Gozo, Malta: Why This Serene Sister Island Deserves Your Day Trip
Visiting Malta without exploring its smaller sister island, Gozo, is like touring New York City without crossing to Brooklyn. Many travelers skip it and still enjoy their trip, but based on my firsthand experience, they miss a vital piece of the Maltese puzzle. A quick ferry ride to Gozo adds the perfect finishing touch to any Malta itinerary.
Gozo's compact size makes it ideal for a day trip. Malta itself is tiny—you can drive north to south in about 45 minutes—and Gozo is just one-third its size (14km long by 7km wide). Arrive via morning ferry, hike across the island if you wish, and return on the evening ferry to Malta.
No need to walk unless you prefer it; diverse transport options abound. My companions Umei and Rob opted for the convenient hop-on hop-off bus, which departs right outside the ferry terminal, allowing flexible stops at Gozo's top attractions.
Driving through Gozo's lush, green countryside, I immediately sensed its more rural, relaxed vibe compared to Malta—itself a laid-back destination. Skip Gozo if seeking nightlife; it's designed for unwinding and digital detox.
Stay in agriturismos—charming farmhouses converted to vacation rentals—many offering self-catering or full-board meals with fresh, local produce.
Immerse in Maltese cuisine: savor Gozo's Gbejniet cheese, local wines, olives, seafood, and fresh pasta with vegetables. We started in Victoria (Gozo's capital, population ~6,000), wandering its cobblestone streets, plazas, and beautiful churches (Malta boasts 359 churches total, 46 on Gozo).
Climb to the majestic Citadel overlooking the city—a UNESCO tentative World Heritage site.
Lunch at Ta’ Rikardu in the Citadel featured locally sourced dishes, including affordable wine at €6.50 per bottle (for premium Maltese wines, try Gululu in St. Julian’s). We relished ricotta-stuffed homemade pasta and local vegetables on the rooftop terrace, with panoramic views.
Sated, we toured more, understanding why some vacation entirely on Gozo. Its natural beauty excels for recharging amid everyday stress.
Rent a car or hike to secluded bays and beaches—solitude reigns in shoulder seasons (April/May, September/October). Indulge guilt-free in Maltese pastries, pastizzis, pasta, and wine.
Gozo attracts hikers and divers alike. At Dwejra's Azure Window—a stunning 28m (92 ft) limestone arch—the adjacent Blue Hole ranks among the world's premier dive sites. No reefs mean deep Mediterranean dives from cliffs.
Passing villages, terraced fields, and farmhouses en route to the ferry, I longed for more time. Gozo, we'll meet again.
Practical Details:
Reach Gozo in 25 minutes by ferry. From Luqa Airport, follow signs to Cirkewwa terminal if driving.
No car? Buses from Valletta or Sliema go to the terminal. Gozo's bus network is efficient; day ticket €2.60. See public transport overview here.
Ferries every 45 minutes in summer (less in winter); check timetable here. Return ticket €4.65 (€4.05 off-season).
Take your rental car for flexibility (€12.80 car + driver); consider overnight stays.
Hop-on hop-off buses from terminal every 45 minutes; day ticket €22.50 (audio guide included). Start early—waits can be long (e.g., quick Xewkija church visit).
Must-sees: Victoria Citadel, Marsalforn beach, Dwejra's Azure Window & Inland Sea (boat tours), Comino's Blue Lagoon (ferries from Mgarr; check here), Ggantija Temples, Ta’ Pinu Basilica, Ramla Bay, villages like Gharb, Xewkija, San Lawrenz.
Walking ideas here.
Book accommodations via Gozo.com (farmhouses, B&Bs, hostels).
This article stems from the Blog Island Malta campaign by iambassador, with Malta Tourism Authority and Air Malta support. Full editorial control maintained for honest, objective insights based on personal experience.
