Gozo holidays

Where to stay on Gozo holidays

Looking for the perfect base for your holiday in Malta? Check out our guide to the best areas to stay in Malta and find the ideal spot to suit your travel style!

Regarding Gozo, the island offers a range of accommodation options that cater to families, adults seeking a peaceful escape, and those looking for budget-friendly all-inclusive packages. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best spot for your holiday:

• Victoria – for culture and convenience

  The island’s capital is a great choice for families and couples alike. Its central location makes it easy to explore Gozo’s attractions, and the charming Citadel offers a fun, educational experience for kids. With shops, markets, and cosy restaurants, Victoria is perfect for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere.

• Marsalforn – for family-friendly fun

  Marsalforn is a seaside town that’s perfect for families. Its calm beaches, a promenade lined with cafes and restaurants, and activities like snorkelling and boat trips make it an excellent base. Parents will appreciate the relaxed vibe, while kids can enjoy safe swimming and exploring the coast. Discover more of Gozo by exploring our holiday to Marsalforn.

• Xlendi – for adults seeking tranquillity

  Xlendi is a peaceful retreat, ideal for adults looking to unwind. With its dramatic cliffs, scenic coastal paths, and calm bay, it’s perfect for couples or solo travellers. This area offers a mix of cosy guesthouses and boutique stays that create a serene atmosphere.

• San Lawrenz – for all-inclusive holidays

  San Lawrenz offers budget-friendly options for those looking for all-inclusive holidays to Malta. This area is perfect for travellers who want convenience without compromising on comfort. All-inclusive packages often include meals, drinks, and activities, making it an affordable way to enjoy your stay on Gozo. Don’t miss our holiday packages to San Lawrenz as well.

• Nadur – for quiet family getaways

  If you’re after a peaceful family retreat, Nadur is an excellent choice. Its traditional charm, nearby beaches like Ramla Bay, and calm surroundings make it perfect for those seeking a slower pace.

Gozo’s diverse accommodation options ensure there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a family adventure, a relaxing adults-only escape, or an affordable all-inclusive holiday, this beautiful island has the perfect place for you to stay.

How to reach Gozo

• Flight time: Flights to Malta International Airport from London take around 3 hours 10 minutes.

• Transfer time: There is no road access to Gozo from Malta, so you’ll have to take a ferry from Ċirkewwa, a 40-minute taxi or a 1-hour-20-minute bus ride from the airport. The ferry crossing takes 25 minutes and arrives at Mġarr Harbour.

• Price: A pre-paid taxi to Ċirkewwa costs €37 before admin fees (pay at the taxi booths in arrivals and hand the chit to your driver). Bus tickets for the X1 service cost €2.50–€3. The standard ferry fare for foot passengers is €4.65.

Best time to visit Gozo

The best time for your Gozo holidays depends on what you’re looking for, as each season offers something different.

• March to May sees in comfortable 17 to 24°C temperatures and petering rainfall. Ideal conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities like hiking and sport climbing.

• June to August sends the mercury into the high 20s and low 30s. This is the perfect time to check out Gozo’s beach scene; coastal hot spots like Ramla Bay will be heaving.

• September to November temperatures take a dip, cooling from 28 to 21°C, and rain and wind picks up. Singing and sailing are both on the agenda, with the Opera is Gonzo Festival in October and the BOV Gozo Autumn Regatta in November.

• December to February is ideal if you’re looking for a quiet escape and don’t mind a few short showers. With temperatures hovering around 16°C, it’s plenty warm enough to go sightseeing. If you want to get more active, these are also great months for surfing.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English and Maltese (Għawdxi is the local dialect) are spoken interchangeably.

• Currency: Gozo is in the eurozone.

• Getting around: The most convenient way is by car, but if you don’t drive or prefer not to, you should be able to get by using local transport. Malta Public Transport operates around 15 bus routes on the island. Tickets cost €2.50 for day services and €3 for night services and are valid for 2 hours from first use. A 7-Day Explore card (unlimited transport for 7 days) may work out cheaper in the long run at €25. For remote areas, ride-hailing services such as Uber, Bolt and eCabs will be your new best friends.

• Electricity and plug types: Gozo operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz and uses type G plugs (the same three-pin plugs as the UK).

• Time zone: Gozo is on Central European Time (1 hour ahead of GMT during standard time and 2 hours ahead during Daylight Saving Time).

• Required travel documentation: UK citizens need a valid passport (issued less than 10 years before the entry date and valid for at least 3 months after the departure date) but don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days in a rolling 180-day period.

Best things to do in Gozo

From fascinating heritage sites to outdoor adventure, holidays to Gozo are the whole package.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs: A dramatic spot on Gozo’s southern coast, with sheer drops into the sea, this is the perfect place to catch a sunset.

• Tal-Mixta Cave: Located on the eastern side of Ramla Bay, the view from the cave mouth is superb, taking in red-gold sand and turquoise water.

Best districts

• Victoria (Ir-Rabat): Famous for its honey-hued citadel (Ċittadella) and chock-full of museums, theatres, chic boutiques and craft shops (the lacework is exquisite), Gozo’s two-name capital is a must-see.

• In-Nadur: Set on a high plateau in eastern Gozo, this traditional village has stacks of charm and some of the best views on the island. It’s also the place to be for the Gozo Carnival in February, when crowds of villagers take to the streets in all manner of grotesque costumes.

Parks and gardens

• Villa Rundle Gardens: Located just off Republic Street in Victoria, these peaceful gardens have shaded pathways and a variety of trees and plants. They're a great spot to catch your breath after hitting the nearby shops.

• Ta’ Kenuna Botanical Garden: Set around a British-built 19th-century semaphore tower in In-Nadur and planted with native plants, this manicured garden feels like a real find.

Museums

• Gran Castello Historic House: Spread across three former Ċittadella townhouses and outfitted with all the usual bits and bobs, this folklore and social history museum is a bit of a warren, but that’s part of its charm.

• Il-Ħaġar Heart of Gozo Museum: Steps from St George’s Basilica (one of Victoria’s most impressive ecclesiastical buildings) and housing many of the church’s treasures, this museum has a definite religious bent, but it also hosts temporary art exhibitions and other cultural events.

Historical monuments

• Ġgantija Temples: Sited on the Xagħra plateau, these UNESCO-listed monumental buildings are among the oldest man-made structures in the world. The on-site visitor’s centre has the lowdown on the complex.

• Rotunda of Xewkija (Church of St John the Baptist): A supersized take on Venice’s Baroque Santa Maria della Salute, this 20th-century church’s main claim to fame is its ginormous unsupported dome, visible from almost anywhere on the island.

Regional highlights

• Gozo Salt Pans: Bordering Xwejni Bay, a shimmery chequerboard of centuries-old rock-cut basins, this is one of the most extraordinary landscapes on the island.

• Inland Sea (Dwejra): Fringed by a pebbly beach and linked to the Mediterranean Sea by an 80m-long cliff tunnel, this seawater lagoon is up there with the island’s top natural wonders.

Activities for families in Gozo

Whether you want to make the most of the island’s swimming spots or delve into its history, there’s something for every family to enjoy.

• Family-friendly beaches: With gentle waters and plenty of space for families to spread out, Ramla and Marsalforn bays are ideal for a day by the sea.

• Playgrounds: If you want to give the kids something to do while you shop for souvenirs, Għarb Leisure Park is minutes’ from Ta’ Dbiegi Craft Village and offers swings, slides, seesaws, a football pitch and fitness equipment.

• Aquariums and zoos: Kids can get hands-on with horses and other animals at The Dreams of Horses Farm in Xagħra.

• Interactive museums: The Ċittadella hosts several museums where children can learn about Gozo’s history, including the Gozo Museum of Archaeology and the Old Prison, where kids will be fascinated by the graffiti left by former prisoners.

Free things to do in Gozo

Gozo has plenty to offer budget travellers, whether you want to get your fest on or check out a historic site.

• Free heritage sites: Entry to the Ċittadella is free. You have to pay to enter the museums and visitor centre, but a combination ticket for all sites is a snip at €5. Most island churches are admission-free, including Baroque St George’s Basilica in Victoria and the mosaicked Ta’ Pinu National Shrine near Għarb.

• Annual festivals and free events: Gozo’s calendar is packed with music, art and folk festivals, but the big one is Carnival, the week before Ash Wednesday. Celebrate in Victoria, Xagħra or In-Nadur.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: Visit Gozo details planned walking trails that pass through some of the most beautiful parts of the island. For example, the circular Daħlet Qorrot Walk in In-Nadur offers stunning garigue terrain and sea views.

• Sport climbing: Mġarr ix-Xini and Għajn Abdul have dedicated sport climbing areas.

• Surfing: The surfing hot spot is the stretch between Qbajjar and Ramla bays.

• Scuba diving and snorkelling: Scuba divers flock to sites like the Blue Hole at Dwejra, one of Jacques Cousteau’s top 10 dive spots. For those less experienced, snorkelling around the bays offers a great way to see marine life.

Beaches to enjoy on Gozo holidays

Gozo holidays offer a chance to relax on some of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in the Mediterranean. With crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and hidden coves, the beaches in Gozo provide the perfect setting for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkelling.

• Ramla Bay: Known as Gozo’s most famous beach, Ramla Bay is a stunning stretch of red-golden sand surrounded by lush hills. The calm, shallow waters make it ideal for families, while its natural beauty is perfect for those looking to relax in a serene setting.

• Hondoq ir-Rummien: This small, picturesque beach is a favourite for snorkelling and swimming thanks to its clear waters and vibrant marine life. Its proximity to the ferry terminal also makes it a convenient stop for day visitors.

• San Blas Bay: For a more secluded experience, San Blas Bay is a hidden gem accessible by a steep path. Its reddish sand and peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect escape for those looking to avoid crowds.

• Mgarr ix-Xini: This quiet, rocky cove is a snorkeller’s paradise, offering clear waters and a rich underwater world to explore. It’s also known for its stunning views and tranquillity, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.

• Dwejra Bay: Located near the site of the former Azure Window, Dwejra Bay is a dramatic and unique spot. While not a traditional sandy beach, its rocky shores and nearby Blue Hole make it a fantastic spot for diving and photography.

Gozo’s beaches cater to all types of travellers, from families seeking safe and sandy spots to adventurers eager to explore hidden coves. Whether you’re basking in the sun at Ramla Bay or snorkelling in Hondoq ir-Rummien, Gozo’s coastline is sure to make your holiday unforgettable.

Local dishes in Gozo

With sweet and savoury pastries, cheeselets and artisanal wines on the menu, you’ll find plenty to tempt you on your Gozo holidays.

Some typical dishes

• Ġbejna: Made from sheep’s or goat’s milk, these small round cheeses can be salted, peppered or pickled. A Gozitan staple, they crop up everywhere, from soup to appetiser platters.

• Bebbux bl-aljoli: A dish for adventurous eaters, cooked snails served with a garlicky tuna tomato dip.

Meat dishes

• Bragioli: Long story short, steak stuffed with meatballs.

• Stuffat tal-fenek: A much-loved Maltese dish, rabbit marinated in wine slow-cooked with vegetables and seasoned with aromatic herbs. Order extra crusty bread to mop up the rich sauce.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Torta tal-lampuki: Named for its star ingredient, this fish pie combines lampuki (dorado) with olives, spinach and other Maltese staples like onions, tomatoes and capers. Lampuki season typically runs between August and December, though it can be extended into January if the quota hasn't been reached.

• Pixxispad Mixwi: This dish consists of marinated and grilled swordfish fillets garnished with sage and sweet green peppers. Swordfish is most readily available between March and November, but there isn’t a closed season.

Street food

• Pastizz: Stuffed with peas or ricotta and traditionally shaped into a diamond, these savoury, flaky pastries are a Maltese food icon.

• Qassatat: Not a million miles away from Pastizz, but made with shortcrust pastry and pinched into a basket, Qassatat comes with all sorts of fillings, but Ricotta or Ġbejna with fava beans is the classic combo.

Sweets and desserts

• Imqaret: Filled with dates, citrus and spices, deep-fried and dusted with icing sugar, these traditional pastries are great with a scoop of ice cream.

• Qagħaq tal-għasel: These ring-shaped treacle pastries are traditionally eaten around Christmas, but you should come across them year-round.

Local drinks

• Cisk Lager: Crisp with a light maltiness and a rich hop aroma, Malta’s favourite beer is perfect for summer drinking.

• DOK Gozo: Produced from grapes grown on the island, Gozitan wines have a unique salty flavour due to the vineyards' proximity to the sea. Take your pick of reds, whites and rosé.