The second-largest island after Malta, Gozo is more remote, peaceful, and relaxed. I would definitely recommend staying at least one night to truly unwind and make the most of what Gozo has to offer.
Victoria (Rabat)
In the heart of Gozo lies the fortified city of Victoria. The main attraction of Victoria is the Citadel, but wandering the small winding streets and enjoying local pastizzi is definitly a treat.
The Citadel stands high on the hill, offering sweeping views across the entire island. It is free to enter, and as you make your way inside, the Cathedral of the Assumption is the first thing you’ll see. Within the Citadel, you’ll also find an old prison and several museums.
Places to visit
Ta'Kola Windmill
Dating back to the knights’ period is the Ta’ Kola Windmill in ix-Xagħra. Built in 1725, the windmill once provided the village with flour for bread, an indispensable food item at the time.
Salt Pans
One of the best places to visit in Gozo is the Salt Pans. These rock-cut salt pans are over 350 years old and extend out into the sea. Seawater is collected in shallow limestone reservoirs, where it evaporates over several days, leaving the salt behind. The salt is then dried and stored in caves. Families have been harvesting salt here since 1860. When visiting, be careful not to walk directly on the limestone reservoirs.
Ta mena Estate
A family-run business producing olive oil, Gozo wines, fruits, and cheeses. Visitors can learn more about crops, trees and food processing in Gozo. Their wines can be purchased from their shop.
Tal-Mixta Cave
Perched high above Ramla Bay, Tal-Mixta Cave overlooks one of Gozo’s most beautiful beaches. The rock creates a natural window that provides some of the most spectacular views across the sea and coastline. Definitely a top thing to do in Gozo! Look for the turn-off onto Triq l-Għassa tal-Maħraġ, drive to the end of the road, and park the car. From there, it’s a five-minute walk.
Where to eat? For lunch or dinner, try Ta’Karolina Restaurant.
Great beaches to visit
Ramla Bay
The only sandy beach on the island, Ramla Bay is known for its distinctive red sand. In 2025, loggerhead turtles laid nests on this beach. Volunteers from Nature Trust – FEE Malta (NTM) and the Environment & Resources Authority (ERA) protect the nests 24/7 until the eggs hatch, ensuring the baby turtles make their way safely to the ocean.
Mgarr lx-Xini
A very secluded and sheltered pebble beach west of Mgarr Harbour. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent. Parking is limited, and the road down to the car park is quite steep, so if it’s busy, it may be best to skip this beach.
Dwerja Bay
If you’re interested in dramatic coastal formations, Dwejra Bay is the perfect spot. The Blue Hole is one of Gozo’s best dive sites. For many years, Dwejra was home to a natural arch known as the Azure Window. After its collapse in 2017, the site became a popular dive location.
Where to hike
Coastal hike
The coastal walk is a look around Gozo, it can be completed over three days and showcases some of the most stunning landscapes Gozo has to offer. The hike starts and ends at Mgarr Harbour. July and August are the hottest months, so it’s recommended to avoid hiking during this period.
How to get around?
By bus
- Public buses connect to popular beaches such as Ramla Bay, San blas Bay, Marsalforn bay and Xlendi bay. Victoria and Mgarr Harbour are also easily reached by public transport.
- FromMgarr Harbour, Hop-on hop-off buses operate two routes (Purple Line and the Blue Line) bringing visitors to many places Gozo has to offer. This is a great option if you are travelling from Malta without a car.
By quad bike
Another fun way to explore the island is to rent quad bikes. This can be done as part of a guided group tour or independently. Quad bikes allow access to hidden gems and secluded locations that cars can’t reach.
By car
We brought our car on the Gozo ferry from Malta, which was very easy and gave us the flexibility to visit different beaches and attractions around the island.
By ferry
There are two ways to reach Gozo by ferry:
- The Gozo Highspeed ferry travels from Valletta to Gozo in just under 45 minutes. This ferry is a passenger only service.
- Ċirkewwa to Gozo Mġarr on the Gozo Channel. This ferry is the lifeline of Gozo and thus operates daily. One way takes around 25 minutes.
