Gozo
Gozo is Malta's slower, greener sister island: the Ggantija temples, the Cittadella in Victoria, red-sand Ramla Bay and dive sites, a 25-minute ferry from Malta.
Gozo
Gozo is Malta's slower, greener sister island: the Ggantija temples, the Cittadella in Victoria, red-sand Ramla Bay and dive sites, a 25-minute ferry from Malta.
Gozo (Ghawdex) lies northwest of Malta across a narrow channel, with Comino in between. It is smaller, greener and more rural than the main island, a landscape of flat-topped hills, terraced fields and farming villages, each with a large parish church. The pace is noticeably slower, which is the reason many visitors come, either on a day trip or for a few nights away from Malta's busier towns.
The capital, Victoria, also called Rabat, sits in the middle of the island under the walls of the Cittadella, the fortified old town with a cathedral and views over the whole island. On the Xaghra plateau, the Ggantija Temples date from the Late Neolithic and are part of the Megalithic Temples of Malta World Heritage Site. On the west coast, Dwejra has the Inland Sea and dramatic cliffs, and the Ta' Pinu Basilica stands alone in the fields near Gharb.
What to do
- Walk the bastions of the Cittadella and visit the Ggantija Temples on the same day.
- Swim at Ramla Bay, San Blas, Xlendi, Hondoq ir-Rummien or Mgarr ix-Xini.
- Dive the Gozo coast; scuba diving is one of the island's main draws.
- Explore the lanes and hills on a cycling trip, then try gbejniet cheeselets.
Marsalforn and Xlendi are Gozo's two main resorts, both small bays with restaurants and hotels. Many visitors stay in converted farmhouses with pools in the villages. The Feast of Santa Marija on 15 August is a major celebration in Victoria.
Gozo Channel's ferry from Cirkewwa, at Malta's northern tip, to Mgarr takes about 25 minutes, and foot passengers' tickets are checked in Gozo on the return trip. A fast passenger ferry also runs from Valletta's Grand Harbour to Mgarr. Buses cover the island from Victoria, but a car or a tour helps on a day trip. See the Gozo ferry guide and the Gozo travel guide for details.
Practical information
Top attractions
Beaches here
Ramla Bay
Gozo's largest sandy bay: deep red-gold sand below terraced hills, clear water and no hotels behind it. Seasonal lifeguards and snack bars are documented here.
San Blas Bay
A small cove of reddish sand below Nadur on Gozo's north-east coast, reached on foot down a steep lane. Quiet, good for snorkelling, with few facilities.
Hondoq ir-Rummien
A small cove below Qala in south-east Gozo with deep, clear water, ladders into the sea and views across to Comino. Popular with snorkellers, with sand, pebbles and rocky bathing areas.
Xlendi Bay
A narrow inlet at the end of a deep valley on Gozo's west coast, with deep, clear water off the rocks, cafes on the waterfront and sunset views from the cliffs.
Mgarr ix-Xini
A narrow inlet at the end of a deep gorge on Gozo's south coast, with a small shingle beach, calm clear water and a 17th-century watchtower at its mouth.
Activities & experiences
Gozo questions
How long is the ferry from Malta to Gozo?
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Gozo Channel's ferry from Cirkewwa in northern Malta to Mgarr in Gozo takes approximately 25 minutes and runs daily. Foot passengers' tickets are validated at the Gozo terminal on the return journey. A separate fast ferry runs from Valletta's Grand Harbour to Mgarr.
Is Gozo worth a day trip?
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Yes. A day is enough to see the Cittadella in Victoria, the Ggantija Temples and one beach or viewpoint such as Ramla Bay or Dwejra. With two or three nights you can add diving, coastal walks and the quieter villages at a relaxed pace.
How old are the Ggantija Temples?
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Heritage Malta says the Ggantija complex on the Xaghra plateau was built in the Late Neolithic period, between 3,800 and 2,000 BC. It is part of the Megalithic Temples of Malta, one of the country's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Do you need a car on Gozo?
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It is not essential, as buses run from Victoria to most villages and bays, and hop-on hop-off tours cover the main sights. A car, taken over on the ferry or hired on the island, makes it much easier to reach remote bays and see several places in a day.
Where should I stay on Gozo?
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Marsalforn and Xlendi are Gozo's two main resorts, small bays with hotels, restaurants and swimming. Victoria is central for buses. Many visitors prefer a converted farmhouse with a pool in one of the villages for a quieter stay.
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