Gozo Holidays

Small but mighty… that’s Gozo! Although tiny, there are actually lots of incredible things to do in Gozo, right the way through from cultural activities to coastal water adventures. It’s great for all the family.

• Hop on the ferry at Cirkewwa in Malta and take the short journey past Comino to Mgarr Harbour on Gozo. The capital, officially called Victoria but known locally by the original name Rabat, is home to the impressive 16th century citadella which has been at the heart of activity on Gozo since prehistoric times.
• While Gozo is small — inhabited by just 40,000 Gozitans — it’s home to a remarkably large number of churches; 46 to be exact. Some date back thousands of years, such as the UNESCO listed Ggantija, a 5500 year old complex in Xaghra believed to be the second oldest man-made religious building in the world.
• Gozo, beyond its gorgeous history and ancient ruins, offers some of the best diving spots in the Mediterranean. In fact, one of the best things to do in Xlendi, and other places such as Marsalforn, is diving into the clear waters. The Blue Lagoon and P31 patrol boat off Comino are also great local dive sites.

It’s good to strike a balance during your holiday, exploring the island’s captivating heritage, and indulging in the relaxing luxury of the many Gozo beaches that can be found dotted along the coast.

• One of the best beaches in Gozo is Ramla Bay Beach with its jaw-dropping red sands (the name translates to ‘Red Sandy Beach’). It’s rarely crowded here as the local area of Xaghra is largely undeveloped. Make sure you visit the fantastic Calypso Cave, which is great for thrill seekers.
• Xlendi is home to a lovely pebble beach, with stunning cliffs and an assortment of caves, Here, you’ll find some of the best snorkelling spots on the island, and you could easily spend a few hours exploring the depths before sampling the local foods. You can reach the resort by car through Munxar or Fontana.
• Marsalforn is one of the most popular resorts on Gozo. Home to fantastic Gozo beach hotels like San Andrea Hotel, this north coast village welcomes visitors from all across the world during the summertime. The beautiful promenade here snakes its way around the crystal clear waters of the bay.

If you love sampling local cuisine when you go on holiday, you’ll love all the bold flavours of the island. Gozo restaurants serve up everything from authentic Maltese fare to a variety of international foods.

• Many of the best restaurants in Gozo are found in the island’s main town of Victoria. The many authentic Maltese restaurants here are perfect for a romantic evening, or an intimate dinner with friends. If you’d prefer something more familiar, there are plenty of delicious tastes of home here, too.
• As an island of many cultures, the local cuisine is heavily influenced by Arabic, Italian, and Mediterranean gastronomy. Some of the best foods to try on the island include traditional Gozitan pastizzo (pastries), gbejniet (sheep's milk cheese), and classic Mediterranean breads and olive oils.
• Gozo has strict eco-friendly regulations, so you’ll find that, no matter where you choose to dine, fresh, local, and ethically-sourced ingredients will feature heavily on the menu. From super fresh fruits and veggies to local meats and hand crafted cheeses, the food on Gozo is sure to tickle the taste buds.

While Gozo isn’t particularly known for its nightlife, there’s still plenty of evening entertainment here. In Gozo, you can enjoy quiet, sophisticated nights on the town, infused with the Maltese charm of the island.

• In historic Victoria especially, you’ll find that the local nightlife is all around you… there’s no need to seek it out. You’ll hear classical music coming from the baroque churches as you enjoy an evening stroll, and there are lots of places to stop and have a glass of wine in the quaint, cobbled squares.
• Like much of southern Europe, there’s a strong cafe culture in Gozo. Cafes, bars, and restaurants with outdoor seating line the coastal promenades and beaches. Popular with both locals and visitors to the island, these venues allow you to sit back and relax while enjoying the warm Mediterranean evenings.
• If you’re looking for nightlife that’s a bit more bold and energetic, Marsalforn is perhaps the best destination for you. As the largest and most popular resort on Gozo, you’ll find a lot more bars in this part of the island, and the beachfront hotels often have live entertainment and activities on offer.

Gozo is a perfect Mediterranean island getaway for families, mainly thanks to the slow, tranquil lifestyle that’s led by the locals, and the laid back, friendly atmosphere that can be experienced all around.

• Gozo’s beaches are an excellent way to spend some much-needed quality family time, especially if your children love building sandcastles and splashing about in the water. If you have very young children, you’ll appreciate the peaceful beaches with calm, shallow waters.
• The island is considered to be one of the best places in the world for diving; an exhilarating activity for older kids. For younger ones, why not gather the whole family in a canoe or kayak and explore the island’s coast, or perhaps even take a fishing tour with a local expert to learn more about the marine life.
• Marsalforn is a very popular holiday destination for families with small children. The long promenade is very easy to navigate, even with a buggy. The beach here is lined with child-friendly shops (i.e. nothing too breakable!), and welcoming restaurants serving up both Maltese cuisine and British favourites.
• For an unforgettable day out, take the ferry to the historic capital of Valletta in Malta. There’s a lift right up to the spectacular gardens if your kids don’t fancy walking up the massive staircase, and with so many high street shops from back home, it’s easy to pick up anything your kids need throughout the day.

Gozo is a very romantic place, bursting with culture and spectacular sights. If you’re looking for a couple's getaway that’s exotic but not too far from home, there is perhaps no better destination than Gozo.

• At the end of a perfect day, just the two of you, the ideal way to round it off is with a meal at one of the most romantic restaurants in Gozo. You’ll find plenty of options in Victoria, where you can dine on gorgeous local foods, while sipping wine and watching as the sun begins to set over the Mediterranean.
• For couples who love partaking in adventurous activities together, Gozo’s diving sites are perfect. Diving together is an amazing way to make special memories with these spectacular underwater vistas.
• For a real feeling of seclusion and intimacy, take a trip to the tiny island of Comino, dominated by its beautiful central chapel. Simply strolling around the ancient old town, hand-in-hand, is enough for an amazing day out, but there are lots more options, such as swimming in the sea at the famous Blue Lagoon.
• Alternatively, you could choose to spend a romantic day in Malta, which you can reach in just under 30 minutes from Gozo. Valletta, Bugibba, and Mellieha are all well worth exploring with a partner, and offer plenty of activities, sights, and attractions to keep you and your loved one entertained all day long.

Gozo culture is like nothing else you will have experienced. During your trip you’ll encounter a number of intriguing historical sites, both in the lively capital and dotted around the beautiful countryside.

• Exploring Victoria’s mesmerising citadella is a great way to enjoy the island’s architectural delights, and while the city may not boast the same historical significance as Valletta or Sliema in Malta, it can’t be denied that there’s an infectious charm here that makes this a truly fantastic destination to visit.
• Away from Victoria, in the scenic Gozo countryside, you’ll find even more signs of the rich history and culture of Gozo. The Ggantija Temples near Xaghra, and the towering Ta’ Pinu basilica, which is considered to be of great national importance, are enthralling.

How much is the ferry from Malta to Gozo?

If you’re travelling to Gozo from Malta as a foot passenger, fares are very low; just €4.65 per adult and €1.15 for children aged 3 - 12. If you’re taking a vehicle, the cost for a car and driver is €15.70.

How long is the ferry between Malta and Gozo?

It takes just 25 minutes to travel between Mgarr in Malta to the island of Gozo by the ferry operated by the Gozo Channel company. This means it’s very easy to travel between the two, for lots of fun days out.

What language is spoken in Gozo?

In Gozo, there are two official languages that are spoken: Maltese, and English. While more residents speak Maltese, it is reported that almost 90% of the locals are able to converse fluently in English.

What are people from Gozo called?

People from the island of Gozo are collectively known as Gozitans. However, as Gozo is one of the islands making up the Maltese archipelago, they are also Maltese.

What is the capital of Gozo?

The capital and largest settlement in Gozo is Victoria in the centre of the island. However, this name is fairly new, being given to the city in 1887. Many locals refer to the capital by its original name, Rabat.