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Looking for Accommodations on the Island of Gozo?
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Flights to Gozo: Embrace an authentic island way of life
Turquoise waters, untouched beaches, dramatic coastlines – these are all images you'd be familiar with if you've been daydreaming of a Mediterranean getaway. But crowds, queues and fully booked resorts can detract from your island bliss, which is precisely why we – and other travelers in the know – are choosing Gozo for our next trip.
Located just north of the more widely known Malta, Gozo is most commonly visited as part of a day trip. But all that's about to change. In this guide, we’re going to show you why Gozo is worthy of a lengthier stay and why right now is the best time to plan a trip to the island.
Gozo at a glance
Largest city: Victoria (Ir-Rabat)
Languages spoken: English and Maltese
Ferry duration from Cirkewwa (Malta) to Mġarr Harbour (Gozo): 25 minutes
Ferry duration from Valletta (Malta) to Mġarr Harbour (Gozo): 45 minutes
Size: 26 square miles
Currency: Euro
Why should you go to Gozo?
Rich in both history and culture, Gozo is only a short ferry ride away from Malta, but it couldn't feel more different. This island allows you to truly escape – but only if you're in on the secret.
With windswept cliffs and rock formations, locally produced food and wine and unique Gozitan hospitality, it's only a matter of time before everyone else clocks onto the fact that Gozo is more than just a day trip destination. Those who choose to linger get to experience Gozo as the locals do, with a laidback and authentic island way of life that most travelers dream of when they plan a trip to the Mediterranean.
And, for a small island, there's a surprising amount of choice. Stay in Marsalforn or Xlendi for a beach resort atmosphere, albeit on a smaller and more laidback scale compared to other well-known European counterparts. Or, to fully adopt the island way of life, settle into one of the modernized traditional farmhouses located within the island's interior.
The best time to visit Gozo
Quite simply: any time is good for booking Gozo flights. With mild to hot weather all year round, each season in Gozo will provide a slightly different experience, allowing you to see the island in a new light. Unlike many other popular spots in Europe and beyond, Gozo's accommodation and activities offering is available the entire year, giving you more choice, especially in the off-peak months.
While Malta can get quite busy during the peak summer months of July and August, Gozo is not as crowded and is a perfect time to visit. Of course, May, June, September, October and November, are all excellent months to book Gozo flights, too. But with 300 days of sunshine each year, the likelihood of having a bad weather day is slim.
How to get there
Gozo doesn't have its own international airport, so you'll first need to catch a flight to Malta and then catch a ferry to Gozo.
Take the ferry from either Cirkewwa or Valletta; both routes will bring you to Mgarr Harbour. If you're going over as a foot passenger, then the fast ferry service from Valletta would be a good bet, getting you to Mgarr in 45 minutes. For those bringing over a car, you'll need to catch the ferry from Cirkewwa, which makes the crossing to Gozo in just 25 minutes.
You can catch a bus from Malta International Airport to either Valletta (X4 bus route) or Cirkewwa (X1 bus route), but it'll be quicker and more convenient to organize a taxi transfer.
Getting around
Whether you're happy to have your own set of wheels or not, there are a fair few options for getting around Gozo. Car hire is by far the most popular way of exploring the island. While some travelers choose to bring a car over from Malta via the ferry, you can also hire a car in places like the Mgarr ferry terminal, in Victoria (Ir-Rabat), Xlendi and a few other villages.
Public transport on Gozo is inexpensive, with 15 bus routes operating around the island. You can make this even more affordable by purchasing either a seven-day or 12-journey travel card. For alternative options, you can hire a bicycle to explore the island if you're feeling energetic.
The best areas to stay
From charming villages to tranquil bays, there's a lot of variety when it comes to where you can base yourself in Gozo. This same variety applies to the types of accommodation on offer: bed and breakfasts, five-star luxury Gozo hotels or traditional farmhouses. With so much to choose from, it can be tricky to know where to start. Here are our top choices for where you should book hotels in Gozo.
Victoria (Ir-Rabat)
Located in the middle of Gozo, Victoria, the city's capital, is a great place to stay if you're looking for something central with easy access. It’s also great for a Gozo day trip. Here, you'll find numerous boutique B&Bs at affordable prices, which are some of the best hotels Gozo offers.
Of course, Victoria is not only the heart of the island physically, but also culturally. The old town is full of charm and is a must-visit while on the island. Enjoy a cold beer at one of the local restaurants in St. George's Square or peruse the open-air market.
The city is also home to the Citadel, a yellow sandstone fortified castle which sits perched on a hill looking out over the city. The Citadel is free to visit and offers breathtaking views of the island.
🏴☠️ Pirate tip: If you're staying in Victoria, then we suggest visiting the Citadel at night. You can catch a great sunset from the top.
Marsalforn
Located in the center of Gozo’s northern coast, Marsalforn is a popular choice for those traveling with families, as well as those seeking good Gozo day trips. It’s more developed – but not too much – than some of the other areas on our list, with plenty of bars, restaurants and a wide range of accommodation types on offer, including self-catering options.
The biggest benefit of staying in Marsalforn has to be the easy beach access. A mixture of sand and pebbles, Marsalforn’s beach is popular for sunbathing and swimming. Just behind, you’ll find the promenade, a go-to spot for strolling come sunset or after a meal. When you’re ready to do some exploring, there are boat tour operators in the area offering cruises around Gozo or day trips to nearby Comino, famous for its Blue Lagoon.
Pirate tip 🏴☠️: Marsalforn is a haven for diving enthusiasts. There are several diving centers here, each offering excursions to popular dive sites, such as shipwrecks and underwater rock formations. It’s affordable, too, where a four-dive package deal will only set you back $108, including all gear and boat transfers.
Għarb
For those who really want to get acquainted with the Gozitan way of life, look no further than Għarb, a traditional village in northwestern Gozo. It’s a great option if you’d like to go on a Gozo day trip to experience staying in one of the town’s famous converted farmhouses. Plus, the village’s hilltop location means that you have some of the best views on the whole island.
Although this village has become a favorite due to its proximity to one of the island’s most beautiful churches, Ta’ Pinu, it’s easy to spend a day sitting in Għarb’s pretty village square, which features a honey-colored church with twin bell towers.
Pirate tip 🏴☠️: Although it may be tempting to hop in the car, take the scenic route by walking to Ta’Pinu. You’ll be rewarded with some far-reaching views over the countryside, and it’ll only take about 30 minutes each way.
Xlendi
A rectangular bay dramatically bordered by cliffs to one side, Xlendi is another firm favorite for sea swimming and diving excursions. The shallow waters off the small sandy beach are especially good for families wanting to swim safely, while the deeper waters in the mouth of the bay attract snorkelers and divers.
Situated not too far from Victoria (Ir-Rabat), this beachfront is populated by Gozo hotels, bars, dive shops, tour operators and restaurants, offering a surprising amount of choice within such a small area. While water activities and tours are certainly the order of the day here, the wider Xlendi area is also home to a number of walking trails (both short and long) that take in the rather spectacular countryside and coastline found in this part of Gozo.
Xagħra
Another hilltop village, this time in the northeast of the island, Xagħra is a top choice for anyone planning to do a fair bit of sightseeing. That’s because some of Gozo’s best attractions are located close by, including the colossal Ġgantija temples – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ta’Kola Windmill, Calypso’s Cave as well as Ramla Bay, widely considered to have the island’s best beach.
Although it's easy to get distracted by all these phenomenal sites, the village itself is well worth your time, with a large square and pretty red-domed church. The square is home to lively restaurants and bars that create a welcoming atmosphere. There are even two caves within walking distance from the square - Xerri’s Grotto and Ninu’s Cave. Xagħra is another hotspot for Gozitan farmhouse stays, but you can also find some top-notch boutique hotels and B&Bs here, too.
San Lawrenz
San Lawrenz, a traditional village lying in the west of Gozo, is the gateway to one of the island’s natural gems: Dwejra Bay. Naturally, this is the place to stay if you want to explore this region’s many natural wonders at a leisurely pace. These include the likes of the Blue Hole, Fungus Rock, the Inland Sea and much more. The renowned Azure Window once stood on this coastline and was famously featured in Game of Thrones. Sadly, this natural arch crumbled into the sea in 2017.
This part of Gozo is popular with divers and for boat trips, but San Lawrenz and the surrounding area is full of rustic, rural charm. Yes, the village is home to a five-star hotel, but there are more affordable and traditional accommodations on offer, too.
Mġarr
Mġarr is a port town on the coast of Gozo, opposite Comino, where the ferry from Malta arrives. This will be your first point of arrival, and it's well worth exploring or even making it your base. We recommend staying at the Grand Hotel, which offers stunning views at a very reasonable price.
Take a stroll along the promenade right by the marina for views of Comino and Malta. At the end of the promenade, you'll find Iz-Zewwieqa Bay, which is perfect for a swim. As well as the harbor, the town also has a Gothic chapel.
Top 10 things to do in Gozo
Although Gozo is the ideal destination to truly unwind and relax, there’s no denying that this small island is packed with all sorts of interesting things to do.
Here are ten of our favorite things to do in Gozo:
Get lost exploring Victoria’s Citadel, the fortified heart of Gozo
Go wine tasting and sample local delicacies at the Ta’Mena Estate or Tal-Massar Winery
Marvel at the gravity-defying UNESCO World Heritage Ġgantija temples
Explore the dramatic natural landmarks of Dwejra Bay
Soak up the sun at Ramla Bay beach
Admire the unique beauty of Ta’Pinu Basilica
Visit the photogenic Xwejni Salt Pans
Book a diving experience at one of Gozo’s many dive sites
Go on a Gozo day trip to the nearby island of Comino
Enjoy the views at Ta' Ċenċ Cliffs
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