied il-Mielaħ
After the sad demise of the Azure Window, the Wied il-Mielaħ natural arch is now first on the list of spectacular natural windows. To reach it, you’ll need to climb down a narrow staircase carved into the cliff wall.
9) Visit the Xwejni salt pans
Salt mining is an age-old tradition in Malta, and at Xwejni Bay, North of Żebbuġ, you can find the largest salt pans on the island of Gozo. Salt pans are large squares cut out of the flat rock surface along the coast that catch seawater washing in on windy winter days, allowing the salt to settle and dry up in the hot sun. Harvesting usually occurs between May and September (depending on weather conditions around these hot summer months).
Tradition aside, seeing all these squares cut into the rocky surface is one to behold, and photographers love snapping a few shots. Especially when the water’s collected in them and the sunset light hits the salt pans, it makes for a pretty picture indeed!
10) Eat and drink like a local
Wine tasting at Tal-Massar Winery
Tal-Massar is a family-owned winery in Għarb. The winery welcomes visitors twice a week and takes groups of ten or more on a 90-minute tour of the winery’s private estate. Sample five different wines, accompanied by traditional Gozitan bread and cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and cold-pressed olive oil. Saħħa (cheers in Maltese).
Tours are available on Saturday 3.15 pm to 6.30 pm.
Gozo pizza? Yes, please!
One of the best things to do in Gozo Island is, of course, to sample the local food. And when you ask any Maltese about food in Gozo, nine out of ten will for sure suggest you try either Maxokk bakery or the Ta’ Mekren traditional Gozitan pizza, both located a stone’s throw from each other in the village of Nadur. I suggest you try them both. Whichever bakery you choose, call to order in advance and pick a spot in the surrounding countryside or by the sea to enjoy this (filling!) meal.
Ta’ Mena Estate
Sample Gozitan wines that are made from grapes traditionally cultivated and processed on Ta’ Mena Estate, an agritourism complex in Xagħra, Gozo. Get close to nature and tradition, and enjoy local foods, wines, and liqueurs. Your hosts will provide you with tons of information about crops, trees and food processing in the traditional Gozitan way.
Sample a few local craft beers at Lord Chambray Brewery
Did you know that there’s a beer brewery in Gozo island? Lord Chambray brews a variety of interesting beers, ales and lagers. Quench your thirst with a cold brew from their shop/taproom, or book a tour of the brewery in advance to sample some local beer.
Try one of the many restaurants
The level of quality among restaurants in Gozo is high, so it’s pretty hard to go wrong. Sample fresh seafood at Marsalforn, Xlendi and Mġarr Harbour or sample some local and Italian specialities at eateries across the island. More info here: The 20 Best Restaurants in Gozo.
Gozo attractions and landmarks to visit
Here are some Gozo attractions and landmarks you won’t regret visiting:
- Dwejra Tower – a medieval coastguard tower recently restored to perfection.
- Dwejra and the Inland Sea – The area around Dwejra (along the Southwestern coastline) is known for its stunning beauty. From Fungus Rock (known for a specific species of mushrooms that held great medicinal value in the time of the Knights) and the Inland Sea (a small bay that lies a little inland, surrounded by cliffs).
- Ta’ Kola Windmill – an old, authentic windmill with a wooden milling mechanism and original circular grinding stones that crush grain into flour.
- Ta’ Ġurdan Lighthouse – built in 1851 and still casting light towards seafarers, this landmark stands 161 metres above sea level. The view from up there is quite amazing.
- Ta’ Pinu Basilica and Shrine – a pilgrimage site where supposedly several miracles took place. The shrine is unique.
- Xwejni Salt Pans – man-made salt pans cut in the rock. Makes for some pretty pics.
- Mġarr ix-Xini – a creek with steep cliffs and crystal clear waters. Divers love this sheltered bay.
- Qolla l-Bajda Battery – an artillery battery in Żebbuġ built by the Knights of Saint John in 1715 as a coastal fortification.
- Saint Anthony’s Battery (Qala Battery) – the only other surviving battery, this one built in 1731 at Ras il-Qala, overlooking the channel between the islands.
Ta’ Ċenċ cliffs
Take a left from the Hotel Ta’ Ċenċ entrance to enter a plateau with views of Xewkija, Xagħra and Victoria. Can you spot the sneaky cart ruts or the sneaky-er prehistoric remains? Hidden well among the shrubs are two dolmen (large prehistoric stone slabs) from 2700 B.C. Turn right to walk along the steep limestone cliffs, which stand 130 meters above sea level.
Tas-Sanap cliffs
Are you thinking of heading to Xlendi? There’s a lot of natural beauty in this seaside village’s surroundings, including Tas-Sanap Cliffs. Great for an afternoon walk on a winter’s day, this stunning part of Gozo’s coast is a beautiful place to spend time outdoors.
What activities can you do on Gozo Island?
There are loads of activities you can do on Gozo Island, so I’ve picked up only the top-rated (and those that sound fun or unique).
Outdoor activities
Diving and/or snorkelling in Gozo
There’s worldwide consensus: Gozo Island is a prime destination for scuba diving holidays. No surprise, considering how many shore dive sites and boat dives Gozo has to offer.
Not into diving? There are several spots that are great for snorkelling, too, like Daħlet Qorrot Bay, Mġarr ix-Xini and Wied il-Għasri.
Kayak Gozo
Kayaking for both experienced and beginner paddlers over the age of 8. This tour takes you along the towering cliffs on the west coast, snorkelling in the Blue Lagoon, rock hopping along Comino Island, and exploring caves and bays otherwise inaccessible by land.
Sunset boat cruise
Take a sunset boat cruise around the Southern parts of Gozo island, and get to the Blue Lagoon for a swim at the best part of the day, when most tourists will have left for the day. The sunset views and cooling temperatures on a hot summer night alone are worth the trip. Highly recommended!
Gozo Stables Horse-Riding
If you’re passionate about horses, it’s time to saddle up for an unforgettable horse riding experience along paths and coastline trails in the eastern part of Gozo. You’ll find the stables on the outskirts of the village of Qala, very close to the Mgarr ferry terminal. All horse-riding excursions are supervised, and there are activities for children as well as adults.
Mountain biking
Up for a challenge? Rent a mountain bike in Gozo and make your way around the island and its hilly terrain.
Local village feasts
Interested in soaking up a little local culture? Just like in Malta, village feasts are celebrated across villages in Gozo as well. They’re a big community event that happens around the same dates every year. They’re religious celebrations in honour of the local Saint and mark an important date on the local parish’s calendar of events. These celebrations are known for band marches, fireworks, local food and villagers coming together.
Nadur carnival
Carnival is one of the biggest annual events in Malta and Gozo, and Nadur is one of the focal points of spontaneous celebrations. Although it’s definitely not for everyone, local and Maltese youths take over the town over carnival weekend (February) dressed in funny and/or outrageous customers and usually well-intoxicated.
Kid-friendly activities in Gozo
While most of the places of interest mentioned above are child-friendly, especially those inside the old Citadel, sometimes kids just want to run around and play. Beaches are ideal, of course, but there are also playgrounds if the weather is not right for a day by the sea.
Here are a few ideas for travelling parents heading or staying on the island of Gozo on their holiday:
- Visit Villa Rundle Gardens in Victoria. These offer shade for the parents and a playing area for your children. The garden is well-kept and relaxing, with beautiful trees and gorgeous flower beds.
- Visit the Citadel cinema to catch a movie. Although small, this cinema is the only one in Gozo and, despite its size, is a lovely place to visit for a fun outing with the kids.
- Plan an outing to Dwejra, and while there, visit the Dwejra Marine Environmental Education Centre, which teaches visitors about the natural surroundings and unique qualities of the area. It’s located at the inland sea and is usually open every day (except Mondays).
Nightlife in Gozo
Gozo is not big on nightlife. Still, there are a few options to consider. If you’re visiting Gozo in summer, chances are there’s gonna be a village festa on the weekend. Festas are traditional, colourful and noisy, making them a must-see. If festas are not your thing, try wine and dining. Have a look at Gozo’s top restaurants.
Xlendi, Marsalforn and Victoria offer the best options in terms of nightlife. Not many clubbing options, as practically, there’s only one – La Grotta, a nightclub on the road to Xlendi. La Grotta is a seasonal place for clubbers in quite a unique setting that opens only during the summer months.
Bars, however, are open all year round, with the most popular being:
- Gebuba is a place for local and international craft beer in Nadur.
- Gleneagles Bar is a traditional bar close to the Gozo Ferry Terminal.
- Horatio’s Upper Deck is a cosy little bar in Mġarr harbour.
- The Club House is another traditional bar in Għajnsielem with views of Comino and Malta.
- Castle Bar is a place with a great atmosphere that serves a variety of beers, wines and cocktails in Victoria.
- Zeppi’s Pub is a laid-back, quiet, and traditional Gozitan bar in Qala, with live music and a friendly atmosphere.
Where to stay in Gozo Malta
So we’ve taken care of things to do in Gozo. No need to worry about accommodation in Gozo because there are plenty of options. Take a look at my guide on hotels in Gozo, which goes into detail about hotels and other places you can rent out.
FAQs
Left with questions?
Do you want to know more about a specific activity or do you have another question? Let me know in the comments and I’ll get back to you.
Looking for more inspiration? Have a look at my tried-and-tested itineraries: Malta in one week, 4-5 days in Malta and 3 days in Malta.
Edward is the Founder and Editor of Malta Uncovered and author of two guidebooks on Malta and Valletta.
As a tourist-turned-expat with Maltese roots, he knows the islands inside out and helps thousands of visitors enjoy a memorable trip every year.
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