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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 itinerary for your visit.
As a tourist-turned-expat and a life-long 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.
Looking to sightsee in Gozo? Check out the chauffeured Tuk-Tuk tours and self-drive tours by Quad bike at Yippee for a fun day out in Gozo!
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The island of Gozo is small, quiet and has something magical about it that’s worth exploring. Discover its hidden valleys 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 ancient 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, starting with my top 10!
If you’re visiting Gozo for the first time and you’d like 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 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 a great option for couples or even groups of up to 6 people per Gozo tuk tuk.
Prefer something more eco-friendly and self-driven? 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.
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.
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.
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 ferry that sails to Gozo from Ċirkewwa (at the northernmost point of Malta) or you can rent one in Gozo. Mayjo is the agency I usually recommend there.
Looking for other options? Here are my Top 10 Gozo day trips.
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 a lot 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 nice places inside the Citadel’s walls, and visit the following museums:
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 a number of 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.
If you walk 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.
Republic Street, which leads down from Independence square towards the East of Gozo offers a few shops (local as well as 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.
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Basilicas, churches, and chapels abound in Gozo. There are too many to mention, but perhaps the most beautiful five are:
Dwejra is one of Gozo’s most beautiful locations to explore if you’re into nature and the open outdoor. Located on the outskirts of the village of San Lawrenz, this seaside location was once home to the 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 still:
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, and 2) for hiking across this little island to admire its natural beauty.
This is one of the biggest tourist hotspots in Malta. Located on the North coast, the water here is so crystal clear and azure blue, you can even see it from Gozo on a clear summer’s day. A lot of boats moor here for the day and at the height of summer it gets really busy.
For that reason, my usual advice is either to go 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.
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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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 (beach), this large cave looks out over the bay, offering stunning views. It’s one of Gozo’s biggest Instagram hotspots for a reason.
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.
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.
It’s the red sand here that makes it unique and that gives this bay its name. Crowded during summer, hauntingly beautiful in the winter months, Ramla l-Ħamra 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 the beach.
One of Gozo’s hidden gems, San Blas is a small but picturesque sandy beach in Nadur, with shallow and clear waters, reachable only on foot.
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.
Blue-green waters and a small sandy beach facing Comino. Packed in summer as it’s a favourite spot among locals and divers.
Wondering what to do in Gozo? 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.
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.
Salt mining is an ages-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 takes place between May and September (depending on weather conditions around these hot summer months).
Tradition aside, the sight of 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!
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 four 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 5.15 pm to 7.15 pm and Tuesday 5.15 pm to 7.15 pm.
One of the best things to do in Gozo 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 countryside or by the sea to enjoy this (filling!) meal.
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, 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.
Did you know that there’s a beer brewery in Gozo? Lord Chambray brew 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 18 Best Restaurants in Gozo.
Here are some landmarks you won’t regret visiting:
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 cliffs which stand 130 meters above sea level.
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.
There are loads of activities you can do in Gozo, so I’ve picked up only the top-rated (and those that sound fun or unique).
There’s worldwide consensus: Gozo 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.
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.
Another fun way of exploring the natural beauty of Gozo, with a 2.5-hour segway tour. You get to see and stop at some of the nicest places in the countryside, with an experienced tour guide. I’d recommend this one especially if you’re travelling to Gozo in spring or autumn because at the height of summer it’ll probably get a little too hot for most.
Take a sunset boat cruise around the Southern parts of Gozo, 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’s night alone are worth the trip. Highly recommended!
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.
Up for a challenge? Rent a mountain bike in Gozo and make your way around the island and its hilly terrain. Here are a few mountain biking routes to try.
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.
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 taking over the town over carnival weekend (February) dressed in funny and/or outrageous customers and usually well-intoxicated.
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 in Gozo on their holiday:
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 very noisy, which make them a must-see. If festas are not your thing, try wining 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:
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 article about hotels in Gozo, which goes into detail about hotels and other places you can rent out.
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.
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