If you’re planning a trip to Malta, make sure to include Gozo in your itinerary. Gozo, the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago, is often described as Malta’s quieter and greener sister. With its rugged coastline, crystal-clear waters, ancient history, and relaxed pace of life, Gozo is a true gem for travelers looking to experience something more authentic.
While Malta’s main island attracts the most visitors, many consider Gozo to be the highlight of their Malta travel. Whether you’re into hiking, diving, history, or just enjoying laid-back Mediterranean island life, there are countless things to do in Gozo Malta. From natural wonders like the Azure Window ruins and the Blue Hole to cultural landmarks like the Citadel in Victoria, the island offers something for every traveler.
This Gozo travel guide highlights some of the best experiences and attractions on the island. Here are 20 unforgettable things to do in Gozo that will make your trip truly memorable.
Here are 20 things to do in Gozo, and also check out my other post for more tips and a one week Malta itinerary.
1. See The Azure Window Ruins
The Azure Window was once the most famous landmark in Gozo, a dramatic coastal rock arch that sadly collapsed in 2017. Even though the arch no longer stands, the site remains one of the island’s top attractions. Today, the Azure Window Ruins have become one of Gozo’s newest dive sites, where divers can explore the massive limestone boulders that fell into the sea. The surrounding landscape is breathtaking, with sheer cliffs and clear blue water.
2. Dive or Swim in the Blue Hole
Right next to the Azure Window ruins in Dwejra Bay lies the Blue Hole, one of Gozo’s most iconic natural swimming and diving spots. This deep natural pool is connected to the open sea, making it a spectacular dive site. But even if you don’t dive, you can still swim or snorkel here and marvel at the underwater scenery. Don’t forget to bring goggles or a mask – the marine life and rock formations below the surface are stunning.
3. Inland Sea Boat Cruise in San Lawrenz Village, Dwejra
By Suzanne from PhilaTravelGirl
Dwejra, the inland sea, is a hidden activity that locals enjoy and tourists discover if they follow the little sign down the hill to the lagoon fed by the Mediterranean Sea. For a small fee of €4, you board the small boat and are transported past the swimmers and through the darkened cave to emerge to the “wow” factor of Gozo – the views of the cliffs, rock formations and gorgeous blue waters. Sadly, The Azure Window, created by the sea, was destroyed by the sea a few years ago. The Inland Sea boat tour in twenty minutes gives you a glimpse into the sea that continues to shape the island (and history) of Gozo.
4. Wied il-Għasri – The Ghasri Valley
Wied il-Għasri is a secluded, narrow valley that cuts between towering cliffs before opening to the sea. From above, the views are dramatic, but descending to the small pebbly beach is even more rewarding. The water is crystal clear and perfect for a refreshing swim. It’s one of the most peaceful hidden spots in Gozo, though it’s worth checking for jellyfish before diving in.
5. Gozo Salt Pans
By Sandy from Tray Tables Away
The Xwejni Saltpans on Gozo’s northern coast are still used today for the collection of sea salt. Hewn out of the coastal rock, the saltpans are part of the island’s first industry. Centuries ago salt was used as a bartering currency for consumables not available locally. Nowadays, salt collected from the Saltpans can be found in most supermarkets on the Maltese Islands and some is also exported.
A woman I met there selling salt told me her family had their ‘plot’ for many generations. The community harvest the salt together which is done during the summer months from June until the end of August.
6. Marsalforn
By Kathy Marris from 50 Shades of Age
My favourite spot on the island of Gozo was the summer resort town of Marsalforn. The village located on the north coast of the island boasts a small picturesque bay with turquoise waters and a tiny sandy beach. The main promenade runs right around the head of the bay, providing a pleasant place to stroll and a gathering place at one of the waterfront restaurants for local families and visitors alike.
Marsalforn is a popular base for diving enthusiasts, who can choose from a variety of diving schools and dive sites. The village is also well served with restaurants, bars, self-catering apartments and hotels. There are also several good boat trips on offer including a cruise around Gozo (with swimming and snorkeling stops) and a trip over to Comino and the legendary Blue Lagoon.
7. Ramla Bay
By Alex from Swedish Nomad
Ramla Bay is one of the best beaches on all of Malta. It’s beautifully located in the northern part of Gozo. Here awaits golden sand, wonderful scenery and of course the sea where you can cool down on the hot Maltese summer days.
Ramla Bay is definitely a must place to visit, and many locals and tourists consider Ramla Bay to be the best beach on Gozo. Here you can also find the famous Calypso cave where Ulysses was entertained for seven years by the nymph Calypso, according to the legend. You can get to the Calypso Cave by a sandy path on the eastern hillside of Ramla Bay.
8. Tal-Mixta Cave
For one of the most breathtaking views in Gozo, head to Tal-Mixta Cave overlooking Ramla Bay. You can hike up from the beach, or if you prefer, drive close to the entrance. From inside the cave, you’ll be rewarded with a picture-perfect view of Ramla’s golden-red sand framed by the cave’s natural rock arch – an unmissable photo opportunity.
9. Take a Boat to Comino Island and The Blue Lagoon
A trip to Gozo wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Comino, the tiny island between Malta and Gozo. Boats leave regularly from Mgarr Harbour, and return tickets usually cost around €10. The Blue Lagoon, with its almost unreal turquoise waters, is the main attraction – perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing by the shore. If you want to avoid crowds, take a walk around Comino to discover quieter coves and viewpoints.
10. Scuba Diving
Gozo is considered one of Europe’s top diving destinations, thanks to its clear waters and varied underwater landscapes. The northwest coast of the island boasts dramatic caves, tunnels, and arches, while the south is home to fascinating shipwrecks. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, Gozo offers plenty of dive shops and instructors to help you explore.
11. Snorkeling
If you are not a certified diver but still want to enjoy the underwater world in Gozo, I highly recommend renting snorkeling gear from any of the dive shops. Some great and not too crowded snorkeling areas are for example Hondoq Bay and Xatt I-Ahmar. You could also try Xlendi Bay if you are in that area.
12. Xlendi Bay
Once a quiet fishing village, Xlendi has grown into one of Gozo’s most popular seaside resorts. The bay has a small sandy beach, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of restaurants and cafés lining the promenade. It’s a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, or enjoying a sunset dinner by the sea.
Captain’s Den Apartments offers beautiful apartments with sea views.
13. Visit a Winery
By Michael from The World Was Here First
There is a reasonable chance that prior to visiting Malta you would have never tasted Maltese wine before. That will likely be due to the fact that most Maltese wine never leaves its own country’s borders rather than anything to do with the quality! So while visiting Gozo make sure you take the opportunity to sample some local wine produced in the region. We spent an afternoon at Tal Massar Winery where we got to learn about the wine production process in Gozo and sample 4 delicious wines accompanied by local food. Costing €15 per person, this is a great activity even if you are visiting Malta on a budget!
14. Santuario Nacional de la Virgen de Ta ‘Pinu
By Kaila from NomList
The National Sanctuary of the Virgin of Ta ‘Pinu is a must-see when you are visiting Gozo, Malta. This altar was built between 1920 and 1931 to worship and celebrate Our Lady of Ta ‘Pino. Its stunning architecture features monumental statues and work built out of Maltese stone. It’s built in front of a small chapel which was a popular pilgrimage destination in the 1880s. In front of the chapel are fields of lilac and white flowers and the interior features delicately designed stained glass windows. It’s a popular tourist destination not only for the gorgeous church but for the open fields that feature beautiful views of the surrounding areas.
15. Ggantija Temples
By Joel from World Heritage Journey
Although many people think of Gozo as a land of sunshine and clear blue water, there’s an incredible historical side here as well. It’s home to the Ggantija Temple complex, one of the most incredible and impressive places I’ve ever been. The ruined temples here are among the oldest freestanding structures anywhere on earth, dating to around 3600 BC – far older than the Pyramids or Stonehenge, and have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980.
They’re roughly clover-leaf shaped and consist of immense stone walls, oriented south-east in line with dawn on the summer solstice. And they’re especially impressive when you realise that everything was constructed with stone tools, well before the wheel arrived on Gozo! Wandering around the ruins, you really feel a strong connection to Neolithic humans; a sense that our long-past ancestors weren’t so different from us. It’s a very spiritual place, and I’d strongly recommend a look when you’re visiting Gozo.
16. Jeep or Quad Bike Tour
One of the best ways to explore Gozo is by joining a jeep or quad bike tour. These excursions allow you to cover a lot of ground in just one day, driving through countryside roads, scenic cliffs, and small villages. Along the way, you’ll stop at many of the island’s highlights while also discovering hidden gems that are off the typical tourist path. You can book the jeep tour here and quad bike tour here.
17. Olive Oil Tasting
By Kerri from Beer and Croissants
The food and wine culture is evident at Ta’ Mena Estate, a farm established in 1936 and now the home of a successful organic orchard, olive grove and winemaking business. Owner Joe Spiteri is the third generation owner, producing everything on site using traditional agricultural methods.
We participated in an olive oil tasting, made from around 1,500 olive trees growing on the hills that pick up the island breeze. Here we were taught how to taste olive oil properly, sucking it through our teeth before letting it slide down our throats. It’s a strange process but one that allows our palate to be discerning enough to pick out the various flavours of the handmade oil. Combine this with a wine tasting and local foods and it’s a great activity to do when on Gozo.
18. Rock Climbing
By Karen from Wanderlustingk
If you’re looking to add a bit of adventure to your trip to Malta, consider going climbing. Due to Malta’s great weather, you can climb year-round in Malta on its fantastic rock face on Gozo. The naturally porous rock face makes it easy for climbers to grip the rock face. Our tour with Gozo Adventures was challenging, and luckily our experienced guide was able to give us feedback on improving our techniques. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even try out deep water soloing, a form of rock climbing done without a harness above a body of water with the water breaking your fall.
19. Victoria
Victoria (also known as Rabat) is the capital city of Gozo and an excellent place to base yourself if you would like to get around the island by public transport. Victoria is located in the heart of the island and offers the best bus connections to other parts of the island. Another option is to check out the hop-on-hop-off bus taking you to most of the sights.
The city itself is full of charm, with lively squares, cafés, shops, and a daily market where you can sample local produce.
For more pictures and a short review, read my post on Malta itinerary.
20. The Citadel
Towering over Victoria, the Citadel is a fortified medieval city that has protected Gozo for centuries. Its golden limestone walls glow beautifully at sunset, making it a must-visit for photographers. Walking along the ramparts gives you panoramic 360° views across the island – from rolling hills to the shimmering Mediterranean Sea. Exploring the Citadel’s narrow streets, churches, and museums is like stepping back in time.
Pin to share:
4 comments
Fabulous post. It makes me feel like going back here with so many more great things to do and see. Thank you for having me contribute to this post.
Cant wait to get there in October, fab information, thanks
With reference to number 8, Tal- mixta Cave pls rearrange wording since the land you are proposing to hike is private land and its quite dangerous to go up into the cave from below ….regards
this is amazing post thanks for sharing information with us