Gozo is one of the islands that make up the archipelago of the Republic of Malta. This tear-shaped landmass has a total surface area of 67 km2 and a population of just over 30,000 people. Lying to the north of the island of Malta in the middle of the Mediterranean, it is located between the Italian island of Sicily and the northern African coastline.
Gozo is a short 20-minute ferry journey from the north coast of the island of Malta. Those who visit this smaller island can expect to find peace and quiet; spectacular coastal landscapes; idyllic diving spots where they can explore caves and discover sunken ships; quaint fishing villages with houses and churches made of stone; and historical remains dating back millennia to cultures and civilizations that settled or passed through this island (including the Byzantines, the Romans, the Ottomans, the Aragonese, the Castilians and the French.).
What to see in Gozo
The island of Gozo can be easily explored by foot, bicycle, motorbike, car or bus. A couple of days is probably enough time to visit the island’s main attractions, take a dip in one of its stunning coves and try your hand at scuba diving.
Here is a list of the best places to visit during your time on Gozo island:
The capital city of Victoria and its citadel
The island’s name dates back to the 13th century when it was ruled by the Crown of Aragon (with “gozo” meaning “enjoyment” in Spanish). Its capital city, meanwhile, is named Victoria in honour of the former Queen of England, whose army took control of Malta in the early 19th century after being taken by Napoleon’s troops in 1798. It was previously called Rabat.
With a population of more than 6,000 inhabitants, Victoria is home to a network of narrow streets through which traditional Maltese horse-drawn carriages pass, and a historic centre with medieval and baroque buildings. One of the main central thoroughfares is Fortunato Mizzi Street.
In the centre of the city you will find Independence Square, which hosts a local market every morning. Once you’ve finished perusing the many stalls, you can enjoy a refreshing drink or a coffee in one it its many bars with terraces. Close to Independence Square is the baroque Basilica of St. George, which is well worth a visit. Victoria is also home to the Astro and Aurora theatres, where you can enjoy a selection of stirring opera performances, and the Villa Rundle Gardens which are renowned for their beautiful landscaped scenery and peaceful surroundings.
Victoria’s main attraction is its 13th-century citadel, which is built at the highest point in the city. This walled castle, which protected the city’s inhabitants from invasion for centuries, dominates a promontory that offers a fantastic view across the entire island.
The citadel is also home to the baroque Cathedral of the Assumption, the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Natural Sciences and the Old Prison.
Ġgantija temples
Gozo’s Ġgantija temples are steeped in ancient history. These temples, which contain a set of megalithic Bronze Age structures built more than 5,000 years ago, can be reached in a short 10-minute car journey from the capital.
We still don’t know how these impressive structures were built, given that some of the stones weigh as much as 50 tonnes. Its name, Ġgantija, derives from the Maltese word Ġgant, because it was once believed that the stones had been laid by giants.
The temples were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.
The Azure Window
This structure, which was the venue of Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo’s wedding in the HBO series Game of Thrones, unfortunately collapsed in 2017. The Azure Window was a 28-metre high limestone arch which, due to its beautiful natural form, was one of Malta’s most iconic landmarks.
It was located in Dwejira Bay in West Gozo. This ‘window’ first opened up with the collapse of two caves. Over time, erosion caused parts of the arch to plummet into the sea. The foundational pillar of the arch also collapsed following a heavy storm in March 2017, which caused the entire structure to come crashing down.
Xlendi Cove
This small fishing village in Xlendi Bay is one of the most beautiful municipalities on the island of Gozo.
Visitors can bathe in the sea while enjoying a unique perspective of the village and even try their hand at snorkelling or scuba diving to discover the impressive flora and fauna of the seabed.
The village also marks the starting point of various hiking trails that pass along the coastal mountains and cliff-tops, representing a unique opportunity to appreciate Gozo’s unspoiled natural scenery.
Malsalforn and the saltpans
Over the years, the municipality of Marsalforn in northern Gozo has evolved from a quaint fishing village on the shores of the Mediterranean to a thriving tourist resort. However, its long-standing fishing tradition means that it is still one of the best places in Malta to eat seafood. If you happen to be in Malsalforn on a Sunday morning, be sure to check out the incredible produce available in its fresh fish market.
Marsalforn’s main attraction is probably the Qbajjar saltpans, which were created more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans and are still used today to produce sea salt for commercial use. These rectangles dug into the rock fill with sea water when the tide comes in thanks to a network of inter-connecting canals. When the tide goes out, the water evaporates under the heat of the sun and the salt is subsequently collected.
It is forbidden to step foot in this network of grooves and channels. However, during a guided tour you are likely to see local people collecting salt by hand, as they have done for thousands of years.
Ta’kola windmill
If you’re planning to visit the Ġgantija temples, you might consider purchasing a combo ticket that allows you to also visit the Ta’kola windmill, which is located very close to these ancient temples on the way into the village of Xewkija. The visit includes a tour of a museum explaining the life of the workers who produced bread.
Built in 1710, this eight-sided windmill is the oldest on the island. It remained operational until 1886, when a raging fire destroyed the internal mechanisms that made it work. The windmill was restored in 2021, retaining its original structure and shape.
Calypso’s Cave and Ramla Bay
The village of Xaghra in northern Gozo is home to what many consider to be this Maltese island’s most beautiful beach. This is Ramla Beach, located in the bay of the same name.
The Maltese word “ir-ramla” translates into English as “red sands”, which describes the characteristic hue of its sands, which are gently caressed by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. The beautiful beach is also surrounded by a stunning sequence of fields and orchards that stretch for as far as the eye can see. The picturesque scenery makes it a favourite destination for scuba diving and snorkelling enthusiasts.
From the beach, you can follow a thirty-minute trail that takes you all the way to another of Gozo’s most popular destinations: Calypso’s Cave. According to local legend, the protagonist of Homer’s The Odyssey, Ulysses, resided in this cave for seven years on his return to Ithaca. The myth says that he was detained here by the nymph Calypso, who promised him eternal youth. Ulysses eventually managed to escape the cave and made his way back home to be with his family. After he escaped, the nymph Calypso died of grief.
The cave offers some magnificent views across Ramla Bay.
San Blas Bay
The outstandingly beautiful San Blas Bay lies less than two kilometres from Ramla Beach.
Just like the former, San Blas is also characterised by its reddish sands. However, it is much more difficult to access and can only be reached by foot. It is much quieter than Ramla Bay, so those in search of peace and quiet should consider making the extra effort to get here.
Mdzhar Port
All ferries arriving from the island of Malta moor at Mdzhar Port, making it the busiest port in all of Gozo.
The municipality of Mdzhar is not particularly remarkable. However, it is worth mentioning that it has an impressive neo-Gothic church built in 1888 that is dedicated to the Virgin of Lourdes. Passengers are treated to gorgeous views along the route, including a clear view of the church’s façade and various houses built in the island’s characteristic style.
How can I get to Gozo
You’ll need to take a ferry from Cirkewwa Port on the island of Malta. The ferries depart at regular intervals throughout the day. The total journey time from Cirkewwa Port to Mdzhar Port is 45 minutes.
You can reach the island of Gozo by taking a ferry from the municipality of Cirkewwa in northern Malta. All of these ferries moor in Mdzhar Port. They depart every 45 minutes throughout most of the day, although they leave at less regular intervals at night. The price for an adult return ticket is €5, although if you’re travelling with a vehicle the price is €10.
Where should I stay in Malta
If you’re planning to stay on the island of Malta, you should know that the Barceló Hotel group has a five-star hotel in the capital city of this Mediterranean archipelago: the Hotel Barceló Fortina Malta
Located right on Sliema’s beachfront promenade and with views across the UNESCO-recognised city of Valetta, this wonderful hotel has 183 rooms with their own private terrace, most of which have views of the capital. The hotel also boasts an adults-only spa service and a menu comprising a wide range of delicious local and international cuisine.
It is a luxurious and comfortable option for those looking to explore Malta and visit the island of Gozo in one or two days.
