Places to Visit in Gozo: 20+ Must-See Attractions

Located a short ferry ride away from Malta Island, Gozo is a must-see during any trip to the Maltese islands. Quieter and greener than Malta, Gozo Island is the perfect getaway for both locals and tourists.

Don’t get fooled by its size: this small island beams with a wide range of tourist attractions, from natural wonders to historical sites, secluded bays and more.

Discover the best places to add to your Gozo itinerary. Whether you’re after dramatic cliffs, beautiful churches, old temples, hiking trails or pristine waters, you’ll surely find what you’re looking for.

This extensive article covers the best places by categories so you can get ready to visit Gozo, Malta’s sister island, and enjoy your journey to the fullest.

Best Places in Gozo for Nature Lovers

Gozo makes for the perfect nature getaway away from the hustle and bustle of cities. Discover magnificent landscapes, breathe in the sea air, and watch a beautiful sunset at these stunning locations.

Tas-Sanap Cliffs

Let’s start with some of the best panoramas on Gozo Island: Sanap Cliffs. Those steep limestone cliffs are located on the southern coast of the island and are a prime location for outdoor activities.

Hiking enthusiasts can hike on two scenic trails, one leading to Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs and the other one to Xlendi Bay. The first trail leads you to the Ta’ Cenc Cliffs Sunset Point (as listed on Google Maps), a stunning location to watch the sun dip into the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Dwejra Bay

Don’t miss Dwejra Bay, definitely one of the best things to do in Gozo! Home to the Inland Sea, the Blue Hole and other natural wonders, it’s a must-see place on our beautiful island.

Located on Gozo’s west coast, the place feels a bit like the end of the world. Stunning rock formations meet the power of the sea to shape awe-inspiring landscapes, attracting nature lovers, photo enthusiasts and even divers. There, visitors can enjoy amazing sunsets after a day full of discoveries.

Dwejra Bay was famous for its former Azure Window, a natural arch which collapsed during a fierce storm back in 2017. However, the place is still stunning and boasts other landmarks not to be missed.

Inland Sea

Inland Sea is a secluded seawater lagoon protected by high cliffs and connected to the open sea thanks to a 80-metre-long natural tunnel. The Inland Sea is a great place to swim when the open sea is rough or just relax on the pebbled beach. It is also a popular dive site and the starting point of a small boat trip around Dwejra Bay.

Fungus Rock

Behind this funny name lies an amusing story: Access to the rock was prohibited during the reign of Grandmaster Pinto because the Knights believed a rare fungus with medicinal properties grew there—hence the name.

Blue Hole

One of Malta’s most famous dive sites, the Blue Hole is an upright underwater tunnel connected to the open sea thanks to an underwater archway located 10 metres below the surface. This spot is perfect for scuba diving, with clear waters, vibrant marine life and interesting underwater rock formations.

Xwejni Salt Pans and Qbajjar

Head to Gozo’s northern shore for some more stunning panoramas. Xwejni boats the most mesmerising Gozo salt pans, dug in the honey-coloured rocks centuries ago. They display a striking mosaic of white salt crystals, reflecting the age-old tradition of salt harvesting that has been passed down through generations.

In the extension of the salt pans are two rather confidential coves: Xwejni Bay and Qbajjar Bay. With clear waters perfect for swimming, snorkelling and diving, they offer an ideal place for a refreshing break when you visit Gozo.

Tal-Mixta Cave

Overlooking Ramla Bay on the north coast of Gozo, Tal-Mixta Cave is a natural wonder with an old history. For starters, this cave offers the most magical vantage point, perfect for taking memorable photos and watching beautiful sunsets.

Inhabited by Troglodytes and invested by the Knights of Saint John to defend the Gozitan coastline, the cave is a hidden gem to add to your Gozo itinerary.

Wied il-Mielaħ Window

Disappointed to have missed the famous Azure Window in Dwejra? Cheer up: we have another natural arch in store! Wied il-Mielaħ Window serves as an alternative to the massive natural window which sadly collapsed in 2017.

Majestically standing at the end of a rugged valley on the northern side of Gozo Island, this impressive stone arch is also a good place for rock climbing.

Historical and Cultural Places in Gozo

Step back in history and discover a fortified city, a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site and more on Gozo Island.

The Citadel

One of the must-see places on the island of Gozo, the Citadel (or Cittadella) is a centuries-old fortified city perched atop Victoria. It was built in late medieval times on a hill already inhabited during the Bronze Age, and further enhanced by the Knights of Saint John.

One of the most striking landmarks of the Citadel is the Cathedral of the Assumption, with rich Baroque interiors and a trompe l’œil painting simulating a dome.

Wander through the Citadel’s winding alleys and don’t miss the spectacular views spanning the entire island from the ramparts.

From the Gozo Museum of Archaeology to the Gran Castello Historic House (former Folklore museum) and the Old Prison, the Cittadella is a haven for history buffs.

Make sure to include the Citadel on your list of places to visit on Gozo Island! Step back in time with Yippee Malta and explore this rich heritage.

Capital City of Victoria

Apart from the Citadel, the city of Victoria itself is worth visiting. Formerly known as ‘Ir-Rabat,’ the capital of Gozo Island is a central hub, home to the popular It-Tokk Flea Market, as well as restaurants, coffee shops, piazzas, shopping venues, churches, and museums.

Visit Independence Square, the centre of the city and local life, with a morning market and terraces where to sit and enjoy a drink or a bite.

Make sure to visit St. George’s Square with its bars, coffee shops, souvenir shops and the gorgeous St. George’s Basilica.

Ġgantija Temples

If you’re interested in history and archaeology, the Ġgantija Temples are a must-see! This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back from 3600-3200 BC, older than the Pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge in the UK.

Those megalithic temples are in fact among the oldest free-standing structures in the world! Due to the size of the megaliths, it is believed by some that the temples were erected by giants—hence the name (Ġgantija means “giant” in Maltese).

An Interpretation Centre showcases some significant artefacts unearthed at various prehistoric sites across Gozo while providing the visitors with captivating information about various aspects related to life in the Neolithic Period.

The Xewkija Church of St. John The Baptist

Xewkija is the oldest village on Gozo Island, home to a hidden gem for culture and heritage enthusiasts: the church of St. John the Baptist.

This architectural marvel boasts a distinctive coat of arms with remarkable historical significance. The Rotunda’s massive dome, measuring 27 metres in width and 75 metres in height, dominates the skyline. As the world’s third-highest unsupported dome, its hand-built structure is a testament to the village’s exceptional craftsmanship and the strong sense of community.

You can visit the church’s interiors and take a lift to the terrace upstairs, where you’ll be rewarded with commanding soaring views over southern Gozo.

Xewkija is also the place where ​​the Maymūnah Stone was discovered, one of the rare artefacts on the Maltese islands dating back to the Arab era.

Fontana Knights’ Wash Houses

Fontana is one of Gozo’s smallest villages, known for two washhouses built during the 16th century. The larger of the two laundries is fed by the Great Spring (l-Għajn il-Kbira in Maltese) while the other one shelters a spring called l-Għajn tal-Hasselin. Locals can still be seen washing their clothes at the springs at times.

The freshwater is brought to the village by an old irrigation system consisting of stone gutters, bringing water from another spring in the Kercem Valley.

Dwejra Watchtower

We’ve previously mentioned Dwejra Bay as a nature attraction featuring the Inland Sea, the Blue Hole and the Fungus Rock. But did you know that the area also has historical significance?

The Dwejra Watchtower, a historic landmark built in 1652 by the Knights of Saint John, was equipped with three 6-pounder guns and served as a strong defence against invasions. Locally known as “It-Torri Tal-Qawra,” it played a crucial role in guarding the coast.

From its panoramic rooftop, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Gozo’s coastline, immersing themselves in the island’s rich maritime history. After undergoing restoration in 1999 and more recent repairs, the Dwejra Watchtower is now open to the public once again.

Ta’ Pinu Basilica and Shrine

The Ta’ Pinu National Shrine is a place of spiritual significance, attracting pilgrims and curious visitors worldwide. Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, it was built following a miracle that happened there: Karmni Grima, a Gozitan peasant, heard a voice ordering her to offer three Hail Marys and got cured after answering the voice.

Ta’ Pinu is an interesting place to visit even for those not religious. Built with honey-coloured local stone, the basilica boasts a neo-romanesque style. The parvis is adorned with colourful mosaics by Jesuit Father Marko Ivan Rupnik representing the mysteries of the rosary. The shrine is surrounded by scenic views of the Gozitan countryside.

Best Beaches and Coves in Gozo

Gozo coastline is dotted with beautiful sandy beaches and pebbled secluded coves. Discover our top beaches, where you can relax, unwind and swim in pristine waters.

Ramla Bay

Ramla Bay, or Ir-Ramla l-Hamra, is the most stunning sandy beach on Gozo Island.

This red sand beach is a must-visit for any beach enthusiast. A great place for swimming in the crystal-clear waters or relaxing on the sandy shores, it has a lot to offer. On this Blue Flag beach, one will find all the amenities to spend a lovely day at the beach, including snack bars, public toilets, showers and even watersports.

Ramla Bay is also a playground for those looking to explore, with hiking trails departing from and arriving at the beach. The beach is framed by two caves overlooking the bay, each offering breathtaking views over a mostly unspoilt nature.

On the west side, Calypso Cave is one of the most popular viewpoints in Gozo and is even said to be the cave where Odysseus was held prisoner by the nymph Calypso for seven years. On the other side majestically stands Tal-Mixta Cave, which offers quite a sight to behold and, unlike Calypso Cave, is open to visitors.

Mġarr Ix-Xini Beach

You can’t go wrong with a cove that served as a film set. Mġarr Ix-Xini is a secluded bay located at the end of a valley, on the outskirts of Xewkija. Although quite remote, it attracted Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who shot the By The Sea movie in this location.

This secluded bay is listed as a top destination for scuba diving and is a great place for swimming and snorkelling in clear waters. After underwater adventures, visitors can relax on the tiny pebbly beach or join the locals who gather and have a coffee or beer at the unpretentious restaurant. Off-season, it offers great hiking opportunities on the trails winding on the scenic coastline.

Daħlet Qorrot

Going off the beaten track is almost always rewarding, and Daħlet Qorrot is no exception. Located on the northern coast of the island of Gozo, Daħlet Qorrot is a quiet, small pebbly beach with pristine waters. The place is perfect for a quick swim or a snorkelling fun.

You can get there by following a winding road from Nadur or Qala. While in winter most people don’t swim there, it’s still a lovely place to visit on a hike, to take in the views.

Xlendi Bay

A former fishing village, Xlendi became a small tourist resort attracting visitors with its picturesque bay framed by high cliffs. The bay is perfect for a swim in its clear waters, watersports and boat trips taking you to some of Gozo’s coastal treasures.

Swimmers can enter the water from a tiny beach or the rocky edges on the side of the bay. Xlendi Bay is also a popular place among locals and tourists alike for a relaxed lunch by the sea at one of the restaurants lining the bay.

Yippee takes you to this iconic bay, its small beach, tall cliffs and belvedere offering great photo opportunities.

Marsalforn Bay

Marsalforn is a former fishing village that has evolved into a family seaside resort. Its sandy beach might not be the most picturesque Gozo Island has to offer, but it has all the amenities families can hope to find at and near a beach: lifeguards on duty during the summer months, sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, public toilets, showers, restaurants, bars, ice cream parlours and shops.

Apart from its beach made of sand and pebbles, Marsalforn is also popular among divers, with some diving schools. It’s a nice place to have a leisurely stroll along the seafront promenade and have lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants.

Wied il-Għasri

Nestled at the end of a valley on Gozo’s northern coast is a hidden gem not to be missed. Wied il-Għasri is a narrow cove featuring a small pebbly beach and an inlet framed by high cliffs, winding its way down to the open sea.

Away from the hustle and bustle, this secluded inlet is not easily reachable. That’s why we’ve decided to include it in our acclaimed Gozo Quad Bike adventure. Staircases carved into the rock lead down to the cove, offering scenic views only a Mediterranean island can offer.

Wied il-Għasri’s transparent waters and nearby underwater caves are perfect for snorkelling and diving.

Other Places to Visit on Gozo Island

Here are a few more places to discover if you have extra time to spend on Gozo Island.

Ta’ Dbieġi Crafts Village

Interested in crafts or bringing home a unique souvenir? Then consider making a stop at Ta’ Dbieġi Crafts Village.

Visitors can observe glassblowing, watch the intricate process of Gozo lace-making, admire handcrafted pottery, and see leather goods being made. These traditional crafts are a testament to Gozo’s rich cultural heritage.

The village is housed in former soldiers’ quarters for the British military service and has some amenities like a restaurant, toilets and Wi-Fi.

Ninu’s Cave & Xerri’s Grotto

If you have some spare time, we recommend you visit these two places of interest located underground near the Ġgantija Temples (Xagħra).

Discovered by the owner in 1888 when digging for a water well to build his house, Ninu’s Cave is such a surprising place. The basement of this Gozitan house conceals a small cave with stalactites and stalagmites.

A stone’s throw away, Xerri’s Grotto offers a similar experience. A spiral staircase leads to a cave with a fascinating story and rock formations. The Xerri family used the cave as an air raid shelter during the Second World War.

Ta’ Kola Windmill

The village of Xagħra definitely has more than one hidden gem up its sleeve. Ta’ Kola Windmill is yet another one. Being one of the few remaining windmills on the Maltese archipelago, it offers a great testimony of what village life looked like in the past centuries.

Built during the Knights period, Ta’ Kola Windmill witnessed the same ritual over and over: On favourable days, the miller would blow through a triton shell, calling the villagers to bring their cereals. The windmill was a crucial tool in everyday life, providing flour to the community.

Ta’ Kola Windmill is now open to curious visitors eager to discover how such a vital staple was made before the invention of modern machines.

Ta’ Gurdan Lighthouse

The Ta’ Gurdan Lighthouse is a remarkable landmark tucked away in the Gozitan countryside. Il-Fanal ta’ Ġurdan, as we call it in Maltese, can be accessed through a pleasant hike climbing a hill. Though it is usually closed to the public, its surroundings offer, as one can imagine, epic views over the Gozitan countryside and the Mediterranean Sea.

Built by the British in the 1800s, the lighthouse is still active and keeps organising the sea traffic on the north-west side of Gozo. From there, a trail leads to Ta’ Pinu, San Dimitri Chapel, Wied il Għasri and Wied il Mielaħ.

Rising 161 meters above sea level and overlooking the village of Ghasri, this lighthouse was built by the British in the 1800s for the needs of the sea traffic in the area.

Places to Visit Near Gozo

Some visitors choose to combine the visit to the island of Gozo with a sought-after destination: Comino Island. Dive into this paradise island and uncover all that it has to offer!

Comino Island

Beyond Gozo and Malta, the Maltese archipelago boasts another island: Comino. Located between the two main islands, Comino is famous for its hypnotic Blue Lagoon. Car-free and almost uninhabited—except for two residents, the island looks like a heaven on earth with its famous Blue Lagoon.

Like Gozo, Comino can only be reached by boat and, despite its humble size of 3.5 km², has much more to offer than just crystal-clear waters.

The smallest inhabited Maltese island is dotted with two lagoons, spectacular caves and more intimate coves. It attracts sun lovers, swimmers, snorkellers, divers and even hikers. Between dreamy lagoons, dramatic cliffs, renowned diving spots, scenic trails, lovely coves and even historical buildings, Comino has so much to offer.

Blue Lagoon

The reason why so many people flock to the tiny island of Comino every year lies in two words: Blue Lagoon. Should you imitate them? Well, most probably. Blue Lagoon is a must-see for anyone visiting the Maltese islands. It offers a landscape worthy of the finest postcards: Just imagine crystal-clear waters boasting mesmerising hues of turquoise, so vibrant they can clearly be seen from a plane.

The only downside? You guessed it: the lagoon is a victim of its own success. But fear not, as we have got a solution for you: the Blue Lagoon is best enjoyed from a boat. That’s why Yippee tours include Comino and its marvellous Blue Lagoon in most of their itineraries, as well as their dedicated Blue Lagoon boat trip and its Blue Lagoon sunset cruise.

Crystal Lagoon

Tired of the crowds? Only 700 metres away from the popular Blue Lagoon lies another one, more confidential. The lesser-known Crystal Lagoon is also worth visiting. It boasts dramatic cliffs plunging into pristine waters and is home to a rich marine life.

The reason why this lagoon is less popular is that it is only accessible from the sea. Although you can follow the coastal path, it is nearly impossible to reach the water level safely.

To explore this gem, boat trips are the answer. Yippee offers excursions including a boat trip to the Crystal Lagoon, with a swim stop during the summer and weather permitting.

Comino Caves

Last but not least, Comino Island showcases intriguing rock formations that brim with vibrant marine life. Here are the six main caves: Santa Marija Caves, Lovers Cave, Popeye’s Cave, Crystal Lagoon Tunnel Cave, Monte Cristo Comino Cave and the Blue Lagoon Cave (crossing to Cominotto Beach).

The caves are favourites among snorkelling and scuba diving lovers while being a prime destination for a boat trip. Some of them got their 15 minutes of fame, like Popeye’s Cave, featured in the 1980 Popeye movie.

Unforgettable Sightseeing Tours to Gozo

After reading about all the above-mentioned places, we’re pretty sure you have jotted down a selection of them on your Gozo day trip itinerary. All of a sudden, you might realise that you sadly won’t manage to see them all in only one day.

Cheer up, as our exciting tours will let you visit many of the places mentioned in this article in only one day, without feeling rushed!

Meet our expert Tuk Tuk drivers and Quad Bike tour leaders and spend a memorable day full of discoveries. Whether you opt for our award-winning Tuk Tuk tours or our adventurous Quad Bike tours, you’ll be treated to an island tour covering the major tourist attractions and hidden gems of this gorgeous Mediterranean island.

Getting to Gozo

Since most visitors prefer to stay on Malta Island, a common question is: How do you get to Gozo? Here are the options to get to the ​​Island of Gozo.

Transfers with Yippee

Yippee offers all-inclusive tours including pick-up and drop-off services from anywhere on Malta and Gozo islands. If you’re staying on Malta’s main island, we drive you to the north, where our Yippee boat will take you to Gozo.

Car Ferry Operated by Gozo Channel

The first alternative is to take the car ferry departing from Ċirkewwa, at the northern tip of Malta island. Travellers usually consider this option when they base themselves in the north or rent a car. A car rented in Malta can indeed be taken on the ferry operated by Gozo Channel without any conditions or procedures.

Several bus routes also connect the main towns and Malta International Airport to the ferry terminal, offering a cheap (but time-consuming) way to get to Gozo. Alternatively, taxis and ride-hailing apps can conveniently take you to the Ċirkewwa terminal, at a substantially higher cost.

Tickets for the ferry are to be purchased from the Mġarr ferry terminal located in Gozo only, meaning the way from Malta to Gozo is free.

Once onboard, passengers can enjoy the 25-minute crossing watching the Comino cliffs unfold and the Gozo coastline loom on the horizon.

Gozo Highspeed Ferry from Valletta

Travellers staying in or near Malta’s capital will rather opt for the fast ferry operated by Gozo Highspeed.

Bear in mind that the ferry departing from Valletta carries foot passengers and bicycles only, so this is not an option if you’re renting a car and wish to take it to Gozo.

The ferry terminal is located opposite Ta Liesse Church and can be reached by going down from Victoria Gate, or by taking the Barrakka lift and crossing a road tunnel. For those staying outside of Valletta, route 133 conveniently connects the Valletta bus terminal to the Gozo ferry terminal.

Getting from Valletta to Gozo takes 45 minutes and tickets can be bought online or at the ticket booth located inside the terminal.

Getting Around Gozo

Being a small island, no place of interest is actually far. However, depending on the transportation you choose, journeys can be time-consuming. Let’s have a look at the different transport options.

Public Transport

The public transport bus is an option used by locals and is an inexpensive way to get around Gozo. With tickets priced at just €2.50 and cards made especially for tourists, budget travellers can quench their thirst for discovery without breaking the bank.

However, there is a hidden cost: your precious time! Public transport in Gozo is inefficient and time-consuming. With most routes starting and ending in Victoria, travellers need to change buses more often than not. Some buses have limited schedules and can be late. Finally, the public transport network doesn’t cover the whole island and some hidden gems are not accessible by bus.

Rental Car

As mentioned above, visitors renting a car in Malta can take it on the Gozo Channel ferry without conditions. On the other hand, foot passengers will find hire car companies at Mġarr Harbour. This is an interesting option to discover Gozo Island on your own and at your own pace.

Taxi

Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and eCabs are available on the island of Gozo to take you to any place of interest.

Bicycle

Given the island’s modest size, renting a bicycle is an option for adventure seekers. It’s also a unique and sustainable way to enjoy Gozo’s serene countryside and scenic coastline.

Brace yourself, though, as Gozo Island is full of rolling hills, and in the summer, the scorching sun can make things challenging.

If you’re up to a challenge, you will find bicycles and even e-bikes for rent in Għajnsielem and a few other locations.

On a Day Trip

Don’t feel like driving and not willing to waste time and energy in public transport? Yippee day tours take you around Gozo and Comino seamlessly. Thanks to our well-crafted itineraries, you can rest assured that you will make the most of your day in Gozo and Comino while discovering a great selection of wonderful places.

We offer different types of tours to fit all needs, whether for couples, families, friends and even solo travellers.

• Tuk Tuk day tours (all year): Embark on a fun journey onboard a Tuk Tuk with an expert driver and guide! Available every day, this tour will take you to places not easily reached by public transport. A boat trip to Comino is included.
• Tuk Tuk sunset tours (summer): Skip the crowds with a later start at Comino via an exclusive cruise, before heading to Gozo and exploring some of its best highlights and hidden gems.
• Quad Bike tours (all year): Get set for a thrilling adventure through rugged valleys and backroads. On your return journey, you will sail along Comino’s captivating lagoons and caves.
• Quad Bike sunset tours (summer): Join a fun-filled outdoor adventure with our tour combining a cruise to Comino, a refreshing swim-stop, and an exciting ride around the island of Gozo.

Still considering which tour would suit you best? Click on the tour names and visit each page to see which places of interest are included. Also bear in mind that the sunset tours are only available from the 1st of May till the 30th of September (with a possibility to organise them in April and October as well, just talk to us!).

Where to Stay?

Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel, an authentic guesthouse or a budget-friendly option, Gozo has something for every type of traveller.

Five-star hotels will offer you the finest experience, while traditional farmhouses are ideal for those looking for an authentic experience. Boutique hotels, guesthouses and self-catering apartments are also available on the island.

Accommodation can be found in every village, where travellers can experience the local life and immerse themselves in the Gozitan traditions.