malta gozo day trip

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:

A Traveller’s Guide to Malta Food & Wine

9 Best Areas to Stay in Malta For Tourists

A Guide to Marsaxlokk and St Peter’s Pool, Malta

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

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One Day in Gozo Itinerary: The Best Things to Do on Gozo, Malta (2023)

Looking for the best one day in Gozo itinerary? You’re in the right place!

Whether you planning on going there and back from mainland Malta on a day trip, or plan on stopping over for a night to see the island at a more relaxed place, you’ll find no shortage of things to do on Gozo.

You’ll be able to discover the must-see attractions as well as some hidden treasures in a day in Gozo. From ancient wonders to natural beauty, here are the top things to see in Gozo, ensuring an unforgettable experience in this Mediterranean paradise. 

Get ready to dive into history, soak up the sun, and explore the wonders of Gozo, all in one incredible day. Let me show you the wonders of Gozo and make your day trip truly extraordinary, let’s go!

This post may contain affiliate links. To find out what this means and more information visit my disclosure page .

One Day in Gozo Itinerary Breakdown

Regular ferry from ċirkewwa (takes car and passenger), getting around gozo, when is the last ferry from gozo to malta, save it for later, one day in gozo itinerary.

Looking to make the most of your day trip to Gozo? Look no further! 

This detail is based on my recent trip to Malta . I spend a couple of weeks exploring the island and its archipelagos. I’ve based this guide on what I think are truly the best things to see in Gozo, Malta.

This picturesque island has a decent mix of ancient historical sites to stunning natural wonders as well as a gorgeous fortified city. I’ve curated a list of must-visit attractions that will ensure you have an unforgettable day trip to Gozo. 

Best Things to Do on Gozo, Malta

• The Citadel of Victoria

The Inland Sea

• Ggantija Archaeological Park 
• Calypso’s Cave and Tal-Mixta Cave 
• Salt Pans of Xwejni

Although there is an abundance of things to do in Gozo, Malta, with only a day here, you’re only going to scratch the surface. This one day Gozo itinerary covers some of the highlights on the island without feeling too rushed.

Here’s how your itinerary for Gozo will pan out:

• Morning: Start in Victoria, the island’s capital and explore the ancient Citadel before visiting the Inland Sea and either swim, snorkel or take a boat ride around the pretty bay.
• Afternoon:   Cross the island to visit the UNESCO-listed Ggantija ruins and then towards Ramla Bay, climb the hill to discover Calypso’s Cave and Tal-Mixta Cave
• Evening: Head up to the Salt Pans of Xwejni for a stunning sunset view before heading back to Victoria for dinner.

How to Get To Gozo

When it comes to how to visit Gozo from Malta, you have a couple of options:

The regular ferry departs from Ċirkewwa terminal in northern Malta and arrives at Mġarr terminal in Gozo. This ferry allows both vehicles and passengers on board, providing a convenient option if you want to bring your car to Gozo. 

The ferry ride usually takes around 25 minutes, but the duration may vary depending on weather conditions. The regular ferry service operates throughout the day, with frequent departures. However, it is recommended to check the schedule in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Gozo fast ferry from Valletta (passenger only)

The fast ferry departs from Valletta , the capital city of Malta, and arrives at Mġarr terminal in Gozo. This ferry is designed for passengers only and does not accommodate vehicles. 

The fast ferry offers a quicker journey if you’re staying near the capital compared to having to catch a bus or drive to the regular ferry port. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes. It is advisable to check the schedule in advance and arrive at the terminal on time. It’s advisable to buy your ticket in advance.

Book Here: Regular Ferry From North Malta to Gozo

Book Here: Gozo Fast Ferry From Valletta

To get around, and explore the things to see on Gozo, you have several options:

• Public Bus:  While available, public buses on Gozo may not be the most efficient choice as they can take longer to reach different destinations. I don’t recommend this as it takes too long. If you’re adamant to try this, then check on the Gozo public transport website to find connection times.
• Gozo Hop-on Hop-off bus : This convenient option allows you to explore Gozo at your own pace. The Gozo hop-on hop-off bus follows a set route, stopping at major attractions, giving you the flexibility to hop off and explore before hopping back on.
• Jeep tour of Gozo: Joining a guided full day Jeep tour of Gozo is a fantastic way to discover the island’s hidden gems and rugged landscapes. You’ll get to enjoy an off-road adventure and let the local guides show you the best spots.
• Full-day ATV: For an exhilarating and adventurous experience, consider an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) tour. Zip around the island, visiting key landmarks while enjoying the thrill of driving a quad bike on Gozo .
• Drive your own car : If you prefer more independence and flexibility, you can bring your own car (or rental car) to Gozo using the ferry. This allows you to explore the island at your own pace and convenience. If you’re visiting Gozo from Malta by car, you’ll need to use the ferry terminal at Ċirkewwa.

Organised Gozo Day Trip Options

If you’re not sure where to go in Gozo, or if you’re looking for a convenient and hassle-free way to explore Gozo, an organised day trip is the perfect choice. 

With an all-in-one package that includes transportation, a driver, and a guide, you can sit back, relax, and make the most of your trip. Discover the best places to visit in Gozo without the stress of planning, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience. 

If you’re wondering what to see in Gozo, here are my top suggestions for the best day trips to Gozo:

Gozo 1 Day Itinerary

This one-day itinerary is packed with the top things to do in Gozo. From ancient temples to picturesque villages, get ready to explore the best of Gozo’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. 

Let’s dive in!

Start your day on Gozo in the island’s capital; Victoria. Spend a couple of hours wandering the ancient walled city of the Citadel. After some time at the Citadel, head towards the west coast of the island to visit the Inland Sea where you can opt to swim, snorkel or take a boat ride around the pretty bay stopping for lunch at one of the restaurants here.

Citadel of Victoria

Standing proudly in the heart of Victoria, Gozo is the Citadel — a historic fortress that is a must see in Gozo and has watched over the island for centuries. 

Within the Citadel, you’ll find a maze of narrow streets, charming squares, and impressive architectural structures. The highlight is undoubtedly the Cittadella, a fortified complex that includes the impressive Cathedral of Gozo, dedicated to Santa Marija, or more precisely the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which showcases stunning Baroque architecture and beautiful interior decorations. 

As you wander through the Citadel , take in the panoramic views from the bastions, offering sweeping vistas of the island’s countryside and neighbouring villages. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Museum of Archaeology, which houses a remarkable collection of artefacts dating back to Gozo’s prehistoric times.

For a unique perspective, consider exploring the Citadel’s underground tunnels, which were once used as shelters during times of conflict. These tunnels provide a fascinating glimpse into Gozo’s wartime history.

Very close by are several fascinating small museums which include

• The Cathedral Museum
• The Folklore Museum
• The Gozo Nature Museum
• The Old Prison
• The Old Gunpowder Magazine
• The Grain Silos
• The Battery

Tickets to the Citadel can be purchased on-site, and the opening times vary depending on the season. Generally, it is open to visitors from morning until late afternoon. It’s advisable to check the current opening hours before your visit.

Located near the village of Dwejra, the Inland Sea is a natural wonder that offers some of the best diving in Gozo. I didn’t get time to go diving on this trip – also, I was there in April which for me, is way too cold!

The Inland Sea It is a shallow lagoon connected to the open sea through a narrow cave tunnel. The calm and crystal-clear waters make it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkelling. 

Surrounding the Inland Sea, you’ll find a small beach where you can relax and soak up the sun. You can walk down to the beach, and you’ll be able to see where the famous Azure Window once stood – it collapsed in 2017 after storms.

The picturesque setting, coupled with the stunning cliffs and azure waters, makes the Inland Sea a must-visit destination for nature lovers and beachgoers in Gozo. If you want to do a short coastal walk, then you can also head to neighbouring Dwejra Bay from here.

Leave the coast and cross the island. Next up is a visit to one of Gozo’s most famous landmarks, the UNESCO-listed Ggantija ruins. Explore the mighty Neolithic ruins before heading towards Ramla Bay. Here you can either choose to relax on the beach or climb the hill to discover Calypso’s Cave and Tal-Mixta Cave.

Ggantija Ruins

If you’re wondering what to do in Gozo, then this is it!

The UNESCO World Heritage site of the Ggantija Ruins , located in the village of Xagħra, is a testament to Gozo’s ancient past and is a Gozo must-see place. These remarkable ruins are among the oldest freestanding structures in the world, dating back over 5,000 years.

The Ggantija temples complex consists of two sections, Ggantija South and Ggantija North, which are believed to have been dedicated to a fertility cult. The massive stone walls and impressive megaliths used in their construction reflect the advanced architectural skills of their time.

Exploring the site, you can wander through the temple chambers and courtyards, gaining insight into the religious practices and daily life of the Neolithic people. 

As you exit the ruins, make sure to admire the nearby Ta’Kola windmill . This charming traditional windmill stands tall against the picturesque Gozitan landscape, adding to the cultural and historical charm of the area. 

This windmill was built in 1710 by Grand Master Perellos’ Foundation and is the oldest standing one in Gozo to this day.  It houses a small museum.

Ramla Bay, located on the northern coast of Gozo, is renowned for its stunning beauty and unique features. With its golden-red sandy beach and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it stands out as one of the most picturesque bays in Gozo.

Visiting Ramla Bay is one of the top things to do in Gozo as it offers a perfect spot for relaxation and sunbathing. With its wide stretch of sand, you can spread out and enjoy the sun, build sandcastles, or take leisurely walks along the shore. 

The calm and shallow waters make this one of the best beaches in Gozo island. It’s ideal for swimming and snorkelling, allowing you to discover the vibrant marine life beneath the surface.

Adjacent to Ramla Bay, you’ll find two intriguing caves that add to the allure of the area. The first is known as Calypso’s Cave, an ancient cave steeped in mythology and believed to be the legendary home of the nymph Calypso in Homer’s Odyssey. While the inside of the cave is not accessible, the viewing platforms here offer an interesting story and stunning views of its surroundings.

The second cave, Tal Mixta Cave is the lesser-known natural formation, tucked away on the eastern end of Ramla Bay. It features an opening that allows the sea breeze to pass through, creating a unique photogenic window out to the bay below. 

In the late afternoon, head to the northeast coast of Gozo and to the coastal town of Xwejni. Here you’ll find the ancient Salt Pans which are still in use today. Take a walk around the Salt Pans of Xwejni at sunset, where they glow orange. After working up an appetite, head back to Victoria for a traditional Maltese dinner.

The Salt Pans of Gozo is a testament to the island’s traditional salt-making industry and one of the fascinating places of interest in Gozo.

Located near the village of Marsalforn , these shallow rock-cut pools have been used for centuries to harvest salt from the sea. The unique geometric patterns created by the pans, filled with seawater that evaporates to leave behind pure salt crystals, make for a captivating sight – it’s incredibly photogenic during sunset, as the salt glows bright yellow!

Exploring the Xwejni Salt Pans offers a glimpse into Gozo’s cultural heritage and gives you the oppotunity to learn about the traditional salt production methods that have been passed down through generations. 

It’s a must-visit destination for if you’re planning where to go in Gozo to immerse yourslef in Gozo’s history and natural beauty.

Things to Do on Gozo, Malta – FAQs

This article has given you loads of great places to see in Gozo in a day. It’s a full-packed itinerary! Below are answers to questions as well as Gozo tips to help you make the best out of your visit,

Is Gozo In Malta?

Yes, Gozo is one of the islands that make up the Maltese archipelago. It is located in the Mediterranean Sea, northwest of the main island of Malta. Gozo is known for its distinct charm, natural beauty, and rich historical and cultural heritage.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Gozo?

The best time to visit Gozo is during the spring and autumn seasons (April to June and September to October). The weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. This allows for comfortable exploration of Gozo’s places of interest while enjoying the island’s natural beauty and attractions.

Should I Do an Organised Trip to Gozo From Malta?

Yes, opting for an organised trip to Gozo from Malta can be a convenient way to explore the island’s top attractions and ensure you make the most of your time and get to experience the best things to do in Gozo Island. These are especially useful if you’re not sure what to do in Gozo.

While organised trips offer convenience, exploring Gozo spontaneously allows you to follow your own pace, discover hidden gems, and tailor your experience based on your interests.

Should I Stay More Than A Day In Gozo?

If you have time, I do recommend staying more than a day in Gozo. This will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the island’s charm. With 2 days in Gozo, you can indulge in outdoor activities, and uncover the hidden gems of Gozo or simply have a relaxing day at the beach. 

This allows for a more chilled experience, ensuring you make the most of the things to do in Gozo. If you’re planning a Gozo 2 day itinerary, then certainly add at least half a day to visit the Blue Lagoon on Comino Island or stay on Gozo and head to Xlendi Bay.

How Easy Is It Getting to Gozo?

Getting to Gozo is relatively easy. Regular ferry services operate from Ċirkewwa in northern Malta to Mġarr in Gozo, accommodating both passengers and cars. Additionally, there are fast ferry options from Valletta to Gozo for passengers only. The journey takes approximately 20-25 minutes, making it convenient for travellers.

During the summer months, the last ferry from Gozo to Malta typically departs at 8:45 pm from Sunday to Thursday. However, on Fridays and Saturdays, there is an additional late-night ferry that departs at 10:45 pm. 

It’s always a good idea to check the current ferry schedule to confirm the exact departure times for the day of your travel.

Are You Ready to Spend a Day in Gozo?

Spending a day in Gozo promises an incredible adventure filled with captivating sights, cultural wonders, and natural beauty. 

From exploring the ancient Citadel of Victoria to relaxing on the golden sands of Ramla Bay, there are countless things to do on this enchanting island. Whether you choose to visit historical landmarks, indulge in outdoor activities, or simply immerse yourself in the laid-back Gozitan lifestyle, there are countless things to do on Gozo.

I adored my time on the island, and will certainly be returning to explore more hidden gems and of course, to try out some of the famous dive sites it’s renowned for. 

Looking for more Malta and Gozo travel guides or travel tips to help plan your trip?…

• The Best 7 Days in Malta Itinerary
• 18 Reasons Why Malta Is Worth Visiting

If you found this one day in Gozo itinerary useful, save this post for future reference. Know someone else who will find this helpful, then why not share it with them?

Have a question about planning your Gozo one day trip? then head to the C ontact page and drop me a message.

Hey, I'm Becki......and I'm a self-confessed travel addict and experience connoisseur!

In other words, I’m a bucket-list traveller, on a mission to experience the best things our fabulous little planet has to offer with the least environmental impact.

When I'm not climbing mountains, scuba diving, spotting wildlife or exploring ruins, you'll probably find me sipping coffee, or with a glass of wine in hand planning my next adventure.

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Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Gozo from Malta

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For the full Maltese experience, you can’t miss a day trip to Gozo. This 26-square-mile island is second to Malta in size, but gives the main island some tough competition in terms of beauty.

Despite being the more remote “sister” island to Malta, there are plenty of wonderful things to do in Gozo , particularly with a rental car in tow.

Plus, Gozo is easily reachable by ferry from Malta, so there’s really no excuse not to visit! Here’s what you need to know to plan an unforgettable Gozo day trip for a uniquely remote Mediterranean experience.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Read the  full disclosure here .

In a rush pin this post for later.

FAQ for a Day Trip to Gozo Island

Can you do gozo as a day trip.

You most certainly can visit Gozo on a day trip and that’s exactly what this guide will help you do! While you may be put off by visiting separate islands and only want to stick to one, this is actually a huge missed opportunity.

Plus, you can reach the island in less than an hour from Valletta , so it’s actually very feasible to incorporate one day in Gozo into your Malta itinerary.

How Do I Spend My Day at Gozo?

Gozo has so much to offer, particularly for lovers of nature and hidden gems. Between distinct landscapes, stunning beach coves, and unique towns, you may even want more than a day to see it all.

How Long Is the Ferry Ride from Malta to Gozo?

The ride from Valletta, Malta to Mgarr, Gozo is an easy 45 minutes aboard the Gozo Fast Ferry, making it a very popular day trip option. After all, it’s not every day that you can access a unique island that’s totally distinct from Malta in under an hour!

Alternatively, you can also hop on from the port of Cirkewwa in northern Malta, which takes just 25-30 minutes.

Practical Information for Taking a Day Trip to Gozo

Getting from malta to gozo by ferry.

If you’re wondering how to get to Gozo from Malta, you may be surprised to find that it’s actually very straightforward. Traveling by ferry is not just one way of getting to Gozo – it’s the only way !

While driving to this island is obviously out of the question, so is flying, as remote Gozo lacks the infrastructure (and demand) to support an airport.

It’s important to be aware of the different ferry options before you travel to make sure you’re in the right place at the right time. I also highly recommend booking your ferry tickets in advance, particularly during peak summer season.

First things first: What’s the best ferry to take to Gozo?

The answer to this will all depend on where you’re based in Malta – and whether or not you’re traveling with a car or as a foot passenger.

If you’re planning to base yourself in or around Malta’s capital – and I highly recommend checking out these wonderful Valletta hotels with pools if you do – you can travel on the Gozo Fast Ferry via the Valletta terminal. You’ll find this ferry terminal located at Xatt Lascaris, Il-Belt Valetta in Malta.

You can check out the Gozo Fast Ferry schedule to and from Valletta here and purchase ferry tickets here .

However, it’s important to keep in mind that the Gozo Fast Ferry from Valletta is exclusively reserved for foot passengers only , so you won’t be able to bring a vehicle on board.

Otherwise, if you’re planning to travel with a vehicle, you’ll want to hop on the alternative ferry option in the port of Cirkewwa. This ride is shorter, getting to you Gozo between just 25 and 30 minutes. You can check out the Gozo Channel ferry schedule here and the current car fares here .

Regardless of which option you choose, either ferry will take you to Mgarr Harbor in Gozo.

Getting from Malta to Gozo by Organized Tour

If you’d prefer to leave the coordination to someone else and simply enjoy the journey, consider joining an organized tour/day trip to Gozo. These tours leave from Malta and sometimes include a visit to the smaller neighboring island of Comino in addition to Gozo.

Getting Around Gozo by Rental Car

If you’re not part of an organized tour, the next thing you’ll want to consider for your day trip to Gozo will be how to get around.

Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room: Do you need a car in Gozo?

Admittedly, I spent a lot of time researching this before our trip. While technically you do not need a car, I highly recommend renting one.

I was initially under the impression – considering Gozo’s small size – that much of the island could be explored on foot. After a bit of research, I discovered that my assumption was far from reality!

Although Gozo is small and has much to offer, its major points of interest are spaced pretty far apart. In other words, it would take an unreasonable amount of time (say two hours or so) to get between places on foot – not to mention the difficulty of navigating some challenging terrain!

The bottom line: You’ll need to rely on some form of transportation while you’re here.

Personally, I think a car is the best option, as you’ll have full freedom to come and go as you please. The only (potential) downside of having a car may be having to navigate some rugged terrain (depending on where you visit).

It’s also important to know that driving is on the left-hand side of the road like the rest of Malta.

If you do decide to rent a car while in Gozo, there are several places near Mgarr Harbor where you can pick up your rental. We went with Budget rental cars via Expedia . You can expect to pay around $45 for a single-day rental, including taxes and fees.

Getting Around Gozo by Public Bus

If driving isn’t your speed and you’d prefer public transportation, an alternative option is traveling by bus. There’s a total of 15 bus routes running throughout the island and buses run each hour. (There’s also a bus route between Mgarr ferry terminal and Rabat that operates every 30 minutes.)

You can plan your journey and check out bus schedules here .

Just keep in mind that while bus travel is the cheapest of all options, it’s also the most time-consuming. This is definitely something to consider for your day trip to Gozo, as you’ll obviously be somewhat limited on time.

That said, if you’re only planning to hit a few of the major sites while on the island, it may actually be the best option for you overall.

Getting Around Gozo with the Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus

If you like the idea of traveling by bus but you’d prefer to focus on the major sites without a lot of additional stopovers in between, you may prefer to jump aboard the hop-on/hop-off bus. This option follows a set route around the island which takes around three hours in total.

If you’re only interested in a handful of the bus stops, you may wish to hop off before the full route is complete and grab a taxi for any additional stops.

Getting Around Gozo by Taxi

Unsurprisingly, a taxi is the costliest of all the transportation options, but it’s also convenient and efficient. It’s also a great alternative if you don’t want to wait around for a bus and you prefer traveling without a crowd.

Gozo Taxi Service is considered the leading cab service on the island, offering everything from island tours to airport transfer services.

Top Things to Do in Gozo

Gozo is swimming with points of interest (sometimes quite literally)!

While I’ve already covered the best things to do in Gozo in detail, here’s a quick rundown to get you started:

• Explore Victoria (Rabat)
• Climb the Victoria Citadel
• Visit the Blue Hole (formerly the Azure Window)
• Check out Fungus Rock (Dwerja Bay)
• Marvel at the Wied il-Mielaħ Window (a great stand-in for the Azure Window)
• Look down upon the Inland Sea
• Check out the Xwejni Bay Salt Pans
• Stroll along Mgarr Harbor (the ferry stop)
• Visit the town of L-Għarb
• Relax along Marsalforn Bay
• Swim at Wied il Għasri Beach
• Discover the Tal-Mixta Cave
• Explore the historic Ggantija Temples
• Wade in Xlendi Bay

Insider Tips for Visiting Gozo

Here are some helpful pointers to best prepare you for your day trip to Gozo:

• Book an early morning departure and a late return trip – If you’re doing a day trip to Gozo, you’ll want to maximize your time as much as possible. Ferries to the island run on a specific timetable, so I suggest booking an early morning departure and an evening time slot for the return trip for the fullest possible experience. Again, I highly recommend booking in advance so that you’ll have access to the full range of time options.
• Bring more than just a bathing suit – While Gozo is known for its remote beaches, there’s much more to the island than that! In addition to swimwear, you’ll also want to bring appropriate attire that covers your knees and shoulders. This is particularly key when visiting the island’s many churches.
• Book your car rental in advance – If you’re planning to rent a car, reserve your rental before you arrive. Since the rental facilities operate on different schedules and there are a limited amount of vehicles available, you want to make sure there’s a car ready and waiting for you when you arrive.

Best Places to Stay in Gozo

If you ultimately decide you’d like to dedicate more than just a day trip to Gozo, you’ll find plenty of unique accommodations on the island. These wonderful properties range from cozy farmhouses to luxury hotels.

Regardless of how long you’re able to dedicate to Gozo, you’re bound to have an unforgettable experience. Have I convinced you to plan a day trip to Gozo or perhaps even extend your stay? Let me know your initial impressions of this unique island in the comments below!

Ready to explore more of the Maltese archipelago? Check out my other island guides:

• 15 Awesome Things to Do in Gozo, the Gem of the Maltese Archipelago
• 12 Fabulous Valletta Hotels with Pools for a Relaxing Stay
• 15 Fun Things to Do in Valletta (Including Free Activities & Day Trip Ideas)
• Plan the Perfect Day Trip from Valletta to Mdina, Malta
• 33 Fun Facts About Malta You Probably Didn’t Know

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Thorough Practical Experiential Travel

A Day Trip to Gozo – Exploring Malta’s Sister Island

Gozo is one of the three islands that make up the European island nation of Malta. Gozo – sometimes called Malta’s sister island – is smaller and more rural than the bigger main island, but it’s still filled with interesting sites.  Spending time on Gozo is an essential part of any Malta travel itinerary.  While Gozo does offer plenty of lodging options, many Gozo visitors experience this island while on a day trip.  Taking a day trip to Gozo is quite easy. Let me show you what our day trip to Gozo was like.

Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. If you buy something after clicking one of these links, I may earn a small commission.  This does not cost you anything extra and helps support this blog .

My Day Trip to Gozo Vision

When I plan a day trip, I inevitably develop a vision for the day’s events. Of course, as with most travel adventures, day trips don’t always go as planned.  And our day trip to Gozo was no different.  My vision –  rent some scooters and enjoy the island air blowing against our faces, while gliding along the quiet roads, while leisurely visiting most of the islands major sites. 

Reality? Well….keep reading.

Getting to Gozo

Our day trip to Gozo originated in Malta’s capital city Valletta.  From here, the Gozo Fast Ferry takes passengers on a 45 minute trip up along the eastern coast of Malta, then across the Gozo Channel to the southern end of Gozo.  It only costs 15 Euro for the round trip, and the interior is quite comfortable.  

(The alternative is the Gozo Channel Ferry that operates between Malta’s north shore and Gozo’s south shore.  This is the best option if you have a rental car, but if staying in the Valletta area, the Fast Ferry is much more convenient)

The only disadvantage of the Fast Ferry is the schedule.  The service doesn’t even leave on an hourly basis.  Our only options were a 7, 8, or 10am departure. 7 and 8 were just a little too early for our vacationing bodies.  This meant our day trip to Gozo didn’t actually start on actual Gozo soil until around 10:45.

Then, we had to choose between a 4:15pm, 5:15pm, or 7:15pm departure time when booking our return.   We opted for the 5:15 pm return, giving us only 6.5 hours on the island.  Is 6.5 hours enough time for a day trip to Gozo?  Well…keep reading. 

Mrs. TT’s Scooter Bucket List

Mrs. TT has a dream of driving scooters in Europe.  As I researched how we would travel around Gozo, I discovered that scooter rental is an option.  I’m always happy to make her happy, and she was ecstatic to finally have the chance.  A few days before our day trip to Gozo,  I made scooter rental reservations via text with Mgarr Tourist Services (located just a few steps from the Gozo ferry terminal) and we were set.

Unfortunately, driving scooters in Europe is still on Mrs TT’s bucket list….  

When we arrived at Mgarr Tourist Services, Paul took one look at us, and talked us out of scooter rental.  Our general lack of scooter experience was probably also a consideration for him, too.  We told him that we’ve both driven scooters in the distant past and asked for a quick lesson, but he strongly suggested that we take the RZR 4×4 instead.  And even though it cost a little more (100 Euro), I didn’t feel he was upselling us.  I think he was genuinely concerned for our safety.  

And in retrospect, after actually driving around Gozo, we had no regrets.  Traffic was busier than I anticipated, road speeds were higher than I anticipated, and we had directional challenges at times – something that always reduces focus.  I can see where our limited scooter experience wouldn’t have been enough.

I’ve driven a RZR before.  (In fact, you can click here to read about our RZR adventure near Kanab Utah ).  So, only a quick refresher was needed and off we went. 

The Map and The Plan

Before we left, Paul showed us the most important sites on the island on a tourist map, along with a suggested route for the day. 

Now of course, being The Thorough Tripper, I had already researched these and had a general sense of our goals for the day.  The Ggantija Temples topped my list and I also absolutely wanted to see the cliffs along the island’s southwestern coastline.  His suggested route looked quite ambitious to me, and I wondered aloud if we could pull it off in our 6 remaining hours.  He assured me that we could. 

We’ve always gotta eat though.  And we were hungry by then.  So we headed straight for lunch, about 15 minutes away in Xaghra, near the Ggantija Temples.  While I would have loved to try one of the many great restaurants on Gozo, European lunches aren’t always the quickest.  We generally don’t mind that slower European meal pace – except on a tight day trip schedule.  

We chose what we hoped would be a fast meal at Cafe Reale, located next to Xaghra’s church.   And we guessed right – it was quick and good too.  We were back on the road within 45 minutes.

Ggantija Temples

Why did the Ggantija Temples top my Gozo wish list?  Because this UNESCO World Heritage site is the second oldest free-standing manmade structure on earth, dating to 3600 BC – over 5000 years old!! (A temple complex in Turkey is the oldest.)  I would say that Ggantija is not only a Gozo must-see, but one of the most important sites in all of Malta. 

The islands of Malta are home to several different monolithic temple sites and Ggantija is the oldest. The term monolithic refers to the giant slabs of hand-strewn rock used to construct these ancient religious structures.  The builders didn’t have written language.  Consequently little is known about their culture or the exact purpose of these temples, but it’s fairly clear from the archeologic record that animal sacrifice and other religious ceremonies took place inside.

The temple site is situated on the side of a hill, overlooking the surrounding countryside. And it’s awe-inspiring to walk through.  After all, it’s The Second Oldest Structure on Earth!

Ta’ Kola Windmill

The Ta’ Kola Windmill sits only a block north of the Temples. Several centuries ago, lots of windmills dotted the island.  This is one of the few remaining.  It dates to the late 1700s and now serves as a museum. We didn’t take the time to go inside. Its outside is photogenic though.

Calypso’s Cave

Calypso’s Cave was next up on the tourist map route. I had read about Calypso’s Cave while preparing for our visit.  And I had decided that it wasn’t worth visiting,  I’d read that the cave itself could not be accessed. So, despite its history (see below), the site didn’t seem interesting to me.

Instead, I determined that we would quickly move on to the next sites on the map – the seaside village of Marsalforn, the Xwenji Salt Pans , and the Basilica of Ta’ Pinu . 

However,  we found that the road to Marsalforn was blocked, and Google Maps continually redirected us on a route with sign after sign pointing towards…Calypso’s Cave. 

So I gave in to what I figured was fate’s message and we continued on to see the Cave.  

Calypso’s Cave has been known for thousands of years, and is reputed to be the cave in which Homer’s Ulysses was kept captive by the sea nymph Calypso for 7 years in The Odyssey. 

Now, it seems pretty much forgotten – surprisingly so for one of Gozo’s “top sites”.  The small  parking area was empty and any direct access to the Cave itself was blocked off.  We were able to stand above it, where we did have a great view down to one of Gozo’s most popular beaches – Ramla Beach

Our visit to the disappointing cave was significantly shorter than Ulysses’.

We next tried to find another route to Marsalforn and the northern sites of Gozo, but to no avail.  What seemed to be the only through-road from our location was blocked.  

By this time, we only had 2.5 hours left on our day trip to Gozo, and so I decided to forget about going to the northern half of Gozo, focusing instead on my other goal for the day – the island’s southwestern cliffs.

Xlendi & The Cliffs

The southwest Gozo coastline is defined by tall limestone cliffs.  My original vision for our day trip to Gozo included hiking out to an area called the Ta Cenc Cliffs.  However as our time was ticking down, I concluded that in the interest of time, we would stop at the seaside town of Xlendi instead.   I had previously read that a portion of the cliffs could be seen here.  Plus I knew that Xlendi itself was picturesque.

So we crossed the island, passing through the capital city of Victoria (my hoped-for last stop of the day if time allowed), and parked next to Xlendi Bay.

Here we found cliffs and a beautiful inlet. We took a short hike around the inlet and out to the coastline, where we found a great collection of salt pans.

 Plus, further views out along the area’s spectacular limestone cliffs.

The Citadel

By the time we finished in Xlendi, we only had about an hour left before we need to return to the ferry port.  Just enough time to quickly head back to Victoria and check it out its main attraction – the Citadel.

The Citadel was Gozo’s principal fortress, and the current version was constructed around 1600.  It is perched atop one of the highest hills on the island, and the city of Victoria sits at its feet. Gozo’s most important church, dating from the late 1700s, was constructed inside its walls. 

Fortunately, there is a small parking lot at the top of the hill, right next to the main entrance. This was big time saver for us as we hurried to finish up our day trip to Gozo.  Even then, by the time we parked, we only had 30 minutes to explore The Citadel. And our visit did feel rushed. Nonetheless, we were able to walk through most of it. 

I especially appreciated the views from the outer high outer walls out across the island and down to the city of Victoria

Back to The Ferry

As we left Victoria and hurried back to drop off our RZR, I counted up our ticked-off sites for the day.  We had only managed to see five of Gozo’s top sites.  My initial skepticism at Paul’s ambitious itinerary for us had been correct.  Plus my vision for the day in no way matched reality.

But, our day trip to Gozo was certainly no bust.  We successfully visited the two sites I most wanted to see, had a nice lunch in a Gozitan town square, and criss-crossed the island in a UTV – not exactly the scooter experience we had hoped for, but still fun nonetheless.

Alternative Ways to Experience Gozo

I personally prefer the flexibility and adventure of our do-it-yourself approach to travel, but there are certainly easier ways to experience Gozo.

Let me first suggest though that Gozo is worth more than just a day trip.  As we hurriedly explored the island, we found ourselves wishing that we had carved a few days out of our Malta itinerary to stay somewhere on the island and fully explore Gozo at a more leisurely pace. 

But, if you only have time for a day trip to Gozo here are some alternative approaches to seeing the sites on the island.

Hop-on Hop-off Bus

The City SightSeeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus operates two different routes around the island with stops at 15 different sites.  The routes conveniently begin and end at the Gozo ferry terminal. 

Organized Tours

Several companies offer organized tours of the island, including a self-drive option with various types of recreational vehicles to choose from.  Many of these companies also provide transport to Gozo from the main island. Viator is a great way to explore this option (see below).  But note that many of these tours don’t include Ggantija on their itinerary – so read the details carefully when choosing one if Ggantija is a priority for you (as it should be).

Our day trip to Gozo was just a small part of our 3 weeks exploring Malta. You can check out all the posts in my Malta series by clicking any of the links below.

A Thorough Guide to Traveling in Malta

The Historic Three Cities of Malta

Maraskala Malta – Relaxing on Malta’s Southeast Coast

Talbot & Bons B&B – Better than a Malta Airport Hotel

Or read about other some of our day trips in other parts of the world

Day Trips from Seville Spain

An Easy Day Trip From Budapest to Szentendre Hungary

A Two Day Trip from Athens to Meteora Greece

An Elaphiti Islands Boat Tour in Dubrovnik

Latitude Adjustment: A Tale of Two Wanderers

Great report and details.

thethoroughtripper

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The Very Best Day Trip To Gozo and Comino [Blue Lagoon] From Malta

Last Updated on 19 March 2024

*This post may contain affiliate links , which means that if you decide to make a purchase through one of these links, I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you! This allows me to continue bringing you valuable content for free and any purchases you make via these links are gratefully appreciated. Please refer to my Disclosures for more information.*

Introducing the best gozo and blue lagoon tour….

Day trips are the perfect way to see and experience more of the world when you’re short on time, and Malta is no different! Malta’s sister islands of Comino and Gozo are must-sees on your itinerary for Malta , given their outstanding natural beauty and Mediterranean charm! Comino is Malta’s third largest island, and is home to the famous Blue Lagoon which is one of the most unique places to visit in Europe . Gozo i s the second largest island in the Maltese archipelago, and is a charming place with a jagged coastline, green countryside and beautiful cities and villages ! And if you’re looking for a recommendation for the best day trip to Gozo and Comino from Malta , then here it is… 

Note : Sea Adventure Excursions offer different options for boat trips to Gozo and Comino. You can visit both islands, or miss Gozo and stay at Comino’s Blue Lagoon for longer. I highly recommend doing the Gozo and Comino boat tour to get a taste of both of Malta’s sister islands! You can find information on how to book a trip at the end of this post.

Who are Sea Adventure Excursions?

When I visited Malta, I opted to book a one day trip to Comino and Gozo with Sea Adventure Excursions after reading good reviews for the company on TripAdvisor. Sea Adventure Excursions offer a range of different Malta sightseeing boat tours on their catamaran, Sea Adventure! What makes Sea Adventure that little bit special (and the reason I booked to go with them) is that they have 3 water-slides and an underwater viewing area . Along with this, they have all the standard amenities, like sundecks, sun loungers, toilets, and a bar.

Tip : Food and drinks are not included in the price of a boat trip. You can take your own supplies aboard, dine in Gozo or Xlendi, or purchase snacks on board the catamaran. 

Where does the boat trip depart from?

Sea Adventure departs from the tourist town of Bugibba located on the northeast coast of Malta. It’s a stone’s throw away from Qawra and St Paul’s Bay, and a short drive from other well known hotspots like Sliema, St Julians and Valletta. Transfers to/from the departure port in Bugibba are not included in the price of the boat trip, so you’ll need to factor this into the cost if you’re not staying in Bugibba. You can book these through Sea Adventure Excursions for an additional fee, or make your own arrangements. Personally, I booked my transfers through Sea Adventure Excursions as I stayed in St Julians.

Itinerary for day trip to Gozo and Comino from Malta

Stop 1: comino island and the blue lagoon.

Departing from the town of Bugibba in the morning and bound for Comino Island, you’ll cruise alongside Malta’s dramatic rocky coastline with its impressive cliffs and geological features. As you sail across the water, be sure to look out for the Statue of St Paul on St Paul’s Island which marks where St Paul became shipwrecked in around 60AD. With all the wonderful scenery around you, you’ll arrive at Comino Island in no time, which is the first stop on your Comino-Gozo day trip!

Comino Island is home to the world-renowned Blue Lagoon which is one of the natural wonders of Europe and is where you’ll dock . It is located off the north coast of Malta and is the third largest of the Maltese archipelago! Located in between Malta and Gozo, the Blue Lagoon is most famous for its azure waters. You’ll have around 1 hour here (around 4 hours if you opt to do the day trip to Comino from Malta not including Gozo) to explore the island and swim in the crystal clear waters!

Tip: Take your own towels with you if you plan on swimming in the Blue Lagoon. And even if you don’t, take them anyway because you might not be able to resist the allure of the aqua blue waters! Oh, and don’t forget your swimwear! 

If you opt to take a wander of Comino Island, you’ll find that it is a mostly uninhabited 3.5 square kilometre island, with a population of herbs and flowers and one hotel. But seeing as you only have 1 hour, you’ll probably want to spend most of your time enjoying the Blue Lagoon and boat facilities, especially the slides and underwater windows due to the abundance of marine wildlife! (note: I went in November so it was very quiet on Comino and at the Blue Lagoon but I’ve heard it can be a pretty crowded place in peak months, so just be mindful of that)

Tip: There are rentable lockers aboard the ship to store your valuables in, so you don’t need to worry about them being left unattended whilst you unleash your inner child on the slides!

Stop 2: Victoria (Gozo)

Once your hour’s up at the Blue Lagoon, it’s time to board the catamaran bound for Gozo which is just a short stretch away. Gozo is located northwest of Comino and is Malta’s second largest sister island. You will have 3 hours in Gozo and will arrive at Mgarr Harbour. From here you have the option to go off and explore solo, or to utilise the land transport offered by Sea Adventure Excursions for an additional small fee to help you to see the island.

Tip: I paid the extra charge for land transport on my day trip to Gozo. I’d recommend you do this for ease and to maximise your sightseeing time. You’ll jump aboard a minibus and be ferried up to Victoria before heading across to the coastal village of Xlendi.

Victoria (known locally as Ir-Rabat) is the capital city of Gozo , and if you ever have a little more time would make for one of the best summer city break destinations in Europe . Taking centre stage of Victoria is the UNESCO World Heritage Citadel. The Citadel is an ancient fortification which has served as refuge from attacks over the years, and hidden within its walls is a whole other world of quaint lanes, museums, and cathedrals. One of the best things to do in Victoria is to wander the Citadel , and be sure not to miss the sweeping countryside views from the top of its high walls. 

But Victoria is more than the iconic Citadel, and is home to a network of charming streets and sociable squares below its fort. St George’s Square is one of the most famous squares in Victoria to visit, and is lined with many bistros and bars. But if you want a quiet spot to enjoy a frothy coffee and a slice of cake, then head to Rizzles Cafe and Dolceria at St Francis Square before heading back to the bus stop!

Stop 3: Xlendi (Gozo)

If you’ve paid the additional charge for land transportation, after visiting Victoria you’ll be driven to a charming seaside village called Xlendi . Now admittedly, I did this trip in November so it was a little chilly and the waves in the cove were quite fierce, but this did not take away from how stunning it was. Xlendi is a quaint little place hemmed in by large cliffs either side, and is the ideal place for a spot of lunch with fantastic ocean views! 

Stop 4: The Crystal Lagoon

Once your time has come to an end in Xlendi, you’ll be transported back to Mgarr Harbour to board Sea Adventure once again. As you head back towards Malta nearing the end of your Gozo and Comino tour, you’ll stop off at the Crystal Lagoon for around 1 hour , for swimming, snorkelling, and sliding (note: the boat only stops at the Crystal Lagoon if the weather permits and does not stop here from October-May)! After the Crystal Lagoon, you will sail back to Bugibba and if you’re lucky will be able to watch the sunset over Malta island! 

Summary of day trip to Gozo and Comino from Malta

The only down-side I can possibly identify from this day trip to Gozo and the Blue Lagoon is that it was a little chilly, but this is completely beyond the control of Sea Adventure Excursions and is due to the fact that I went in November! So if you’re looking to explore the two islands that neighbour Malta and want to take a day tour for ease because you’re short on time, I would highly recommend Sea Adventure Excursions . I felt like I had enough time to get acquainted with each destination, the boat had fantastic amenities, it was well organised and was good value for money! I certainly plan to do it again on my next trip to Malta… 

Tip: If you’re doing this Comino and Gozo day trip from Malta between October and May, it’s advisable to take a light jacket or jumper with you because the sea breeze can be crisp! 

Click here to book your boat trip!

*Not all boats have water slides and underwater viewing areas, and facilities may differ. Itinerary, schedules and other details correct at time of publication but may be subject to change (this post is based on my experience only). Please check Sea Adventure Excursions website for up to date information and prices.

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• Day Trip from Malta to Gozo

What to do in less than 24 hours on Calypso’s Isle

• Ferry Tickets

If you've decided to vacation in Malta this year, you certainly can't miss the day trip to the neighboring island of Gozo. Find out how to get there, what to do and how to make the most of a day in Gozo .

Read our tips and start fantasizing about your next ferry trip to the island of the Maltese archipelago!

The beautiful wild and unspoiled coast of Gozo

Where is Gozo and how do I get there?

Gozo is located west of Malta and Comino , and is the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago. 

Gozo and Malta are separated by a small channel , so it is very easy to travel from one island to the other. In fact, Gozo is an ideal destination for a day trip from Malta : just take the ferry and you'll arrive at your destination in less than 1 hour.

Ferry connections from Malta to Gozo operate year-round and are available from both the port of Valletta , the capital of Malta, and the port of Ċirkewwa , in the north of the island. 

The companies serving these routes are Virtu Gozo (Gozo Highspeed) and Gozo Channel . Depending on the port of departure and the company, you will arrive in Gozo in 25 to 45 minutes .

Why should I visit Gozo?

With its unspoiled nature, wild coastline and historical sites, Gozo has become one of the most beloved islands in the Mediterranean . According to Homer's Odyssey , the nymph Calypso managed to hold the Greek hero Odysseus captive for 7 years on this beautiful island. Will you also fall under the same spell?

A day in Gozo will allow you to experience the island’s magnificent heritage , dive into dreamy bays , visit villages frozen in time , and admire the peaceful, traditional way of life of the locals.

In addition, Malta - Gozo ferry tickets are pretty cheap, with fares ranging from €4 to €7.50 . There are also various discounts for students and seniors, as well as other passenger categories.

You can decide whether to explore Gozo on foot , with your own vehicle (only possible if you embark it from Ċirkewwa port) or by cab .

If we've convinced you, it's time to learn more about what to do and see in Gozo in a day :

What to do in Gozo in 1 day

Once you decide whether to depart from the port of Valletta or Ċirkewwa, it’s time to book your ferry tickets to Gozo. Choose the early morning route so you can arrive early and take advantage of the whole day on the island.

Even before you arrive, you will be overwhelmed with awe at the beauty of Gozo as you approach the port of Mgarr: Fort Chambray and the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes dominate the scene. 

First, head to Victoria , the capital of Gozo. By taking bus line 301 from the port, you will get there in about 10 minutes. Start by exploring Victoria's historic center, perhaps after a delicious breakfast at Café Jubilee in the famous Independence Square. 

Wander through the city's alleys, stop to admire St. George's Basilica , and then continue to the Citadella . Walk (or take the elevator) up to the square, with the wonderful Cathedral of the Assumption . Up on the ramparts, you'll enjoy a 360-degree view of Gozo's hills, valleys and villages.

Feeling hungry? Step into a local bakery and try the Gozitan ftira . This delicious traditional flatbread is perfect for a late-morning snack!

The old town of Victoria in Gozo with the Citadella in the background

After a full immersion in history, it's time for a rejuvenating dip and to relax on the beach. From Victoria you can continue north and reach Ramla Bay , Gozo's red beach. Spend a couple of hours here and take the opportunity to also visit Tal-Mixta (the famous Calypso's Cave), located on the western side of Ramla Bay.

Next, head further north to the seaside resort of Marsalforn , with its scenic seaside restaurants. You can also travel outside the town and visit the Xwejni Salt Pans , carved into the rock.

About 7 km from Marsalforn there is another wonder waiting for you: the Ta pinu sanctuary . From here you can continue toward the coast and arrive at one of the island's most magical attractions - Dwejra Bay . If you have already heard of Gozo's Azure Window , you should know that it was once located right here, but a storm in 2017 brought down this beautiful natural arch. 

Its collapse has now created a hub for marine life , making it one of the most spectacular diving sites in Gozo. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your mask!

The beautiful waters of the Blue Hole natural pool in Gozo

It is already late afternoon and you certainly cannot leave Gozo without admiring its beautiful sunset from the Ta' Ċenċ Cliffs viewpoint. Sit on the cliff overlooking the sea and enjoy the view! 

Now you can slowly start heading back toward the port of Mgarr , which is 15 minutes from here. Ferries to Malta from Gozo operate until late in the evening !

Useful tips for your trip to Gozo

Here are 3 tips that you may find useful when planning your trip to Gozo:

• If you decide to bring along your vehicle in Gozo from Malta or to rent a car, keep in mind that they drive on the left-hand side of the road here. Also, the speed limit on state roads is 80 km/h, while in urban areas it is 50 km/h.
• Gozo is among the best diving destinations in the world. Don't miss the chance to discover its seabed, natural underwater arches and beautiful corals!
• The island of Gozo is renowned for lace making . You can visit Ta' Dbiegi Craft Village in Gharb to watch highly qualified artisans at work and buy some traditional souvenirs.

Traditional lace making at a craft workshop in Gozo

What do you think? Let us answer first: a day trip to Gozo is definitely worth it! Plan your trip with our tips, book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper and enjoy the Maltese archipelago.

Tip : make sure to browse our interactive Map of ferries , visualize your ferry trip and even combine multiple destinations in one booking!

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Home » Gozo Island

Gozo Island Guide: Tips and Insights From a Local

Gozo is the second-largest (but much more rural) island of the Maltese archipelago, and is a popular destination among tourists.

With a population of around 39,000 or so inhabitants, yet covering an area of 67 km² (26 square miles), Gozo is a much quieter place to be. In fact, many people refer to the island as “what Malta used to be like”: A rural area where time just seems to pass a little slower than in most other places.

In this guide, I’ll introduce you to Gozo Island and help you decide whether to stay there, whether just to visit, how to do your sightseeing, where to sample local food and much more!

Sitting on the dock of the bay, watching the ferry as it sails away, is strangely comforting. As you board the vessel, you feel like you’ve shed an enormous weight off your shoulders, leaving the stress of every day behind you.

This island is magical, and the magic starts when you arrive at Mġarr Harbour, with its quiet marina and church sitting on the hilltop overlooking the harbour.

From personal experience, every single time I make the crossing to Gozo, there’s an instant sense of peace and zen. And I’m not even a very spiritual person! 😉

Looking to sightsee in Gozo? Check out the chauffeured Tuk-Tuk tours and self-drive tours by  Quad bike at Yippee for a fun day out in Gozo!

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Quick Facts on Gozo Island

• Around 39,000 Inhabitants ( 2021 census )
• Small island covering just 67 km² (26 square miles)
• Second largest of the three inhabited Maltese islands
• Known for a few popular sites like the Dwejra inland sea , the Citadel in Victoria (a small bastion city built atop one of the hills on the island with a rich historical background) and the Ġgantija Megalithic temples .
• A number of big-budget film productions were shot in Malta and Gozo. In the first series of Game of Thrones , the Azure Window (a natural rock formation which unfortunately collapsed in 2017) is featured in the backdrop of some of the more memorable scenes.
• Said to have been the home of the mythological Calypso , the nymph from Homer’s Odyssey.

Why should you visit Gozo?

Although tiny, the island of Gozo has a lot to offer to the visiting tourist:

• For starters, it is much quieter than Malta, less urbanised, and thus able to provide a more relaxing experience. If you’re visiting during the winter season, you’ll see a greener island than Malta. This is because Malta’s sister island is less industrialised, leaving the countryside intact.
• Another reason to pay a visit is the beaches and clear waters that offer swimmers and divers something to remember.
• If you’re not visiting in Summer and it’s too cold for a dip, the long walks in the countryside will be equally pleasing – There are some incredible sights on offer all year round, irrespective of the weather in Gozo .
• The island has a fair bit of history to tell, having played its part in many important historical events.
• Finally, make the crossing for some of the best food on the islands, especially traditional local cuisine.

Gozo features in all my Matla itinerary guides (shaped with the help of reader feedback): It’s simply a must-visit.

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!

Things to do in Gozo

Gozo is a pretty small island, but there’s enough to see, taste and do to fill an easy-paced week’s itinerary. These are a few suggestions to start with, but you can find a bigger list of itinerary ideas here: Things to do in Gozo .

Day trips and tours

Taking a day tour or excursion around Gozo can be a great way to explore the highlights that are on offer if you’re not actually staying there (and then be tempted to visit again for a proper stay ?). These are a few options to consider:

• Gozo by Tuk-Tuk – Guided tour. Great for families and groups of up to 6 people: Tuk Tuk Gozo tour
• Gozo by Quad Bike – Tour the island in convoy. Seats 2 people. More info here: Quad Biking Gozo tour
• (This operator also provides summer tours that also include a stop at the Blue Lagoon at Comino Island).
• Discover Gozo – Full-day guided tour

More ideas here: Top 10 Gozo Day Trips, Tours and Excursions .

Sampling the local food

If you’d like to get a taste of a few local flavours, with fresh produce including oil, tomato paste, cheese, sundried tomatoes, a variety of wines from locally grown grapes and more, pay a visit to Ta’ Mena Estate on the winding road between Victoria and Marsalforn . They organise guided tours and food-tasting sessions, which need to be booked in advance. You can find more details on their website.

Curious about locally brewed craft beer? Visit Lord Chambray beer brewery . Their taproom is open from Mon-Sat between 2 pm and 6 pm, and you can book a tasting tour from their website.

Check out my Gozo restaurant recommendations here .

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!

Points of interest

All roads in Gozo lead to the Citadel in Rabat (also known as Victoria) – a beautiful (but small) fortified town that has witnessed many historical moments and stood the test of time in the most handsome way. Also called the Cittadella, it offers a glimpse into medieval times. When or who originally built this fortress isn’t exactly known, but we do know that they were constructed in the 15th century. Research shows that settlements have been present on the same hill since the Neolithic period. That’s no surprise since it’s one of the most central hilltops on the island, with commanding views in all directions.

Archaeologists know the site was fortified during the Bronze Age, around 1500 BC. The Phoenicians and the Romans added their share of temples and buildings. The Aragonese period saw the Citadel take the shape we know today, with improvements carried out by the order of the Knights between 1599 and 1603 to withstand and provide shelter against Ottoman incursions.

For this reason, until 1637, the entire population of Gozo was legally required to spend the night within the Citadel for their own safety.

Round and About the Citadel

The view from the bastions is not simply breathtaking – it is incomparable to any other on the islands. Within its walls, the Citadel holds many precious gems, such as the little old graffiti-ridden prison where, in 1538, a young La Valette was held for four months after attacking another man. There are also museums and old medieval houses open to the public, as well as a couple of nice restaurants specialising in traditional Gozitan cuisine.

Outside the Citadel, you’ll find the busiest city on the island: Rabat. Also known as Victoria, it is the (unofficial) capital city and the only place on the tiny island where you can find a concentration of shops. Buying pastizzi and eating them in the main square (called ‘ It-Tokk ’) is a tradition many locals follow religiously. And you should try it too.

Churches and shrines

Gozo is not shy of its fervent Christian roots, with cathedrals, churches and chapels around every corner. Some of these Christian temples are fine examples of architecture, ranging from seventeenth-century baroque to twentieth-century neoclassical. Although all of them are beautiful in construction and in décor, three of these are surely worth mentioning (and visiting):

• The Cittadella Cathedral was designed by Lorenzo Gafà and built between 1697 and 1711 in baroque style.
• The onyx covered Żebbuġ church , dedicated to the Assumption. It is also the second oldest consecrated church on the island.
• The Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu , close to Għarb, is not only beautiful to behold but also worth viewing for its surroundings and for the remarkable items that lie within. A large room to the side of the church is literally full of memoirs and messages of gratitude left there by those who were blessed by a miracle.

From Victoria, it is easy to reach all the other towns and small villages. Head West towards the setting sun to visit Għarb, the most western village of the Maltese islands. From this village, you can gain access to Dwejra and the location once known for the Azure Window – a natural rock formation which sadly collapsed into the sea in March 2017.

From the little natural harbour in Dwejra Bay, you can easily hire a boat trip on a little traditional Maltese fishing boat called a luzzu , to go out and explore the Gozitan west coast from the water. Head down to what’s known as the Inland Sea : A small pebbly bay surrounded by tall cliffs and a large cave leading out to the open sea.

If you don’t fancy a boat trip, you can walk around the area and admire Fungus Rock and its surroundings or visit the Dwejra Tower , one of a number of watchtowers built by the Knights around the coast of Malta and Gozo. From these towers, two sentinels kept watchful eyes on the horizon to alert the cities against Ottoman invasions. The tower in Dwejra Bay is particularly impressive because it has been impeccably restored in recent years.

Dwejra Bay is also one of the top diving destinations in Malta, thanks to the Blue Hole . The Blue Hole is a 10-meter wide inland sea pool right in front of the place where the Azure Window was once proudly standing, featuring a lot of marine life.

Time travel in Gozo

Prehistoric Gozo has some interesting offerings for the curious traveller. The Museum of Archeology is a perfect place to start. It offers a glimpse of all the important settlements that lived on the island from the early Neolithic up to the arrival of the Knights of St John. The museum itself resides within a beautiful 17th-century townhouse within the Citadel.

A visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site Ġgantija temples is a must if you want to see how the anonymous Neolithic inhabitants of the islands planned and built shrines thousands of years before Stone Henge and the Great Pyramid of Giza were even conceived.

The Ġgantija temples recently gained a refurbished visitor centre, and it’s a great place to get a glimpse of the past with videos, information and guided tours around the small complex. On the same hill, the Xagħra Circle echoes the wonders of the Hypogeum in Ħal Salflieni , Malta. This was a burial site that dates back to 4,000 BC.

Other sites worth a visit include:

• Borġ l-Imramma , in the middle of the Ta’ Ċenċ plateau, where one can see remains of a temple
• Ras il-Wardija Nymphaeum – an artificial cave dating back to Phoenician times. It was probably a religious sanctuary.

Save big on sightseeing with iSeeMalta , with hop-on/hop-off buses and boats, combo tickets for museums and the ferry to the Blue Lagoon!

6 “Off the beaten path” points of interest in Gozo

• Calypso’s cave, made famous in Homer’s The Odyssey, lies on the other side of Xagħra, overlooking the largest sandy beach on the Gozo island. According to Homer’s story, Ulysses was trapped here by the nymph Calypso for seven years before resuming his journey. Update: The actual cave is no longer to the public (probably because it’s become unsafe). The view is still great, but a better alternative is Tal-Mixta Cave . It takes a little bit of navigating, but the view and location are very much worth the effort!
• A walk along the Marsalforn promenade can take you up to Qbajjar and on into Xwejni, a remote part of the coast overlooking the open sea where it is said that on a clear summer night, one can even see the lights of cars off the coast in Sicily. What’s certain is that from here, you can catch a glimpse of the Milky Way in all its glory – there are only a few places on the archipelago where you can do that since light pollution is a big problem. If you’re not stargazing, the walk is nice. You’ll also find some of the island’s salt pans that make for a pretty picture towards the end of the day.
• Tal-Merżuq Hill , or as it is most popularly known nowadays – Tas-Salvatur – offers a breathtaking view of a great part of the island. It takes some hard work to get to the top, where you’ll meet the statue of the Risen Christ that gives the hill its modern name. This statue was placed here in the 1970s at an altitude of 320 feet.
• Wied l-Għasri is a secluded valley that winds down from Ta’ Dbieġi Hill through the village of Għasri and on to Żebbuġ. It finally meets the sea – popular with divers who like to explore the surrounding underwater caves. It is also a good place to swim or just for a quiet walk.
• The carnival in Gozo (celebrated in February) is an annual event that year after year attracts more and more audiences. It has become a much sought-after event. Although the main activities take place in the main square of Rabat, many are those who flock to Nadur to celebrate a more spontaneous, informal carnival where everything goes, and there are no rules.
• Near the villages of Għasri and Għarb, you can find two lighthouses ( il-Fanal Ta’ Ġurdan being the more popular one), each on a separate hill, both with stunning 360-degree views over the island. il-Fanal Ta’ Ġurdan , the more popular of the two, is easily accessible through a side road right opposite Ta` Pinu church. The other is a little trickier to find, but signs in Għasri will guide you to the steep road up the hill. Drive slowly – it’s a narrow road.

Map of Gozo

Accommodation

As far as accommodation is concerned, there are quite a few options to choose from. In terms of variety, Gozo offers several accommodation types that can make it hard to decide which is best:

• You can find luxury five-star hotels like the Kempinski San Lawrenz Resort & Spa or Ta’ Ċenċ Hotel & Spa and comfortable four and three-star hotels. All offer a relaxed environment.
• Many Maltese like to stay in farmhouses or houses of character when visiting Gozo on a long weekend or short holiday. This type of accommodation is ideal for families or large groups, especially because many of these residences have their own swimming pool, BBQ area and private gardens.
• A novelty concept is Boutique accommodation . These houses offer intimate and unique settings furnished in style, normally located in the heart of towns or villages.
• Small, family-run guest houses offer a warm, friendly and highly personal welcome.
• A delightful variety of self-catering apart-hotels offer budget accommodation.
• Apartments rented directly from their owners are also a popular choice. Scattered throughout every town and village, these fully furnished apartments offer you independence on a budget.

Looking for Gozo hotels?

Get my best recommendations and their rates here: The Best Gozo Hotels reviewed .

How to get to Gozo from Malta

There’s no direct road connection, so you’ll need to get to Gozo by ferry.

There are three options to do so (and all get you to Mġarr Harbour on the southeastern side of the island):

1) Gozo Channel Ferry

You can catch the main Gozo ferry (which transports both foot passengers as well as vehicles) to make the crossing. The ferry departs from Ċirkewwa (at the Northernmost tip of the main island of Malta) at frequent intervals, with trips that continue even throughout the night.

Ċirkewwa is serviced by a number of bus routes and is easy to reach from major tourist hotspots like Sliema , St. Julian’s and Buġibba / Qawra / St. Paul’s Bay .

The Gozo ferry crossing itself

Once you’re onboard the Gozo ferry, head up to the topmost deck to enjoy some exquisite views of the islands. Midway between the islands, if you look toward your right, you will catch a glimpse of Comino – a tiny island with one of the most sought-after swimming zones of the archipelago – the stunning Blue Lagoon Bay .

The tower on top of the cliff stands out, and if, like me, you’re a movie buff, you’ll recognise it as the prison where the Count of Montecristo was kept in the 2002 version of Alexandre Dumas’ novel.

Once you leave Comino behind, Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs loom into view as the ferry heads for Mġarr Harbour. If you’re lucky enough, you might even spot dolphins following the trail left by the vessel.

Next, the ferry docks and lowers the ramps to set the vehicles in its belly free. At the same time, foot passengers disembark via the passenger terminal. Many Maltese will cross over to Gozo just to stop at one of the cosy restaurants in the harbour, while others continue their journey inland.

Getting to the Ċirkewwa ferry from the airport

If you’re considering making Gozo your main holiday destination, there is a direct bus connection (route X1) that takes you right up to Ċirkewwa from the airport. Right from outside the arrivals terminal, you can find the bus terminus.

Route X1 usually departs every 45 minutes. There’s no night service, though, so the earliest trip departs at around 5.20 am, while the last bus leaves the terminal at 10.50 pm. Taking potential traffic into account, it’s not exactly a short trip. If you’re unlucky, it could take up to 1.5 hours. The good news is the price: A ticket costs just €2 per person for a single trip (daytime rate).

Alternatively, a taxi ride will set you back around €45. Depending on the time of day, it’s usually a 45-minute trip.

Get more detailed info here: How to get from Malta Airport to Gozo

2) Gozo High Speed ferries from Valletta

Using the high speed ferry service is another easy option to get to Gozo. These ferry trips depart from the Grand Harbour and take under 45 minutes and are a good option if you don’t want to take a car to Gozo and you’re staying in or near Valletta.

Since the vessels used are smaller, however, the ride can be a little rough, and trips are more likely to be cancelled than with the much larger Gozo Channel ferries.

If you’re looking at this option for travelling from the airport, you’re best off taking a taxi at around €16-18 for a one-way trip to the ferry dock on the East-facing side of Valletta.

3) Hop-on-hop-off ferry

Using iSeeMalta’s hop-on-hop-off ferry you can get to Gozo and use their buses to explore the island as well. Have a look at their Gozo Pass if you’re interested in their bus and ferry hop-on-hop-off combo. Very convenient, especially if you’re staying in Sliema, St. Julian’s and Buġibba/Qawra/St. Paul’s Bay (since this ferry stops in Sliema and Buġibba).

Tips for visiting Gozo

Here are my local tips to visit the island of Gozo:

• Spend 2 days (or more!) in Gozo to explore it at your own pace (rather than just going for a day trip as most visitors do) if your schedule allows you to do so. There is plenty to see!
• However, if you only have one day to visit Gozo, I recommend you take a tour by Tuk Tuk or Quad Bike to make the most of your time there.
• Avoid visiting Gozo on Sundays and public holidays , especially if you are using the main ferry: many Maltese like to spend the day there, resulting in long queues for the ferry (especially if you are taking your rental car to the ferry).
• Finish your day at Dwejra for an unforgettable sunset.
• If you go during the summer months, be cautious of the heat . Avoid hiking and climbing the hills when the sun is at its peak, and consider hopping on an iSeeMalta fully air-conditioned bus or visiting Victoria and its museums.
• Want to take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Gozo? Unless you opt for a sandy beach like Ramla Bay Beach, wear swimming shoes because the rocks are slippery and sometimes sharp (like on the main island).
• If you are driving a rental car and like to explore off the beaten track, know that while the main roads are in good condition, countryside roads can be bumpy.

Getting around: Car rentals, public transport and more

Although it’s a small Mediterranean island, you can’t really get around Gozo on foot (unless you’re on a mission).

Gozo car hire gives you the most flexibility to get around the island, and several companies offer rental cars for pickup at Mġarr Harbour. If you hire a car in Malta, you can cross over to Gozo with it using the ferry at an additional fee. Compared to Malta, driving here is easier and much more relaxed.

There’s hardly any traffic, except perhaps in and around Victoria at times, particularly when the ferry’s just arrived, with the majority of drivers heading to the centre of the island. That kind of traffic is referred to as tal-Vapur (of the boat) by the locals.

If you cross without a car, then you have some options as well:

• The bus system on the island is known to be rather inefficient, and I would suggest hiring a car. There are 16 bus routes in Gozo, with buses running every hour in each direction. The 301 between Victoria (Rabat) and the ferry terminal operates every 30 minutes. These times are the same every day of the week, throughout winter and summer.
• Taxis are an option, but they are much more expensive than driving yourself around. You can easily grab a taxi or hire a car at the ferry terminal on arrival.
• Hop-on-hop-off buses are also very convenient if travelling to Gozo without a car and if you want to 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. You’ll find the tour bus waiting when you get off the ferry. You can get a combo pass with the hop-on-hop-off ferry online in advance.
• If you’re in decent shape (or looking to get into shape), you could also rent a mountain bike and follow a few offroad routes along the stunning coastline to get a real sense of the island’s natural beauty while getting a good workout, too! Have a look at On2Wheels in Marsalforn, which is one of the better bike rental companies on the island.

Food and restaurants

There’s a lot of great food to sample all around the island. I have a separate list of recommendations of the best restaurants in Gozo , but here are a few quick suggestions to whet your appetite:

• Tmun is an excellent choice for fine dining (specialising in some of the freshest fish available on the island). Located at the harbour in Mġarr, this family-run restaurant is a firm favourite on my list.
• One80 is a great choice for fine dining near the seaside at Mġarr Harbour. Their outdoor terrace offers nice views out over the quiet marina and promenade.
• If you love seafood, you definitely must pay a visit to Xlendi Bay . Here, you’ll find an assortment of restaurants overlooking the bay, all serving great food in a fantastic setting (for example, at Ta’ Karolina Restaurant ). On hot summer evenings, it’s great to eat outside and then just go for a quiet after-dinner stroll along the promenade.
• Maxokk Bakery in Nadur is another must-go-to place. Here, you’ll taste a unique kind of pizza made with the same dough used to make Maltese bread. Toppings are quite unusual, too. The bakery does not have tables and chairs – you just take your pizza and go eat it in a quiet place.
• Casa Vostra in Victoria is a great little Italian restaurant in town that serves genuine Italian food in a great setting.
• Looking for a quick lunch or casual dinner option? Head over to Cafe Jubilee at the main square in Victoria. Pick a table across the road on the square itself or grab a bite inside. There’s a mix of Mediterranean dishes as well as local food on offer, and they never disappoint.

Does Gozo have sandy beaches?

The Mediterranean Sea around the little island is as beautiful as it looks, and although there aren’t a lot of sandy beaches in Gozo, there are a few beautiful ones around. Ramla Bay Beach (Ramla l-Ħamra) and San Blas Bay (on the Northern coastline) are perhaps the most accessible and the most popular among swimmers.

Marsalforn (North) also has a small sandy beach, although usually quite busy and probably not the prettiest of all. Ħondoq ir-Rummien (South East) is far more beautiful, but its sandy beach is pretty small and fills up easily.

Finally, Dahlet Qorrot Bay has a small sandy beach that is much more secluded, and only really the locals know of it. Highly recommended for an early morning swim. Peaceful, quiet, clean – a stunning little bay.

Have a look at the best beaches in Gozo for more info!

Other (not sandy) bays worth visiting

However, there are plenty of other places that, although harder to access, provide a lasting impression on visitors. Imġarr ix-Xini , for example, is a secluded pebbled beach at the end of a long gorge and is a good spot for both swimming and diving.

Ix-Xatt l-Aħmar is another undiscovered spot ideal for swimming and diving. Divers should take note – the crystal clear waters hide the wreck of an old ferryboat called ‘Ix-Xlendi’, which lies just beyond the bay.

Is Gozo a country?

No, Gozo is one of the Maltese islands and part of the Republic of Malta .

Is Gozo part of Malta?

Yes, Gozo is part of Malta. It’s the little sister island of the main one, Malta, which is also the name of the country.

Where is Gozo?

Gozo is Malta’s second-largest island and is located to the West of the main island of Malta and the smaller island of Comino.

Malta is located in the Mediterranean Sea in Europe.

How big is Gozo Island?

Gozo is about 67 km² (or 26 square miles) in size.

How far is Gozo from Malta airport?

The Gozo ferry terminal at Ċirkewwa in Malta is about 1 (car/taxi) to 1.5 (bus) hours away from Malta International Airport. The ferry crossing to Gozo itself takes roughly 20 minutes.

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

Is Gozo worth visiting?

Yes, Gozo is worth visiting for those seeking a quiet holiday, a break from the hustle and bustle, or a chance to spend time in nature. Gozo has beautiful clear waters, small beaches, and authentic countryside while still having opportunities for sightseeing.

Is Gozo better than Malta? Is Gozo a good holiday destination?

If you’re looking for a quiet holiday, yes, Gozo will be a better fit. If you’re looking to explore the country and do a lot of sightseeing, you’re probably better off staying in Malta and taking a day trip to the sister island.

Does Gozo have an airport?

No. There’s only a small heliport, and the nearest airport is Malta International Airport , on the main island of Malta. You’ll need to catch the ferry to Gozo to get to the island. Direct bus connections exist between the airport and the Ċirkewwa ferry terminal in the North of Malta.

What currency is used in Gozo?

Being part of the Republic of Malta, the Euro is used in Gozo as well.

What is Gozo like?

As the Maltese often say, Gozo is what Malta used to be: Quiet, rural and not nearly as developed as its much bigger sister island. Just because it’s quiet doesn’t mean it’s not worth considering as your main holiday destination. There’s plenty to do and see, and the island has a few beautiful points of interest and sandy beaches to help recharge your batteries.

What's the best way to get around Gozo?

The best way to get around in Gozo is to rent a car. Public transport isn’t super efficient here, so you’re better off with a car hire in Gozo .

Using a local taxi service like Bolt or renting a scooter or mountain bike are other options. If you’re fit and up for a challenge, you could rent a (mountain-)bike as well, though beware of the heat of summer!

If you’re just visiting and looking to tour the island, here are a few suggestions to check out: Top 10 Gozo Day Trips, Tours and Excursions to Take

Do you have any questions?

Leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

Edward is the Founder and Editor of Malta Uncovered and author of two guidebooks on Malta and Valletta.

As a tourist-turned-expat with Maltese roots, he knows the islands inside out and helps thousands of visitors enjoy a memorable trip every year.

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Was this article helpful? Share it with your friends!

I loved your guide. It is very informative. I am wishing I was there. I hope to make the trip one day.

Thanks Delaine, hope you manage someday! 🙂

Very helpful! Can’t wait to go!

What language is spoken on Gozo, and for that matter, Malta as well?

Hi Alan – Both Maltese and English are widely spoken in both Gozo and Malta.

Does the bus from the airport to the ferry have room for suitcases?

Hi Jenny, yes buses calling at the airport have a luggage storage section usually.

Is it possible to rent a car in Gozo or should I do that on the larger island before crossing the ferry?

Hi Mario, there are a few car rental agencies in Gozo. I’ve had a good experience with a company called Mayjo, although it’s been a while since I last dealt with them myself.

Another informative, easy to read, article. My holiday to Mata is getting ever close, we go first of June. Your site is keeping me going for now and filling me with ideas scaffolded with your brilliant facts, tips and advise. Thanks so much !

Hello We would like to know if there is a quad tour that we could rent in Gozo.

Hi France, yes there is: https://yippeemalta.com/info/gozo-full-day-tour-quad . You can use coupon code MALTA5 to get 5% off!

I will arrive in Gozo at approx. 2am on foot. What are my options for getting to Rabat please.

Hi Andy, I’m afraid the options are pretty limited at that time: Getting a taxi or having an uphill midnight hike are the only options I can suggest. Although it’s perfectly safe to do so I think I’d still choose the first option at that time of night.

I’m gutted about the Azure Window. We visited Gozo last year took a boat trip to see it. We are returning in June this year and planned to see it again, by land this time 🙁

It has just taken me a week to see all of Gozo. Admittedly I was on foot as well as a bicycle but did use the bus on occasions. It is just so relaxing, the scenery fantastic with flowers everywhere at this time of year and the people extremely friendly.

Very familiar comments Nathan, it certainly is a great place to spend time if you want to escape a busy routine.

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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 » Europe » Malta » Things to Do in Gozo, Malta in One Day

Things to Do in Gozo, Malta in One Day

By Author Laura Longwell

Posted on Last updated: April 12, 2022

After several days in gorgeous (but crowded) Malta , we decided to visit the island’s even smaller sister, Gozo. With a fraction of the population of the main island, Gozo is much quieter and has a slower pace about it. It’s also awe-inspiring.

Gozo has stunning swimming spots, charming villages, and a beautiful coastline all punctuated here and there by unique buildings and ruins. We set out on our day trip from Malta with the goal of enjoying all the things to do in Gozo at a leisurely pace.

Here’s what there is to do on this unique island in a day.

See the Citadel

Visit ta’ pinu basilica, gaze at wied il-ghasri, walk through the salt pans, relax at xwejni bay, swim at xlendi, see the red sand at ramla bay, how to get to gozo from malta, getting around.

From the ferry, we made a beeline to the Citadel (also called the Citadella or Kastell). This hilltop fortress is one of the top places to visit in Gozo, and we had heard it gets crowded, so we wanted to get there early.

In the capital city of Victoria (locals call it Rabat), the Citadel sits on a site previously settled by Romans, Arabs, and Normans. Its current incarnation was reconstructed after a conflict with the Turks in 1551. The history in the place is remarkable.

Arriving just a few minutes before 9:00am, we felt like we had the whole Citadel to ourselves. We walked into the Cathedral of the Assumption in the heart of the Citadel just as the priest was finishing his morning prayer and got to wander through the 17th-century building alone. From the bastions outside are some of the best views in Gozo, as the whole island spreads out around the fortress.

Although some areas are in ruins, exploring the streets and alleyways provides an interesting glimpse into history. Other top attractions in the area include the Folklore Museum, the Archaeology Museum, and the Old Prison, which was used from the 16th century until 1962.

Even in a country full of churches, Ta’ Pinu Basilica stands out as one of the more striking attractions, in large part because of its setting—it feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere.

Surrounded by fields in northern Gozo, Ta’ Pinu Basilica is a national shrine devoted to the Virgin Mary. In 1883, a local woman reported hearing Mary’s voice in the chapel that stood on this spot, and it rapidly became a center of pilgrimage.

To accommodate all the visitors, construction began on Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu in 1920, incorporating the original 16th century chapel. Everything about this church from its 155-foot bell tower to its series of marble statues is done to stand out. If you’re short on time, stop by for a quick exterior photo op. If you care to linger, check out the museums inside and the statues that line the walking path adjacent to the cathedral.

After some quality time with buildings and churches, we were off for some outdoor sightseeing on the island’s northern coast at Wied l-Għasri, the Ghasri Valley. All through the area, people were hiking, biking, and enjoying the scenery.

On a whim, we decided to follow a handful of people walking down to a spot just out of sight, not knowing what was at the end of the path. What we found was probably the most gorgeous swimming area we’ve ever seen—a place where the Mediterranean dips in between the impressive Gozitan cliffs.

Just a few feet away, waves crashed against the cliffs, but in Wied il-Ghasri, everything was calm. The tiny rocky beach was a perfect place to relax, and the swimming and snorkeling here was great. It’s also a popular destination for those who visit Gozo for scuba diving.

About a mile from Wied il-Ghasri was one of our favorite things to see in Gozo—the amazing salt pans below the village of iz-Zebbug. All along the soft limestone of the coast, salt pans form an intricate pattern that begged for closer inspection.

Before summer, the pans are filled with seawater, which ultimately evaporates and leaves the crystallized salt behind. It’s been this way for thousands of years, as some of these hand-carved cut outs date back as far as Roman times. The combination of the rock formations, the patchwork of salt pans, the sea, and all the surrounding scenery was astounding.

Just steps from the salt pans, the waves of shallow Xwejni Bay greeted sunbathers and swimmers. Families and couples congregated along the pebbly beach to snorkel, swim, and just have fun. Unlike busy Marsalforn Bay just a mile away, Xwejni Bay is quiet and understated with just a couple of businesses and room to spread out in the sun.

All of the exploring and sightseeing had us quite hungry, so we took a 20-minute drive to the coastal village of Xlendi. There’s great traditional Maltese and Gozitan food all over Malta, but we had heard great things about the seafood offerings in Xlendi, in particular. Plus, it was reported to have exceptional views. Our detour was well worth it.

The village sits on a sandy inlet of Xlendi Bay and the seaside is lined with restaurants, cafes, and modern hotels. Sitting right on the water at secluded Ta’ Karolina, visitors can watch boats returning with some of their fresh catch. A quick hike to the top of one of the cliffs provides views of the bay. It’s easy to see why the area has gained popularity and more tourist traffic in recent years, but thankfully the natural beauty of the bay endures. Our visit here was one of our favorite things to do in Gozo.

The red sandy beach at Ramla Bay is often cited as the best beach on Gozo. Its ruddy, soft sand is unique on both Gozo and Malta—two islands known for pebbly beaches—and leads into perfect turquoise water. The area provides a great swimming, snorkeling, and diving spot for families during much of the year and can get very crowded with locals and tourists in high season. While the Ramla Bay area is not particularly built up, there are two cafes and ice cream kiosks as well as chairs and umbrellas for rent.

If the beach gets too crowded, head for Calypso Cave nearby. Overlooking the western side of the beach, the carved out area is believed to be the cave referred to by Homer in The Odyssey in which the nymph Calypso kept Ulysses for seven years.

Read about more things to do in Malta

Traveling by ferry is the only way to reach the island, but luckily it’s quite affordable at less than €5 per passenger roundtrip. The ferry to Gozo departs from Ċirkewwa in Malta roughly every hour year-round, and the trip takes about 20 minutes. You can reach Ċirkewwa via several different bus routes, but a taxi is the most reliable way to reach the ferry station if you’re hoping to get on a specific ferry.

There are a number of options for getting around the island.

• Public bus – There are 10 bus routes that run hourly in every direction. This option is likely best for those with lots of time and flexibility, as the service is reported to be inefficient.
• Hop on hop off bus – If you’re short on time and don’t want to drive, hop on hop off buses are an option. They stop at all the major attractions and provide information in eight languages. We decided against this option because we did not think we would be able to see as much as we wanted to with just one day in Gozo.
• Taxis – Taxis are readily available from the port. They may be a good option if you want flexibility but aren’t comfortable driving yourself.
• Rental car – There are several rental car options right in the ferry terminal. We ultimately chose to rent a car in Malta because we wanted the flexibility to be on our own schedule and to see what we wanted during our Gozo day trip. Driving was very easy and not nearly as hectic as driving in Malta. If you’re considering a rental car, check rates for cars on Gozo here (via AutoEurope) . You can also see our e-book on driving abroad here .

Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel blogger and photographer. Since founding Travel Addicts in 2008, she has written hundreds of articles that help over 3 million people a year get the most out of their travel. In that time, she has visited nearly 60 countries on 5 continents, often returning to favorite destinations over and over again. She has a deep love of history, uncovering unexpected attractions, and trying all the good food a place has to offer.

In addition to Travel Addicts, Laura runs a site about her hometown of Philadelphia—Guide to Philly—which chronicles unique things to do and places to see around southeastern Pennsylvania. Her travel tips and advice appear across the web.

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Emily Hines

Saturday 24th of February 2018

I would love to chill out in this town. The water is so blue!

Friday 23rd of February 2018

Wow, the contrasting colors are beautiful! This is one spot in Europe I definitely need to get to soon!

A Day Trip to Gozo, Malta

There’s no recommendation like that of a friend. So when an old school friend told me I must visit Malta, that is what I did! And my favourite day in the country was a day trip to Gozo, a short boat ride from mainland Malta.

Although I visited at the end of summer, the sun was scorching as the taxi driver translated the radio announcement to me:  “the hottest day on record in a decade”  he told me.  Thank God,  I thought to myself. So it isn’t just me… I’m not the only one melting into the abyss!

We arrived at the bay area in Valletta and I almost threw myself into the shadiest seat on the boat, before the driver hit the engine and we made our way to Gozo.

Arriving in Valletta

The first thing to hit you in Valletta will be an overwhelming sense of wonder. Embrace it.

The city is UNESCO World Heritage listed and presents one of the most awe-inspiring displays of architecture. I would go so far as to say it is one of Europe’s best secrets! The church facades, statues and polished marble are just the beginning of this fabulous city. But it doesn’t all come at once. This city seems to reveal itself in many layers, much like the history it possesses. Be sure to check out the impressive limestone display at the grand entrance of Valletta, before winding your way through the impressive streets that will have you walking through a real-life time machine.

A Day Trip to Gozo!

Although I could have spent days if not weeks exploring Valletta, my task at hand was to visit Gozo. So after a brief look at Valletta, I was on my way. Because time was limited, I took a fast boat. There is also the option of a ferry but since time was not on my side, I went for the former. If you have more time, however, a ferry is cheaper.

If opting for the ferry, be sure to do your research and plan the day ahead. Ferries do not depart from Valletta, so you will first need to take a bus to Ċirkewwa before hopping on board.

Things to See and Do in Gozo

With just one day to explore Gozo myself, I jumped on board a 4WD tour of the island. This way I could pack in as much as possible. 

From what I could understand (based purely on later research from my extreme intrigue by Malta), the country changed hands throughout history – from the Roman Empire to Byzantium to Arab rule – all of which have had a lasting impression on Malta and how it exists today.

Given the island location between Northern Africa and Italy , it comes as no surprise that Malta was susceptible to pirate attacks and slavery, which was especially prominent throughout Gozo through the late 18th and early 19th century.

Napoleon Bonaparte also had a short-lived reign in Gozo between 1798 and 1800, followed by a short period of autonomy before the British took control later in 1800 until 21 September 1964 when Malta gained its independence.

With such an impressive history it is little wonder there are many historical buildings to see and explore in Gozo, though with the heat of the day I was glad we zipped by, enjoying the wind as it slapped me in the face from the lack of windows on the back of our truck.

The salt flats were an interesting area to check out and quite expansive if you’re looking for a photo op!

The Blue Lagoon

Touristy as it is, you can’t come to Gozo and not visit the Blue Lagoon… especially if you’re visiting in summer or on the shoulder of it! Located just a few minutes from Gozo, the lagoon becomes a pop-up summer party of sorts, complete with bars, ice-cream boats, water slides and party music. This is a great way to unwind for the late afternoon and cool off after a day of adventuring.

I hope you enjoyed this guide to a day trip to Gozo in Malta! You can keep up with my adventures on Instagram .

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

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From Malta: Gozo Day Trip Including Ggantija Temples

Set out on a journey that will transport you to a realm where time seems to stand still—the Gozo Day Trip Including Ggantija Temples promises an experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

As travelers traverse through the ancient sites and breathtaking landscapes of Gozo, they will uncover a tapestry of stories waiting to be unraveled.

But what awaits them at the Ggantija Temples and beyond is a tale that connects the past with the present, offering a glimpse into a world shrouded in mystery and wonder.

Just The Basics

• Explore UNESCO World Heritage Site Ggantija Temples
• Discover Citadel of Rabat and Bay of Xlendi
• Experience Inland Sea at Dwejra
• Full-day Gozo tour with cultural landmarks and natural beauty

Here's some more nearby activities we've reviewed

• Agent 007: In App Walking Audio Tour for Detectives(ENG)
• From Malta: Gozo Jeep Tour With Lunch and Hotel Transfers
• From Malta: Gozo Full-Day Quad Tour With Lunch and Boat Ride
• Malta: Private Sunset Boat Trip to Comino and Blue Lagoon

Booking Details

When planning your Gozo day trip that includes a visit to the Ggantija Temples, travelers can take advantage of convenient booking details that offer flexibility and ease. With options for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the ability to reserve now and pay later, visitors can ensure their heritage exploration experience fits seamlessly into their itinerary.

The activity, lasting approximately 9 hours , allows participants to explore the rich history of the UNESCO World Heritage Site at their own pace. Starting from £59.79 per person, interested you can check availability for booking and choose suitable starting times.

Plus, pickup is included , providing further convenience for those looking to enjoy Gozo’s cultural wonders.

Experience Highlights

Enjoy a full-day adventure exploring the captivating highlights of Gozo, including a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ggantija Temples, the ancient capital of the Island at the Citadel of Rabat, the picturesque Bay of Xlendi, and the natural beauty of the Inland Sea at Dwejra.

The Ggantija Temples, among the world’s oldest freestanding structures, are archaeological wonders that shed light on Malta’s ancient history. The Citadel of Rabat offers a glimpse into the past as the former capital, while the Bay of Xlendi provides scenic beauty with its charming coastal views.

Concluding the day at the Inland Sea at Dwejra, visitors can witness the stunning natural landscapes that make Gozo a must-visit destination for history and nature enthusiasts alike.

Tour Details

Interested in exploring Gozo’s heritage and hidden gems with the convenience of a professional guide?

This full-day tour offers a deep dive into the historical sites of Gozo, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ggantija Temples, the Citadel of Rabat, the Bay of Xlendi, and the Inland Sea at Dwejra.

The tour includes a live guide fluent in multiple languages like Spanish, French , Italian , German , Polish , and English , providing insightful tour commentary throughout. While the order of visits may vary, the experience remains rich in history and culture .

Plus, there’s an optional boat trip at Dwejra Bay, weather permitting and for an extra fee, adding a unique perspective to this immersive exploration of Gozo’s captivating landmarks.

Reserve & Payment Options

To secure your spot on the Gozo Day Trip including the Ggantija Temples, you can book without immediate payment and even reserve it as a gift option. Here are four key points to consider:

Flexible Payment : Book now and pay later to maintain flexibility in your travel plans.

Gift Vouchers : Consider reserving this trip as a thoughtful gift for a loved one’s upcoming adventure.

No Immediate Payment : Secure your spot without the need for immediate payment, allowing you to confirm your plans hassle-free.

Convenient Options : Whether for yourself or as a gift, these payment options make booking your Gozo Day Trip a breeze.

Make sure to take advantage of these convenient options to ensure a stress-free booking experience for your Gozo adventure!

Customer Reviews

Exploring the customer reviews reveals valuable insights into the Gozo Day Trip experience, highlighting aspects such as the guide, transportation , service , and organization. With an overall rating of 4.2/5 based on 1157 reviews, visitors have shared their tour impressions and sightseeing experiences.

Positive feedback emphasizes enjoyable stops, informative guides , and good value for money. Many customers appreciated the knowledgeable guides who made the historical sites come alive. The smooth transportation arrangements and well-organized itinerary were also frequently praised.

These firsthand accounts provide helpful insights for those considering the tour, offering a glimpse into the memorable experiences and well-rounded service provided during this full-day excursion to Gozo.

For visitors embarking on the Gozo Day Trip, clear and concise directions are essential for navigating the itinerary and making the most of the experience. Here are four key points to guide you on this adventure:

Exploring Landmarks : Ensure you have a map or GPS to locate must-see sites like the Ggantija Temples and the Citadel of Rabat.

Local Cuisine Tasting : Don’t miss out on sampling authentic Gozitan dishes at recommended eateries along the way.

Transportation : Familiarize yourself with the tour vehicle’s schedule and meeting points for a seamless journey.

Tour Guide Assistance : Take advantage of the knowledgeable guides to learn about the history and significance of each stop.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we have reviewed.

• Malta: SUP Rental
• Malta By Night – Valletta, Birgu, Mdina & Mosta
• Comino: Blue Lagoon Catamaran Cruise With Lunch and Open Bar
• Uk/Europe: Esim Mobile Data Plan
• Casa Rocca Piccola Palace & Museum Entrance Ticket
• Southern Malta Tour – Blue Grotto, Hagar Qim & Marsaxlokk

Common questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Gozo for This Day Trip?

The best times to visit Gozo for this day trip are during the spring and autumn when the weather is mild, and the island is less crowded. Weather conditions are usually pleasant, making for an enjoyable experience.

Are There Any Specific Clothing or Footwear Recommendations for the Activities Included in the Tour?

For the activities on the tour, it’s advisable to wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear. Dress in layers for varying weather conditions and consider bringing a hat and sunscreen. Stay prepared for a mix of walking and exploring.

Is Lunch Included in the Price of the Day Trip, or Should We Plan to Bring Our Own Food?

Lunch is not included in the day trip price. Travelers can enjoy local cuisine through picnic options or choose to bring their own food. This flexibility allows visitors to savor the flavors of Gozo at their own pace.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Limitations for Participating in This Day Trip?

Age restrictions or limitations for participating in this day trip are generally not specified. Travelers of varying ages can enjoy the tour. It offers a full-day adventure exploring Gozo’s heritage, key landmarks , and hidden gems.

How Much Free Time Is Allocated at Each Stop During the Tour for Exploring Independently?

During the tour, participants can enjoy sightseeing options and explore solo at each stop. The itinerary allows for ample free time, providing opportunities to discover local recommendations and embrace the charm of Gozo independently.

Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• Malta: City Sightseeing HOHO Bus Tour & Optional Boat Tour
• The Best Traditional 2 Harbours Day Cruise of Malta
• Malta: Mdina, Dingli Cliffs and San Anton Botanical Gardens
• Sliema/St. Julian’s: Private Day Trip Around Malta
• Malta: Ultimate Kayak Adventure
• Gozo: Private Full Day Island Tour
• Gozo: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
• Malta 8-Hour Vintage Car Tour
• From Sliema: Cruise Around Malta S Harbours & Creeks
• Gozo: 6-Hour Tuk Tuk Tour With Private Chauffeur
• Temples Tour (Pickup, Transfer, Tickets & Drop-off Included)

Experience the magic of Gozo with the Gozo Day Trip including Ggantija Temples, a journey filled with history, culture , and natural beauty.

From exploring ancient temples to wandering through quaint villages, this full-day tour offers a unique and immersive experience.

With a knowledgeable guide, convenient booking options , and rave reviews from satisfied customers, this excursion is the perfect way to discover the charm of Gozo in just 9 hours.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable adventure!

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How to Spend a Day on Gozo without a Car, Malta

Are you planning on visiting Gozo Island from Malta as a day trip but you don’t want to rent a car? Then this blog post is for you. You might’ve read about Gozo being more rural than Malta and harder to get around unless you have your own vehicle. Well, it’s true. It’ll be a little harder and will require a bit more planning but it’s not impossible to see quite a lot of the island without a car.

In this blog post you can follow our exact day trip to Gozo which we planned using only public transport. You can follow it or customise it to suit your interests. Even if you’re not planning on visiting Gozo without a car, we hope that this post will give you some inspiration on the best places to see around the island.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something. Clicking these links won’t cost you anything, but it will help us to keep this site up and running! Learn more about our affiliate policy.

Table of Contents

Introducing Gozo Island

You may or may not know this, but Malta is actually an archipelago of five islands: Malta, Gozo, Comino, Comminotto and Filfla. Only Malta, Gozo and Comino are inhabited, although Comino’s population is around two people so it’s pretty much uninhabited! With an area of 67km², Gozo is the second largest island. However, it’s definitely more rural than Malta. Of the over half a million people who live in the country, less than 40,000 people live on Gozo and call themselves Gozitans.

Although tiny, the island has around 46 churches and many of them are massive and visible from miles away. Apparently, one of them is so huge that it can fit an entire village of 3,000 people in it.

The island was also used as a filming location for many well known movies and TV shows such as Troy, Game of Thrones, The Count of Monte Cristo and By the Sea.

Gozo is much more rural than Malta and is characterised by fishing, tourism, crafts and agriculture. In Gozo you can really experience that typical Mediterranean culture. Setting foot on the island, especially if you visit in the off season, will make you feel like you’ve travelled back in time. You’ll see locals having a chat in front of their homes without rushing around, working in their fields or herding livestock.

How to Get to Gozo Island without a Car

The only way you can reach Gozo is via ferry from Malta. You can either take a ferry from Cirkewwa Passenger Terminal or a Fast Ferry from Valletta.

The fast ferry will get you to Gozo in about 45 minutes which is definitely the most time efficient way to get to the island. A one way ticket costs 7.50EUR, so it’s more expensive than the passenger ferry. It’s worth noting that you won’t be able to take your hire car to Gozo on the fast ferry. For more information check out their website.

No matter where you’re staying in Malta, you can reach Cirkewwa Passenger Terminal easily although it’ll take you longer. To make planning easier, below you can find the most direct bus services you can take from some of the most popular areas to stay in Malta.

From Valletta you can take Buses 41 or 42 and from Sliema you can take Bus 222. If you’re staying in one of the resorts such as Bugibba , you can take bus 221. From places like Mgarr you can hop onto the 101 service. What’s great is that you can even travel there straight from the airport with the X1 service. The bus takes around an hour and a half to get to the ferry terminal from places like Valletta and Sliema. If you’re staying further north, then there will be more services to choose from. It would also take you less time to reach the ferry port. In case you’re staying further afield in Marsaxlokk and Marsaskala, you’ll need to take a bus to Valletta first, then hop onto either Bus 41 or 42.

Once you’re at the ferry terminal you can go into the building and wait for the next ferry. They depart around every half an hour. It’s good to know that you won’t be able to buy your ticket at Cirkewwa Terminal. You have to buy it when you’re leaving Gozo Island at Mgarr. Return tickets cost only 4.65EUR per person. Note that you can’t use your bus pass on the ferry.

Once you’re on Gozo there are a few bus services going to Victoria or there’s another one going to Marsalforn. Victoria is the main hub from where you can always reach other parts of Gozo.

One Day Gozo Island Itinerary without a Car

Feel free to adjust the below itinerary to suit you and your interests. It’s also worth noting that there’s a hop-on hop-off service in Gozo that allows you to see some of the island in one day. We enjoy planning things on our own, but wanted to suggest this service in case you don’t want to do all this planning on your holiday.

1. Hike Up to Tal-Mixta Cave for an Unforgettable View

Start your one day Gozo Island itinerary by taking the 322 local bus from the Ferry Terminal towards Ramla Beach. We found that most tourists take the local bus to Victoria first, so this way gave us the opportunity to have a quieter experience at Ramla Beach..

Get off at this bus stop then go on a 25-30 minute walk to Tal-Mixta Cave by following this route. It’s an easy and relaxing walk and a great way to get a glimpse into the everyday lives of the locals.

Tal-Mixta Cave is a huge cliffside cave located on the outskirts of Nadur Village. It offers some breath-taking views of Ramla Beach and the immediate surrounding area.

Note – The cave is located on private property! It is completely legal and free to access it as long as you’re respectful of the landowners. So stay on the dedicated path, don’t be loud, don’t leave your rubbish behind and don’t ruin the cave walls. Just enjoy this picture perfect view because it’s definitely one of the best views on Gozo Island.

2. Hike Down to Ramla Beach and Go for a Quick Dip

After enjoying the stunning views from the cave, it’s time to get a closer look at Ramla Beach itself. You can hike down from the cave’s opening which is the quickest way to reach the beach. Make sure to be extra cautious because the start of the path is very steep and can be slippery. If you’re unsure you can always head back the way you came then turn right onto Triq ir-Ramla l-Antika road and follow the trail to the beach.

Once at the beach you can go for a dip if you’re visiting in the warmer seasons or explore a few of the paths on the western side of the beach. Luckily, there are toilets and a bar there too in case you’d like to grab something.

Locals call it Ramla il-Ħamra, or the Red Sandy Beach, due to the beautiful reddish colour of the sand. It’s also Gozo’s largest sandy beach and it has the Blue Flag status. In order to qualify, a series of environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained. Although we’re not beach lovers, we can’t deny the beauty of this place.

3. Catch the Bus to Xaghra to Visit Something Very Old

Once you’re ready to leave Ramla Beach, walk up to this bus stop and catch the 322 to Xaghra.

The main reason to visit this small village is the over 5,500 year old Ggantija Temples . They are actually considered the oldest freestanding structures in the world! Yes, older than Stonehenge or the Pyramids of Egypt. So, of course you can’t skip a visit.

The name Ggantija means ‘giants’ because it was once believed that giants built this temple. To date it’s unsure how the structure was erected. However, based on excavations it is beleived that the temples were used for fertility rituals. It’s been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1980. Entry fee is 10EUR per person.

If you have a little more time to spare, there’s another interesting feature just across the road from the temples called Ta’ Kola Windmill. It was built in 1725 and is one of the last original windmills on the Maltese archipelago. It now operates as a museum where you can learn about how the mill worked and see a number of original tools.

4. Have Lunch in Victoria then Explore the City

It’s time to explore the main city in Gozo: Victoria.

Just outside of the Ggantija Temples you can catch bus 307 to Victoria. The bus will drop you off at the main bus station from where you can walk into the centre. The good thing about visiting Gozo without a car is that you don’t have to worry about finding parking spots all the time.

As you’ve probably guessed by now, Victoria is the capital of Gozo. The name Victoria was only given in 1887 in honour of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Before that the city was called Rabat. Many Gozitans still call Victoria Rabat. Unlike Valletta, Victoria doesn’t have an awful lot of attractions, but it definitely has its own charm. The main feature of Victoria is the Citadel which sits high on a hilltop offering stunning views of Gozo. You can enter the Citadel for free but you’ll have to pay to go into the museum, prison, and the Gran Costello Historic House.

Victoria is a great place to either grab something quick from one of the Pastizzis or sit down for a proper lunch.

5. Visit the Salt Pans

For the last main activity of your Gozo day trip, you can hop onto bus 310 from Victoria to visit the beautiful Salt Pans.

Located to the north, just up from Marsalforn, these Salt Pans are an iconic landmark of Gozo. Salt production in Gozo is a tradition that’s been passed down from generation to generation. For example, these chequerboard formations in the Xwejni Bay are over 350 years old, and stretch about 3 km along the coast. If you’re visiting during the summer months you can even see locals collecting salt there.

You can get off at this bus stop and see a smaller version of the Salt Pans called Salins de Marsalforn. After that you can follow this route to walk out to the main Salt Pans.

Note – There are signs saying not to trespass on the salt pans. Please respect them and don’t walk out on the pans.

6. Enjoy the Sunset from the Ferry back to Malta

Depending on your timings and the time of year you’re visiting, we recommend getting the ferry back to Malta around sunset. You can take buses 301, 303 and 323 from the main bus station in Victoria all the way to Gozo Ferry Terminal. Don’t forget that here you have to buy your ticket first before boarding.

Watching the sun going down, then painting the sky in all shades of pinks and oranges, is a fantastic way to end your day trip to Gozo Island.

Check out our Malta related blog posts:

• One Week Malta Itinerary – Best Things to Do in Malta

Best Things to Do in Valletta, Malta

• 10 Things to Do in Mdina, Malta’s Silent City
• Comino Day Trip Itinerary – How to See Malta’s Blue Lagoon

Final Thoughts on Visiting Gozo Island without a Car

We definitely loved visiting Gozo Island. It was so much quieter and rural compared to Malta itself. The combination of our day trips to Gozo and Comino Islands made us fall in love with Malta.

We believe that we managed to pack quite a lot into a day, especially seeing Gozo without the comfort of a car. We got relatively lucky with the bus schedules but we can totally see why many would choose to hire a car and not even visit more than a handful of places without one. If you miss one bus, the next might not arrive for another hour. On the the flip side, that’s the main charm of Gozo. Nobody is rushing around.

We hope that our guide and tips will be useful to you when planning an amazing day trip to Gozo island, especially if you choose not to rent a car.

Have you been to Gozo Island or Malta before? If so, did you visit the island by car or with public transport? How much of Gozo did you manage to see? If not, would you visit the island by public transport or would you rather rent a car? Let me know in the comments below.

Now, let your adventure begin,

Our Top Travel Resources

Accommodation:  For hotels we always use  Booking.com  and  Hostelworld  for hostels. We also book longer stays on Airbnb or  Vrbo.

Flights:  To find the best flight prices we always check  Skyscanner ,  Google Flights  or  WayAway.  Then we also check the airlines’ websites too for comparison.

Car Rentals:  We use  Discover Cars  when we want to rent a car as it compares local, national and international companies.

Activities:  If we book organised tours we always check either  GetYourGuide  or  Viator.

Foreign Currency:  Whenever we can we prefer to pay in local currency and for that we always use our  Wise card.   We can easily withdraw money from the ATM or pay by card at most shops and restaurants.

Travel Insurance: We never go anywhere without travel insurance. You never know what will happen on your trip, so good travel insurance like SafetyWing can protect you in case of injury, illness, theft and cancellations.

eSIM and VPN: To get data abroad we use  Airalo which is an app that allows you to download a prepaid eSIM to your phone in over 190 countries. Make sure to have a VPN to avoid hackers accessing your personal data when using public WIFI. We use  Surfshark  which is the only VPN that offers one account on unlimited devices. 

Remember…It all starts with a Pin…

Similar Posts

10 Things to Do in Mdina, Malta’s Silent City

One Week Malta Itinerary – Best Things to Do in Malta

Comino Day Trip Itinerary – How to See Malta’s Blue Lagoon

Our big mistake was wanting to see the chapel not too far from the ferry terminal and not catching the bus from the terminal. We ended up walking for miles to get to the next bus!

Oh yes, we had to skip that chapel because we ran out of daylight by the end. That’s why if we had a car we could’ve seen more. Sometimes buses don’t come that often or the stops are pretty far like in your case, but of course it’s not impossible to spend a great day there without a rental.

I have yet to visit this beautiful part of the world. Your phots and post have added it to my must see list!

Thanks Jody, we hope that you can visit Malta in the near future.

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The Best Things to Do in Malta

Malta may be one of the smallest countries in the world, but it certainly doesn't lack in things to do. The three-island archipelago is located a little over 100 mile south of Sicily in the Mediterranean and includes the islands of Malta, Gozo, and Comino. For such a small area, though, there are a surprising number of historic sites -ranging from megalithic temples said to date back to the 4th millennium B.C. to medieval fortresses and walled cities-and are a major draw for visitors. But activities in Malta are not limited to visiting relics of the past. The Mediterranean nation has natural wonders to explore (both above and below water), festivals to attend, and nightlife to partake in.

From rock climbing and swimming in the Mediterranean to wandering the ancient ruins of various centuries, here are some of the best things to do in Malta.

For getting to know Malta's history and ancient past

1. spend a day exploring the city of valletta and its landmarks.

• Where : Valletta

Given Malta's strategic location and succession of rulers-from the Romans, Normans, and Sicilians to the Spanish, Knights of St. John, French, and British-it's somewhat surprising to find Valletta so well-preserved. The capital city dates back to the 16th century and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980. When it was recognized as the European Capital of Culture in 2018, several historic landmarks, such as the city gate at the entrance to Valletta, underwent extensive restoration. When visiting save a day for wandering the city to see such landmarks as:

Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel : At nearly 138 feet high, the dome of the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel looms large on the city skyline. Although the church itself dates back to 1570, it was badly damaged during World War II and only reopened in its current form in 1981 after 23 years of rebuilding.

St. John's Co-Cathedral : The church is named a co-cathedral because the bishop of Malta also sits at St. Paul's Cathedral in Mdina. One of the world's must-visit churches, it features a glittering gold interior that represents the pinnacle of high baroque architecture, plus eight chapels dedicated to the eight branches of the Knights of Malta. History buffs will want to explore the crypt, while art lovers will appreciate the ceiling frescoes by Mattia Preti. Tickets include entrance to the attached museum.

2. Visit the National Museum of Archaeology

Housed in the baroque Auberge de Provence, the National Museum of Archaeology features a collection dating as far back as 5200 B.C., during the Neolithic period. Through such objects as delicate stone tools and Phoenician amulets, it provides a solid introduction to Malta's prehistoric history and adds context to many of the historical sites around the island. It's a perfect starting point for a tour of Valletta, and the small museum is easily be explored in an hour.

3. Upper Barrakka Gardens

One of Valletta's most scenic spots, the Upper Barrakka Gardens has memorable views of the Grand Harbour, the fortified cities of Senglea and Birgu across the harbor, and the shipyards below. Every day at noon, members of the Malta Heritage Society dress in British military uniforms and fire a ceremonial gun [cannon] salute. Visitors can stroll by beautiful fountains, and there is plenty of manicured green space for picnics. Take an elevator which connects the gardens to the Valletta waterfront, or perhaps ride the elevator at dusk to watch the sun setting over the city's rooftops and the Mediterranean.

History buffs won't want to miss the Lascaris War Rooms, a collection of tunnels and chambers 150 feet beneath the Upper Barrakka Gardens, that served as the secret headquarters for Allied operations during World War II. Commanders stationed here oversaw some of the most ambitious campaigns in the Mediterranean, including the 1943 invasion of Sicily. After the war, the War Rooms were used by the Mediterranean fleet of the Royal Navy.

4. Go back in time in the medieval town of Mdina

• Where : Mdina

Plan to spend at least an afternoon wandering the streets of the walled city of Mdina (also known as the Silent City), which was founded in the 8th century A.D. and served as the nation's capital until medieval times. These days fewer than 100 people live in Mdina, though the walled city remains a popular tourist attraction. After your visit, make a stop at Coogi's Restaurant & Tea Garden for lunch or a quick drink while enjoying views of the surrounding farms on the other side of the city's walls.

Game of Thrones fans will be interested to know that Mdina was one of many filming locations for the series.

5. Tour St. Paul's Catacombs

• Where : Rabat

Located on the outskirts of Mdina in Rabat, St. Paul's Catacombs are an homage to Paul the apostle. Paul and 274 others were shipwrecked just off Malta around 60 A.D. on their way to Rome . Legend has it that the survivors took refuge in a grotto, above which a church and monument were later built in the apostle's honor. The Catacombs, which represent the earliest evidence of Christianity in Malta, are a labyrinthine set of underground cemeteries. Covering an area of over 21,000 square feet, the catacombs twist and turn with dozens of hypogea (chambers) once used for burials.

6. Explore the Cittadella

• Where : Victoria, Gozo

The site of the Cittadella on the island of Gozo is thought to have been inhabited since Neolithic time and more certainly by the Bronze Age. The land was used by the Romans for a settlement. The Cittadella is a fortified citadel, which overlooks Gozo's current capital of Victoria.

A walk through the striking limestone structure is a must when visiting Gozo. While wandering the grounds, notice the holy shrines under the Norman-style arches and the doors adorned with a coat of arms. Up on the ramparts, you'll find a 360-degree view of Gozo's hills, valleys, and villages, with the Mediterranean in the distance. There are also various on-site churches and museums to visit, such as the cave-like Gunpowder Magazine, where gunpowder was stored in the late 17th and 18th centuries.

Other nearby historic sites worth a stop in Gozo include the ornate St. George's Basilica , which tops the hill at the heart of Victoria and the baroque Cathedral of the Assumption, enclosed within the walls of the Cittadella.

7. The Ggantija Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Where : Gozo

The Ggantija Temples , named after the Maltese word for "giant," are the oldest and most impressive of the megalithic temples in the Maltese islands. Built during the Neolithic period from coralline limestone, the ruins are more than 5,500 years old, predating Stonehenge-and even the pyramids of Egypt. This UNESCO World Heritage site was recently restored; it is visitor friendly with walkways and a new center featuring displays of prehistoric artifacts from across Gozo.

For experiencing Malta's more current culture, food, and nightlife

8. shop for gifts and snacks on and near merchants street.

Stalls at the busy Merchants Street Market, which is open every morning of the week, sell traditional Maltese crafts alongside bargain clothing, jewelry, and other gifts. Right off Merchants Street is the Is-Suq Tal-Belt Valletta Food Market, an indoor collection of food stalls ideal for sampling Maltese food . Swing by Lot 61 Coffee Roasters across the street from the food market for a cup of some of the best brew in the city.

9. Watch live music at Bridge Bar or Cafe Society

Valletta by day may be all about sightseeing and jostling with crowds of day-trippers from docked cruise ships, but nighttime in the capital city is an entirely different experience. On warm nights in particular, the nightlife spills out from the city's bars and restaurants onto the streets. On these evenings, join the locals lounging on city steps and enjoy a drink and live music at establishments like Bridge Bar or Cafe Society .

10. Attend a festival

• Where : Nationwide

It's easy to time a visit to Malta with a festival, thanks to a diverse calendar of events . For a more traditional cultural experience, time your trip for " festa season "-a series of extended weekends that runs from the end of May to September-when towns and villages throughout Malta celebrate the feast of their respective patron saints with papier-mâché statues, Maltese delicacies, and fireworks.

However, some of the more standout events worth planning a trip around include Birgu Fest and Notte Bianca , both annual festivals that take place in October. Birgu Fest is a festival in which the entire old city of Vittoriosa, also known as Birgu, turns off all of its lights and illuminates the city's ancient walls and cobblestone streets by candlelight. Notte Bianca, also a nighttime festival, takes place in Valletta but is more focused on music and partying than the romance of candlelight. If you happen to visit in February, grab a costume and head to Nadur, Gozo, for its macabre Carnival celebrations .

For getting out to see Malta's natural beauty

11. take a boat tour to the blue grotto or blue lagoon.

• Where : Qrendi (Malta) or Comino

No trip to Malta would be complete without an excursion on the Mediterranean, and one of the most enjoyable ways to experience it is with a boat tour. If you're short on time, take a taxi or drive to the coastal town of Qrendi, where you can hop on a quick 30-minute boat tour to the Blue Grotto, an oceanside cave.

If you have at least a day to spare, it's worthwhile to sign up for a longer boat tour to see the Blue Lagoon, located on the uninhabited island of Comino, which is the archipelago's smallest. There are both day and half-day trips to the Blue Lagoon and Comino departing from either Valletta or Gozo.

12. Walk along the Xwejni Salt Pans on Gozo

• Where : Qbajjar Bay, Gozo

On the northern coast of Gozo, visitors can get a fascinating introduction to one of the island's most important traditions: sea salt production. Just past Qbajjar Bay is a nearly two-mile stretch of 350-year-old salt pans, which remain a vital source of income for Gozitans to this day. In the summer, locals scrape up salt crystals, and store them in nearby caves for later use. Several Gozitan businesses package the salt in gift jars, which are available for purchase in many of the island's souvenir stores.

13. Take a scenic drive on Gozo

Gozo is mostly an agrarian island, so you won't find any big cities here. Instead, focus on exploring the outdoors, and in particular the seaside cliffs and rock formations, scattered about the island. The most famous is the Azure Window, a rock archway that collapsed in 2017 . Even so, visitors still flock to the location to see its remnants. Equally stunning, though less well-known, are Wied il-Għasri a beautiful sea canyon you can hike to and swim in and Wied Il-Mielaħ a (still-standing) natural rock arch perched above the sea, both of which are on the north coast of Gozo.

14. Go for a swim in the Mediterranean

• Where : Various

You won't find many white, sandy beaches on Malta or its two smaller islands, but that doesn't mean there aren't any great areas for swimming and beach days-quite the opposite. Grab a beach blanket or towel and spread out on the rocks at Paradise Bay, Wied Iż-Żurrieq, or St. Peter's Pool in Malta. If you're on Gozo, head to Xlendi.

If you go to St. Peter's Pool, end your day with a seafood meal in Marsaxlokk at casual eatery Skuna or the slightly more upscale restaurant Tartarun . On Sundays, the town has its weekly fish market. Though often touted as a great tourist attraction in Malta, it's okay to skip unless you're buying fish to cook later.

15. Rock climb its coastal cliffs

Malta's seaside cliffs may not always be great for lounging, but they are excellent for rock climbing. If you'd like to try your hand at this adventurous sport, sign up for a tour with Gozo Adventures in Gozo or MC Adventure in Malta. The guides with both tour companies are very experienced and friendly, and have options suitable for all levels-from total newbies to experienced outdoor climbers.

Sara Lieberman contributed to the reporting of this story.