malta trips to gozo

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Island Vacations

This Small Mediterranean Island Is a Hidden Gem With Historic Towns and a Stunning Coastline

Ready for an island escape unlike any other? Gozo is waiting.

What to Know About Gozo

The best time to visit gozo, things to do in gozo, gozo hotels.

• How to Get to Gozo

Davide Seddio/Getty Images

Looking for an island getaway where the waters are electric blue , the history is deep, and the crowds are thin? Then it’s time to head to Gozo. Located in the Mediterranean, Gozo is just one of the breathtaking islands part of the archipelago of Malta. It’s a place that’s been inhabited for thousands of years and has remained a quiet and stunning destination all that time. It’s a place where outdoor enthusiasts and laid-back vacationers can both find a little bliss, if they’re willing to make the trek. Here’s what you need to know about planning the perfect getaway to Gozo. 

Related : The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2023

Gozo is a small island, covering just 26 square miles. It’s a spot tailor-made for rest and relaxation, so those looking for a party atmosphere or a rowdy experience should steer clear. Though it’s quiet, there’s still plenty to see and do here, especially for those looking for an active vacation. And, before you go, make sure to exchange dollars for euros, as that’s the currency across Malta. 

The good news is, there really isn’t a bad time to go to Gozo. According to WeatherSpark , throughout the year, the temperature averages range from 50°F to 87°F and rarely ever fall below 44°F. That said, if you’re looking for warm weather worthy of a dip in the ocean, it’s best to visit during the summer season between June and September, when the average high is 86°F. Also check out the shoulder seasons in the spring (April and May) and fall (mid-September to November) when temperatures remain comfortable in the 70s. 

Andrey Danilovich/Getty Images

Visit the one-time site of the Azure Window.

The Azure Window was one of the great natural phenomena of Gozo, and it was even featured in television shows like Game of Thrones . Sadly, it collapsed in 2017, but that doesn’t make the site any less worthy of a visit. Hike along the Dwejra Bay for as long as you’d like, taking in the views of the craggy coastline and seeing other special sites like The Fungus Rock, the Blue Hole, and the Inland Sea lagoon. 

See the Citadel.

Learn more about the island’s history by visiting the Citadel in Rabat (also referred to as Victoria). The walled city was built in the 15th century and still contains many historically significant sites and several of the island’s museums, including the Museum of Archeology. The Citadel also offers one of the best views in town thanks to its location on top of the hill, so make sure to take a 360-degree look while you’re there.

Take a boat to the Blue Lagoon.

Though all of Gozo is gorgeous, it’s a good idea to get on a boat and get off the island to visit one of the most popular attractions — the Blue Lagoon. Located on the nearby island of Comino, the lagoon is the stuff of Instagram dreams, with water that looks almost too blue to be real, surrounded by coves and caves worth exploring. Charter a sailboat for a day for a private adventure, or hop on a public cruise for a quick visit. 

Lounge at Ramla Beach.

If you’re here in the warmer months, stop by Ramla Beach, known for having the softest sand on the island. It’s a large beach, so you won’t have trouble finding a spot to lay out for the day, but do note it’s a popular destination, so odds are you’ll be next to another tourist or two. 

See the salt pans.

The Xwejni Salt Pans are one more glorious site to visit on Gozo. The salt pans, located on the north end of the island, have been used for hundreds of years to harvest salt for locals, and they remain an important part of Gozo life. They also happen to be a rather photogenic place thanks to their unique patterns. 

Stefan Cioata/Getty Images

Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz

For a touch of luxury on your Gozo getaway, book a stay at the Kempinski Hotel . Here, guests will find spacious suites, including several with massive patios for enjoying the outdoors, and residential-style apartments, as well as several restaurants and a full-service spa to help you further unwind. 

Grand Hotel Gozo

Located at the gateway to the island, the Grand Hotel Gozo is both a convenient and comfortable place to call home during your stay. Take in the ocean views from every window, book family suites for group getaways, take a dip in its indoor and outdoor pools, and book a treatment in its Elemis Spa.

Dar tal-Kaptan Boutique Maison

Find yourself surrounded by more of Gozo’s history at the Dar tal-Kaptan Boutique Maison , a 400-year-old farmhouse in Ghasri. Here, guests will find a home-style stay that still includes all the bells and whistles you want on vacation, including a sauna, hammam, steam room, and several outdoor spaces to soak in the sun. 

How to Get to Gozo 

Getting to Gozo requires flying to the main island of Malta, then heading to Ċirkewwa to catch a ferry. The ferry is super convenient and takes just 25 minutes, with departures every 45 minutes. Once you’re on Gozo, getting around is easy. Visitors can rent a car or four-wheeler for their stay, or rely on local taxis and the public bus.

How To Plan A Gozo Day Trip from Malta

Last Updated on January 30, 2024

by Michael Rozenblit

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

For travellers spending only a few days in Malta, it can be easy to fill your days exploring the mainland. Whether it be wandering through historic Valletta, exploring the walled city of Mdina or heading to the fish market of Marsaxlokk, there’s no doubt that there’s plenty to occupy any Malta itinerary . For visitors that have a bit more time on their trip though, it’s certainly worth taking a Gozo day trip from Malta.

While you can certainly spend more than just one day in Gozo, this allows you to see some of the highlights of Malta’s less-visited island and give you a great introduction for a return trip.

Table of Contents

How to Get to Gozo from Malta

There are three main transport options for your day trip to Gozo from Malta: bus & ferry, car or organised tour.

By Bus & Ferry

Malta’s bus network is fantastic and a great way to get around the island if you don’t have your own transport.

To get to Gozo, you’ll first need to take a bus to the ferry terminal which is located in Cirkewwa. You can see the latest timetables and routes on Malta’s public transport website as well as through the integration on Google maps.

A single-use bus ticket costs €2.50 and is valid for two hours (including on the buses in Gozo). If you intend to use the buses a lot during your time in Malta, it’s worth considering to purchase a travel card.

Ferries to Gozo depart every 30-45 minutes and you actually don’t need to purchase a ticket when departing Malta. Instead, you’ll need to buy a return ticket when you depart from Gozo. The standard passenger fare is €4.65 and you’ll arrive at the south of Gozo in the port town of Mgarr.

If you don’t want to be reliant on the buses in Malta, then having your own transport is a great option. Not only will you be able to get to the ferry terminal quicker, but it will also be easier to get around the island of Gozo.

The cost for taking a car onto the Gozo ferry is €15.70 which also includes a ticket for one person. Similarly to if you are buying just a passenger ticket, you’ll only need to buy your ticket on the return leg from Gozo. All other passengers in the car apart from the driver will need to purchase a passenger ticket.

There are plenty of car rental options in Malta and you can typically find the deals on Rentalcars.com. This platform aggregates prices for many major car hire options to help you get a great deal.

It’s also worth it to consider taking out excess insurance on your vehicle from iCarHireInsurance if you rent a car to avoid having to pay the sometimes hefty insurance charges from the car rental company.

If you prefer to have your day organised for you, then there are plenty of tour options to choose that offer different aspects of the highlights on Gozo.

A tour to Gozo can be a particularly good idea if you don’t have your own car and are taking a day trip to Gozo not from Valletta or Sliema where the majority of bus routes depart from.

One of the top reasons travellers want to visit Gozo is to combine Gozo and Comino in one day. This guided tour or this guided tour both involves spending an hour each at the Blue Lagoon & Crystal Lagoon on Comino before giving travellers 3 hours of free time on Gozo to explore.

These tours depart from Bugibba but will organise ground transport from other parts of Malta for a small additional fee. They also offer some transport options on the island of Gozo if you don’t want to take the local bus.

If you’d prefer to explore more of Gozo rather than spending half your day swimming then there are also some great tour options for you.

This full-day jeep tour takes you to many of the highlights on the island, includes lunch and a short powerboat ride to the Blue & Crystal lagoons. This tour picks you up from your hotel where you will board the Gozo ferry and then be met by your tour guide.

This similar guided jeep tour is also a good option as it gives you even more time on the island of Gozo as it doesn’t include a visit to Comino. A hearty lunch and wine are all included.

And if you don’t want to bother with the ferry to Gozo, this full-day jeep tour includes transport from Malta on a private boat before taking you to all of the highlights of the island.

If you prefer to spend your one day in Gozo with a bit of adrenaline running through your veins then this guided quad-bike tour might be for you! You’ll get to see many of the highlights of Gozo and it includes comprehensive insurance, lunch and a powerboat ride to the Blue & Crystal lagoons.

Finally, if you’re not worried about your budget in Malta , this private guided tour is a great way to see the island in your own vehicle with a licensed guide.

Gozo Day Trip Itinerary

This Gozo itinerary includes a visit to the capital of Victoria (Rabat) and then gives travellers a few different options on how to spend their afternoon before going back to Malta.

If you have your own vehicle, you might be able to fit in two of the three options listed, however, if you’re relying on the bus network, you should just focus on one part of the island if you’re only spending a day exploring Gozo.

Victoria (Rabat)

One of the highlights of visiting the island of Gozo is exploring its beautiful capital Victoria (Rabat) — Rabat is the original Maltese name.

You can get a bus directly from the ferry terminal in Mgarr to the capital – don’t forget you can use your bus ticket from Malta if it was validated fewer than two hours ago.

In Victoria, the highlight is undoubtedly exploring the impressive Citadella complex that offers great views of the island as well as housing a number of museums such as the Gozo Museum of Archaeology and an Old Prison.

Opposite the Citadella, pay a visit to the St George’s Basilica — an impressive baroque-style church.

Victoria is also a good place to grab a bite to eat before embarking on your afternoon adventure as it has the most cafe options on the island. One great choice for lunch near the main attractions is Cafe Jubilee which serves local and international dishes in an English-style pub.

Option 1: East Gozo — Temples & Beaches

If you fancy seeing some historical sites older than the pyramids of Egypt, then head to the Eastern part of the island and visit The Ġgantija Temples.

These Neolithic structures are open year-round and there is a museum that explains the historical significance of the site.

From the temples, continue heading east to Ramla Beach. This beach is one of the best on Gozo and it is easily accessible with beautiful golden sand. It is rocky when getting into the water so consider bringing water shoes if you intend to go for a swim. From Ramla Bay, there is an hourly bus that goes back to the capital of Victoria.

Option 2: West Gozo – Hiking & Wine

If you’re a nature lover and want to explore more of Gozo’s natural beauty then take a bus 311 west to Dwerja Bay.

This bay is one of the most stunning in Malta and is the location where the famous Azure Window used to stand. From Dwejra Bay, it’s possible to go hiking north along the coastline to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

You might get thirsty after all that hiking so it’s worth planning ahead and organising a wine tasting at nearby Tal-Massar Winery.

This small boutique operation is run by Anthony, who gives guests a tour of the vineyard, explains what makes wine from Gozo unique before you get to enjoy a free-flowing tasting with some local snacks. You can contact them via e-mail or through their Facebook page to arrange a visit.

The winery is located in Gharb, not far from the western coast of Gozo and you can take the back to Victoria.

Option 3: Comino

If you want to spend your day enjoying some of the beautiful swimming spots in Malta, you can combine a visit to Gozo with taking a boat to the small island of Comino and enjoy the Blue and/or Crystal Lagoons.

In the port town of Mgarr, you’ll find many small boat operators willing to take you out to the island and there’s even the option of renting your own small boat.

Both the Blue & Crystal Lagoon do get busy, particularly in the summer months so if you do have the option of getting there early then I suggest taking advantage of that.

Dinner in Gozo

The last ferry from Gozo back to Malta departs at 23:15 so there’s no need to rush back the main island and instead you should take advantage of some of the amazing restaurants in Gozo. And while Malta is located in Southern Europe, its British past means eating dinner at 6 or 7 pm isn’t a problem!

One option is to have dinner in Victoria where there are several great restaurants such as Maldonado . This will also allow you to have an evening stroll in the Citadella and see it all lit up.

Another option is to head back to Mgarr where the ferry departs from and instead enjoy dinner there. Ta’ Tona is one of the best restaurants that we ate during our time in Malta and it has a range of local dishes and freshly caught fish.

Mgarr itself is a nice small town and pleasant to wander through in the evening after a delicious meal.

Have more time?

Apart from enjoying the other options listed in this Gozo itinerary, you can also head to the north of the island where the Xwejni Salt Pans are located. These salt pans form unique geometric patterns and are still being harvested by local workers.

There is also a craft brewery on the island called Lord Chambray which makes fantastic local beers – you can visit their taproom for tastings and you’ll also find their beer on the menus of many restaurants on Gozo.

All in all, there is plenty to keep you occupied on the island and more than enough reason to choose to stay in Gozo over Malta for a few nights.

Where to stay in Gozo

If you don’t have your own car to get around Gozo, staying in Victoria (Rabat) is ideal as the majority of bus routes pass through here and it has the greatest selection of restaurants and cafes on the island.

Casa Gemelli Boutique Guesthouse – This guesthouse is located in a traditional Maltese house with rooms beautifully furnished. They offer a couple of different double rooms including some with great views of the Citadel and include breakfast in the nightly rate.

The Duke Boutique Hotel  – A luxurious and modern hotel also located in Victoria (Rabat), they offer a range of rooms and suites suitable for couples or small families. Breakfast is also included daily.

Private Rental  – Gozo has a range of great private rentals such as  this historic farmhouse  and  this beautiful sea-view apartment.  

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Gozo!

A Gozo day trip from Malta is a great way to get an introduction to Malta’s less-visited island and explore some of the unique attractions and historical sites available to travellers.

Are you planning a trip to Gozo? Have any questions about the island? Let us know in the comments below!

Related Posts:

One Day in Valletta Itinerary: What To Do in Malta’s Capital

A Guide To Mdina & Rabat, Malta

9 Best Areas to Stay in Malta For Tourists

About Michael Rozenblit

Michael is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Both solo and with his partner, Maggie, he has travelled to over 50 countries across the globe and has a particular affinity for the Balkans and Eastern Europe. He’s lived in numerous countries worldwide but currently resides in his hometown of Melbourne, Australia. Read more about Michael

Thanks for all the information. We spent 12th-19th Feb in Malta – an escape from the Polish winter – staying in Floriana. Your various mails were very informative and useful and we were able to make a tour of the north and south of the island as well as a sea trip to Gozo and Comino, but February is not the time for swimming in the blue lagoon, although one intrepid young man did spend 30 seconds in the sea. Valetta, Mosta, Mdina, Dingly cliffs – all brilliant. sites, with too much to see The Limestone Heritage is certainly worth adding to one’s itinerary. An excellent week.

Glad that you had a great trip, John! 🙂

Hi, I have Saturday, 20th Nov to spend in Gozo. How can I book a guided tour to see the citadel and the two temples of Ggantija temples. I would also like to see the temples of Hagar Qim, Mnajdra and Tarxien on my return. How can I organize this? I did not see many trips on Saturdays. thanks Priyanthi

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

©Westend61/Getty Images

For such a small island, Gozo packs in a wide variety of experiences and attractions. Travelling history fans shouldn't miss the megalithic temples at Ġgantija, and the recently restored Il-Kastell fortress towering above Gozo's compact capital of Victoria is one of Malta's finest sights. Mountain biking, kayaking and clifftop hiking are all opportunities for active visitors, while Gozo's food and wine scene focuses strongly on fresh local produce and briny-fresh seafood. While Malta can sometimes feel busy and crowded, sleepy and laid-back Gozo offers the perfect opportunity to breathe out and relax.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Ġgantija Temples

Perched on the crest of the hill to the south of Xagħra, the awe-inspiring megalithic Ġgantija Temples command soaring views over most of southern Gozo…

Victoria (Rabat)

While the walls surrounding Il-Kastell date from the 15th century, there have been fortifications atop this flat-topped hill since the Bronze Age: it…

Dwejra Bay & Dwejra Point

The collapsed cavern of Dwejra Bay has been invaded by the sea, and is guarded by the brooding bulk of Fungus Rock. A path below Dwejra (Qawra) Tower…

San Blas Bay

San Blas, a tiny, rock-strewn bay with some patches of coarse, rust-coloured sand, is backed by steep, terraced fields with prickly-pear hedges. There's…

Wied il-Għasri

A 5km hike west along the coast from Marsalforn is the narrow, cliff-bound inlet of Wied il-Għasri. Here a staircase cut into the rock leads down to a…

Ta' Mena

This winery near Xagħra en route from Victoria to Marsalforn sells good wine under the Marsamena and Ancient Gods labels, and has a well-stocked farm shop…

Walk or drive west along the promenade, past the tiny sand beaches at Qbajjar Bay and the more scenic Xwieni Bay, until you reach a rocky shore. This wild…

Cathedral of the Assumption

Built between 1697 and 1711 to replace a church destroyed by a 1693 earthquake (which was in southern Italy but caused damage as far Gozo), the cathedral…

Latest stories from Gozo

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Jul 20, 2023 • 6 min read

Lonely Planet writer Kerry Walker headed to Malta and Gozo and fell hard for these twin islands in the Med.

Oct 23, 2018 • 5 min read

Mar 24, 2014 • 5 min read

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Gozo with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Gozo and beyond

Visit Gozo: Top 10 Things To Do and Best Places to Visit

The 10 best things to do in gozo (all highlights).

You’re planning to visit Gozo during your next trip to Malta ? You want to know everything about the island’s must-see attractions?

You’re at the right place!

You will for sure love Gozo, the more rural, more authentic, little sister of Malta. Here no big cities, no traffic jams, just nature and calm.

In order to help you plan your stay, I have created this guide of the 10 best things to in Gozo .

And to make it even easier for you, you can directly book all the best acitivities directly from this guide! You will see, it’s very simple: you just have to click on the orange links and green buttons you will find in this article.

In addition to the list of the best places to visit, points of interest and activities , I will give you itineraries to visit Gozo in 1, 2 or 3 days as well as my selection of the best places to stay on the island, depending on your budget.

Let’s plan your trip!

1. Victoria and the Citadella

2. dwejra and the azure window, 3. ta’pinu basilica, 4. marsalforn salt pans, 5. ramla bay and other beaches in gozo, 6. hiking in gozo, 7. ggantija temples, 8. ta’cenc cliffs, 9. diving in gozo, 10. visit comino, water sports with instructor/guide, water sports and rentals in gozo, go on a boat trip in gozo and comino, rent a boat in gozo, quad bike tour in gozo, segway tour in gozo, 1) visit gozo by tuktuk, 2) visit gozo by bus, 3) quad bike tour in gozo, 4) jeep tour in gozo, 5) discovering gozo with a private driver, renting a car, renting a scooter or a motorbike, hop-on hop-off tourist bus, opt for a guided tour, how many days to visit gozo , visit gozo in 1 day, visit gozo in 2 days, visit gozo in 3 days, where to stay in gozo, where to eat in gozo, how to get to gozo, book your trip to malta in 1 click, my impressions of gozo, gozo tourist map, you’re traveling in malta these articles will help you.

The best way to visit the island of Gozo is for sure to rent a quad bike.

It’s a lot of fun and it will allow you to discover most points of interest of the island in a day!

Personally, I rented with “Quad Bikes Gozo” . They have the best quads bikes, and with the rental, they will give you a GPS map of Gozo , with all the best places to visit. It’s really super convenient!

To make the most of your visit to Gozo and rent a quad bike , simply click on the green button below:

Or if you prefer, you can opt for a guided quad tour of Gozo, with transport from Malta included.

Visit Gozo: The 10 Best Places to Visit and Must-See Attractions

If you’re in a hurry and just want to discover and book the best activities, you can directly go to the “Best activities in Gozo” section of this guide by clicking here.

Let’s start your trip to Gozo with Victoria (also called Rabat in Maltese), the capital city located in the center of the island.

The Citadella is for sure the main attraction in Victoria . This fortified city was recently fully renovated, and offers a great 360° view over the surrounding countryside, villages, the sea and up to Malta . The view from the ramparts is really worth it!

There is no entrance fee to the Citadella, and you’ll be able to enjoy its streets freely. You can also visit the baroque Cathedral of the Assumption for a small fee.

In addition, there are several museums inside the Citadella :

• The Cathedral Museum has a nice collection of religious items used by the Church like crucifixes and chalices
• The Museum of Archeology will take you on a historical journey from the ancient civilizations living on Gozo until the time of the Order of Malta
• The Folklore Museum, to learn more about the local lifestyle and traditions
• The Nature Museum, about local nature and wildlife
• The Old Prison, where you can visit old prison cells

After visiting the Citadella, stop by Independence Square to wander through the daily market , and go to St. George’s Basilica . As the outside is entirely covered by marble, it was nicknamed the Marble Basilica. The inside is also worth a look, with some wonderful paintings on the ceiling.

Once you’re done, take a walk in the city center’s narrow streets . You’ll find there plenty of gift shops, coffee shops and restaurants.

If you’re looking for more shopping options, go the Republic street , the city’s main street. There you can find the 2 shopping malls of the island!

You will probably need a break after all this shopping. The best place for this is for sure the Villa Rundle public park . Just sit and relax, while enjoying one of the few shaded areas in Gozo .

On the North-Western part of Gozo is Dwejra , home of the Azure Window . So yes, I know, it -unfortunately- collapsed in 2017, but that doesn’t mean there is nothing left to see there!

Here is a list of other natural wonders to see in the area :

• The Fungus Rock is located at the entrance of Dwejra bay. The legend says Knights Hospitaller discovered a special kind of fungus on this rock. Believed to have incredible medicinal properties , only nobles could benefit from the fungus. It was said to cure infections, dysentery, ulcers and more. Such a precious plant had to be protected, so access to the rock was restricted and even watched by a guard ! Later on, modern medicine showed that the plant wasn’t in fact that incredible…
• The Inland Sea is a seawater lagoon linked to the sea by a 80 meters long tunnel going under high cliffs. It’s the perfect spot to go swimming with children , as the water is calm and warmer than in other places.
• The Blue Hole is a famous diving site in Gozo. You dive in the hole and then reach the sea through a 7 meters underwater arch . I will tell you more about this place below, in the scuba diving section.

Voyage Tips - Anecdote For the TV junkies out there, Some scenes from Game of Thrones season 1 were shot here.

If you like this TV show, you should definitely book the Game of Thrones filming locations guided tour.

Your guides for the day will be Malcolm and his team: they all have been participating to the filming and will be able to tell you many anecdotes about your favorite show!

You can book it right here:

Not far from Dwejra bay, you can find another must see attraction in Gozo: Ta’Pinu Basilica.

There’s no place like it! This impressive construction is located in the middle of nowhere, lost in an ocean of hills with the sea in background. The esplanade with its mosaic and statutes combined with the landscape around is perfect for a great souvenir photo!

The basilica is also an important pilgrimage site for Maltese people . It all started in 1883, when a woman from the village heard the voice of the Virgin Mary coming from what was then just a chapel. Several miracles followed, so the villagers decided to build a bigger church to honor the Virgin Mary .

Ta’Pinu Basilica was completed in 1931. Both Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI came there to pray. You can also see the original chapel, located just behind the basilica.

Even if simpler than other Maltese churches, the inside of Ta’Pinu Basilica is a pure architectural masterpiece . The marble canopy, mosaics, stained-glass windows and stunning Maltese stone sculptures are definitely worth a look.

You’ll also be able to visit the ex-voto gallery: all the letters, portraits and various objects left by people to honor the Virgin Mary miracles are kept there.

In addition to the visit of this architectural masterpiece, you can enjoy a short walk with a marked path in front of the basilica . It features numerous statutes along the way symbolizing the Stations of the Cross .

Once you have reached the top of a hill, you can enjoy the amazing view over Gozo and its surroundings.

Marsalforn salt pans is my favorite spot in Gozo, I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary.

To reach the salt pans, you’ll have to pass by Marsalforn. During summertime, this is a top beach town destination for both locals and tourists. Let’s be honest, I don’t personally find this city very interesting: there are nicer places in Gozo to swim or stay at!

However, if you keep going West of Marsalforn you’ll reach the 350 years old salt pans . It’s a wonderful promenade area spreading over 3km.

The salt pans are still exploited today by several families, specifically between May and September, when salt is harvested. During high season, you can purchase some from vendors on the side of the road.

Voyage Tips - Advice If you keep walking West along the salt pans, you’ll reach Wied II Gashri , a small cove in between cliffs.

Ramla Bay is the largest and most beautiful sandy beach in Gozo thanks to its red sand . Some people even consider it’s the best beach in Malta! No need to say it’s quite crowded during summer.

It’s very easy to get there, you can park next to the beach on the free parking. In addition, water’s depth is very gradual and it’s guarded, making it the perfect beach if you have children.

The beach also has various amenities: a restaurant, a coffe shop, ice-cream vendors and public bathrooms. You can also rent sunbeds and umbrellas.

However, if you’re looking for less touristy options, I recommend you these 3 beaches in Gozo:

• San Blas Bay : a small bay located close to Nadur village. It’s a lovely spot with ocher sand and big rocks. Water is shallow and very clear . You can only access it on foot. Beware of the way back, it’s quite tough!
• Dahlet Qorrot : also close to Nadur, Dahlet Qorrot is at pebbles beach, very popular among locals.
• Hondoq Ir Rummien : a small beach in front of Comino . You can reach it from Qala village.

Gozo is a great place to hike . There are several paths along the coast, almost all around the island . They’re pretty easy hiking trails, totally suitable for beginners.

Some parts, especially along the cliffs, can be a bit dangerous though, so always be careful. Don’t forget to wear hiking or comfortable shoes as you’ll probably walk through rocky areas.

The best hiking season is from fall to spring , when the hills are green and flowers are blooming. Avoid July and August because it’s too hot, there is no shade and the landscape is pretty dry.

Paths aren’t marked so I recommend getting the 10 detailed hikingtrails books collection . You can download them here for free (PDF format).

You’ll also find the Gozo Coastal Walk PDF: it suggests an itinerary around Gozo via the coastal paths, with all the information you may need to plan your hikes (distance, duration, difficulty level).

To discover the most beautiful secret sights of Gozo, you should opt for a hike with a local guide.

Paul, your guide, will show you his favorite places while telling you more about the local culture. He is super friendly, so you will for sure have an amazing day!

To book it, it’s simple, you just have to click on the button below, you will have the choice between:

• 2h hike in Gozo
• Full day hike in Gozo

Ggantija megalithic temple complex is located in Xaghra , East of Victoria. This Unesco World Heritage site is older than the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge!

“Ggantija” means “giant” in Maltese. Gozitan people were conviced that only giants could have been able to carry and put together such massive rocks. Some of them weigh more than 5 tons and are 5 meters long.

Even today, no one really knows for sure how did the rocks get there , so I’m inclined to believe the giants theory, it’s the coolest one!

The site is made of 2 temples : the South and the North one. Both form a vast 40 meters long and 6 meters high complex. It’s the biggest megalithic complex you’ll find in Malta.

There is also a small museum with additional information about the site and artefacts found there.

You’re going to Gozo?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Lots of people will be visiting Gozo on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Gozo.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Gozo, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Gozo!

Ta’Cenc cliffs are located South of Victoria, in Sannat.

As it’s not very easy to find, let me tell you the best way to get there:

• First, go to Sannat Square
• Then, f ollow the signs to Ta’Cenc Hotel .
• From there, take the road on the left of the entrance to get to the edge of Ta’Cenc Cliffs.

You’ll find on the right a nice walking path along the cliffs, 130 meters above sea level . It’s quite impressive! Definitely one of the best places to visit in Gozo during your holidays.

You should go to Ta’Cenc cliffs around sunset time, it’s amazing.

Thanks to its reefs and caves, Gozo is a renowned island for scuba diving . Diving conditions are optimal all year long, with a generally calm sea, crystal clear and warm water. With many diving options, Gozo is great both for beginners and experienced divers.

The best diving sites in Gozo :

• Blue Hole : go deep underwater via a big vertical chimney and reach the sea by passing under a arch. There is also a large cave. Suitable for all levels.
• Crocodile Rock : is home to a lot of fish species. groupers, tunas and barracudas. Suitable for all levels.
• Fungus Rock : not much sea life there but a beautiful landscape with a cave, gullys and vertical walls. Suitable for all levels.
• Inland Sea : a 80 meters long underwater tunnel.
• Reqqa Point : the top of the reef is home to groupers, scorpion fish and the Shrimps Cave. Suitable for all levels.
• Fessej Rock : ideal for deep-sea diving
• Wreck of the MV Karwela : this ferry was sunk for diving purposes
• San Dimitri Point : good chances of seeing huge shoals of fish there
• Wied Il Gashri , the best place to sea seahorses
• Double Arch Reef : a rock cut into 2 arches, where you can see cuttlefish, octopus and sea urchins.

If you have never dived, you should really do a try dive in Gozo! It’s only 60 euros at the best diving school of the island.

To book it, you just have to click the button below:

And if you’re motivated to learn diving, you can opt for a 4 days PADI Open Water course. You can book it by clicking here .

If you already have some diving experience and want to discover Gozo’s best diving sites, the 2 following options are the perfect choices you: “day – 2 dives” (click here) and “2 days – 4 dives” (click there) .

During your dives, you will discover amazing sites such as the famous “Blue Hole” or Mv Karwela ferry shipwreck with a professional instructor.

From Gozo , you should also go to Comino , malta’s smallest populated island , with only 4 all year long inhabitants.

The main attraction in Comino is the Blue Lagoon . This beautiful turquoise water lagoon is a great place to swim, however it’s really crowded during summertime.

There, you can find a few food trucks for your lunch, along with public bathrooms and one hotel . The hotel is a bit further away from the Blue Lagoon: it’s located next to Santa Maria bay , a quieter sandy beach. A very lovely spot!

The island is so small that everything is reachable on foot . For example, you can go up Saint Mary’s tower and enjoy the view. Quick tip : You can visit the tower only if the flag is raised.

As a lot of tourists are visiting Comino each day, I strongly recommend you to buy your boat tickets in advance.

There are several ways to go to Comino, simply click on the orange links to book the one that suits you the best.

1) Boat trip to the Blue Lagoon: the classic day trip to the Blue Lagoon, they can organize the transportation from most cities of Malta of you after booking for an extra fee.

2) Catamaran boat trip to the Blue Lagoon: same as above, but on a huge Catamaran! A great choice for a nice day at sea. Same as above, transport can be organized after booking.

3) Sailboat trip to the Blue Lagoon and other bays: want to discover more than just the Blue Lagoon? Choose this one! Snacks, wine and lunch + Free transportation from Malta included.

4) Private VIP boat trip to Comino and Gozo (3h30): Simply the best private boat tour to Comino and the Blue Lagoon. Josef, your skipper, will make sure you will have an amazing moment at sea.

During your boat trip, you will stop at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon for a swim (snorkeling equipment included!) and visit the beautiful Comino sea caves.

In addition to the half day boat trip, Josef also offers a full day boat tour (7h).

And you know the best?

It’s actually not much more expensive than the 3h30 boat trip , so if you have time to spend a full day at sea, you should opt for this one!

As Josef is doing only 1 boat trip per day, you should really book your full day private boat trip to Comino in advance by clicking on the button below:

5) Private boat trip to the Blue Lagoon from Valletta: You can also do a private boat trip to Comino Blue Lagoon from Valletta ! It’s a great was to discover the capital and Malta’s coast line from the sea.

6) Private sailboat trip to Comino Blue Lagoon: Same as above, but on a sailboat with skipper! As it’s also a privat tour, you will decide of the day’s program. Enjoy!😎

And if you don’t want to do a boat trip, you can also take the boat shuttle from Marfa or Cirkewwa (in the North of Malta) to Comino.

7) Josef’s private boat trip to the Blue Lagoon can also start from Gozo.

You will have the choice between 2 boat trips (simply click on the links to book them)

• A 3h30 private boat trip to Comino Blue Lagoon and Gozo
• A full day pivate boat trip to Comino Blue Lagoon and Gozo (my reccomandation!)

8) Take the boat from Mgarr harbour.

9) Take the speed boat from Hondoq Ir Rummien (high season only). You will discover the magnificent Hondoq bay and its small beach. From there you can also enjoy amazing nautical activities! Book your ticket now here.

From Hondoq, in addition to the direct Comino transfer, you can also opt for a “Comino shuttle + Santa Maria caves” visit. It’s the perfect way to discover these beautiful sea caves and the coast of Comino! Simply click here to book it .

All the ways to go Comino I have just mentioned are detailed in my other article: How to visit Comino and the Blue Lagoon?

The best water sports in Gozo and Comino

You like water sports? Well, in Gozo, you will for sure find a lot to enjoy!

Let’s start with the list of the best water sports with instructor/guide, and then I tell you everything about all the activities and rentals you can find on the island.

As always, you will just have to click on the orange links or green buttons to book them. It’s very convenient!

Stand Up Paddle

For Stand up Paddle (SUP), the best tours are organized by Mamo and Pier. Same as for the kayak, it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or if you have already tried SUP, you will enjoy it a lot!

• SUP Guided Tour 3h
• SUP Guided Tour 3h at sunset

And if you’re looking for the ultimate paddle experience in Gozo , you should really opt for their “Day and Night Experience”.

You will start with a 3 hours SUP tour at the end of the day , from Hondoq bay. Your guide will take you to a secret beach to do a BBQ, a bonfire and camp for the night!

The next day, you will return to Hondoq bay on your stand up paddle at sunset.

It’s a unique experience you should try at least once in your life!

You will need to click there to book it:

Subwing is the new trending water sport!

Discover how it feels to “fly” underwater with this new activity. Once you will have seen the video below, no doubt you will want to book your tour 😊 (like I did!)

To book it, you just have to click on the link below:

Jet Ski Safari

And why not enjoy a Jetski ride while you’re in Gozo?

You can do 1h Jetski guided tour , in one of the most beautiful place in Malta: the south of Gozo island, near Comino!

Call me at +356 7920 1451 (phone or whatsapp)  and I will book the activity for you!

Snorkeling in Gozo

While you’re in Gozo, you should really go snorkeling!

The best way to enjoy it is to book a snorkeling tour with Sam (the same local guide who also does the hiking and Segway tours). He is really friendly and knows all the secret spots of the island!

To book your snorkeling tour, simply click on the button below:

If it’s not available, you can also choose this snorkeling tour which is just as good by clicking on the following link: Snorkelling trip around Gozo of 2h30.

In addition to the guided tours i mentionned above, you can rent jetskis, kayaks, stand up paddles etc… and enjoy other activities such as tubing, parasailing and more!

And the best is that you will enjoy these activities in Malta’s most beautiful place: south of Gozo island, near Comino!

To make everything simple for you, here is the list of all the water sports you can do in Gozo. Simply click on the activity name to book it.

You want to discover Malta from the sea? Then, the best is to go on a boat trip around the most beautiful parts of the coast!

These are private tours (there will be only your group) and everything is included in the price (the boat skipper too, of course!)

Here are the best boat tours from Gozo.

As always, simply click on the tour name to book it at the best price:

You want to rent a boat to explore Gozo and Comino? You can do that too!

In Malta, the great thing is that you can rent a boat up to 90HP without boat license.

For those who have a boat licence, there are also boats with over 90HP.

To hire a boat in Gozo, you just need to call me at +356 7920 1451 (phone or WhatsApp).

The best land activities to do in Gozo

There are many ways to discover the most beautiful sights of Gozo while having fun.

So here are the best activities to do on the island for a memorable stay!

And as always, it’s easy, just click on the buttons and links to book the activities.

A quad bike tour is the perfect way to discover Gozo while doing a fun activity! It’s also not very expensive compared to other places in Europe.

• Quad bike tour from Malta

You can choose between 2 excursions (morning departure, or early afternoon departure, to enjoy the sunset). In both cases, you can start from Malta or Gozo, as you wish!

During your quad bike guided visit of Gozo, you will discover some of the best places to visit of the island such as Ramla bay, Dwejra (where the famous Azure Window used to stand), the Inland Sea, the Blue Hole or Marsalforn Salt Pans.

There is no previous quad biking experience needed, your instructor/guide will teach you the basics and will adapt to your driving pace.

And you know the best? This day trip also includes the return from Gozo with a private boat! You will pass by the Blue Lagoon and Comino caves.

These guided quad tours are so good, I’ve contacted the provider to offer you a discount code .

Only voyagetips readers are entitled to it, and it’s only available for the first 50 bookings made in 2024.

So don’t wait, and when you book, try entering the coupon code “tips5” for an instant 5% discount! 😎

You need to book your full day quad bike tour (lunch + boat trip from Malta included) by clicking here:

If you prefer to enjoy the sunset in Gozo , you should rather book this version of the tour (click here to book) .

Available from May 15 to October 15 , it’s exactly the same as the tour mentioned above, just you start in the early afternoon and dinner is included!

And if there’s no more availability for the guided tour and quad rental , you can see if the other provider who organizes guided tours of Gozo has any availability (click here)

You will find more info about the quad bike tours in Malta in my detailed article: Quad bikes in Malta/Gozo: the definitive guide.

An all road Segway tour is also a great way to visit Gozo.

It will show you the best natural sights of Gozo such as Marsalforn salt pans, Ta’Cenc cliffs or even super secret places!

You will see, a Segway tour is really the perfect family activity to do in Gozo.

Visiting Gozo with a full day trip (From Malta or Gozo)

If you didn’t rent a car or prefer to visit Gozo with a guide, you can opt for an organized day trip.

The great thing is that they all offer a departure from Malta or Gozo!

Here are the 5 options you have for your guided visit of Gozo:

The Tuktuk guided tour of Gozo follows the exact same itinerary as the quad bike tour I mentioned earlier.

Departing from Malta (or Gozo, of course, if you’re already there), it allows you to discover the best of Gozo in one day !

Everything is included in the price: transport, guide and lunch.

And good news: the discount code “tips5” is also available for the 2 tuktuk excursions below , as they are operated by the same company as the quads!

• Guided tour of Gozo by Tuktuk (an excellent option!)
• Guided tour of Gozo by Tuktuk + sunset – available from May 15 to October 15 only.

Let’s start with the classic day tour: Gozo by bus.

The bus will pick you up in the morning at your hotel in Malta and will then take you to Gozo.

During the day, you will discover the best places to visit of the island, such at the Citadella, Dwejra bay ( where the inland sea and the “blue hole” are located) or even the stunning Ta’Pinu basilica.

I told you a bit before about these quad bike tours, but as they can also be done from Malta, I am putting them again in this section:

If you want to visit Gozo in 1 day while having a lot of fun , you can opt for this quad bike full day trip!

And you know the best? The lunch + a private boat trip back to Malta are also included!

To book it, simply click here:

If quad bike isn’t your thing, you should maybe opt for a Jeep full day tour . Similarly to the quad bike tour, this one also includes the lunch and boat trip to Malta .

It’s extremely popular, so you really need to book it in advance!

This Jeep tour also exists in “private” version: the jeep will be just for your group, not shared with other people! You need to click there to book it:

If you don’t want to rent a car but still want to discover the best of Gozo in 1 day , you can also hire a private driver.

The best tours are organized by Darren, from Gozo Taxi Service. He will be very happy to create you an unforgettable tour!

During your day, you will visit most of the sights I talk about in this article, including Victoria town, the Citadella and Ggantija temples.

Darren offers several tours, depending on what you want to visit. Simply click on the orange links to book them:

• Private tour of Gozo: 1/2 day
• Private guided tour of Gozo: all day
• Private guided tour of Gozo: all day with boat trip!
• Private night tour of Gozo

How to get around Gozo?

Gozo is a very small island (it takes around 30 minutes by car to go from one side to the other), so you will have a few options to get from one point of interest to the other.

Here are the 5 ways to get around Gozo:

A car is for sure the fastest way to go from one place to the other on the island. Moreover, there are no traffic jam in Gozo!

However, you should drive carefully as roads aren’t in very good conditions.

To compare rental cars prices in Gozo and Malta, simply click the button below:

If you don’t want to rent a car, you can opt for a scooter or a motorbike. You should really book it in advance, because there aren’t many available!

The best place to rent a scooter/motorbike is Charlotte’s garage. It’s simply the best scooter rental agency on the island.

And you know the best? She can deliver your scooter or motorbike to your hotel in Gozo or at the harbor, so you can get it directly when arriving in Gozo with the ferry!

If you want, she can also deliver your vehicle at Cirkewwa harbor, in Malta. This would allow you to get a scooter/motorbike from a reliable company for your stay on the main island!

In any case, simply choose where you want your vehicle to be delivered at the time of booking:

In Gozo, the main villages and points of interests can be reached by bus.

However, you will very often need to get back to Victoria (Gozo’s capital) to change bus line, so you will waste a lot of time. In addition, I prefer to warn you: buses aren’t always on time and are often full during high season!

The Hop-on Hop-off tourist bus is a good option if you don’t have much time and don’t want to drive. These buses are stopping at all the best sights of the island.

You can get out of the bus (and back inside!) when you want, so it’s really convenient to visit only the places you’re interested in.

As I told you earlier, you can also visit Gozo with an organized day tour.

Departures are from both Malta and Gozo (your choice!), so it’s very convenient. You can go to the guided visit section of this guide by clicking here.

At least 2 days are needed to get around Gozo. And if you want to really explore the island, you should stay there 3 full days.

Follow my itineraries below to make the most out of your stay!

Here is the best way to visit Gozo in one day:

• Explore Victora and the Citadella
• Lunch break
• Head to the Dwerja to see the Azure Window area, Fungus Rock, Inland Sea et the Blue Hole
• Visit the impressive Ta’Pinu Basilica
• Take a walk on the Stations of the Cross in front of the basilica and enjoy the 360° view over Gozo

For 2 days in Gozo , refer to my 1 day guide above and add for the 2nd day:

• A nice walk along the salt pans in Marsalforn
• Explore Wied Il Gashri cove
• Go for a swim in Ramla Bay , the most beautiful sandy beach in Malta. You can also go to San Blas bay , a smaller but equally enjoyable beach
• Watch the sunset at Ta’Cenc cliffs

If you plan to spend 3 days in Gozo , do the following for your 3rd day on the island:

• Spend the morning in Comino and go to the Blue Lagoon
• In the afternoon, enjoy some relaxing beach time or go for a hike on one of the many hiking trails on the island .
• Guesthouse Bambina : Guesthouse located in Xaghra, 10min walking from the beach. Modern with a zen vibe double room starting from 75€/night. Best features: amazing house with a swimming pool and a great view over Gozo, friendly staff, direct access to the beach, very good value. A great choice in Gozo for its excellent value for money.
• Casa Gemelli Boutique Guesthouse : Charming hotel located in Victoria, the capital of Gozo. Fully renovated double room starting from 90€/night, breakfast included. Decoration is a mix of modern and traditional. Best features: central location, close to all the bus stops, homemade breakfast, friendly and helpful staff.
• The Duke Boutique Hostel : Located in the center of Victoria. Very spacious and comfortable double room starting from 100€/night, breakfast included. Best features: location, great bedding, rooftop terrace view, great breakfast with many options, great staff, some rooms have a hot tub on the balcony.
• Kempiski Hôtel San Lawrenz: Luxury hotel located in San Lawrenz, close to Inland Sea ad Ta’Pinu Basilica. Spacious and modern double room with balcony starting from 130€/night. Breakfast for an additional 25€. Best features: amazing view, huge swimming pools, indoor pool, free parking lot, outstanding breakfast, nice spa. It’s simply the best hotel in Gozo .

And if you prefer to stay in an apartment during trip to Gozo, you should book at The Holiday Hub Gozo.

Located in a typical Maltese building, this modern fully equipped penthouse features 3 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms and can comfortably host up to 6 people.

It’s the perfect accommodation for a trip with your friends or your family!

It also features 2 large terraces (75m²), ideal to enjoy a breakfast outside or an aperitif.

Last but not least: you will also have access to the 150m² rooftop featuring a Jacuzzi (hot tub), plunge pool and BBQ.

A great way to relax after a good day of sightseeing!

Strong points: the calm, the perfect location to visit Gozo, the rooftop and its superb view + the really friendly owners.

Our favorite in Gozo, you should book it really in advance!

To book your stay at The Holiday Hub, simply click the button below:

• Mekren Bakery : located in Nadur, this bakery is famous for its pizzas and ftiras (Maltese pizza). We tried the Maltese sausage and Gozo goat cheese ftira, so yummy! One ftira costs between 5€ and 8€ and can feed up to 4 people. They only do takeway. Don’t look for a real store, you order directly in the bakehouse.
• Country Terrace : located in Mgarr, above the port. The terrace has a great view over Comino and Malta. The best dishes are the fish dishes (very fresh) and the wine is very good. Good portions at affordable prices.
• Oleander : Located in Xaghra, right in front of the church. The restaurants offers tasty local cuisine, made with fresh produce. Dishes are generous and well presented. Excellent value for money.

To get to Gozo, it’s very simple, you have 2 options:

1) Take the ferry from Cirkewwa (north of Malta) to Gozo

From Malta, you need to go to Cirkewwa harbour, at the very North of the island . Gozo ferry departs from there!

You can go there with your rental car and bring it to Gozo in the ferry (it’s allowed). And if you don’t have a car, bus X1 from the airport goes to Cirkewwa.

As the bus isn’t very fast (it takes around 1h30 with a lot of detours and stops), your other option is to take a taxi. In that case, you should contact Darren, from Gozo Taxi Service . It’s simply the best taxi service of the island!

• From the airport to the ferry: 30 to 40 minutes for 30€
• From the airport to your hotel in Gozo: 55€

The driver will be waiting for you at the arrival hall , with your name on a sign. Get in the car, and he will take you to the ferry pier.

To book it, you just have to click here:

Once you get to the ferry pier, just go with the flow. Boarding is very fast and well organized (as is getting off in Gozo). You don’t have to pay anything on the way to Gozo. You’ll only pay for the trip on your way back.

It costs 20€ for 2 people and 1 vehicle . The price for just one person is around 5€.

The ferry leaves every 30min and the trip takes about 20min . Go on the deck to enjoy the view!

Inside the ferry, you’ll find a cafetaria and a shop selling magazines and souvenirs. There’s also free wifi and bathrooms on board.

Once you arrive in Gozo, don’t wait to get to your car as you might get in the way of other cars trying to get out.

2) Take the fast ferry from Vallette to Gozo

The ferry departs from Valletta Grand Harbor and will take you to Gozo in 45 minutes.

This boat only takes passengers and no cars. You will disembark at the same place as the other ferry, at Gozo Mgarr harbor.

For prices and schedules, you can find all the information on the official website.

In this guide, I gave you all my best tips to plan your trip to Malta by yourself.

To make your life even easier, I am now offering you to book your trip to Malta in 1 click on “Autotour by Voyage Tips”!

No need to worry about organization: Hotels, car rental and activities , everything will be booked by our team of travel professionals who will create a personalized roadbook for you!

To book your tour to Malta and Gozo now, it’s very simple:

• Select the duration of your trip by clicking here or on the button below
• Select the hotel category of your choice on the tour page (budget, premium or luxury)
• Choose your other options and book your trip in 1 click!

You will see, organizing your trip has never been so easy 😎

I loved Gozo island because of its rural and authentic vibe . It’s also very peaceful and locals are friendly, a real no-stress zone.

Nature is pretty untouched and really stunning . My personal favorites are the salt pans in Marsalforn and Dwerja bay, where Fungus Rock and Azure Window (RIP) are located.

It’s also a great destination if, like me, you enjoy hiking along the sea.

To help you get a better idea of where are the best places to visit in Gozo, I have made a tourist map of Gozo . You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button, the one with a little arrow on it.

And you, what do you plan to visit in Gozo?

Malta travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Malta guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Malta guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all my articles about Malta : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Malta are listed there.

The 20 Best Things to Do in Malta : The ultimate bucket list!

• Itinerary: 2-3 Days in Malta – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions!
• Itinerary: 4-5 Days in Malta – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions!
• Itinerary: 1 Week in Malta – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions!
• Itinerary: 10 Days in Malta – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions!
• Valletta: The 10 best things to do

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

Related Stories

10 days in Malta: the ultimate itinerary

A week in Malta: Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary + My Best Tips

4-5 days in Malta: the ultimate itinerary

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Your Website (optional)

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Middle East
• North America
• Cheap car rentals: my best advice
• Back to Homepage

• Short Breaks
• Gozo & Comino
• Swimming Spots
• Activities & Sports
• For the Family
• Sustainable Holidays
• Studying in Malta
• What’s On
• Book your trip
• Accessibility
• Transportation
• Who Can Help
• Live Malta Cams
• Essential Information
• Maps & Guides
• Tourist Info Centres

Gozo is known to provide a tranquil haven for a tempo and scene change. The charm of Malta’s sister Island is immediately apparent; it’s greener, more rural and smaller , with life’s rhythms dictated by the seasons, fishing and agriculture.

Steeped in myth ,  Gozo  is thought to be the legendary Calypso’s isle of Homer’s Odyssey – a peaceful, mystical backwater. Baroque churches and old stone farmhouses dot the countryside.  Gozo ‘s rugged landscape and spectacular coastline await exploration with some of the Mediterranean’s best dive sites.

The island also comes complete with historical sites, forts and amazing panoramas , as well as one of the archipelago’s best-preserved prehistoric temples, Ġgantija.

Gozo  also possesses a nightlife and cultural calendar all of its own, with some great dining out.

Home » Gozo Island » Gozo ferry

How to catch the Gozo Ferry to get to Malta’s sister island

Getting to Gozo is easy by using the Malta to Gozo ferry (also referred to as the Ċirkewwa ferry) or one of the Gozo fast ferry services.

The main one departs from Ċirkewwa (at the Northernmost part of Malta) and sails to and from Gozo (in around 20 minutes) up to 74 times every day of the week. The fast ferry services offer dozens of daily crossings taking roughly 45 minutes from Valletta.

In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about how to catch the Gozo ferry, what the options are, cost, timing, tips, and more!

The main Gozo ferry is run by the Gozo Channel Line, which operates four ships and operates a daily ferry service that carries both passengers and vehicles between the two main islands.

You’ll be able to find a ferry at almost every hour of the day, from early morning till late at night all year round. They run trips as frequently as every 30 minutes during peak times.

The ferry sails between Ċirkewwa (all the way up north in Malta) and Mġarr (a small harbour on the southeast coast of Gozo Island ), and a crossing takes just around 20-25 minutes (one way). You can board the ferry as a passenger on foot, but you can also take a (rental) car on board. (And there are no extra car rental fees for driving in Gozo.)

Embarkation and disembarkation are simple and smooth, and in fair weather, the short trip to Gozo is a pretty pleasant one. You can find a seat indoors and relax or enjoy the fresh air on the sides of the main deck or the top deck. Ensure to keep your camera handy during the crossing – the scenery is breathtaking, including views of Comino .

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!

Use coupon code MALTA5 and get 5% off!

How to get to the ferry terminal at Ċirkewwa

To be able to catch the Gozo ferry, first, you need to get to the Ferry Terminal in Ċirkewwa.

These are the most commonly used transport options:

Getting to Ċirkewwa by bus

The Malta Public transport is an efficient way to get to Ċirkewwa. It’s very economical but not very fast. The following bus routes can take you to the Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal from various towns and villages across Malta: 41, 42, 101, 221, 222, X1 and X1A. If you take a bus from Valletta, it will take you around an hour to get there.

From Malta International Airport , you can also catch the X1 bus directly to Ċirkewwa. The trip takes approximately 1 hour and 15 min. A one-way bus ticket costs just €2.

More detailed info here: How to get from Malta Airport to Gozo .

Take a taxi to Ċirkewwa

You can find taxis just outside the Airport terminal or from Valletta. A trip to Ċirkewwa with a standard taxi costs around €45 / £39 / $49 and will take you around 45 mins.

Welcome Pickups is my recommended provider of taxi airport transfers, and both make it easy and comfortable to get to the Ferry Terminal.

Rent your own car in Malta

Renting a car in Malta is a good option when you want to uncover all the secrets the island has to offer. You might, for example, want to visit hidden, more secluded beaches like the ones I mention in my article on the Best Beaches in Gozo .

Gozo Ferry tickets and prices

The way the ticketing works confuses some people, but it’s very straightforward: When you board the ship in Ċirkewwa, you do not need to collect/pay for a ticket. The fare for the trip is paid on your return.

If you’re a foot passenger, you’ll need to purchase tickets at the passenger terminal in Mġarr Harbour, while vehicular traffic has to pass through ticket booths to pay the fare and join the ferry queue for embarkation.

Here’s an overview of ticket prices:

Looking for tours and excursions in Malta and Gozo?

Get my recommendations on the best day trips, boat trips, excursions and activities and book in advance!

Embarkation at the Ċirkewwa ferry terminal

The embarkation process is different depending on whether you are a foot passenger or coming with your vehicle.

Embarkation for foot passengers

Once you enter the Ċirkewwa ferry terminal, you arrive at a hall with an information desk, a waiting room, toilets and a cafeteria in the back. This cafe is an ideal place to sit and wait for the ferry while sipping a coffee and enjoying great views.

As mentioned before, you don’t need to buy a ticket there, nor show your documents. Just wait for the signal from the staff to start boarding, then climb the stairs or take the escalator and walk a corridor to the ferry gate.

Embarkation with a car

If you are driving a car, you don’t have to enter the Ċirkewwa ferry terminal, nor buy any ticket. Tickets are to be bought on the way back to Malta (see previous section). As you make your way toward the terminal, you will find lines on the floor where vehicles waiting to board queue.

Try to arrive in advance to the Malta to Gozo ferry to secure a spot onboard, as the waiting lines get very busy on weekends and public holidays.

A steward will show you where you should stop and wait. Boarding is by lines.

Once you enter the ferry, turn off the engine and climb the stairs to the main deck (you can’t stay in your vehicle for safety reasons, plus it would be a shame not to enjoy the great views during the crossing).

Check out my two guidebooks full of local knowledge and my best recommendations for your trip, and up-to-date for 2024 !

Malta & Gozo guide book Valletta : An Insider’s Guide to Malta’s Capital

Take the hassle out of planning your trip to Malta and be an informed traveller!

Gozo Fast Ferry services

If you don’t need to take a car to Gozo, you can also take one of the Gozo fast ferry services from Valletta. That can save you some time if you’re staying in or East of Valletta, and even in St. Julian’s or Sliema, since you can cross over to Valletta with the Valletta ferry easily. You will have to cross over to the other side of Valletta, though (with a 15-minute walk).

Two operators run this service with the same fares and with similar vessels: Virtu Ferries Gozo and Gozo Fast Ferry. They have merged into one service called Gozo Highspeed. The schedule runs at nearly hourly intervals both ways. The earliest trip is at 5.45 am, the last from Gozo at 9.45 pm or 10.45 pm (Sat-Sun only). The schedule can change according to the season. Crossings take a little under 45 minutes.

The vessels in use by these operators are of a high standard, with comfortable seats and a small cafeteria on board.

The dock used by both operators is located on the East side of Valletta, across the road from Ta Liesse church and right next to the Three Cities ferry dock. Taxis are usually stationed nearby to offer arriving passengers a ride.

Pros and cons of Gozo fast ferry services

Are you considering taking the Gozo fast ferry but are still not sure if it’s the best option for you? Here are the pros and cons of the service to help you decide.

• Saves you time if you are staying in Valletta or around.
• Avoids the hassle of getting to Ċirkewwa by bus or taxi (especially if you don’t drive).
• You can carry one luggage piece per person (must not exceed H 50cms x W 40cms x L 80cms (170 linear cms)) plus an additional piece of personal hand luggage and bring your pet.
• You can’t board a car or a motorbike, but only a bicycle or e-bike.
• Passengers must remain seated (except to go to the toilets or the cafeteria) and don’t have access to an upper deck. On the contrary, one of the best things with Gozo Channel is to spend the crossing on the upper deck, get some fresh air (great if you tend to feel nauseous) and enjoy beautiful views of Comino and the coasts of Malta and Gozo.
• The crossing for foot passengers is more expensive than Gozo Channel if you compare prices.

Arriving in Gozo

Once you arrive in Gozo (at Mġarr Harbour) you will need some form of transport to make the most of your stay. Gozo is a tiny island, just 67 km² (26 sq miles), and probably the best way to discover its most secret places is if you drive yourself.

Nevertheless, have a look at the options listed below to find the one(s) best suited to your needs.

Gozo by Bus

Malta Public Transport operates 16 bus routes on the second Maltese island. Once you make the crossing, you can take a bus from Mġarr Harbour to other villages in Gozo.

However, all routes depart and terminate at Victoria (Gozo) . So if, for example, you want to reach Marsalforn from Mġarr Harbour, you’ll have to take one bus to Victoria and hop on another to get to Marsalforn. As you can see, it’s not the most efficient service, but it gets you from A to B, and it’s cheap.

When using the bus service on the island of Gozo, you can travel using the same bus cards and tickets used in Malta. The 301 between Victoria (Rabat) and the ferry terminal operates every 30 minutes on average.

Gozo by Car

Hiring a car in Gozo gives you by far the most flexibility to get around on the island. Driving in Gozo is very easy, with hardly any traffic (apart from the main road leading to Victoria from the South at times). Parking is also much less of a headache than it can be in Malta.

Gozo by Taxi

Taxis are an option, but they are much more expensive than driving yourself around. You can easily grab a taxi at the ferry terminal on arrival. Bolt also operates on-demand taxi rides via a mobile app as well.

See the best sights on a day trip by Tuk-tuk or Quad Bike

Get a taste of Gozo by visiting some of the best sightseeing highlights, from landmarks to natural beauty, churches, and other historic buildings, with a fun mode of transport that can take you to places regular tour buses can’t: a Malta-styled Tuk Tuk or a Quad Bike.

A renowned local touring company with great reviews operates both tours, which are all-inclusive (with transfers from Malta and a traditional local lunch). Find out more and book in advance here:

• Gozo by Tuk Tuk – guided. A great choice for families and groups of up to 6 people. It even includes a short boat trip to Comino and the Blue Lagoon (weather permitting). More info here: Tuk Tuk tour Gozo .
• Yippee – by Quad Bike – Tour Gozo in convoy behind a lead vehicle. Agile vehicles for a fun experience. Seats 2 people. More info here: Gozo quad bike tour .

TIP: Use coupon code malta5 and get 5% off!

Hop-on-hop-off buses

Hop-on-hop-off buses are also very convenient if travelling to Gozo island without a car and if you want to explore Gozo and see the main attractions in a short time. The buses stop at all the major attractions. Headphones are provided to listen to descriptions of the sights in 8 different languages. The harbour stop is right outside the passenger terminal.

You can buy the Gozo pass from iSeeMalta in advance online, which offers a combo with the hop-on-hop-off ferry. That service can take you to Comino and its Blue Lagoon, Buġibba and Sliema, making sightseeing convenient.

Bicycle rental in Mġarr Harbour

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a bicycle to tour the island. Just beware that its hilly terrain makes for a real challenge (especially during the hot summer months)! Try Mġarr Tourist Services (4, Mġarr Harbour, Mġarr Terminal, Mġarr GSM 9031. Phone: 9982 9141). The cost is €15 per bike for the day (or €30-40 for an electric bicycle).

Another option is On 2 Wheels (15 Triq Il-Wied, Iż-Żebbuġ. Phone: 7926 6879), but you would first need to get to the village of Żebbuġ (in the North of Gozo). You can get a bike at the same price as the first option: €15 per day (or €30 for an electric bike).

Tips for taking the ferry to Gozo

General tips.

• During the winter months, occasionally, ferry trips may be cancelled due to rough seas . If you’re heading to Gozo in January and February, keep an eye on the Gozo weather forecast before you set off.

Tips for the main Gozo Channel ferry

• You don’t need a ticket to board the ferry in Malta ; you pay the fee for the return trip when you depart from Gozo Island.
• If you’re driving a car or motorbike to Gozo when you get to Ċirkewwa, follow the signs to queue for the ferry .
• Whatever vehicle you drive, Gozo Channel stewards will signal you when the time comes to board the next ferry .
• If you’re crossing on foot, you need to enter the passenger terminal, and when the ferry starts the embarkation, you can follow the signs towards the ship.
• Public holidays and weekends are always very busy with long queues. Sunday evenings are always the worst, with many Maltese making the crossing back.
• There’s a cafeteria on board each of the vessels serving light snacks and coffee. There’s also a bookshop on board.
• If you’re crossing over to or from Gozo by car, you’ll need to exit your vehicle during the crossing for your own safety.

Tips for the Gozo fast ferry services

• Since the vessels run by both operators are smaller, they tend to be affected by rough seas more easily. Expect a bumpy ride when the seas are a little rough. Tip: Find a seat at the back of the ferry if you get nauseous easily.
• It’s cheaper to buy your tickets online in advance.
• Note that ferries leave right on time, so I advise you to check in 15-20 minutes prior to the departure time (plus being among the first passengers to board will allow you to choose your seat).

How long does the ferry crossing take?

The Gozo Channel ferry crossing takes around 25 minutes one way , from Ċirkewwa in Malta to Mġarr in Gozo, and vice versa. The fast ferry services take less than 45 minutes from Valletta to Mġarr.

When seas are rough, trips may take longer, and sometimes trips can even be cancelled due to bad weather.

How much is the ferry to Gozo?

For the main Gozo ferry, basic foot passenger tickets cost €4.65 for a return trip , while a car and driver ticket costs €15.70 (with passengers travelling with you being charged the regular passenger fee).

Standard tickets for the Gozo fast ferry services cost around €9.50-15 per person (return ticket).

Do the Gozo ferries operate all year round?

Yes, all Gozo ferry services operate all year round. The only exceptions are times when seas are too rough to make the crossing. That happens only rarely, though.

The three operators have winter and summer schedules with slightly different timings and frequently run from early morning till late at night.

Can I take a car rented in Malta up to Gozo?

Yes. If you have hired a car in Malta, you can cross over to Gozo with it using the ferry (without additional rental fees).

Compared to the main island, driving on Gozo Island is easier and much more relaxed. There’s hardly any traffic, except perhaps in and around Victoria (also referred to as Rabat) in the centre of the island at times.

What are the options to get to Gozo from the airport?

The options to get to Gozo from the airport are:

• If you land during the day , take a taxi transfer ( recommended provider ) to Valletta’s Lascaris wharf (20-25-minute drive) to get onto one of the Gozo fast ferries
• For arrivals at any time of day , book a taxi transfer from the airport you take the main Malta to Gozo ferry at Ċirkewwa (a 45-50-minute drive).
• If you intend to rent a car from the airport , you’ll need to drive to Ċirkewwa (pretty straightforward) to get onto the main Ċirkewwa ferry. You can board with your rental car, and driving it around in Gozo Island comes at no extra charge.

Do non-Maltese Seniors benefit from the reduced ticket prices?

Unfortunately, not for the main Gozo ferry. The Senior fares are only applicable to Maltese residents. However, non-Maltese Seniors benefit from reduced ticket prices for the Gozo fast ferries .

Is there a ferry from Sliema to Gozo?

Yes, but it’s not a direct ferry. You’ll have to take the iSeeMalta hop-on-hop-off ferry .

Can you get a ferry to Gozo from Valletta?

Yes, you can get a ferry to Gozo from Valletta using one of the Gozo fast ferry services. These mostly operate during the day from 6.45 am until 7.30 am or 8.30 pm on weekends. Their schedules tend to change regularly, though, and these smaller vessels are vulnerable to bad weather (with trips being cancelled a few days in advance). They’re also not a great option for people who get seasick easily as it can be quite a rough ride.

Alternatively, you can take the iSeeMalta Hop-on-hop-off ferry from Sliema to Gozo.

Do you have any questions that I haven’t answered?

Leave a comment with your question at the bottom of this page!

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.

Get the best travel tips from Malta Uncovered delivered to you in bite-sized chunks by email. (Unsubscribe at any time!)

Was this article helpful? Share it with your friends!

Hi, are we able to bring luggage on the main gozo channel ferry

Hi Sofia, yes you can. There’s also a baggage handling service for foot passengers, but I don’t think it’s used by many and it’s pretty easy to roll around a suitcase on board. There’s plenty of space usually.

Will my 7-day travel card work on the Gozo ferry?

Hi David, unfortunately, no, the 7-day travel card won’t give you free access to either of the Gozo ferries, since it’s issued by Malta Public Transport, which is a separate company from the ferry operators.

Is it difficult to get a car space on the ferry in the morning leaving Gozo? We don’t want to miss our lunchtime plane.

Hi Emily, although people will be crossing over for work in the morning, you should be fine. If you want to play it safe my tips are: 1) Try to aim arriving at the ferry queue at the time of the previous ferry’s departure, so that you’re further in front of the queue for the next one. So if the one you need to take departs at 7, be there at 6.45 latest 2) Take a trip earlier than the one that’ll get you to the airport exactly on time. So if your flight is at noon and you want to be at at the airport by 10, you’ll need to be able to have crossed over to Malta by 9 am. That means you’ll need the 8.30 am ferry and I would aim to catch the 8.15 am ferry to add a bit of buffer time.

I hope that helps!

Hello Edward Can we take our motor home on the ferry from Malta to Gozo? Thank you

Hi Martha, yes you can, on the main ferry run by Gozo Channel that sails between Ċirkewwa and Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. Those ferries also transport trailer trucks and other large vehicles. I don’t see a specific fare on their website though worth contacting Gozo Channel directly if you’d like to know the cost beforehand.

We are planning a short trip to Gozo (28-Sep-2023 to 01-Oct-2023) departing from Valetta, however I cannot find any information for return ferries on a Sunday. Can you advise please?

Hi Liam, you can find the full schedule here: https://gozohighspeed.com/pages/fares-and-schedule . As it stands (the schedule changes regularly), the same times apply any day of the week but on Sundays there’s an extra trip both ways late in the evening.

Hi. Is it free to travel with the ferry for people +60?

Hi Ewa, it’s free for people 60+ years of age but not for tourists. You need what’s called the “Karta Anzjan” (elderly benefits card) to be able to benefit. For that you’d need to be a local resident with a Maltese ID card I believe.

Hi thanks for great info – question: while I don’t need to pay for tickets for trip to Gozo do I need to make a reservation for my vehicle in advance? We will be traveling to Gozo in mid November

Hi Rachel, you’re welcome – No, there’s no need to make a reservation in advance, you just pay for your ticket at the booths and queue up to board. What you do need to keep in mind is timing. Just because you aim to take a ferry at a particular time doesn’t mean you’ll actually be able to get on it if it’s busier than usual. Certain times you can expect to be busier, for example, a late afternoon or evening on Sundays in summer when people who live in Malta head back home from a weekend in Gozo. If you go to the website of Gozo Channel, you can see the number of queued vehicles in real-time, as well as webcams. The two most commonly used vessels (M.V. Malita and M.V. Ta Pinu) can carry up to 138 cars. Just keep in mind sometimes larger vehicles board as well and they’ll obviously take up more space. If timing is important I’m happy to help suggest a time – just let me know the date and by what time you’d want to get to Malta.

hi, how do I book a ferry from Malta to Goza if I have a car?

Hi Hetal, there’s no need to book. 🙂 Just queue up in the lanes of cars when you get to Ċirkewwa and roll onto the ferry. You pay the fee on your return from Gozo, where you’ll drive down to Mġarr Harbour and pass through ticket booths before you can queue up to board the ferry back to Malta.

Very helpful website! Thanks so much.

Can you book the Gozo ferry please?

Hi Donald, for the main ferry (that departs from Ċirkewwa) you can’t, no, but unless you’re looking to cross to Gozo with a car there isn’t a need since they’re large vessels (and it’s a short trip). With the fast ferry services from Valletta you _can_ buy tickets online in advance.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Yes, I would like to receive emails from you with Malta travel tips.

Get the most out of your visit to Malta with Malta Uncovered guidebooks – full of local knowledge and up-to-date for 2024 !

© 2006-2024 Malta Uncovered. All Rights Reserved.

Gozo Tuk Tuk Chauffered Tour

Take a fun-filled tour of Gozo on our colourful Tuk Tuks and get a taste of Comino by boat, with its Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and sea caves.

Book a hassle-free, all-inclusive Gozo and Comino day trip with the #1 tour operator on the island - We take care of your entire day out!

NEW: Pay just €25 deposit per person to secure your booking!

Select tour date and travellers

Total €0, exploring gozo by tuk tuk.

Gozo has so much to offer despite its small size. From the beauty of its nature and charming seascapes to landmarks, local village culture and centuries-old history that’s visible everywhere you look.

On our Tuk Tuk tours, our Gozo experts take you to parts of Gozo that no other tour does. From hidden landmarks, raw natural beauty and historically significant places, you’ll see Gozo’s many faces on a fun day out. Your (multilingual) driver will share their knowledge about the places you’ll visit along the way.

Whether you’re travelling as a couple, as a family with kids or in groups, our Tuk Tuk tours are the most popular and well-reviewed choice in Gozo.

So what will your Gozo Tuk Tuk tour with Yippee look like exactly? Here’s all you need to know!

Tour details

• Tour duration: 6+ Hours (excluding transport)
• Tour starting point: Mgarr Harbour, Gozo
• Tour start time: 10.30 am. (Prefer a later start time? Have a look at our Sunset Tuk Tuk Tour - available 15th May - 15th Oct )

What’s included?

• Pick up from and return to Malta or Gozo . We pick you up with Yippee transport and get you back safely to the same spot at the end of the day.
• Boat crossing to Gozo on our Yippee boat (weather permitting*) or communal ferry (tickets provided).
• Visit Comino (Caves, Crystal Lagoon swim stop and Blue Lagoon pass-by) (weather permitting*)
• Light traditional Gozitan lunch (including a glass of local wine)
• Tours led by multilingual Gozo experts

* Your safety is our priority. On the rare occasion that weather conditions are unfavourable (usually in winter), we may need to adjust our tour, offer you an alternative date or a full refund.

Transport pick-up times

Pick-up times and locations depend on your accommodation address. We will provide you with these details during the booking process.

Your day in Gozo - Itinerary

Here’s an outline of what you can expect on this all-inclusive day tour.

• Pick up from Malta (+ transport to Cirkewwa (ferry port) and cross over to Gozo) and pick up from Gozo
• Welcome to Gozo! You’ll meet your Gozo expert for the day at Mgarr Harbour before setting off.
• Tour around Gozo: You’ll be stopping at various landmarks and hidden gems and enjoying a light traditional Gozitan lunch on the way. At each stop, our Gozo experts will share their knowledge with you in your chosen language. We’ll take you to see The Church of St. John The Baptist (Xewkija), Sanap Cliffs (Munxar), Xlendi Beach, Cliffs and Belvedere, Knights’ Wash houses (Fontana), The Citadel (Victoria), Ta’ Pinu Basilica and Shrine (Gharb), Xwejni Salt Pans, Qbajjar. Your tour will conclude at Marsalforn Bay, after which you’ll return to Mgarr Harbour.
• On your return voyage to Malta, we will pass by Blue Lagoon and Comino's beautiful caves and, in summer, you'll enjoy a swim stop at the Crystal Lagoon.
• Return to Cirkewwa and drop off with Yippee transport in Malta.
• For guests staying in Gozo: Return to Mgarr Harbour and drop off at the original pick-up point with Yippee transport.

Places of Interest on this tour

Island of gozo, church of st. john the baptist - xewkija.

Tas-Sanap Cliffs in Gozo: Stunning Natural Beauty

Gozo, the second largest island on the Maltese archipelago, is famous for its stunning cliffed coastline and landscapes. The Sanap Cliffs in Gozo stand out as a must-see for all tourists planning a trip to Malta.

Xlendi Belvedere, Cliff and Caves

Wash house, Fontana

Gozo Citadel or Cittadella

The Citadel in Victoria is one of Gozo’s most easily recognised landmarks and had a hugely important role in the island's history. You’ll visit this small fortified city perched on one of Gozo’s tall hills and walk along its narrow alleys and points of interest, enjoy panoramic views of Gozo, step inside the beautiful Cathedral and more.

Ta' Pinu Gozo: A National Shrine of Miracles - Gharb

Another famous landmark you can admire in Gozo is the Ta’ Pinu Basilica and Shrine on the outskirts of Gharb. This Basilica is the pride of the local population and hosted a mass led by Pope John Paul II in 1990. Although the Basilica is beautiful and worthy of a visit, its shrine is just as intriguing. You will find many ex-votos (offerings made to the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu) that bear witness to many stories of faith and healing from the local population.

Gozo Salt Pans: Natural Beauty at Xwejni

Discover the centuries-old salt pans, a testament to time's enduring allure on the picturesque Island of Gozo. As you stand amidst these enchanting landscapes, envision terraced fields stretching to the horizon, adorned with a mesmerising mosaic of glistening white salt crystals.

Qbajjar and Marsalforn Bay

Island Of Comino

Blue lagoon (pass-by).

With its crystal clear, azure-coloured waters, the Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most beautiful bays. It’s located on the northwestern coast of Comino island.

Please note: On this tour, we will pass by the Blue Lagoon but won’t stop there. If you’d like a swim stop at the Blue Lagoon included in your tour, please opt for the Tuk-Tuk Sunset Tour or Quad Bike Sunset Tour (Quad Bikes). Both tours are available between 15th May and 15th Oct (both days included) and offer a swim stop at a quieter time of the day!

Crystal Lagoon

Comino Caves

• About Yippee

Yippee (part of Cominology Ltd) is the #1 Gozo tour operator, with a unique fleet of brightly-coloured Tuk Tuks, eJeeps, and high-powered Quad Bikes.

Address: Yippee, 17 Triq ix-xatt, Ghajnsielem, GSM 9033, Gozo - Malta

Contact: +356 2156 0512

Email: [email protected]

More Information

• Terms and Conditions
• Affiliate Registration
• Powered By CodevLabs Software

• [email protected]
• +356 9974 2008

Gozo Boat Trips: Exploring the Hidden Gems

Top 10 Must-Try Boat Trips in Gozo

Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal, Malta

Boat Adventure Exploring the Coast

Snorkeling Adventure Exploring the Sea Caves of Malta

Sunset Boat Cruise Experience

Bloom – 420 Friendly Sunset Boat Cruise – Cannabis Event in Malta

Sliema, Malta

Crystal Lounge – Summer Vibes Boat Party Malta

Chasing Sunsets – Summer Dance Boat Party Event

San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta

Gozo and Comino Islands, Mgarr, Crystal and Blue Lagoon

Gozo and Blue Lagoon Full-Day Tour B

Three Islands: Swimming and sightseeing boat tour

Mgarr Harbour, Gozo

Full-Day Three Island Cruise: Malta, Gozo, and Comino

Choosing the right type of boat for your trip in gozo.

When to take a Boat Trip in Gozo

How much does it cost to take a boat trip in gozo.

How to find the right Boat Trip in Gozo?

Private boat trips in gozo.

Top Destinations to Visit

The island of comino.

Blue Lagoon

Crystal lagoon.

Santa Marija Bay

Santa marija caves.

The Elephant Rock

The island of gozo.

Dahlet Qorrot Bay

Wied il-Ghasri

Mgarr ix-Xini

San Blas Bay

The island of Malta

Coral lagoon.

Paradise Bay

Blue grotto.

Mellieha Bay

St. thomas bay.

Ghajn Tuffieha Bay

Comment (0)

Lastest News

Learn More About Tours

• 18 Apr 2024

Amigo Boat Trips & Charters

• Boat Rental
• 13 Apr 2024

Rent a boat in Malta – Catamaran & Sailing Yacht Rentals & Hire

• Boat Charter
• 12 Apr 2024

Malta Catamaran Charters – Sailing Yacht Rentals & Hire

or continue with

Select a User Type

Reset Password

Enter the e-mail address associated with the account. We'll e-mail a link to reset your password.

A Sheridan Leisure Website. MTA Operators License No. TRA/S/01.

• CONTACT US |

3 Day Malta & Gozo Experience Small Group Tour

• Guaranteed to depart with 2 people
• Maximum 12 passengers per tour
• Accompanied by Professional Licensed Guide
• Including Valletta, 3 Cities, Blue Grotto, Temples, Rabat, Mdina, Gozo and more..
• Entrance fees and Daily Tasting Included
• FLEXI Cancellation Check our T&C's before you pay.">

Additional Information

Book this experience.

Tour starts at :

As this tour is due to depart within the next 3 days we need to recheck tour availability.

Add your email address, phone number and location. We will notify you as soon as possible.

Due to the limited availability of this service, we need to reconfirm with the operator if they still have availability.

Add your email address, phone number and pick up location (if applicable). We will notify you as soon as possible.

Booking Terms & Conditions

Barbarossa Excursions Gozo, Malta & Comino

Boat Charter, Fishing Trips, Romantic Sunset Cruises, Boat Trips, Jeep Safari, Blue Lagoon Boat Trips

Jeep Safari

The tour will take you to the most beautiful spots and places of interest on the island of Gozo.

• Sunset Cruise

Treat your loved one to a romantic sunset trip with dinner on board

Places of Interest

Be ready to see beautiful lampscapes and interesting spots on your journey

Excursions & Cruises

Barbarossa excursions : official website live trips updates & discounted prices mgarr harbour, mgarr, ghajnsielem, gozo, book direct & save, welcome to barbarossa excursions website where we would like to introduce you to the various holiday services that we offer. we specialise in all kinds of land or sea excursions around the maltese islands malta, gozo & comino including cruises and jeep safaris. we also offer exclusive yacht charter as well as smaller boats to suite any group size. our long years of experience in the tourism services will be your guarantee,  and the recommendations that we have received world wide by the most prestigious papers and magazines, can confirm our high standard in which we excel., last year we were awarded the trophy for “best excursions operator of the year as well as “best boat charter company of the year 2019”, we form part of a group of companies that have been in the tourism trade since 1969, as we were the pioneers in the tourism sector on our little island of gozo. our companies’ motto of safety and personal customer care have been the secret to our 43 years of continuous success., your satisfaction is our concern, and we can guarantee without any doubt that you will arrive as a customer and leave as a friend.

Comfortable Transfers

Brilliant Routes

Optimal Timing

Unique Experience

Smart Divers

WHY GO WITH BARBAROSSA EXCURSIONS

You will find here the best Jeep Safari in Gozo. Come and enjoy a trip through the beautiful countryside and cities of this awesome island.

Sailing Trip

Discover the beauty of the Mediterranean sea with a crew who would take care about all your needed beyond your expectations.

You will have here your most beautiful snorkeling time in your life. The purity of the water and the abundance of sea flora and fauna will let you speechless.

Fishing Trips

You like fishing in the most wonderful spot so you are at the right place. You will pass a wonderful day and would catch a large range of fish.

FROM PREVIOUS EXPEDITIONS

Take a look at photos & videos from previous journeys. Read testimonials from our new & regular clients.

Google Translate

Thank you for being part of the journey.

© 2024 Barbarossa Excursions.

• Full Day Three Islands
• Full Day Jeep Safari
• Romantic Sunset Trip
• Private Fishing Trip
• Private Boat Charters
• Private Jeep Safari
• Photo Gallery
• Testimonials
• PICK UP LOCATIONS
• UPDATE MY BOOKING

• Malta Tourism
• Malta Hotels
• Malta Bed and Breakfast
• Malta Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Malta
• Malta Restaurants
• Things to Do in Malta
• Malta Travel Forum
• Malta Photos
• All Malta Hotels
• Malta Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in Malta
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Hotels - Malta Forum

• Europe    
• Malta    
• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Europe forums
• Malta forum

Thanks in advance

4 replies to this topic

Graham thank you for this

When are you travelling?

Hi, August all being well

• One free day-- Gozo or ?? 4:07 am
• Romantic Birthday Long Weekend - Help Please :) 5:31 pm
• Airport transfer to Gozo yesterday
• Quad Bike Hire yesterday
• Jelly Fish yesterday
• Cruise dock at Valletta for 8 hours (2-10pm) - what to do yesterday
• Gozo trip Apr 29, 2024
• Water Taxi Tour of Valletta Harbor? Apr 29, 2024
• Which War Museum??? Apr 29, 2024
• Festivals Apr 29, 2024
• St Paul’s to Valletta Apr 29, 2024
• ferries Apr 28, 2024
• Doubletree by Hilton Apr 28, 2024
• Hotels Apr 27, 2024
• Island Residence Club at Radisson reviews 4 replies
• Prices of food and drinks in Malta 9 replies
• Public Buses from Luqa airport to Sliema 21 replies
• Half Board 4 replies
• When is it warm enough to go swimming in the sea? 8 replies
• November weather 4 replies
• The Ambassador, Malta 13 replies
• Cost of eating drinking etc etc 16 replies
• Beer and restaurant prices 39 replies
• Malta Airport to St Julians by public transport 5 replies

Malta Hotels and Places to Stay

• Where should I stay while in Malta ?
• What are the must sees in Valletta ?
• Travelling around Malta using Public Transport
• Can you give me some info regarding car hire and Rules of the Road ?
• FAQ - How can I get from Malta Airport to my hotel
• How to visit Comino without the crowds
• How do I take a day trip to Gozo ?
• Where can I hire a wheelchair in Malta ?
• Where can I find a few basic words and phrases in Maltese ?
• What is there to do in Malta on Christmas Day ?
• How easy is it to visit Sicily from Malta ?

• Login with Twitter
• Login with Independent

• Levels of happiness of Gozo dwellers compared with Sámi’s…

Levels of happiness of Gozo dwellers compared with Sámi’s score

The history of Gozo goes back to 5,000BC, when a group from Sicily managed to cross on a small boat, colonizing the island of Gozo for the first time (Neolithic 5000-4100BC).

These early dwellers probably lived in caves on the outskirts of San Lawrenz village on Għajn Abdul Plateau close to Il-Mixta, located in the northwest. Gozo is famed for its places of interest, some of these include the Calypso's Cave (from Homer's Odyssey , where the island is called Ogygia) and the Ġgantija Neolithic temples, which are among the oldest surviving man-made structures.

The old name of Gozo was Gaulos, which in Phoenician meant a tub. Xewkija, which is situated between Għajnsielem and the capital city, Victoria, is considered the oldest village in Gozo. The name is derived from the Maltese word xewk , meaning thistles or thorns.

With a population of around 30,000 people, Gozo offers a quieter, more laid-back lifestyle compared to its busier neighbour. Its strong family-oriented culture, with a focus on community and traditional values, parallels other southern European and Mediterranean societies.

The solemnity of its Roman Catholic religious festivals and the celebration style of regular processions and community feasting are common characteristics. In Gozo, sheep and goat farm numbers rose to 633, an impressive figure given its small size and population. Gozo hosts 392 sheep farms and 241 goat farms.

The optimum beauty of Gozo is in spring and is best enjoyed and appreciated in the countryside. It is the season when the countryside is a tapestry of vibrant colours and textures. The field patterns, reminiscent of a carefully quilted patchwork, speak of the island's agricultural heritage. The bright yellow wildflowers in the foreground add a cheerful burst of colour, contrasting beautiful characteristics with the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea.

This scene captures the tranquil beauty of Gozo, a landscape both cultivated and wild, where the sea meets the rich tapestry of fields and flowers. It's a refreshing and revitalising sight, full of life and natural beauty, though butterflies are becoming rare given the rapid development which encroaches on green areas. One is advised to proceed to Dwejra to experience a quite serene sunset.

With the sun hanging low, a bold circle of warm light sinks on the horizon, casting an amber glow across the sky, over the calm sea and the landscape; amid the boats and rock formations, the smooth water and the gentle gradient of colours in the sky - these create a beautiful contrast.

The silhouette of a fisherman standing at the water's edge adds a peaceful sense of solitude. The beauty of nature surrounds you, enveloping you in its embrace and filling your soul with a sense of wonder and awe.

This is in grave danger of being lost among the ever-growing mass of visitors, with their noise and heavy traffic. It is a pity that development has cost natives undue stress.

For example, take the picturesque St George's piazza, a focal point of religious and communal life in Gozo. Here, amid the narrow streets and historic facades, the Golden Basilica stands as a testament to the island's rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted faith, but eateries are gradually encroaching the area by erecting colourful umbrellas, never-ending dining tables and chairs.

The recent heavy influx of investment in hospitality and real estate has provided economic growth, yet this development also adds total pressures on local infrastructure and can lead to gentrification. Isolation for the island is a drawback. Notice how there is a dire need for a permanent link between Gozo and Malta. Substantial investment in replacement of old vessels is long overdue.

The volume of commuters, including vehicles crossing over to Gozo, is increasing yearly at a rate of 13%. Last year, more than a million vehicles crossed over to Gozo, obviously another million crossed to Ċirkewwa. But so far there is no central budget for new vessels. To add insult to injury, in 2019, authorities chartered a wet leased 35-year-old Greek ferry, the MV Nikolaos . Even more, the vessel can now only carry half the commissioned passengers because of safety concerns. MV Nikolaos cost €8,000 daily during the off-peak season and a higher rate of €13,000 daily during peak seasons.

This adds up to €22m of taxpayers' money, so far towards this lease. The concept of a permanent link between the two islands has been shelved. Chartering or building four modern vessels would mean less stress for people to travel between the two islands (especially for those who have no other choice due to work, health or schooling), and would also mean fewer queues during the peak season.

An explosion in property development, for a tiny island, ought to be sustainable but sadly the Planning Authority has issued multiple permits for flats with pools, guest houses and hotels. Gozo is on the brink of losing the charm that makes it unique. Now, let us draw a comparison between the environment of Gozo and another renowned community in northern Sweden, namely the Sami. The Sámi population is rated as a happy bunch. It is estimated to be around 20,000 to 40,000, but not all individuals identify actively with Sámi culture or speak one of the main languages. Sámi communities can range from small villages in northern regions to individuals and families living in urban areas. The Swedish government works hard to balance mining and forestry activities shielding the rights of the Sámi to work in their traditional lands.

Many Sámi still engage in activities such as reindeer herding, which is often conducted across vast areas of land, making the concept of community more about kinship and economic activity than a fixed geographic size. The unique cultural heritage and lifestyle of the Sámi, combined with the picturesque landscapes of the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions where they live, make them proud to enjoy a high quota of family happiness and wellbeing.

Readers may ask, can tangible efforts be made to restore the charm of Gozo and provide a higher level of wellbeing. Hope springs eternal for a rapid transformation, which will pacify Gozo ancestors who over 5,000 years ago built an impressive free-standing temple of Ggantija. A truly massive construction where the Gozo community prayed and worshipped their gods during the Neolithic Age.

gmm @pkfmalta.com

George M. Mangion is a senior partner at PKF Malta

• don't miss

Strong momentum drives a 48% increase…

BOV Apprenticeship Programme offers…

Malta-owned Premier Capital served 85…

Malta’s commitment to a diverse startup…

EY ENGAGE 2024 – Architect your digital…

CareMalta Group appoints Matthew…

Secure investment with APS Kapital Plus…

Growth in Polish Apple business behind…