The island of Gozo is Malta’s second island, smaller in size but no less impressive than its neighbour. If you’re looking for a quieter, wilder destination, a visit to this natural paradise is a must.
From interesting cities where you can visit numerous monuments, to stunning beaches, cliffs and natural landscapes where you can immerse yourself in nature, the island of Gozo has places and activities for all tastes and ages. Although it is possible to visit in just one day, if you have more time, you will be able to fully enjoy all its landmarks, symbolic places and various activities. If you want to discover all the secrets of this beautiful island, keep reading our post!
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Things to see in Gozo Island Malta
Visit the city of Victoria
The city of Victoria, also known as Rabat, is the capital of the island of Gozo and one of the most beautiful cities to see in the area. We recommend splitting your visit into two parts: you can start with a visit to the Citadel, and then explore the surrounding area to get to know the city in more depth.
The Citadel is located on the top of a beautiful hill, and dates back to the Neolithic period. You can enjoy a pleasant stroll through its quiet little streets and discover the iconic Cathedral of the Assumption or the beautiful Bishop’s Palace. In addition, thanks to its location, it offers impressive views over the rest of the bay. Before leaving, we recommend going for a walk along the top of its walls to see the island from above – don’t forget to bring your camera!
Ggantija temples
The Ggantija Temples are one of the most culturally and historically important places to see not only on Gozo Island but in all of Malta. This impressive temple was built during the years 3600 and 2500 BC, so it has an impressive history behind it. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This temple is one of the oldest religious buildings in Malta, having survived numerous invasions, sackings and even natural disasters. You can admire its beautiful façade made entirely of stone, formed mainly by giant stone towers (its name, in fact, comes from this). You can also go inside and walk through many corridors where you will find different sculptures dedicated to the mother goddess. In addition, this temple has an information centre that will help you understand in more detail the culture of the island of Malta.
Gozo Salt Pans
The famous Salt Pans are only a 10-minute walk from the town of Malsarforn. Legend has it that the origin of these salt pans dates back to Roman times, and that the salt was extracted in the same way as it is extracted today.
You will be fascinated to see the landscape created by these salt pans, producing small lagoons in the middle of the immense ocean. They are made up of two kilometres of rectangular pools spread along the entire coastline. The pans are one of the most important features not only for travellers but also for locals. Keep in mind that they are still a source of natural resources, so try to avoid walking on them so as not to contaminate the salt. Come and discover this visual wonder by the sea!
Ta’Pinu Basilica
The Ta’Pinu Basilica is without a doubt the most important religious building on Gozo Island in Malta. This impressive structure is located close to the small village of Gharb. The origin of this basilica has a curious history.
Legend has it that around the year 1883, a faithful believer heard the voice of the Virgin Mary in the small chapel that existed there at the time, which is why they decided to build the magnificent basilica of Ta’Pinu. Today, it is an important pilgrimage site on the island of Malta. It is also surrounded by a stunning natural environment – don’t forget to bring your camera!
Ta’ Kola Windmill
Located just a short distance from the Temples of Ggantija, the Ta’Kola Windmill is practically the only mill still standing on the entire island of Malta. It was first built in 1725 but had to be rebuilt in 1780.
As well as admiring the beautiful façade, you can enter the mill and walk around its three floors. Downstairs you’ll find an exhibition on the tools typically used by the millers, while on the first floor you’ll be able to see the rooms they occupy, all decorated in the traditional style. Then you can finish with the upper floor to see the impressive machinery of the windmill up close. This visit is not one to miss on your trip to Gozo Malta.
Ramla Bay, Gozo Island
Ramla Bay is without a doubt one of the busiest and most visited beaches on the island of Gozo. Apart from its stunning crystal clear waters, what makes this beach so distinctive is its red sand. What’s more, it is easy to get to by public transport.
We recommend spending a quiet morning enjoying its tranquillity and taking a dip in its warm waters; once you’ve finished relaxing, you can’t miss a visit to the beautiful Calypso Cave. To get there, you can walk for about 30 minutes or take a bus from Xagha, the closest village. According to Greek mythology, Odysseus made a stop at the cave during his long voyage to Ithaca. Definitely an interesting place to visit if you are in the area.
Fungus Rock
Fungus Rock is an impressive 60-metre-high islet with a curious history. As well as providing an incredible view with the sea in the background, it is named after a fungus that was found by the Knights of St. John.
The story goes that in 1746 they found a mushroom on the rock and discovered that it had healing powers. This fact was so widely believed at the time that a permanent guard was set up to protect the islet and the mushroom. Today this legend has been disproved. You will be fascinated by the imposing size of this rock, as well as the breathtaking scenery it creates. Not to be missed!
Xlendi Village
Xlendi is a little fishing village in the bay of the same name, in the southeast of Gozo Island. Despite its small size, this place is fully modernised, so you can find all kinds of services while enjoying a traditional coastal atmosphere.
Stroll through its lovely little streets, take a short walk along the paths surrounding the mountains, or simply enjoy a sunny morning or afternoon by the sea. It is the ideal destination to try scuba diving or snorkelling to discover its splendid coral reefs. There are plenty of activities to do in Xlendi, depending on your preferences and budget, so don’t hesitate to take a trip and enjoy the sights of this area!
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Where to stay on Gozo Island Malta?
There are different areas and pleasant towns to stay in on the island of Gozo, depending mainly on your travel interests and budget. Here are some of the best places to stay.
- Firstly, we recommend staying in the Victoria Citadel, where you can enjoy the beauty and pace of the city, as well as the convenience of public transport.
- Secondly, there is Qala, an ideal place to stay if you want to enjoy the coast and the sea, as well as absolute tranquillity as it is a small village.
- Thirdly, and especially if you are looking for a place that has all the amenities, we recommend staying in Marsalforn. Located just 15 minutes from Victoria, you’ll be able to enjoy a good range of hotels, restaurants and leisure activities.
Frequently asked questions about a trip to Gozo Malta
– Victoria Citadel for the city experience.
– Qala to enjoy the coastal atmosphere.
– Marsalform for the most convenience.
To get to Gozo Island from Malta, you will need to take a ferry from Cirkewwa with the Gozo Channel ferry company. The journey time is around 20 minutes, and you can get a ticket for as little as €4.65. What’s more, you only pay on the way back!
The best time to travel to Gozo is from May to October as this is when you can enjoy the best weather. However, you should also bear in mind that the summer months are likely to be more crowded.
To get to these temples from the port of Gozo Island, you will have to take the number 322 bus, which will take you directly to your destination.
How to plan your itinerary of the places you want to see in Gozo Island Malta?
If you want to discover a faster and more organised way to plan your trip to Gozo Malta, make sure to sign up to Passporter.
- Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
- Create your own itinerary from scratch.
- Add the cultural, leisure or food places that interest you the most.
- Organise your route by choosing the best method of transport.
- Share your photos on your traveller profile so that other users can learn about your experience and get inspired.
If you want more details on how to do all this, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
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