This Is Your Guide To Gozo!
Hello Gozo! Malta’s second-biggest island and also its little sister, is one of the best places to relax in the Mediterranean. With its picturesque alleyways and rugged coastlines, Gozo is home to some of Malta’s most stunning and charming views. Small, but mighty, Gozo is a hidden European gem and one that’ll make you want to escape to over and over again!
In my travel guide to Gozo, you’ll find everything you need to know before visiting this breathtaking island. From the top things to see in Gozo, to the most authentic hotel on the island, I’m sharing all of my Gozo travel tips and secrets!
So sit tight because I’m about to convince you why Gozo needs to be at the top of your Malta bucket list!
Why You Should Go To Gozo
Gozo’s fascinating history is closely intertwined with the story of its sister Island of Malta. Gozo shares the colourful legacy of the many different peoples who have invaded, traded and settled in the Maltese islands over the last seven thousand years.
Human habitation here dates back to around 5000 B.C. with the oldest known settlements right here in Gozo. We know the earliest settlers came from Sicily, only a couple of kilometers to the north and as early as 3600 BC, the people of Gozo were building sophisticated stone structures. These include the Ġgantija Temples, which are now some of the oldest freestanding stone buildings in the world! Cool right?
Gozo‘s rugged landscape and spectacular coastline is awaiting your swimsuit and sneakers. The island is jam packed with historical sites, incredible fortresses, the kindest of people, drool worthy food and amazing panoramas. It may be Malta’s little sister, but it’s not the size of the wave, it’s the motion of the ocean!
Where to Stay in Gozo
First things first, where are we going to stay in Gozo? Well, let me make it easy for you! We stayed at the wonderful Laremi B&B, a beautiful limestone farmhouse in the heart of Nadur, Gozo. Didn’t you come to Gozo to be drenched in its culture?
Laremi B&B is a charming and cozy townhouse with an original “well room” which you can peer down to as you take the spiral staircase up to your room! If, like me, you’re looking for those authentic Maltese experiences then say no more, Francesco at Laremi B&B is waiting for you.
The accommodation is located in Nadur and offers free WiFi, air conditioning, an outdoor swimming pool and a terrace. Each room comes with a flat-screen TV and private bathroom with free toiletries, a hairdryer and shower.
Aside from this very cute and quaint bed and breakfast, Francesco is unequivocally one of the greatest hosts I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. He was helpful, thoughtful, attentive and cooked all his guests an incredibly thoughtful breakfast each and every morning! He helped us plan our days in Gozo and always brought to life the incredible history this island had to offer.
I typically give a few hotel options in my blogs, but I just can’t express to you how incredibly authentic Laremi B&B truly was. Francesco made our time in Gozo spectacular and I am so grateful to have chosen his accommodation by chance! Thank you Francesco for all you do and we hope to be back soon!
CHECK PRICES FOR LAREMI B&B HERE!
The Best Things to do in Gozo
The best thing to do during your stay in Gozo is to explore and wander and soak in as much as your little heart can handle because you will 1000% fall in love with everything this tiny island has to offer. But, to start you off on your Gozo journey here are a few must do’s in Gozo!
Take a Tuk-Tuk Tour Around the Island
Hop on a Gozo Tuk Tuk Chauffeured Tour with Yippee tours! Trust me when I say, you won’t regret it! Riding around the island on tuk-tuk was not only hilarious, but the best way to see all the highlights.
We chose to make our tour a combi-tour which included tuk-tuks in the morning and a boat ride to Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon in the afternoon for some swimming! Lunch was also included.
Because we were staying on the island of Gozo we planned our meet up with Yippee at the Gozo pier. Majority of people came from Malta by Yippee’s boat, so they were very accommodating with transferring us from our hotel to the pier and dropping us off wherever we wanted once the tour had finished.
Explore Gozo’s Ancient Citadella
With its distinctive skyline and imposing military architecture, this ancient fortified city is a major Gozo landmark and one you cannot miss! One of the best places to visit in Gozo, the stunning Citadella is rich in buildings of architectural, military and historical value and is home to only a couple families that still live within its walls. Get your historic cap on and get inside this absolute beauty!
Let Your Jaw Drop Over the Salt-Pans of Xwejni
The Saltpans in Gozo’s northerly coast are a transfixing landmark and one of vital importance! Upholding an ancient trade and skill, the salt-pans are home to one of Gozo’s most important natural raw materials, salt! Feel as if you’ve been transported to another planet as you walk along the several kilometers of magnificent salt-pans.
Stroll the Incredible Gozo Cliffs
The Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs as well as the Sanap Cliffs, are over 138 meters above sea level and are an absolute must see when visiting the island. These vertical, limestone coastlines are not only the highest sea cliffs in Gozo but arguably the most beautiful in Malta. This is also an INCREDIBLE sunset spot to clink glasses and soak in all the romantic air that Gozo seems to ooze.
Spend the Afternoon Swimming in Xlendi Bay
My favourite place in all of Gozo and the place that quite literally took my breath away with its beauty was Ix-Xlendi Bay. Although there is a small sandy beach leading into shallow waters, if you’re feeling more adventurous you can jump off the concrete diving board into the deeper waters down the long stretch of rocks bordering the beach! It’s fun, trust me!
Enjoy the Hustle and Bustle of Charming Victoria
The gorgeous gorgeous city of Gozo’s Victoria should be given an inch of your time for an afternoon stroll. One of the biggest cities in Malta and the island’s capital, its narrow streets give glimpses of everyday local life and utter beauty!
Relax In Marsalforn Bay
Marsalforn, one of the most popular resorts and seaside towns on the island, throbs with life during the summers with many locals and foreign visitors arriving for a revitalizing dose of sun and sea. This charming little seaside town in Gozo is still a working fishing village which means it is also home to the freshest fish and seafood around. Yum!
Make a Pit Stop to Ta Pinu Basilica
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu is a Roman Catholic minor basilica and national shrine where its incredible architecture will leave you in awe! Ta’ Pinu was built between 1920 and 1931 and is an architectural masterpiece that is worth a visit!
Visit the Inland Sea of Dwejra Bay
Dwejra Bay is filled with spectacular coastal scenery and while it was mostly known for the azure window (now unfortunately collapsed), it still holds one of the most stunning and picturesque attractions in Gozo. This so-called inland sea is an almost entirely landlocked lagoon surrounded by cliffs. It’s only connection to the open sea is through an 80-meter long cave!
Take in All the Views From Tal Mixta Cave
The views here are just simply breathtaking. A country can only dream of being home to natural beauties like this! While often confused with the popular Calypso Cave, Tal-Mixta is actually the iconic seaside cliff cave overlooking Ramla Bay! When I tell you a visit here is a must, it’s a must!
Wade in the Waters of Wied Il-Ghasri
A lush valley on Gozo’s picturesque coast, Wied il-Għasri is one of the island’s greatest seaside treasures. Blissfully secluded, this stunning inlet is wedged between high cliffs allowing access from a tiny pebbly beach. If you want a view to take your breath away, here it is!
The Best Beaches & Swim Spots in Gozo
Now you didn’t come all the way to Gozo not to take a swim in the crystal clear turquoise waters that surround Malta’s little sister right? Don’t worry I got you! Here is a round-up of some of the best swim spots Gozo has to offer!
→ Hondoq ir-Rummien sheltered, rocky bay with sand & pebble beach for easy swimming access
→ Ramla Bay a lovely sandy bay with glistening orange sand & turquoise waters
→ Għar Qawqla an unexpected smooth rocky bay with crystal clear waters lovely for swimming
→ Marsalforn Beach a nice city-side beach with easy access to the water
→ Xwejni Bay Beach a quiet stoney beach with some of the best sunset views
→ Wied il-Għasri a unique swim spot along a rocky coastal gorge
→ Inland Sea clear waters, this popular dive site features a scenic inland lagoon & beach
→ Xlendi Beach a picturesque bay with many swimming spots next to amazing cliffs
→ Mġarr ix-Xini a beautiful narrow alcove with clear waters that will leave you feeling secluded
The Best Cafes in Gozo
When it comes to a great cup of coffee, the Maltese know how to do it right. Plus you can’t tell me coffee doesn’t taste better when it’s coming from a cute cafe. If you’re looking for a cafe in Gozo here are some of the best!
→ KAFE+ for hipster vibes that offers up an excellent cup of premium coffee
→ Bunna Cafe for a lovely little coffee shop with an Italian twist serving excellent coffee & cakes
→ Café Reale for a traditional Maltese cafe serving up lattes, lunch & dessert
→ Noble Cafè Bistro for a chic Maltese cafe serving up lattes, iced coffees & delicious dishes
→ Black Cat Cafe for an intimate artisan cafe with homemade cakes, pastries & a good selection of veg & vegan options
The Best Restaurants in Gozo
There’s an incredible array of authentic local restaurants on the island of Gozo that offer both traditional and contemporary Maltese flavours. It’s hard to go wrong when it comes to restaurants here and you really are spoilt for choices. These are just some of the absolute best restaurants in Gozo!
→ The Fat Rabbit for incredible local & Mediterranean cuisine, their specialty Maltese rabbit
→ Osteria Scottadito for a cozy Italian Osteria featuring creative menus with quality ingredients
→ Maxokk Bakery for amazing traditional Gozitan ftiras and mouth watering pizzas
→ Ta’ Kenuna for authentic and brilliant French dishes with a side of incredible views
→ Ta’ Tona Bar & Restaurant from Malta’s shores this is an incredible spot for seafood lovers
→ Mekren Bakery a cute family run business in Nadur specializing in local ftira, pizzas & qassatat
→ Xerri Il Bukkett for tasty & hearty dishes with incredible views, it’s the perfect spot to amp up the romance
The Best Bars in Gozo
Gozo by night is a marvelous experience. This island takes on a warm, golden tone as the sun sets and the sounds of clinking glasses fill the air. Here are some of the best Gozo pubs and bars to enjoy that much needed drink!
→ Gebuba for a quaint little bar with a great selection of various drinks
→ Gharb Rangers Bar & Restaurant for a well stocked bar with single malts & tasty craft beers
→ Zeppi’s Pub for a brilliant live music bar in Qala full of character, charm & buzz
→ Stoneage Bar for a cool & quirky atmospheric pub to remember
How To Get Around Gozo
It’s pretty easy to get to Gozo and get around as well! Being a smaller island you do have a couple of options when it comes to transport!
⛴️ By Ferry: In order to get to Gozo you will need to take the ferry across the channel from Malta. You can either walk aboard the ferry or take your rental car with you! Check-out the Gozo Channel Schedule here! You can purchase a ticket in advance or pay for the ferry upon your return from Gozo back to Malta! Everything was made super simple, so don’t stress, all you need to do is show up!
🚗 By Car: Renting a car is one of the easiest and efficient ways to get around Malta! It also means you are free to explore at your own leisure and aren’t constrained to the operating hours of public transport! We rented a car through Green Motion, one of the most inexpensive car rental companies on the island, it was great!
🚌 By Bus: Travel worry-free by bus! Malta’s only public transport system offers visitor passes and single use tickets depending on your preferences. Check out Malta’s bus system HERE!
🚕 By Taxi: We all know and love Uber for the sole purpose of getting around the city safely and comfortably! I also recommend downloading Bolt before you go as it’s another very commonly used taxi service that acts just like Uber!
Booking.comIf you have any questions or just want to see some more travel content find me on Instagram at @agirl.enroute! I’m always happy to chat!
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Malta, undoubtably, is one of the most stunning countries I’ve ever visited. It’s historic charm, balmy beaches, pristine waters and vibrant culture immediately sucked me in. It was love at first sight! It’s quaint alleys, tasty pastizzi, incredible people and fascinating history should make Malta a top destination for all travelers. If you haven’t booked your flight yet, I’m sure my Malta blogposts will convince you otherwise! Check them out below…
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📌 Gozo Guide: Why You Need to Visit Malta’s Stunning Sister Island
📌 St. Paul’s Bay Is Totally Worth The Visit & Here’s Everything You Need To Know!
📌 Marsaxlokk, Malta: The Colourful Fishing Village That Will Enchant You
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