The small island of Gozo lies in the middle of the Mediterranean between North Africa and Sicily and is part of the archipelago state of Malta. With its small size of only around 67 square kilometres, it is the second largest island of the archipelago and is often referred to as the little sister of the main island of Malta. Despite its size Gozo has so much to offer – from picturesque bays and beaches with crystal clear, turquoise blue water, to breathtaking cliffs and rock formations, to idyllic villages with picturesque alleyways, baroque churches and great restaurants, you won’t miss anything in Gozo that makes for an adventurous but also relaxing holiday.

In this post, with the most beautiful sights in Gozo, I would like to introduce you to this special Maltese island and share its most beautiful places of this hidden gem with you. And I’m sure you’ll agree with me: Gozo is a real insider tip in Europe.

You’ll find my Gozo map with all mentioned places at the end of this post!

Why is Gozo worth a visit?

If you are looking for hustle and bustle and lively life, you should rather visit the main island of Malta, because Gozo stands for peace and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the unique nature with its fascinating cliffs and let yourself drift through the pretty alleyways of the original old towns, then you too will feel the special heartbeat of the beautiful island of Gozo.

The first settlers came to Malta as early as 5,200 BC. Over time, the islands came under Roman and Arab occupancy and later under European influence. This shaped its architecture and culture as well as the language of its inhabitants. Maltese sounds like a mixture of Italian and Arabic, but is written in Latin letters. Malta was also under British colonial rule until 1964, which is why almost all locals still speak English very well today and left-hand traffic is the norm on the islands.

When is the best time to visit Gozo, Malta ?

Its perfect location in the southern Mediterranean Sea gives the island of Gozo a pleasant, warm climate. It is therefore possible to travel there all year round. Even in winter, daytime temperatures of up to 17-20 degrees Celsius are not uncommon. The period between June and October is best for beach holidays, as the water temperature is always above 20 degrees Celsius and the weather warm and sunny. When planning your Gozo holiday, however, you should bear in mind that summers can generally get very hot and also attract more tourists.

How do you get to the island of Gozo?

As Gozo does not have an airport, you first land in Malta. Then take the ferry from the ferry harbour in Valletta, which is about 15-20 minutes from the airport. The ferries to Gozo depart every 20-25  minutes and it is not necessary to book a ticket in advance. The crossing is also possible with a car and payment is only made on the return journey to Malta. The two of us, including a car paid 20.35 Euros together for both ways.

How many days should you plan for your holiday in Gozo?

Ideally 2-3 days. The many great sights of Gozo are not far from each other – so you can organise your stay in a varied way and experience numerous unforgettable moments. You should definitely rent a car to explore the island in a relaxed way..

My hotel tip in Gozo

Cesca`s Boutique Hotel is a cozy hotel near Gozo`s capital Victoria. Nevertheless, it is quietly located on the slope of a river valley and you can look out of your room window directly into the green valley. There is also a pool with a view on the roof, but it was too cool for us when we travelled to Gozo in December.

These are the most beautiful sights and activities in Gozo you can’t miss

The north coast of Gozo

The north coast is perfect for a short road trip. Various natural sights can be discovered along the rocky cliffs. As the route is partly off-road on uneven ways, it is good to rent a robust car to really enjoy the drive.

These are my favorite stops along the north coast of Gozo:

Wied il-Mielah rock window

Near the village of Ghar, directly on the cliffs of the island of Gozo, you will find the Wied il-Mielah Window – a gigantic rock window created by environmental influences. You have the option of parking nearby and taking a short walk to the rock gate. You can either look at it from above or walk down a small path and stand right in front of the window to watch the waves crash against the rocks. The view is truly spectacular and unforgettable. There is even a ladder leading into the sea. However, I wouldn’t recommend swimming here as the swell can be very strong.

Sand Waves

The Sand Waves are a beautiful attraction in Gozo – a rock formation where the soft stone has been shaped by water to look like large solidified waves. You can get up close and take some great photos.

Wied il-Ghasri Gorge

You will be really impressed by the view into this huge sea gorge, which is also called Ghasri Valley. With a length of 250 metres and a width of between 15 and 30 metres, the small fjord stretches towards the village of Ghasri. A short hiking trail into the gorge takes you to a small pebble beach. In summer, it is ideal for swimming and snorkelling. The water is calm and blue as it is protected from strong waves.

Xwejni salt pans

The salt pans on the island of Gozo are a truly unique sight. They are laid out in a chequerboard pattern and stretch for around three kilometres along the north coast. Salt was already being extracted here in Roman times. In summer, you can still see locals sweeping sea salt with rakes and brooms in the traditional way. When the sun shines on the pools, it makes for a fantastic photo opportunity.

Sunset on the west coast

The rocky coastline of Gozo is a great place to watch a beautiful sunset in the evening. A special spot is near Fungus Rock – a single large rock in the sea that rises up like a mushroom and offers a fantastic photo opportunity. Not far away is a popular diving spot, the Inland Sea. This picturesque bay is enclosed like a lake and is only connected to the sea by an approx. 80 metre long tunnel in the rock.

Definitely plan at least one sunset near Fungus Rock – just make sure the way sturdy shoes if you want to walk over the rocks as they are really sharp.

A Cycle tour along the south coast of the island of Gozo

The south coast of the island of Gozo has some of the most beautiful views in store for you. You can explore them by bike or e-bike. We opted for an e-bike as the route is quite steep in some places. We started in the capital Victoria, from where we headed to the south coast to the impressive Sanap Cliffs. The huge, majestic cliffs are a great photo opportunity, as they have a mysterious and majestic atmosphere.

The route continues to Mgarr ix-Xini beach, a small bay in the middle of beautiful nature with a gorge and a view of an old watchtower. The beach is ideal for swimming in summer and is a popular diving spot. The area around Malta and Gozo is one of the most popular diving spots in the world.

Ramla beach and secret cave

Ramla beach is one of the few sandy beaches and is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island of Gozo. Above the beach is a real hidden gem: the Tal-Mixta Cave, which for me is one of the most fascinating sights in Gozo. From here you have a fantastic view of the beach. To reach the cave, you can hike and climb up from the beach. Although the climb is short, it is very steep and strenuous. 

Another option would be to drive up to just before the entrance on the other side of the cave and enjoy the unique view from there. I’ve marked the nearby parking in my Gozo map.

Ta’ Pinu Church – one of Gozo’s most popular sights

Built in neo-Romanesque style and consecrated in 1932, the pilgrimage church was elevated to basilica status by Pope Pius Xl. in the same year. The beautiful mosaics on the forecourt and in the interior are characteristic. Its bell tower is 62 metres high. Inside the Ta’ Pinu church is a room with letters of thanksgiving and exhibits from numerous devout Maltese. Thanks to its location on a hill, the church offers a stunning view of the surrounding countryside.

Olive oil tasting Ta’ Mikiel

Here’s a very special tip: not far from the Ta`Pinu church is the small olive oil farm Ta’ Mikiel that is run by a family in the third generation. You can take part in a tour and marvel at the peaceful estate with its olive tree fields. Of course, this also includes a tasting of the olive oil with local bread, cheese and other Maltese specialities. You will have a fantastic view over the valley and the Ta’ Pinu church.

Another highlight – wine tasting in Gozo

If you like wine, I recommend you visit the Tal-Massar winery. Wine is a real rarity on the island of Gozo due to the limited space and is therefore rarely exported. In terms of flavour, Gozo’s wines are some of the best I have ever tasted and can certainly hold their own internationally. Thanks to the mild climate all year round, the wines are very low in acidity and full-bodied with intense flavours. You should definitely try them!

The capital Victoria

The capital of the island of Gozo is of course also worth a visit. It is centrally located in the middle of the island and has only been called Victoria since 1887 – in honour of the English Queen Victoria. It used to be called Rabat and many locals still call it that today.

My absolute highlight is the impressive citadel, which can be seen from afar as it is located on a rock. Its first construction already began in the Bronze Age 1,500 BC and the present fortification has been built in the 15th century in the form of a circular castle complex called Gran Castello, which was repeatedly refortified after raids and sieges. Until 1637, the inhabitants of Gozo were legally obliged to spend the night in the citadel for their protection.

From the complex you have a fantastic view over the island of Gozo. In its centre is the pretty Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which you should definitely visit. It is advisable to enquire in advance when masses are held in the cathedral, as it is closed to visitors during this time. A sign in front of the cathedrals entrance tells you about the closing times. There is also the opportunity to visit the old prison and a nature museum.

Almost 7000 inhabitants live in Victoria today. The main market square It-Tokk, which translates as ‘meeting place’, is a perfect place to stroll in the shade of the trees. Small souvenir shops and cosy cafés await you here. If you have time, I recommend visiting the impressive St. George’s Basilica, which is located not far from the market square. It was built in the 17th century and was badly damaged by an earthquake a short time later. As a result, it was not inaugurated until 1755.

Activity Tips in Gozo

Gozo also has plenty to offer for adventurous travelers. You can book a boat or kayak tour to the neighbouring island of Comino to explore caves, beautiful bays and beaches. The Blue Lagoon is absolutely enchanting with its crystal-clear, turquoise-blue water and exudes Caribbean flair. Another recommended activity is a guided Jeep tour through the beautiful landscape of the island of Gozo.

Gozo, Malta – My résumé

There is no question that the hidden gem Gozo is an absolute insider tip in Europe! The island next to Malta is the perfect place to enjoy some mild temperatures and sunshine in the cooler months and immerse yourself in a little paradise. With its fascinating landscape, surrounded by a deep blue sea, it literally invites you to take a trip. Combined with impressive evidence of its eventful history and the peace and quiet that radiates from it, you will spend a relaxing and unforgettable holiday im Gozo.

I hope my post made you curious about the enchanting island of Gozo, Malta – a destination full of surprises with the potential to become your favorite holiday destination.

My map with the best sights in Gozo:

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