Gozo, Malta's smaller sister island, offers a more laid-back atmosphere with stunning landscapes, charming villages, and rich history. A day trip from Malta is easy and highly rewarding.
Getting to Gozo
The Gozo Channel ferry runs every 45 minutes from Ċirkewwa (northern Malta) to Mġarr (Gozo). Journey takes 25 minutes. Pay on return (€4.65 per person). Cars and motorcycles can be transported for an additional fee.
Suggested Day Itinerary
Morning: Victoria (Rabat)
Start in Gozo's capital. Visit the Citadel, a medieval fortified city offering 360° island views. Explore narrow streets, the cathedral, and museums. Allow 2-3 hours.
Late Morning: Ġgantija Temples
UNESCO World Heritage site near Xagħra. These megalithic temples predate Stonehenge by 1,000 years. Spend 1 hour exploring these ancient ruins from 3600 BCE.
Lunch: Xlendi or Marsalforn
Two scenic coastal villages. Xlendi offers a dramatic fjord-like bay, while Marsalforn has more beaches and restaurants. Enjoy fresh seafood or traditional Gozitan dishes.
Afternoon: Ramla Bay
Gozo's finest beach with distinctive red-orange sand. Perfect for swimming and relaxing. Cave of Calypso nearby (according to Homer's Odyssey, where Ulysses was held captive).
Late Afternoon: Dwejra Bay
Visit where the Azure Window once stood (collapsed in 2017). Still stunning with the Blue Hole for diving and the Inland Sea, a natural lagoon connected to the sea by a tunnel.
Alternative Stops
- Ta' Pinu Basilica: Beautiful hilltop church, pilgrimage site
- Salt Pans (Xwejni): 350-year-old salt pans still in use
- Calypso Cave: Legendary cave with bay views
- Fungus Rock: Unusual rock formation in Dwejra
Practical Tips
- Rent a car or scooter at Mġarr harbor for flexibility
- Gozo is hilly – consider fitness level if cycling
- Bus service exists but infrequent – check timetables
- Book guided tours for history and local insights
- Start early to maximize your day
- Last ferry from Gozo around midnight (check schedule)
What to Bring
Swimwear, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, camera, and some cash (not all places accept cards in villages).
