Are you planning a day trip to Gozo? Or maybe you prefer to stay for a week so you can see as much of the island as possible. Either way, there are many fantastic things to do on Gozo, from visiting its beautiful bays and beaches to discovering its unique past and dining on local cuisine. And luckily the island couldn’t be easier to get to from Malta’s mainland thanks to the modern ferries that run 24/7 for both foot passengers and visitors with a vehicle.
Spending a day on Gozo has always been a popular option for the Maltese as well as tourists due to its laid-back atmosphere, rural landscape, and tranquil beaches. But beyond this Gozo has a lot more to offer. It’s almost like the island has been frozen in time with its narrow roads winding between the small villages, the abundance of historical sites, and its stunning untouched landscapes and coastlines. No two attractions are more than a 30 minute drive from one another so be prepared to have a very full Gozo itinerary.
Here are my top recommendations for things to do on Gozo. I’ve also included a few examples about where to eat on Gozo to make your visit to the island even more enjoyable.
Best things to do on Gozo
There are a lot of interesting places on Gozo to visit that are easily accessible by car or public transportation. If you do plan on driving in Malta, and subsequently Gozo, the drivers here are a little crazy so be extra cautious. They also drive on the left side of the road like in the UK which was something I didn’t realize until I sat down in my rental car.
This short list of the top things to do on Gozo covers some of the island’s most popular attractions but it also mentions a few hidden gems and secret places on Gozo that can sometimes be overlooked by tourists.
Explore Victoria and its citadel
One of the best things to do on Gozo for history lovers is to visit the famous Cittadella in Victoria. Visiting this ancient fortified city is one of the top things to do on Gozo throughout the year and it’s the main attraction in Victoria. Inside the citadel’s walls are several small museums, a few shops, an 18th century cathedral, and a lot of historical streets.
For €13 the Discover Gozo pass gives you access to the museums here and some attractions just outside of Victoria.
I would suggest planning 2-3 hours for the citadel before turning your attention to Victoria itself. This is the main town on Gozo and the unofficial capital of the island. There are plenty of shops and restaurants dotted around within easy walking distance of the citadel. It’s always nice to walk around the streets of Victoria and see what hidden gems you can come across. There are some great things to do on Gozo located in Victoria.
Go coffee cupping at Victoria Central
Do you consider yourself a bit of a coffee aficionado? If the answer is yes, you’ll want to grab a seat at Victoria Central and try their coffee cupping experience. This cafe is located across the road from Pjazza Indipendenza and is one of the best places in Malta for specialty coffee. They source only the finest coffee beans from various parts of the world and do all of their roasting in-house so you won’t find their unique blends anywhere else.
We sat down for one of their coffee cupping sessions with their head roaster, Azzurra, who talked us through all of the steps that go into making their specialty blends. During the coffee cupping experience we also sampled several of their most popular blends, as well as a couple of new additions to their shelves. This is one of the most unique things to do on Gozo and I guarantee you find this experience anywhere else in Malta.
Drive down to Mġarr ix-Xini
If you’ve rented a car in Malta then you can’t miss the opportunity to drive down to Mġarr ix-Xini. It’s a very secluded inlet that’s becoming increasingly popular for divers. Due to its lack of a sandy beach you won’t find it too busy though. For those of you who like coastal walks there’s a 17th century watchtower located nearby with a recently renovated path leading up to it. Visiting this area is one of the most relaxing things to do on Gozo at any time of the year.
Visit Gozo’s oldest village
Victoria may be the largest town on Gozo, but the title of the oldest village goes to Xewkija. There isn’t too much to do here in terms of attractions but it’s home to the Rotunda of St. John the Baptist which is a must-see on Gozo.
A church has stood on this site since the 17th century, but the enormous structure seen today dates back to the late 20th century. It boasts the third largest unsupported dome in the world and for just €3 you can gain access to the roof and bell tower for some incredible views of Gozo. This is one of the most unique things to do on Gozo so don’t miss out!
Relax at Hondoq Bay
One of the best beaches on Gozo can be found at Hondoq Bay. The crystal clear water here is breathtaking and on a clear day you’ll be able to pick out different shades of blue in the water. If you’re planning on visiting in the summer season I would recommend coming as early as possible to ensure you have a spot on the small sandy part of the bay. In the off season though you should have this hidden gem on Gozo all to yourself.
Take a walk around Xlendi
There are many beautiful coastal locations on Gozo to visit but Xlendi needs to be near the top of your list. Xlendi Bay is one of the most jaw dropping areas of Gozo, with its quaint fishing village giving way to dramatic cliffs and bright blue water. This is another great diving location on Gozo.
If you like hiking there’s a relatively easy trail leading from the bay up to Xlendi Tower. From here you’ll get a fantastic view of the coastline from a unique perspective. This is one of my favourite things to do on Gozo so I’d highly recommend walking along this trail.
Step back in time at the Ġgantija Temples
If you love history you can’t visit Gozo without stopping at the fascinating Ġgantija Temples. These prehistoric temples were built before Stonehenge, between 3600 BC and 3200 BC, but they weren’t fully uncovered until the 19th century. Before visiting the temples you’ll pass through an interpretation centre where you can read about the history of these temples. It’s an incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the top things to do on Gozo.
Take in the views from Tal-Mixta Cave
Ramla Bay is home to one of the best beaches on Gozo, if not Malta, with its unique soft red sand set among an underdeveloped rural landscape. Compared to other beaches on Gozo, Ramla Beach is quite large so you should have no issues finding a relaxing spot to soak up the sun. But for a unique view of Ramla Bay you’ll need to head up to Tal-Mixta Cave.
This cave can be accessed by driving along a small, uneven road not far from Ramla Bay. You’ll get to a point where the road becomes private property so you’ll need to park the car and walk an additional 5 minutes to the cave entrance. The cave itself offers one of the most spectacular views in Malta. It has a history dating back to the prehistoric period when habitants of the island would shelter here in bad weather.
Admire Ta’ Pinu
As you make your way around the island you’ll notice that there are a lot of religious buildings on Gozo. One of the most impressive of these is Ta’ Pinu. Located just outside of the village of Gharb, where you can also find the Ta’ Dbiegi Crafts Village, the Ta’ Pinu National Shrine is a major pilgrimage site and is one of the most important things to see on Gozo.
Entry is free but you’ll be required to cover yourself if you’re dressed in summer clothing as a mark of respect. For a great photo of Ta’ Pinu there are several parking spots along the road where you can see the entire shrine in all of its glory. Visiting this site should be high on your list of things to do on Gozo.
Explore the coastline at Dwejra Bay
If you want to see a lot of attractions on Gozo all at once then Dwejra Bay is the perfect option. This dramatic coastal location is one of the most popular places to visit on Gozo and it’s where the famous Azure Window stood before it collapsed.
You’ll also find Dwejra Tower, Fungus Rock, the Inland Sea, and the very popular and unique Blue Hole all nestled in this bay. The Blue Hole on Gozo is a popular swimming spot when the water is calm so make sure you bring your swimming gear.
Spend sunset at the Xwejni Salt Pans
There are plenty of places to see the sun setting on Gozo, but one of my personal favourites is at the salt pans in Xwejni. The salt pans that sit along the island’s northern coast, a short drive from Marsalforn Bay, are still harvested today using ancient techniques to create artisan salt. There are shops across from the salt pans where you can purchase bags of this unique salt too. Unfortunately they’re closed near sunset so you’ll have to arrive earlier in the day to buy some.
Best restaurants on Gozo
Gozo may be a small island but it’s certainly not short of unique places to eat. Victoria has a large selection of restaurants but there are many more spread throughout the island that are worth driving to. Here are some of the best restaurants on Gozo that we came across during our week-long stay.
Maldonado Bistro
One of the top restaurants on Gozo is located in the back streets of Victoria. It will instantly get your taste buds flowing with its modern take on Mediterranean cuisine. Maldonado Bistro is located in the basement of an historic Maltese townhouse that dates back over 300 years and the original walls are still a dominant feature of the interior.
Their menu is created around locally sourced produce so everything is incredibly fresh and tasty. Maldonado Bistro also offers a wine tasting experience and cooking classes if you’re looking for something unique to do on Gozo when it’s raining.
We had an incredible dining experience at Maldonado Bistro and were blown away by not only the ambiance of its historic setting but also the unique flavour profiles that came with each dish. It’s not hard to see why it’s one of the best restaurants on Gozo.
Noble Cafe Bistro
If you’re looking for a modern and affordable place for lunch on Gozo you have to check out Noble Cafe Bistro in Victoria. They have a fantastic menu available with all of your favourite lunch dishes but you can expect some of them to have a unique upgrade too.
We were feeling quite hungry when we stopped by so we opted for their bites platter which was a massive plate full of deep fried goodness. One of the specials of the day was the El Ranchero Burger which came with avocado fries and a shot of tequila. The pulled pork burger is also a great option. There are fresh smoothies available on the menu which are refreshing on a hot day.
Having lunch at Noble Cafe Bistro is one of the best things to do on Gozo. It’s a great option if you’re not sure where to have lunch in Victoria and you’re visiting Gozo on a budget.
Al Sale Restaurant
Looking for a romantic restaurant on Gozo? Or maybe you just want to have a memorable dining experience with beautiful views. Al Sale Restaurant has got you covered.
This restaurant is located in the heart of Xagħra – a short walk from the Ġgantija Temples and not too far from Victoria either. Al Sale Restaurant’s menu is based around Mediterranean cuisine. If you’re lucky enough to snag the table on the balcony you’ll have a stunning view of the town’s church for the duration of your fine dining experience.
Their menu changes on a regular basis based on the ingredients available and the season. If the Tagliolini Pistachio & Burrata is still available when you visit then you need to try it. They also have a nice dessert selection and they now offer a tasting menu with wine pairing.
Al Sale Restaurant is worth driving to and with an unbeatable location and fantastic food this is one restaurant you’ll be telling everyone about.
Otters Bistro & Lounge
If you find yourself in the north of Gozo there’s only one place to eat – Otters Bistro & Lounge. This contemporary restaurant is situated along the water’s edge of Marsalforn Bay so you’ll also get a beautiful view while you eat. We visited for lunch so the sun was still shining on the outdoor patio for most of our meal. Their menu is based around seasonal and fresh produce meaning there are a lot of popular seafood options available.
The bruschetta is a very tasty starter option that comes in three different versions. Or for you seafood lovers out there, the king prawns are another great option. If you choose the fish of the day as your main dish, it’ll be brought to your table and you have the option to clean it yourself or have the kitchen do it.
You can’t leave Gozo without trying cannoli at least once, and luckily Otters Bistro has different flavours of them on their dessert menu. This is easily one of the best restaurants on Gozo and is the perfect choice if you’re planning on visiting Marsalforn Bay, the salt pans, or Ramla Beach.
Karamelli Brunch Cafe
A great option for breakfast on Gozo is Karamelli Brunch which is located in the very centre of Victoria. Their menu consists of quite a few traditional breakfast and brunch options, but you’ll also find some Maltese food thrown into the mix. If you’re like me and love to eat breakfast then you can’t go wrong with their eggs benedict which comes with a very generous portion of bacon.
But if you want to be a bit bolder or are planning to visit at lunch then one of their ftira sandwiches, such as the Mother Clucker, will definitely fill you for the rest of the day – it’s enormous. Karamelli Brunch is a trendy place to eat in Victoria so make sure you stop by one morning before exploring the rest of the island.
Is Gozo worth visiting?
Hopefully this guide covering the top things to do on Gozo has enticed you to spend more than just a few hours on this beautiful Maltese island. Getting to Gozo from Malta has never been easier with the ferry services available. If you’re planning to rent a car in Malta then you’ll have no problems seeing all of the attractions on Gozo during your stay.
Gozo is a popular place to visit all year round, but the off season is the perfect time to explore the island without the crowds. And with so many things to do on Gozo you’ll definitely need at least a few days here.
Have you hopped on the ferry to Gozo before? Or maybe Gozo is in your plans for your upcoming trip to Malta? If you have any questions or tips regarding other things to do on Gozo please feel free to leave a comment below. You can also get in touch via Instagram and follow along for more travel tips.
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