As we sat on the square in Xagħra, Gozo, admiring the limestone church as it shone golden in the winter sun, we started to get an inkling of how special the island of Gozo is. From megalithic ruins to salt pans and fortified towns, Gozo is easy to get to and worth the visit. A day trip to Gozo is a popular activity for those visiting Malta, and while I advocate for a longer visit to Gozo, here is my 1-day guide for day-trippers.
Where is Gozo?
Part of the Maltese archipelago, Gozo lies about 6 km northwest of Malta, separated by the Gozo Channel. Gozo is the second largest island of the five island chain – the others are: Malta (the largest), Comino, and the uninhabited islets of Kemmunett (Comminotto) and Filfla.
Malta sits 58 miles (93 km) south of Sicily, 180 miles (290 km) north of Libya, and about 180 miles (290 km) east of Tunisia, in the Mediterranean sea.
transport to Gozo
There are several ways to reach the island of Gozo from mainland Malta. The public transport system in Malta is amazing, and that extends to Gozo. While the buses and routes increase in the high season, there are still great options in winter. I have done a day trip to Gozo by public transport and by car, so here are my tips on the various transport options to Gozo.
Gozo Channel Ferry
By Bus
To reach Gozo by bus, take a Malta Public Transport bus to Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal at the northern tip of Malta. Routes 41, 42, 101, 221, 222, and X1 connect various parts of the island to the terminal. The Gozo Channel Ferry operates regularly, with a crossing time of about 25 minutes to Mġarr Harbour. You will disembark the bus and board the ferry as a foot passenger.
On arrival, Gozo’s bus network, operated by Malta Public Transport, provides connections to main towns and attractions, with Victoria being the central hub for transfers.
You can buy Tallinja bus cards of various types at hub bus stops around Malta – from week-long passes or multi-trip cards, they are very easy to acquire and use. Some buses take contactless card payments, but we noted a number of times that this didn’t always work for people. Single fares are 2€-2.50€ depending on the season.
By Car
The car lanes at Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal are easy to see, and you will be put in lines to wait for boarding. Locals get a very discounted rate, so you’ll see them making this crossing like it is a normal part of their day. When travelling by car, you will not pay for the ferry on the outward trip from Malta to Gozo, you pay only on the return.
- The ferry opens at both ends, so you drive on ‘the back’ end of the ferry and off the front
- You cannot stay in your car during the short journey
- It is a mix of trucks, cars and other vehicles and you will be pointed to where you need to park. It’s a tight squeeze, and boarding is rushed, so don’t dally!
- Remember to lock your car, but don’t set the alarm, as the movement of the boat can set this off
- Accessibility is slim to none – so contact the ferry directly for instructions if your mobility is limited
There are bathrooms, a cafe, and seats indoors and out, these are old boats so don’t expect too much. For the short 25 minute trip, they are perfectly fine. An alert will sound when you are advised to return to your vehicle.
By Tour
Many tour operators offer day trips to Gozo from Malta, typically including hotel pickup, ferry transport, and guided sightseeing. Options range from standard van or bus tours to 4×4 tours or quad bike excursions for off-road experiences. Tours often include visits to sites like the Citadel in Victoria, Dwejra Bay, and Xlendi, while others offer boat trips or cultural experiences. Private tours with customised itineraries are also available for those wanting a tailored experience.
Gozo Fast Ferry from Valletta
A fast ferry service operates between Valletta’s Grand Harbour and Mġarr Harbour, Gozo, in around 45 minutes. This is a quicker alternative for a day trip to Gozo than the Ċirkewwa route, especially if you are staying in the southern half of the island. Note, it is for foot passengers only. Beware rough seas on the fast ferries though – especially if you tend to get sea sick.
In summer, various boat tour companies offer options that include the Blue Lagoon, tours around the islands, and stops in Gozo.
A Day Trip to Gozo
You can definitely fill your days on the island of Gozo for a week or more. Especially if you are interested in diving, churches or ancient ruins. Or, if like us, you enjoy sitting at cafés drinking coffee and wandering cobbled streets, there’s also much to enjoy during a longer visit! But if you only have 1 day in Gozo, here are my recommendations.
Xagħra
Xagħra is my favourite town on the island of Gozo. A delightful square captures the morning sun, even in the dead of winter. With cafes dotted around the square, in a variety of styles and budgets, Xagħra is a great place to start your day on Gozo. The square is presided over by the stunning yellow-hued Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady at Xaghra, and coffee / breakfast here is the perfect way to start your day trip to Gozo.
Ggantija
After coffee, head to Ġgantija, a UNESCO-listed Megalithic temple complex in Xagħra that dates back to around 3600–3200 BC. Pre-dating the pyramids in Egypt, it is one of the oldest free-standing stone structures in the world.
There is a visitor centre and museum area to explore first, where you learn about the excavations and see items removed during the discovery. Then you leave the building and head down to the temples. The two massive temples, built from limestone blocks, some weighing over 50 tons are impressive to ponder upon – how did they move such huge rocks?
Local legend is that the temples were built by giants, and the scale certainly feels like it. Within the structures there are chambers and remnants pf stone alters – this was clearly a spiritually important place.
There are many megalithic temples in Malta, built between 3600 BC and 2500 BC. Others include These are Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra, Ta’ Ħaġrat Temples, Skorba Temples and Tarxien Temples.
Victoria (Ir-Rabat)
Victoria is the main commercial centre of Gozo, with shops, cafés, and restaurants. Dominated by the Citadel (see below), there are also many markets, winding back streets, and squares to enjoy outside the Citadel also.
We enjoyed people-watching on Independence Square, and had a lovely lunch on Pjazza san Gorg in the shadow of St George’s Basilica. While it is a bustling tourist area, you can get great deals for set menus or if you’re on a budget. I recommend Ta’ Volina on St George’s Square for casual food options and a wine bar vibe.
Victoria is Gozo’s transport hub, with buses connecting to all parts of the island, making it an ideal base for exploring. If driving, there is a large outdoor parking area near Victoria Playground / Villa Rundle Gardens, or an underground carpark for smaller cars at the Arkadia Commercial Centre.
Victoria Citadel
The Citadel sits on the highest part of Victoria. This fortified hilltop complex has incredible rampart walls, layers of defence, canons, and a whole complex of buildings within.
The Cathedral of the Assumption is a 17th century church built on top of the ruins of an ancient Roman temple. Be prepared to pay a fee for entering churches in Malta, we skipped many because of this (we are used to visiting churches for free in Europe usually). The citadel is free to visit, despite the visitor centre charging a fee – you don’t need to go here to enjoy the fortifications.
The views from the ramparts are incredible, and you really can see for miles on a clear day. I particularly enjoy the view of the Rotunda of St. John Baptist Church in Xewkija, south-east of Victoria.
Then pick one or two of these to round out your day…
(please note that some of these are harder to get to if you are travelling without a car)
Xwejni or Xatt l-Aħmar Salt Pans
Generations of people in Gozo have used these salt pans to harvest salt. There are the Xwejni on the north coast near Marsalforn, or Xatt l-Aħmar on the south coast, not far from Mgarr Harbour (so an easy thing to see if you are driving back to the ferry).
The carved pans are around 350 years old. The sea water remains after high tide, and when the water evaporates during a sunny day, it leaves salt behind. The harvesting only happens in the warmer months, when the sun is warm enough to evaporate the water quickly. Buy some local salt to take home as a souvenir!
I have a friend who was married along these salt pans and they are so beautiful!
Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary, Għarb & Sunset Cliff
The Roman Catholic Basilica of Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary in Għarb is on the western side of Gozo. If you wanted to see this side of the island, a good afternoon activity is to visit this beautiful Neo-Romanesque church, followed by a visit to the Sunset Cliff – where people come to see the sunset (in winter it’s pretty early).
Other beautiful churches to note or visit on your way around the island: Rotunda St. John Baptist Church in Ix-Xewkija, Ghajnsielem Parish Church, and the Chapel of St. Dimitri.
If you are travelling to Gozo without a car, then taking a Hop-on-Hop-Off bus tour is a great way to see more of the island without having to wait for public transport.
Hondoq & Blue Lagoon
We asked a local what was the best beach to visit for a view of the Blue Lagoon, and she recommended Hondoq. A gorgeous, secluded spot that looks directly over to the protected blue bay on Comino (the middle island in the chain).
In the warmer months, you can take a small water taxi over to the blue lagoon, or kayak in the gorgeous blue waters. There is a beach bar here that is open all year round, and a tidal swimming pool too. It is a great secluded spot. Note, while there are some bus routes that come near it, it is more easily accessed by car.
Is 1 day on Gozo enough?
A day trip covers the highlights, but 1-3 days is ideal for a more relaxed visit, exploring beaches, more villages, and experiencing the more laidback lifestyle of the island. The pace of life on Gozo is less frenetic, and there are lots of quiet corners where you can relax and slow down. So if that’s the vibe you are after, I definitely recommend staying at a hotel on Gozo.
Hotels on Gozo
If you do choose to stay on Gozo for a few nights, here are my recommendations:
- Victoria – If you are travelling without a car, I recommend using Victoria as your base, as you can get anywhere by bus from there. The Duke Boutique Hotel is central and near bus hubs. Provicario is right in the centre of Victoria, and has a roof terrace with views of the Citadel.
- Xaghra – The Cornucopia Hotel is on the edge of Xaghra and is a lovely oasis for relaxation. It has a pool, and is only a 12 minute walk to the town centre.
- Coastal Resort Options – Malta is known for it’s affordable beach hotel and resort options, these include: Hotel San Andrea in Xlendi, or Hotel Calypso in Marlsaforn – which are middle of the road, comfortable hotels in great locations. For luxury resort options on Gozo, try the Kempinski Hotel San Lawren, or Hotel Ta’ Cenc & Spa.
Gozo FAQ
If you loved my Day Trip to Gozo guide, see my One Week in Malta post for more tips!
All photos & content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!). Images shot with a Canon DSLR T3i Rebel + Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM; and an iPhone.
