The Top 10 Things to do in Gozo

Diving is definitely one of the top things to do in Gozo, Malta. Visibility is good (usually 25 up to 40 m) and you can explore a range of landscapes like drop-offs, caves and swim throughs. If you’re lucky you’ll see barracuda, corals, sponges, cuttlefish, octopus, jellyfish and even the island’s most recent inhabitant, turtles. Some of the most popular dives are Cathedral Cave, Mgarr Ix-Xini and Xatt I-Ahmar where you can spot seahorses and octopuses amongst the seagrass, and even get an introduction to wreck diving. The inland sea of Dwerja is one of the most popular spots in Gozo, with a short tunnel leading you to incredibly colourful drop-offs and the open water.

It would be remiss to visit Gozo without at least one trip to one of the fabulous beaches here. Wide, sandy Ramla is one of the most universally popular beaches on the island, alongside picturesque Hondoq ir-Rummien, with its water-sports opportunities. Secluded-feeling San Blas is also a dreamy day out with its charmingly rustic beach bar, while pebbly Daħlet Qorrot is a local’s favourite, offering crystal-clear waters and sheltered swimming. Other good spots are the pretty town of Xlendi, Mġarr ix-Xini and Dwejra inland pool. Wied il-Għasri is a narrow sliver of beach with a channel of sheltered water, leading towards the sea – another favourite spot for a dip among locals.

One of the best things to do in Gozo is explore the coast – it’s an island after all. It’s long been a popular walking destination, thanks to its maze of easily traversable paths, both inland and almost right the way around the edge, hugging the coast. The northern end of the country is mostly green space and farmland, all interlaced with great paths. The cliffs at Dwerja have tonnes of little trails to explore, promising great views. There are several paths fanning out from Mgarr harbour and there’s also an easy, approximately eight-kilometre walk from Marsalforn to popular Ramla Bay.

One of the best things to do in Gozo is visit the Cathedral of the Assumption in the citadel while in the capital, Victoria, not least for the great views from the citadel walls. St George’s Basilica, also in Victoria, is another impressive, gold-adorned monolith, standing proud in a pretty, sunny square dotted with cafes and bars. Bażilika Tal-Madonna is possibly the most impressive on the island, towering in the countryside. It looks stunning for the outside, crafted from beautiful yellow-gold stone and offering incredible views, but there’s plenty to marvel at inside too.

Ġgantija Archaeological Park is a small but fascinating complex dating back to the neolithic times, set in the extraordinary landscape of the Xagħra plateau. Considering it’s prehistoric, the site is incredibly well preserved and atmospheric, and there’s an interpretation centre to bring the ruins to life, helping visitors envisage how it may have looked. For such a pint-sized island, Gozo has plenty of artefacts, like the Ta’ Kola Windmill nearby, which you can enter on a joint ticket with the archaeological park, as well as the displays in the Gozo Museum of Archeology in Victoria.

The citadel is the oldest and most-picturesque spot at the heart of the island’s small capital. It’s home to the cathedral and archaeology museum, as well as the natural science museum, the old prison museum and Gran Castello Historic House depicting the island’s history of crafts, trade and culture. You’ll also get a fantastic view, almost right across the island, from the citadel ramparts. In the quaint town you’ll also find Villa Rundle gardens, a sculpted, shady park and bustling basilica square – the perfect spot for a morning coffee and people-watching – and some great cheap eats, serving up Maltese and Gozitan specialties.

The white limestone cliffs at Ta’Cenc tower some 130m tall, making them one of the most impressive natural sights on the island. They are certainly a top photo opportunity, offering seemingly endless views across the ocean and, as the sun sets, a dramatic end to the day. Make the popular hike across the headland towards the crumpled-looking folds of the limestone cliffs and catch them bathed in orange light as the sun goes down. Other popular panoramic spots include Sanap cliffs, Dwejra Bay and the famous Blue Hole, where the Azure Window used to be.

Part of Gozo’s green and plentiful countryside is given over to grape growing and, in recent years, vineyards here have opened their doors for tourists to sip, sample and enjoy the incredible landscape. The Tal-Massar Winery offers tours showing the entire viniculture process, and offering tastings of the varieties they produce, such as the semi-sweet Garb. You’ll also sample many authentic Gozitan treats such as breads, crackers soft and hard cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes and rich olive oil. Ta Mena estate also offers tours of their gorgeous property, ending with a plentiful meal of the other local produce they cultivate on their land.

Salt pans are a huge part of Gozitan and Maltese history. The best views of these ubiquitous carved pools in the rocks are from the coastal road winding out of Marsalforn. Some of the best and most-photogenic examples are the Salinas de Qolla I-Bajda or just past Xwejni Bay. Alternatively, you can walk to the nearest pans to Marsalforn along the pavement. At some of the pan sites you can even go down and wonder among the smooth, weathered rock, feeling like you’re exploring an alien realm. This impressive landscape is definitely worth an afternoon’s visit.

If you have a day or even an afternoon spare, don’t leave Gozo without taking a short boat trip to Comino. There are dozens of boat trips, of all shapes and sizes, that go every day, multiple times a day to famous Comino. This gorgeous islet has Caribbean-clear waters that are an incredible shade of blue and glorious spots for swimming, like the Blue Lagoon and Santa Maria Bay. You can also take diving and snorkelling trips here, as well as small boat trips that explore caves and give you the option to swim from the boat.