Gozo Holidays - 10 Things to Do, Places to Stay and More Essential Tips

Deep blue sea, wild scrublands, and rocky beauty characterise the Maltese islands, and nothing is more exemplary of this than the small island of Gozo, Malta’s sister island and made for holidays.

It’s a popular location not just with foreigners looking to get a taste of the Maltese islands, but locals eager for a laid-back break. Gozo is known for its rural and scenic wilder living, and has a population of just 37,324 out of Malta’s total of 475,000.

The island is even smaller than Malta, clocking in at just 26 square miles, or 67 square kilometres, however most of that is fields and open spaces. The island has the same beautiful, sunny weather as Malta, the same friendly approach to visitors, and also speak both of the same official languages, so chances are if you’ve visited Malta before and you liked it then, you’ll like Gozo just as much!

Haven’t visited Gozo or Malta yet and wondering whether it's a good place for holidaymaking?

No worries.

Read on for a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about Gozo, tips on where to do and what to stay, and how to make the most of your holiday on Malta’s smaller sister island. 

1. History of Gozo

Gozo’s inhabitants date back to 5000 BC, where farmers from Sicily crossed over to settle on the island. Similarities between pottery found in Sicily and pottery found in Gozo suggests that colonists could have been from Agrigento, however it’s hard to narrow it down any further than that due to the lack of information about Malta’s prehistoric periods. 

What is known is this: Gozo’s position in Maltese history stands as an important fulcrum for cultural evolution for Europe.

For example, the Ggantija temples are among the world’s oldest religious structures. In history, it has been often referenced by Greek historians, such as Callimachus, that Gozo is the island of the nymph Calypso, (hint: you might want to visit the picturesque Calypso's cave overlooking ir-Ramla il-Hamra) who detained Odysseus on her island for seven long years. 

In 1551, Ottomans ravaged the island of Gozo and enslaved most of the settlers there, leaving it barren and unpopulated. Between 1565 and 1580, the Knights of Malta attempted to repopulate the island with people from Malta, and from there, the history of Gozo and the history of Malta become intertwined as Malta governed Gozo.

Gozo remained beholden to Maltese law and rule until 1987, when the Ministry of Gozo was set up. This doesn't mean that Gozo is autonomous from Malta, but the Ministry allows it to cater for specific needs that are particular to the population of the island.

2. What to do

It doesn’t matter what your idea of a perfect holiday is: Gozo has offerings for culture-vulture travellers, adventurous holidayers, and people who just want to get away from their normal everyday lives and relax in a beautiful setting.

Travelling with kids? There’s family-friendly offerings that you can definitely keep in mind for your trip to Gozo. 

The relaxing holiday

If what you’re looking for is just open air and open sea, Gozo has a number of locations where wander-happy travellers can settle down for an afternoon of relaxation. From lagoons to diving, Gozo has some of the most unspoiled terrain in the Mediterranean sea, and it would be a wasted journey without seeing what the island can really offer travellers willing to put in the work to get to them. 

For example, consider Dwejra, the area where the famous Azure Window used to stand before its collapse.

Dwejra is a lovely location for a picnic, and travellers coming in summer can bring along a swimsuit, because the north-western part of Gozo is also home to the calm waters of the Inland sea, a lagoon that goes underneath the peaked cliffs.

People whose holiday itinerary just consists of swimming should also check out some of Gozo’s premiere beaches, such as Ramla Bay, a beach famous for its red sand. Personally, we recommend the less touristy San Blas Bay, a shallow, crystal-clear bay located close to Nadur. Adventurers who want the Maltese beach-going experience can opt for a pebbly beach such as Dahlet Qorrot. 

Visiting in winter, or not a big fan of swimming? Gozo has incredible hiking opportunities.

Start by trekking out to see the ‘Ta’ Pinu’ Basilica, a stunning church built in the middle of nowhere that is open to the public year-round.

There is a path around the Basilica that will lead you further up, and can give you an incredible view of Gozo and the surrounding area.

However, that’s not the only location where you can walk; in fact, pretty much the entire island is an excellent beginner hiker’s dream, with flat, easy coastal routes to take advantage of. 

The historic holiday

It’s impossible to talk about visiting Gozo without also sightseeing some of the most impressive historical sites that the Maltese islands have to offer.

Gozo’s unique position in the Mediterranean - alternatively both isolated and easily accessible - has also preserved a different idea of life in the Mediterranean to the Maltese islands, so it’s well worth visiting even if you think you’ve seen it all. 

And you can’t visit any museum or cultural experience in Gozo without starting with the Citadella.

There is no entrance free to get in, and the Citadella, or the Castello, is a citadel that has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, and preserved meticulously throughout the years.

During the medieval period, the citadel served as a refuge for Gozo’s population, and while it was ransacked and destroyed during the Ottoman attack of 1551, a reconstruction built it back up again and added the gunpowder fortress which now forms a significant part of the Citadella. 

However, it is not just merely a fortress; the Citadella has a number of other museums and displays inside that you can access for the price of a day ticket.

Bear in mind that getting into the Citadella is free, so you are able to walk around some of the exhibits without incurring a visitor’s fee, however people who want to get into some of the dedicated museums on-site will need to purchase a visitor’s pass.

We recommend it, as it’s definitely worth the €5 ticket!

Once you’re inside the Citadella, consider stopping off at the Folklore Museum, a microcosm of Gozitan local life in the medieval period, and the Museum of Archaeology which can give you more information about how archaeological discoveries made on the island.

You can also visit the Nature Museum, which showcases wildlife and flora indiginous to the Gozitan islands. 

Beyond the Citadella, there’s also the Ggantija Temples. Allegedly built by giants (or maybe more accurately, the belief is that s, the Ggantija temples are an enormous megalithic complex which has been recently reclassed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and has a small museum on-site to explain the significance of the temple on the island, as well as some information about the early settlers’ religion. 

Finally, you should visit Ta’ Kola Windmill, the home of Gozo’s largest collection of tools and the Folklore Museum. 

The adventurous holiday

If you’re looking for fun and adventure, there’s one thing you definitely need to consider for when you travel to Gozo, and that is diving. Gozo is renowned for its diving, with ideal conditions year-round and many diving schools that can teach you what you need to know or take you out on a guided diving experience.

If you’re a beginner, we recommend you start with the guided tours first so you can focus on enjoying the experience with the reassurance that you’re in good hands, however if you’re an experienced diver here’s some places you can go. 

Start with the Blue Hole, an underwater chimney passage that will spill you out into the Mediterraean sea. Be prepared to see a lot of fish, such as grouper and damsel fish, and tuna the deeper you go, and delight in the relatively untouched conditions.

Go early - it’s a popular place for divers.

Or else, go at twilight, the colours and experience as you fin out into the open sea from the Inland Sea are an absolute life-changing memory.

We’ve mentioned the Inland Sea before, however we’re mentioning it again for this reason: the Inland Sea has beautiful, living reefs to photograph for memories unparallelled to what you can get onland. 

If it’s fish you’re interested in, then consider visiting Crocodile Rock, where groupers, tunas, and barracudas have made their home.

You might also want to stop off at Double Arch Reef if you want to see octopi and sea urchins, Wied il-Ghasri for seahorses, and San Dimitri Point for migrating shoals of fish.

Interested in something more? There’s a scuttled ferry at ix-Xatt l-Ahmar, that you can weave in and out of, and Fessej Rock is unmatched for deep-sea diving, although those are far more advanced dives and should not be attempted alone. 

Prefer your adventures out of the water? We recommend horse-riding around the island. 

There are a number of horse-riding farms ready to tour you around Gozo, so do your research and see which would suit your budget; you’ll find one for sure!

If you’re not too fond of horses, consider a quad or bike tour instead. 

Finally, you should definetely visit Comino, an uninhabited island known for its superlative Blue Lagoon. It’s more crowded in summer than in winter, however it’s still worth a visit just for the scenery. 

Your holiday to Gozo will begin with a flight into Malta International Airport (MLA) just s few miles from Valetta. From there, you will likely get a bus or taxi to the ferry port at Cirkewwa and catch one of the regular ferries to the main harbour of Mgarr. From here, you can be transferred to your accommodation.

Ferries run regularly and the journey takes around 25 minutes in total. It will take you past Comino and tantalise you with views of the Maltese coastline and part of the southern coast of Gozo. It is an excellent way to take in the amazing coastline of the island before getting to enjoy it for real.

6. Gozo holiday destinations

Despite being a small island, Gozo is full of things to see, do and explore. Whatever you’re looking for, relaxation, an escape from the world or a sunshine break somewhere beautiful, you can find what you’re looking for here. Here are some of the many places to visit during your Gozo holiday.

Victoria (Rabat)

The walled city of Victoria includes The Citadel which is a big draw for visitors. The town is a maze of winding streets that have evolved over the centuries and offers the opportunity to explore every part of the town. Originally settled by the Romans, Victoria is typical of the area having been inhabited by the Arabs, Normans, Knights of Saint John and local Maltese peoples.

Other highlights within Victoria include the Cathedral of the Assumption, the statue of The Assumption of Our Lady, the famous Archaeology Museum, the main square, It-Tokk, Saint George's Basilica and hundreds of churches, shops, cafes and other fascinating buildings.

Marsalforn

Marsalforn was a small fishing village not that long ago. It has been recently developed into one of the island’s best destinations. It is a big draw for visitors and is served by a very fine guest house. The waterfront offers activities, the chance to relax along the pebble shore or wander around the stores, cafes and the seafront promenade.

Nadur

Nadur is a traditional coastal village where the Knights of Malta used to monitor the seas around Gozo and Malta for pirates and invaders. Surrounded by green fertile land, this historic town features the Ta' Kenuna Tower where the Knights used to keep watch, a lovely church, three bays with fantastic beaches and lots of local shops and places to visit.

Xlendi

Xlendi is a prime destination for Gozo holidays. As one of the islands most popular seaside villages on the southwest coast, it has grown from a sleepy fishing village into a popular resort destination. Traditional buildings and fishing boats sit comfortably alongside modern hotels and resort facilities to provide a rich mixture of old and new. With a lovely waterfront and a sandy beach, it is a great place to visit.

Xewkija

Xewkija is credited with being the oldest village on Gozo and features the famous Xewkija Rotunda. The dome is visible across most of the island and is the third largest dome in the world. The village is traditional and modern at the same time, like lots on the island. It has lots of character and is still the home of the present-day Order of Saint John.

7. Gozo climate

While we may be biased, we consider the Gozo climate to be ideal. Mild cool winters, warm spring and autumn and hot dry summers are the norm. This means any time of year is a good time of year for a Gozo holiday!

The average temperature on Gozo is around 23C with lows of 15C in winter and highs of 31C in summer. With around 300 days per year of sunshine and a minimum of five hours a day even in winter, it is the perfect antidote to the grey English weather!

The summer (June, July and August) are hot and dry which is ideal for sun worshippers and package holidays. March, April and May are perfect for activity breaks as the sun still shines and the seas are warm with cooler temperatures than summer. The other months are cooler but no less welcoming in their own right.

8. Getting around Gozo

Gozo is well served by public transport and taxis so nowhere is every far away. There are also car hire opportunities, fantastic cycling, guided tours and our famous trackless train. Roads are well managed and in good condition so getting around is fast and simple. There are also lots of off road trails for cycling and exploring on foot.

Boat tours are also popular with visitors. Yacht charters, pleasure cruises and watersports are all readily available and add an unforgettable experience to any Gozo holiday.

Gozo Cuisine

The cuisine of the Maltese Islands reflects our geographical position and our colourful history. A mixture of Mediterranean, North African and our own Maltese style, our food is one of the best things about being here.

The food on Gozo is very seasonal and heavily swayed by local produce and traditions. That lends it a rich and vibrant character that has to be tried to be believed. Fresh vegetables, locally caught seafood, olive oil and local sheep’s milk products all typify the food here.

9. Where to eat

With activities and accomodation sorted, there’s one thing more you need to know before you can be prepared for your Gozo trip, and it’s the one thing that everyone wants to know more about: the food.

Gozo might not have the sheer amount of restaurants that Malta possesses, however you’ll find more than an ample choice to keep you hale and hearty during your stay. 

Fine Dining

Food is one of life’s greatest pleasures, so we think if you’re going to pay money for food, you should pay money for good food. 

Patrick’s

Rated as one of the best restaurants on Malta and Gozo, Patrick’s is a Gozitan staple that has been in operation for many years. With a seasonal focus and an emphasis on traditional Gozitan cuisine with a twist, Patrick’s is where you go if you want excellent, simple food at a reasonable price.

Their speciality is definitely their mains, and you’d be remiss to visit Patrick’s and not taste their Kobe-style Rib-eye or their beer-braised local pork cheeks, so if you’re a meat lover, make Patrick’s your first port of call when you’re in Gozo. 

If you don’t know what to pick, they also offer a chef’s tasting menu which is perfect for more adventurous eaters. 

Tmun

Do you like seafood? You can’t get better seafood than in the harbour of Mgarr.

And if you’re going for seafood, you want to go to Tmun. A restaurant with a 25 year old history, this family-run establishment has built itself around offering the freshest catch with a twist.

Try one of their chef’s tasting menus, or go wild on the a la carte option; either is a good way of making your first seafood meal in Gozo delicious. Definitely opt for the day’s catch - you won’t regret it! 

Ta’ Frenc

The international reputation precedes Ta’ Frenc; with references in the UK, US, and Ireland media,

Ta’ Frenc is a constantly-innovating restaurant which has introduced multiple changes to their long-standing menu, and invested in both olive trees and a well-stocked herb garden. Furthermore, the restaurant is one of the few that is capable of serving flambe dishes tableside. 

Their a la carte menu is based on the regional produce of Gozo, and so food is constantly changing depending on what there is available. We recommend going for the tasting menu, and letting the chefs select your food for you.

Currently, their tasting menu offers a chicken liver terrine with cherries and cocoa nibs, and an excellent beetroot risotto with deep-fried Camembert and cream of Camembert - but don’t hesitate to check again and see what changes have been made. 

Mid-range

If you want more affordable options, these places will give you somewhere to start. 

Osteria Scottadito

Ensconced in Nadur, Osteria Scottadito is an Italian restaurant with a reputation for excellent homemade pasta and delectable meat dishes.

Open up your appetite with their delicious bruschetta, follow it up with a tender rack of lamb, and finish with homemade sorbet made with champagne and mango.

Somewhere in between, sample the pasta - we recommend their cappelletti, fresh and handmade to order. We also recommend going again to sample their lobster. 

Latini Wine and Dine

Located in Victoria, the Latini Wine & Dine restaurant is on the cheaper side of affordable, and serves lunch and dinner. Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend you look at their menu to see what they have on offer and make a reservation to avoid disappointment. 

If you can only have one meal in Gozo, make it the Latini Wine and Dine sheep cheese ravioli, tossed in tomato and basil sauce. If you’re more of a seafood fan, we recommend their Calamari Fritti, tossed with mayo garlic, lemon, and rocket leaves, or their stuffed sea bream with prawns. Finish it off with a creamy dessert and a coffee, and you’re good to go!

Fu Hua Chinese Cuisine

Craving something different? Fu Hua Chinese Cuisine is an intimate little restaurant located in Victoria with delicious, fresh Chinese food and huge portions, so go prepared to eat as much as you physically can manage. Try their crispy duck with pancakes and their fried rice; it’s worth going to Gozo just for them alone! 

Cheap Eats

Not looking to spending a lot on food? You can get by on takeaway and cheap cuisine alone in Gozo! 

Stanley’s Chippy

With a ‘most expensive’ price listing of €9, Stanley’s Chippy is located in Victoria, and a must-eat for any people who are interested in fresh beer-battered fish and excellent burgers.

Portions are substantial, and while tables are crowded, you don’t want to give this one a miss if you like seafood. The restaurant batters their fish to order, and the chips are thick-cut; each plate comes with a salad and the portion will more than keep you going. 

Giuseppe - Cafe & Bistro

Starting with a €6 omelette and finishing with their most expensive offer, the meat platter for two at €45, Giuseppe’s Cafe & Bistro is the perfect place to stop during the day.

Try their octopus, their seafood risotto, or their rib-eye, but be warned that Giuseppe is massively popular even with the locals, and you might have to wait for a table. They’re also very well known for their ice-cream, so don’t forget to grab dessert while you’re there! 

Mo’s Diner

Known for their generous sandwiches, wraps, and salads, Mo’s Diner is a vegetarian friendly restaurant with gigantic portions at low prices, and an ever-changing specials board to keep you interested.

We recommend trying whatever they have as a special at the moment, however if you’re visiting more than once, you should get their Dixie sandwich: spicy chicken with garlic mayo, tomato, onion, and lettuce.

Culture of Gozo

History and culture are a big part of the attraction of Gozo. Sure the climate is idyllic, the surroundings beautiful and the locals very friendly, but it is the character and history that makes the island so special.

Gozo translates to ‘joy’ in Castillan and is separated from Malta by a 5km stretch of sea. Despite the proximity, the character of the island is very different from Malta. More relaxed, less developed and more rooted in tradition. Life was harsh on the island and has crafted a resilient population that values life, family and the bounty of the island and its seas. These traits are what makes Maltese people so friendly and welcoming to visitors.

Gozo has the same mixed history as Malta too. Ruled in turn by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Aragonese, the Sovereign Military Order of St. John of Jerusalem, the French and British, we have taken a little piece of each and made it our own. While all countries around the world are made up of such history, few wear it as proudly or as publicly as the Maltese Islands. We celebrate our history as it has made us what we are today.

10. Activity ideas for your Gozo holiday

Despite being small, the island of Gozo is packed full of things to do. It may be laid back and relaxed, but it is also a very active island. Whatever your interests, however active you may or may not be, there is something here for you.

Highlights of the island include:

The Citadel

The Citadel is a fortified city within the city of Victoria. Inhabited since the Bronze Age, it has been steadily influenced by the many inhabitants and displays characteristics taken from each along with its own Maltese charm. You can explore the battlements, tunnel fortifications, the support buildings and the lovely Cathedral of the Assumption.

Fort Chambray

You can see Fort Chambray as you approach Gozo on the ferry from Malta. It is located in Ghajnsielem, above Mgarr harbour and offers amazing views of the island and the sea approach. The buildings are mainly privately owned Gozo apartments for short rent so you could feasibly stay there if you wanted to. Good quality self-catering accommodation on Gozo is a great way to spend a holiday!

Ggantija Temples

The Ggantija Temples are a UNESCO site dating back thousands of years. The name dervices from the word for giant in Maltese: Ġgant, because the megaliths used to build this temple are so large, they seem to have been built by a race of giants. They are very well preserved and have been dated to around 3600 BC. That makes them some of the oldest temples anywhere in the world and are a big draw for visitors to Gozo. A modern visitor’s centre tells you everything you need to know before you arrive at the site itself.

Dwerja Bay, Fungus Rock and the location of the Azure Window

The Maltese Islands are surrounded by clear blue sea but there is something about Dwerja Bay and the Azure Window that used to be so special. It is (was) a stone arch that has been eroded over millions of years and frames the sea and coastline behind perfectly. The site is beautiful to look at and photograph and the diving is good there too. Blue Hole is a famous diving site that is close to Dwerja Bay.

Unfortunately, 2017 saw the window toppled into the sea by rough weather. The site has now become even more of a diving attraction than it used to.

There is still plenty of to see in the Dwejra area, and a visit to this area is a must.

St. George's Basilica and Il-Hagar Museum

St. George's Basilica and Il-Hagar Museum are both located in the heart of Victoria. St. George's Basilica is also known as the ‘Marble Basilica’ and features lots of marble on the inside. It is very ornate and lavishly decorated making it a must-see for any Gozo holiday. Across the street is the Il-Hagar Museum which concentrates on the religious history of the island. Entry is free and the museum is full of information and works of art. Well worth a visit.

Ir-Ramla il-Hamra

The beach at Ir-Ramla il-Hamra (Ramla Bay), or translated from Maltese, the red bay nestles comfortably between steep cliffs and is the largest sandy beach on Gozo. It takes it's name from, the fine sand which has a reddish hue. The gentle sea make this a very popular beach for relaxing or swimming. Fully equipped with showers, bathrooms and changing facilities, it is the perfect place to relax.

The Basilica of Ta' Pinu

The Basilica of Ta' Pinu is a pilgrimage church. It is a modern building built on the site of a much older church dating back to the 16th century. Full of sculpture and amazing architecture, this building draws visitors from across the world.

Tal-Massar Winery

If you are so inclined, a tour of the Tal-Massar Winery is one of the most popular activities for many holidays in Gozo. Learn about local wines, participate in tasting sessions, eat local galletti treats to help it go down. Located close to Zaghra, it is very convenient to reach and well worth a visit if you are at all interested in wine.

Diving

The Maltese Islands are known around the world for the quality of its diving and Gozo plays a part in that. With lots of wrecks, coral and geological features along with clear warm water makes it a great place for diving holidays. Gozo has great diving at Wied il-Għasri, Daħlet Qorrot, the Blenheim Bomber wreck, Crocodile Rock and Coral Cave to name a few. There are diving centres on the island that can provide instruction and equipment too.

Adventure sports

Given the terrain and surround geography, holidays to Gozo can easily include adventure sports. Popular pastimes include mountain biking, abseiling, rock climbing, bouldering, caving and kayaking. There are also Segway tours, horse riding and quad bike tours to enjoy too. Many of these sports can be accessed through companies that operate on the island.

Today’s top Gozo holiday deals

If you’re looking for Gozo holiday rentals, self-catering accommodation or hotels, you’re in the right place. Choice Holidays offers a wide selection of Gozo holidays at very competitive prices.

Get in touch to find our latest Gozo holiday offers here or run an accomodation search at the top of this page.