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Gozo, Malta: Travel Guide to Malta's Green and Tranquil Sister Island

Gozo, the second-largest island of the Maltese archipelago, lies just a short ferry ride northwest of Malta yet feels like another world. Greener, quieter and more rural than its busy neighbour, it's a place of terraced fields, honey-coloured villages, dramatic cliffs and some of the best diving in the Mediterranean. Gozo is also home to one of the oldest free-standing buildings on Earth, a hilltop citadel and the legendary cave of the nymph Calypso from Homer's Odyssey.

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Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Gozo

1. The Citadel (Cittadella) in Victoria

Crowning a hill in the centre of the island, the Citadel dominates Gozo's capital, Victoria (also known as Rabat). Its fortifications date back to the Bronze Age, but the walls we see today were largely built by the Knights of St John after a devastating Ottoman raid in 1551, when much of Gozo's population was carried off into slavery. Inside the walls, you'll find the Baroque Cathedral of the Assumption, famous for its painted ceiling that creates the illusion of a dome, as well as the Old Prisons, the Gozo Museum of Archaeology and the Gozo Nature Museum. The ramparts offer 360-degree views over the whole island.

Booking tip: a Gozo day tour from Malta on GetYourGuide usually includes the Citadel; visit in the late afternoon for golden light over the countryside.

2. Ġgantija Temples

The Ġgantija Temples, near the village of Xagħra, are among the oldest free-standing structures in the world, built between around 3600 and 3200 BCE, earlier than Stonehenge and the pyramids of Egypt. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Megalithic Temples of Malta, they consist of two temples built with enormous limestone blocks, some weighing several tonnes. According to local legend, they were built by a female giant, which gave the site its name, meaning "giant's tower." The visitor centre displays figurines and objects found at the site.

Booking tip: combined tickets with other Heritage Malta sites are available; allow at least an hour.

3. Dwejra: Inland Sea, Fungus Rock and the Blue Hole

On Gozo's west coast, Dwejra is a spectacular coastline of cliffs and rock formations. It was once famous for the Azure Window, a natural limestone arch that collapsed into the sea during a storm in March 2017. Today, visitors can still enjoy the Inland Sea, a lagoon connected to the open sea through a narrow tunnel in the cliff, where fishermen take visitors on boat trips; Fungus Rock, a massive rock where the Knights once harvested a rare plant believed to have medicinal powers; and the Blue Hole, a natural rock pool and one of the most famous dive sites in the Mediterranean.

Booking tip: diving trips at the Blue Hole can be booked through local dive centres or on GetYourGuide.

4. Ramla Bay, Calypso's Cave and Xlendi

Ramla Bay, on the north coast, is Gozo's most beautiful beach, with distinctive red-orange sand and clear water, framed by green hills. Above the bay lies Calypso's Cave, said to be the cave where the nymph Calypso held Odysseus captive for seven years on the island of Ogygia. Access to the cave itself is restricted for safety reasons, but the viewpoint offers fine views of the bay. In the southwest, the small fishing village of Xlendi sits at the end of a narrow inlet surrounded by cliffs, with seafood restaurants and excellent swimming.

Booking tip: visit Ramla Bay early in summer before the crowds arrive.

5. Ta' Pinu Basilica, Salt Pans and Comino

The Basilica of Ta' Pinu, completed in the 1930s, stands alone in the countryside near the village of Għarb and is Malta's most important Marian pilgrimage site. Near Marsalforn, the Xwejni Salt Pans, carved into the rock along the coast, are still used to harvest sea salt in summer. Between Gozo and Malta, the tiny island of Comino is famous for the Blue Lagoon, with crystal-clear turquoise water; visitor numbers are now managed to protect the area.

Booking tip: boat trips to Comino's Blue Lagoon can be booked on GetYourGuide; check whether a time slot booking is required.

Practical Travel Tips for Gozo

Before You Go

  • Entry: Malta is a member of the EU and the Schengen Area; check visa requirements for your nationality.
  • Eco-contribution: a small eco-contribution is charged per night of accommodation in Malta and Gozo.
  • Driving: traffic drives on the left.

Getting Around

  • By ferry: Gozo Channel ferries run from Ċirkewwa in Malta to Mġarr in Gozo in about 25 minutes, and fast ferries connect Valletta with Mġarr in about 45 minutes.
  • Buses: connect Victoria with villages across the island.
  • Car, scooter and quad rental: popular for exploring.
  • Hop-on hop-off buses: a convenient option for day visitors.
  • Money: the currency is the euro.
  • Languages: Maltese and English.

Local Culinary Specialties

  • Ġbejniet: small Gozitan sheep's cheeses, fresh, dried or peppered.
  • Ftira Għawdxija: a Gozitan pizza-like bread topped with potatoes, cheese and anchovies.
  • Rabbit stew: Malta's national dish.
  • Gozo honey and capers: local delicacies.
  • Bajtra: prickly pear liqueur.

Best Time to Visit

  • May–June and September–October: warm weather and calm seas.
  • July–August: hot and busy, with village festas.
  • Winter: mild and quiet, good for hiking.

Conclusion: Plan Your Trip to Gozo

Gozo combines ancient temples, a hilltop citadel, dramatic coastlines and peaceful rural charm. Whether you're exploring the Ġgantija Temples, diving at the Blue Hole or relaxing on Ramla Bay, Gozo is a perfect escape from the bustle of Malta.

Plan ahead: book your tours on GetYourGuide, and get ready to discover Gozo.