Malta

Is Gozo Worth Visiting? A Guide to Gozo, Malta

Is Gozo, the smaller, quieter, naturally beautiful sister island of Malta, worth visiting?

In short, YES, yes Gozo is worth visiting.

Gozo, the second largest inhabited island of the Maltese archipelago, is located in the Mediterranean Sea, to the north of Malta.

The islands of Gozo and Malta feel somewhat opposite. Gozo is more chill, relaxed, exuding a typical slower paced island life vibe than Malta. This smaller island remains more historic than newly built up, as is becoming the norm in Malta, helping Gozo keep more of its true charm. Gozo is therefore well worth visiting in addition to Malta (you can’t visit Gozo without Malta itself – you have to travel from there). Between the two islands we get balance, a good mix of everything.

With a more peaceful backing track than the constant construction in Malta, and traffic which moved above snail pace, I felt an immediate sense of peace wash over me on arrival in Gozo. Don’t get me wrong, I love Malta. However a respite from the ‘noise’ of staying in the busiest areas (that’s on me though!) and travelling around on the chaotic roads with buses that were never on time, was needed.

In this post I’ll take a deeper dive into visiting Gozo to give you more of an insight into a trip there. I’ll let you see that Gozo is worth visiting (and for more than a day!), while helping guide you with planning your trip.

(This post contains Affiliate links)

Table Of Contents
  1. How to Get to Gozo?
  2. How Long to Visit Gozo For?
  3. Where to Stay in Victoria, Gozo
  4. How to Get Around Gozo
  5. What to Do on Gozo
  6. So, IS Gozo really worth visiting?

Flights ✈️: For the best, cheapest flight options to Malta, check out Skyscanner.

Accommodation 🛌: Booking.com andAgoda have a great range of accommodation options in Gozo.

Activities: GetYourGuide is an excellent site for activity and tour options in Gozo and across the whole of Malta.

eSIM: Check out Yesim or Drimsim to avoid roaming fees in Malta. Set up your eSIM before your trip and stay connected from arrival.

Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance through SafetyWing will leave you with peace of mind on your trip, whether travelling long-term or on a short trip.

How to Get to Gozo?

Gozo is accessible by ferry from Malta – and that ease of access is part of what makes it so worth visiting! Whether you’d like to join a scenic boat tour or travel independently, it’s simple to reach this beautiful island.

1. Take a Boat Tour or Cruise from Malta

Boat tours and cruises from Malta to Gozo are aplenty, departing from several popular areas such as Sliema, St. Paul’s Bay, Mellieħa, and Ċirkewwa.

Depending on which you choose, you can enjoy a half-day or full-day trip. Some tours also include a stop at Comino Island, making them perfect if you’re short on time and want to see the highlights of Malta’s islands in one go.

Recommended, top-rated options:

Tip: These tours are very popular in summer, so it’s best to check availability in advance to secure your spot.

EXPLORE AND BOOK BOAT TOURS/CRUISES TO GOZO HERE

If you’d rather book in person, you can! In Sliema, for example, just walk along the harbour – you’ll find plenty of ticket booths offering Gozo and Comino trips.

2. Visit Independently by Ferry

If you’d prefer more flexibility (or plan to stay on Gozo for a couple of days or more), taking a direct ferry from Valletta or Ċirkewwa is your best option. Both ferries arrive at Mġarr Harbour Terminal in Gozo.

🚤 Fast Ferry from Valletta

Taking the Gozo Highspeed Ferry, which departs from Lascaris Wharf Terminal in Valletta, is the easiest and fastest route if you’re staying in Valletta, Sliema, or St. Julian’s. Just grab a Bolt or take the bus to the terminal.

  • ⏱️ Journey time: ~45 minutes
  • 💰 Fare: €7.50 one-way / €12 return (online only)
  • 📍 Book here: Gozo Highspeed Fast Ferry
  • 📅 Tickets: Can be booked up to 1–2 hours before departure
BOOK FAST FERRY TO GOZO HERE

(Tip: If you’re planning to explore Gozo at your own pace, consider booking a car rental for pickup in Gozo. It’s often cheaper and far more convenient than bringing a vehicle across from Malta.)

🚗 Ċirkewwa to Gozo Ferry

The Gozo Channel Ferry runs between Ċirkewwa (north Malta) and Mġarr, Gozo.

  • ⏱️ Journey time: ~25 minutes
  • 💰 Fare: €4.65 return
  • 🎟️ Tickets: Buy directly at the terminal
  • 🚘 Vehicles allowed: Yes – perfect if you’re driving

This route is great if you’re staying in the north of Malta or already have a car. However, if you’re based in Valletta or Sliema, it’s quite a trek – usually over an hour by bus each way.

My recommendation: For the small extra cost, the Valletta fast ferry wins for convenience and time saved (if staying nearer that area).

  • Both ferry routes are easy and scenic, but if you’re a first-time visitor without a car, the fast ferry from Valletta is the most straightforward and stress-free way to get to Gozo. Combine that with a few nights on the island, and you’ll see why Gozo’s slower pace makes it such a refreshing escape from Malta’s busier side.

How Long to Visit Gozo For?

The beauty of visiting Gozo is that you can stay for as short or as long as you like – whether on a day trip or a longer getaway, it’s well worth a visit.

Is Gozo Worth Visiting for a Day?

Absolutely, yes! Thanks to the quick, easy, and affordable ferry from Malta, a Gozo day trip is totally worth it.

Even with just one day, you can get a good feel for the island and hit up various spots – from historic Victoria (Rabat) and the Citadel, to the Azure Window ruins and some of Gozo’s prettiest beaches. Everything’s close together, and public transport makes it doable even without a car. Do be sure to head to Gozo early, though, to make the most of your time.

If you’d prefer a more relaxed option, it’s also easy to visit Gozo on a boat tour that combines Gozo and Comino’s Blue Lagoon in a single day.

Is Gozo Worth Visiting for More Than a Day?

If you have time to dedicate more than a day to Gozo, you absolutely won’t regret it.

I spent three nights on Gozo – arriving on a Saturday afternoon and leaving early Tuesday morning. That gave me around a day and a half to explore the island itself, plus a full day trip to Comino, which is super easy to do from Gozo.

Three nights felt just right: enough to see the main sights without rushing, yet still leaving me wishing I’d stayed another night or two to explore even more. But sometimes you can’t do it all – it just gives me an even better excuse to come back one day!

Gozo is full of beautiful places to discover, from quiet villages and scenic coastal spots to historic sites and hidden bays. Spending more than a day lets you uncover these gems at your own pace.

It’s also super easy to stay more than one day in Gozo, thanks to the wide range of accommodation options. Since the island is small and easy to get around, you can stay pretty much anywhere and still explore comfortably! For first-time visitors, however, Victoria (Rabat) is arguably the best base – it’s centrally located, packed with amenities, and provides easy access to Gozo’s main attractions, ferry, and many of the island’s beautiful hidden gems.

Where to Stay in Victoria, Gozo

Here are some top places to consider for your stay:

  • Maria Rose Suites B&B – Located in a recently renovated historic building just steps from Victoria’s main attractions. This peaceful B&B is ideal for first-time visitors who want a quiet, central base. See availability here.
  • The Duke Boutique Hotel – Stylish, centrally located, and featuring modern rooms with private hot tubs and a rooftop terrace. Perfect for travelers seeking comfort, convenience, and a touch of luxury without going full high-end. See availability here.

If you’d prefer to stay somewhere else on the island, Gozo’s charming towns and coastal villages offer plenty of other excellent options. Explore more Gozo accommodation here.

EXPLORE AND BOOK GOZO ACCOMMODATION HERE

Why Victoria Is the Ideal Base
  • Capital city convenience – All amenities, restaurants, and attractions are right at your doorstep.
  • Easy transport links – The bus stops outside the ferry terminal and goes directly to Victoria bus station. Bolts and taxis are also readily available.
  • Central location – Most of Gozo is just 15–20 minutes away by bus, making day trips quick and easy. Victoria is where all the buses leave from/return to. Staying here therefore saves you time and bus connections when wanting to travel to other areas.
  • Abundant accommodation options – From boutique hotels to cozy B&Bs, there’s something for every traveler. Check accommodation options here.

How to Get Around Gozo

Getting around Gozo is both easy and affordable. This is therefore another positive on making it worth visiting!

I personally explored the island mostly using the public bus and walking, and it worked really well. The island is compact, so many destinations are within easy walking distance once you arrive at a town or village. Walking also lets you discover hidden corners and scenic spots that you might miss if you’re driving. I’m a big fan of walking being the best way to truly explore a new place!!

Here’s a closer look at your options for getting around:

Public Bus

The public bus system is reliable and a great budget-friendly way to explore the island. This is how I chose to travel around, and I can say the buses were much less crowded and more comfortable than in Malta! The only downside is that they aren’t super frequent, so do plan accordingly.

  • One-way fare: €2.50 (valid for 2 hours and includes up to 2 transfers)
  • Buy tickets from the driver (if using cash try to have small change or max €10 note, or you can tap your bank card)
  • Main bus station: Victoria (most routes start or connect here)
  • Frequency: Each bus line runs roughly once an hour
BOLT

For convenience, BOLT works like Uber and is widely available across the island. It’s especially handy if you’re traveling with someone else or don’t want to ‘waste’ time waiting on buses. Prices are reasonable, cars usually arrive quick, and you can easily book via the app.

Hire a Car

If you wish to have the most freedom for exploring Gozo, you can hire a car from Mgarr Port and pick it up when you arrive. The roads in Gozo are less hectic than in Malta, making driving more enjoyable, and a great way to reach more remote villages, beaches, or scenic spots at your own pace. You can check rental car options here.

Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus

If you’re visiting just for a day and want to see the main attractions without worrying about connections, a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus is a great option. You can book your ticket online here.

Now that you know how to get around, let’s explore what to do and some must-see spots.

What to Do on Gozo

There are so many beautiful spots to visit on Gozo that make it worth visiting.

As mentioned, I spent about a day and a half exploring the island itself (and one day on Comino Island from Gozo). Here’s an insight into the places I visited, which could serve as a perfect short-trip itinerary for you as it did me! I mainly stuck to the north of the island – not internationally, it just worked out to be super convenient, allowing me to hit up various different spots in a short time, while travelling by public transport and getting plenty of steps in!

In short, after arriving in the afternoon and checking in to my accommodation in Victoria, I first visited Tal-Mixta Cave, then explored Victoria itself a little. The next day I headed to Wied Il-Għasri, before continuing on a coastal walk that took me past the Xwejni Salt Pans, as well as the beaches of Xwejni Bay and Qbajjar Bay, before reaching my endpoint of Marsalforn. From there, I caught the bus back to Victoria. I did still have daylight left after this so could have essentially done everything in a single day!

Now that you’ve got the basic lowdown on my trip, let’s dive into each spot I visited and see what makes them worth exploring.

Victoria (ir-Rabat)

As noted, Victoria is the capital of Gozo, and the best place to base yourself if you’re spending more than a day on the island. This isn’t only for convenience, but because it really is a fantastic city.

The main attraction of Victoria has to be the Citadel (Citadella)

  • Ancient fortified city located in Victoria
  • Walk the charming narrow streets
  • Don’t miss the Cittadella Walkway (city walls) for the best panoramic views in Gozo
  • Optional paid attractions: Cittadella Visitor Centre, Natural Science Museum, Old Prison

Beyond the Citadel, take time to stroll along Republic Street (Victoria’s main street). You can’t miss it, and will likely walk up it anyway to reach the Citadel. Along here you’ll find shops, restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, and all the main amenities you might need.

A little food tip: If you want some takeaway food, head to the car park just behind the bus station. There are various options here, and it seems to be popular spot with – a good sign! I grabbed a pizza from Joe’s Street Pizza. They had so many orders that I had to wait a while, which was the downside, but that’s because it’s delicious and affordable!!

If you’re interested in extra activities, Victoria also offers experiences like a Cooking Class and Market Visit or a Sunset Walking Food and Drink Tour.

Tal-Mixta Cave

A visit to Tal-Mixta Cave is a must for stunning views over the popular Ramla Bay and beyond. This clifftop spot is one of Gozo’s most scenic spots, and perfect for a quick stop while exploring the island.

Visiting Tal-Mixta cave doesn’t take up too much time, making it easy to include in your itinerary even if you only have a day or two on Gozo.

The great thing about Tal-Mixta Cave is that it doesn’t take much time to visit, making it easy to include even if you only have a day or two on Gozo.

If you want more details, including how to reach the cave by public transport, I’ve written a guide on visiting Tal-Mixta Cave. You can check it out here.

Wied Il-Għasri

Wied Il-Għasri is a stunning gorge on the north-west coast of Gozo, where the island’s natural beauty of Gozo really shines. You can simply walk around and admire the scenery, or spend some time relaxing on the small beach area and taking a dip in the calm, crystal-clear waters.

I honestly had no idea how beautiful this spot would be before visiting. The secluded bay was exactly my kind of scene, and I just wish I had gone even earlier and given myself more time to chill and swim. I’d recommend setting aside at least an hour or two to fully enjoy this hidden gem. (In hindsight, I actually did have more time, but at the moment I just wanted to explore, explore, explore as I went here as my first stop of the day!)

Xwejni Salt pans

Gozo’s Xwejni Salt Pans stretch for several kilometers along the northern coastline. They’re not only historically important but also a popular spot for visitors.

You can enjoy a lovely coastal walk along the pans, taking in the scnes while seeing the natural collection of salt which forms in the shallow pools thanks to the seawater and wind. The salt is collected weekly, so depending on when you visit, you may see more or less of it.

The Salt Pans are just a short walk from Wied Il-Għasri, so I recommend visiting the gorge first and then continuing down to the saltpans. From there, you can continue along the coast, passing Xwejni Bay and Qbajjar Bay (both optional beach stops), before reaching the town of Marsalforn. This is what I did anyway!!

Marsalforn

Marsalforn is a lively town on Gozo’s north coast, and if you’re exploring the northern side like I did, it makes a perfect endpoint for the day.

The town has plenty of accommodation options, so if you’d rather stay on the coast than in Victoria, Marsalforn is a great choice. You can check for Marsalforn accommodation here.

CHECK OUT MARSALFORN ACCOMMODATION HERE

Marsalforn has a beach, but I’ll be honest it’s not the best or nicest beach as such. It’s very small so can get very busy. I wouldn’t choose to go here if you just want to go to the beach – go to Ramla Bay for a proper beach day! However, if you want to mix beach vibes with busy town life this could be your spot. Marsalforn is lovely to enjoy a meal in a seaside restaurant or café, walk along the coastline and relax on the beach.

But lets not forget, there is a little sneaky highlight I found in Marsalforn. The best coastal views are on offer on a little trail just further round from the harbour.

Heading from the salt pans, I kept walking around to Marsalforn harbour, and to the right just after the public toilets you can go up and keep going along the coast. There is a little trail here, which you can take a really short walk along – just 5-10 minutes or so (it gets quite narrow and didn’t look too safe to go much further past this). It is on this trail the views are insane and you are in your own little world away from the bustle of the town itself. Definitely walk this far, it’s a gem of a spot!

That sums up the main spots I visited! Of course the longer you stay the more you can see. There are so many places to visit but for a short trip I highly recommend these.

I mentioned Ramla Bay, this is the most popular beach on Gozo – do include a trip to the popular Ramla Beach if you want some proper beach time and have time to! Going here after or before Tal-Mixta Cave is the perfect itinerary addition. I only had the time for the view over Ramla Bay and not to actually go down and enjoy the beach!

Take a day trip to Comino Island from Gozo

For a day trip from Gozo, I highly recommend visiting Comino Island (where you will find The Blue Lagoon). It is so easily visited from Gozo, which is why I chose to visit from there instead of from Malta (I was staying in Sliema and it was easier, quicker, cheaper to visit from Gozo). Tickets can be purchased outside the ferry terminal at Mgarr Harbour just before you travel. Alternatively, you can book one of the available tour options, such as this Around Comino, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Caves tour.

If you want to stay active, you can even take a kayaking tour to Comino from Gozo. There are a few options available for this, such as the 3 hour Gozo: Comino and Blue Lagoon Guided Kayaking Adventure or the 6 hour Kayak Gozo & Comino – Full Day Kayak Adventure, with lunch.

I loved Comino Island (for so much more than just the Blue Lagoon!). For more details on a trip to Comino Island you can check out my post A Solo Day Trip to Comino Island (Blue Lagoon), Malta.

So, IS Gozo really worth visiting?

Absolutely. From the ease of getting there from Malta, to the breathtaking natural scenes and relaxing island vibes on offer, it’s the perfect getaway!

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