Гоцо

Late spring and early autumn are the best times. The weather is warm and sunny, and the sea is good for swimming. Summer is hot and dry, and beaches and ferries are busy. Winter is mild but wet and windy, and rough seas can cancel boat trips.

The biggest event is the Nadur Carnival. It takes place in the days before Lent, usually in February. People wear homemade, often dark-humored costumes and celebrate in the streets late into the night.

• Ġgantija Temples are two Neolithic temples near Xagħra. They are among the oldest free-standing stone buildings in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The Citadel is a walled hilltop fortress above Victoria, the island capital. Walk the walls for views over the whole island. Inside, Cathedral of the Assumption has a famous painted ceiling that looks like a dome, and the Old Prison shows how prisoners lived until the 20th century.
• St. George's Basilica stands in the old center of Victoria, a short walk below the Citadel. Its rich baroque interior is worth a look.
• Ta' Pinu Basilica is Malta's national shrine, in open countryside near Għarb. Many pilgrims visit it, and the walls hold many thank-you offerings.
• Inland Sea at Dwejra is a sea lagoon linked to the open sea by a rock tunnel. Small boats run through the tunnel in good weather. Fungus Rock and the Blue Hole dive site are close by.
• Ramla Bay is a wide sandy beach with reddish-gold sand. Calypso's Cave is on the hill above it. The cave itself is closed, but the viewpoint is open.
• Xlendi is a small resort in a narrow valley, with a seafront promenade and cliff walks.
• Also worth a stop: Xewkija Rotunda in Xewkija, with a very large dome you can see from far across the island, and Ta' Ċenċ Cliff, a high sea cliff on the south coast with wide sea views.

• Diving or snorkeling off the west coast. Gozo has many shore dive sites, including the Blue Hole and Dwejra. Local dive centers run courses and guided dives all year.
• Taking a small boat through the rock tunnel of the Inland Sea at Dwejra. The boats run only when the sea is calm.
• Watching sunset from the Citadel walls or from the west coast near Dwejra.
• Going to a village feast in summer. Streets are decorated with lights, bands play, and the evening ends with fireworks.
• Walking the coast between Marsalforn and Xwejni to see the old salt pans. Some families still collect sea salt there in summer.

Most trips from Gozo are short boat rides or ferry crossings. Plan the whole day around the ferry times.

• Comino: a small island with almost no residents, a short boat ride from Mġarr harbour. It is known for the Blue Lagoon, which has pale sand and clear water. Go early or late in summer to avoid crowds.
• Mellieħa: about 25 minutes by ferry to Ċirkewwa, then a short bus or taxi ride. It is a beach town in northern Malta.
• Valletta: the fast ferry from Mġarr takes about 45 minutes and carries foot passengers only. By car ferry and bus, allow about 1.5 hours. The capital has fortresses, churches and museums.
• Mdina: about 2 hours each way by ferry and bus. The old walled city is quiet and good for an afternoon walk.

Gozo is part of Malta, and most visitors combine the two islands. For the main island, see Malta. For boat trips and mainland day trips, see the day trips section.

• By air: Gozo has no commercial airport. Fly to Malta International Airport and continue by road and ferry. The trip from the airport to Mġarr, including the ferry, takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
• By ferry from Malta: The car and passenger ferry leaves Ċirkewwa in northern Malta for Mġarr harbour in Gozo. The crossing takes about 25 minutes. Sailings are frequent through the day and there are fewer at night. You cannot book a seat. The fare is paid only on the way back, when you leave Mġarr. In summer, arrive early because queues for cars are long. Check times at Gozo Channel.
• By fast ferry: A passenger-only fast ferry runs between Valletta and Mġarr in about 45 minutes. It is useful if you stay near Valletta.
• By bus to the ferry: Public buses from Valletta, Sliema and Bugibba go to Ċirkewwa. Allow extra time for the transfer.

• Public buses: Buses run from Victoria bus terminal to most villages, beaches and sights, and meet the ferries at Mġarr. They are cheap but infrequent on some routes, especially in the evening. See Malta Public Transport for routes and fares.
• Car or scooter: This is the easiest way to reach beaches, cliffs and small villages. Roads are narrow and signs are few.
• Taxi: Taxis wait at Mġarr harbour and in Victoria. Agree the price before the trip.
• Guided tours: Hop-on hop-off buses and jeep tours cover the main sights in a day.
• On foot and by bike: Villages and Victoria are good to explore on foot. The island is hilly, so cycling between distant sights is tiring in summer. Coastal paths are pleasant in spring and autumn.

• Car or not: A car is helpful for beaches and villages away from the main bus routes. You can stay in Victoria and use buses if you only plan the main sights.
• Rental: Rent in Gozo, or take a Malta rental car on the ferry. Check with the rental company first.
• Parking: Parking in Victoria, Xlendi, Marsalforn and Dwejra is limited in summer. Arrive early.
• Roads: Traffic drives on the left. Country roads are narrow. Some villages have very tight streets, so use a small car.

Gozo is known for simple farm food. Look for ġbejniet, small fresh or dried sheep or goat cheeses. Try Gozitan ftira, a baked flatbread with toppings such as potato, cheese and local sausage. Rabbit stew is the classic Sunday meal. Local honey, capers and sun-dried tomatoes are common souvenirs, and the island also makes its own wine.

Good places to eat cluster in a few areas. In Victoria, look around the main square, It-Tokk, and the streets near the Citadel. For seafood, try the waterfronts of Marsalforn, Xlendi and Mġarr harbour. Small village squares such as Xagħra and Nadur have simple local cafés.

Gozo is very safe for visitors. Petty theft is rare, but do not leave valuables in a parked car or on the beach.

The sea is the main risk. Cliffs and rocky shores can be slippery, and waves can be strong in winter and on windy days. Check conditions before you swim or dive, and do not climb on cliffs. Jellyfish appear in some summers. In July and August the sun is strong, so carry water and shade. Most visitors drink bottled water.

People built the Ġgantija Temples more than 5,000 years ago. They are some of the oldest large stone buildings in the world. Later the island was ruled by Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs and the Knights of St John.

In 1551 an Ottoman force attacked Gozo and took most of the people from the Citadel as slaves. After this, the Knights rebuilt the Citadel walls as a modern fortress. Today the Cathedral of the Assumption stands inside those walls, built between 1697 and 1711.

In 1883 a local woman said she heard a voice at a small chapel near Għarb. The chapel grew into Ta' Pinu Basilica, which is now a place of pilgrimage. In 2017 the Azure Window, a rock arch at Dwejra, fell into the sea during a storm.

Quick practical facts for Malta, including Gozo, at a glance: