Gozo is greener, quieter and more rural than Malta, and almost every visitor wants to see it. The big question is how: book an organised Gozo excursion, or take the public ferry and explore on your own? Here's an honest comparison.
Getting to Gozo: the basics
- Gozo Channel ferry (Ċirkewwa → Mġarr): about 25 minutes, running frequently throughout the day. Foot passengers and cars pay on the way back from Gozo.
- Fast ferry (Valletta → Mġarr): about 45 minutes, direct from the capital. It's handy if you're staying near Valletta or Sliema, but it is more weather-sensitive and needs booking in summer.
- Reaching Ċirkewwa: by public bus from Sliema or Valletta it typically takes 1–1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Option 1: Explore Gozo independently
Take a bus or taxi to Ċirkewwa, ride the ferry as a foot passenger, then use Gozo's buses, taxis or a hire car.
Pros: the lowest cost, total freedom and no group schedule.
Cons: Gozo's bus network radiates from Victoria (Rabat), so getting from Dwejra to Ramla Bay usually means changing there. Waiting times add up, and taxis on Gozo can be expensive for single trips.
Realistic one-day plan: the Citadel in Victoria plus one coastal area (Dwejra or Xlendi), lunch, then back to the ferry. You can do more with a hire car. Most Malta rental companies allow their cars on the ferry, but check your contract.
Option 2: Guided bus tour
A coach or minibus collects you from your hotel, handles the ferry and takes you to the highlights with a guide: usually the Citadel, Ġgantija Temples, Dwejra and a bay such as Xlendi or Ramla.
Pros: great value, commentary on history and sights, and no logistics.
Cons: a fixed schedule, shared group and limited time at each stop.
Option 3: Jeep safari
Open-top 4x4s with a driver-guide head for Gozo's back roads, cliffs and viewpoints, usually with a lunch stop and a swim in summer. It's sociable, scenic and ideal for groups of friends and families with older children.
Option 4: Quad bike tour
You ride your own quad bike in a guided convoy along country lanes and coastal tracks. It's the most adventurous option. Drivers usually need a valid driving licence and must meet a minimum age, so check the listing. See quad bike tours and our adventure excursions guide.
Option 5: Private driver
Your driver collects you from your hotel, crosses on the ferry with you and builds the day around your interests, whether that's temples, salt pans, a long lunch or a swim. It's the most flexible way to see a lot of Gozo in one day, and good value for families and small groups sharing the cost. See private driver days.
Side-by-side comparison
| Independent | Guided bus tour | Jeep / quad | Private driver | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lowest | Low–medium | Medium | Higher, but shared per group |
| Sights in one day | 2–3 | 4–5 | 4–6 (incl. off-road spots) | As many as you like |
| Hotel pickup | No | Usually | Usually | Yes |
| Flexibility | High | Low | Low–medium | High |
| Best for | Slow travellers, repeat visitors | First-timers on a budget | Adventure lovers, groups | Families, couples, cruise guests |
Our recommendation
- One day and it's your first visit: book a tour or private driver. You'll see twice as much.
- Staying on Gozo for 2+ nights: explore independently with a hire car.
- Want a thrill: choose a jeep safari or quad tour.
- On a cruise: only consider Gozo on a long port call, with a dedicated tour that guarantees your return.
Plan your stops with our one-day Gozo itinerary and the Gozo day trip guide, then browse live Gozo tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to book a Gozo tour or go on my own?
For a first visit with only one day, a tour or private driver usually lets you see far more, because it handles the ferry and transport between sights. Independent travel is cheaper and suits slower trips or longer stays on Gozo.
How long is the ferry from Malta to Gozo?
The Gozo Channel ferry from Ċirkewwa to Mġarr takes about 25 minutes. The fast ferry from Valletta to Mġarr takes about 45 minutes.
Do I pay for the Gozo ferry both ways?
On the Gozo Channel ferry, foot passengers and vehicles pay once, on the return trip from Gozo to Malta. Fast ferries from Valletta are ticketed separately.
Can I take a rental car to Gozo?
Most Malta car rental companies allow their cars on the Gozo ferry, but check your rental contract and insurance before you travel.
Do I need a driving licence for a quad bike tour on Gozo?
Usually yes. Drivers typically need a valid driving licence and must meet a minimum age, while passengers have their own age limits. Check the requirements on the tour listing.
