After spending more than a month on the mainland of Malta, I headed to Gozo for three weeks. And during this time, I had the pleasure of intensively exploring the island above and below the surface. And if there is one thing I learned, it is that Gozo is an island that has a lot to offer.
It might be a small island, but there is no way to see all the highlights in one day. However, you can definitely do so if you follow this 5 days Gozo itinerary that includes one day in Comino.
Gozo is the perfect place to visit if you are looking for a combination of stunning natural sights, and culture. It is noticeably more relaxed than Malta’s main island and therefore a popular weekend getaway for those living on Malta. And after having spent a fair amount of time on the main island and in Gozo, I can understand why.
Despite the proximity of the islands, experiencing Gozo feels like getting to know a completely new side of the country. And let me tell you that it is a stunning and charming side that deserves more than to just be explored as a day trip. So get ready to adjust your travel plans so you can spend more time in Gozo!
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About this Gozo Itinerary
During my time on the island, I got to talk to locals to discover what they love about Gozo and spent hours at places that many only rush to for a quick photo. I would like to believe that I got to see the very best of the island thanks to deciding to slow travel instead of trying to see it all in a day trip
This Gozo itinerary is a reflection of this fact and takes the more relaxed approach this island deserves (while being aware of the fact that you do not have unlimited time). It features four days of adventure on Gozo with another day of exploring Comino and allows you to see more than just the highlights. And yet, you will come to see that you could easily spend even more time there without running out of new places to see.
Unlike many day trip itineraries out there that will have you rushing from one spot to the next one, this itinerary is all about actually experiencing the island and taking the time to fully appreciate and understand what you are seeing. And if you only have one day in Gozo, I personally recommend splitting up this itinerary by just choosing one of the four days described herein.
Given that Gozo is not a big island, you can freely move around the order of the days to suit your travel plans and the weather. Additionally, I recommend renting a car for day 3 to day 5 of your Gozo trip, as doing so makes getting around much more convenient.
Gozo Itinerary Overview
Did you already read this Gozo itinerary, and just want to book your trip now? If so, this overview is what you are looking for!
Where to Stay: Sunny Villa, Nadur —or— St. Patrick’s Hotel, Xlendi
- Day 1: Xlendi
- Day 2: Victoria
- Day 3: Natural Highlights — Blue Hole, Inland Sea, Wied Il-Mielah, Wied Il-Ghasri, Xwejni Salt Pans & Tal Mixta Cave
- Day 4: Cultural Highlights — Ġgantija Temple, Ta’ Kola & Wine Tasting
- Day 5: Comino Day Trip
If your main reason for visiting Gozo is scuba diving, you can consider this 5 days Gozo itinerary a list of things to do on your non-diving days. While the diving in Gozo is amazing, you would miss out if you only see what this island has to offer below the surface. Try to at least incorporate 2 days of landside exploration.
Gozo Itinerary
Day 1: Xlendi
Gozo is more relaxed than Malta, and your Gozo itinerary should reflect this fact. Therefore, I recommend spending your first day in and around Xlendi. Xlendi is a small former fishing village situated around a wider bay and framed by high cliffs.
The water of the bay is crystal-clear and invites you to go for a swim, and if you feel like it, you can even make use of the jumping board on the left side of the bay. Aside from that, it is also worth checking out the underwater world of the bay by scuba diving through the Xlendi tunnel.
After a refreshing dip in the ocean, you should grab a bite at Ta’ Karolina right at the bay, before going on a hike. Hereby, you can choose between a combination of Caroline’s Cave and the more thrilling Xlendi Cliffs hike, or a more leisurely hike to the Sanap Cliffs.
And if you do not feel like going on a long walk, the Xlendi Watch Tower and the salt pans beneath it are only a short stroll along the bay away. The interior of said watch tower has just been restored, so be sure to check it out!
Getting from Mgarr Ferry Terminal to Xlendi
If you have not arranged a private transfer that takes you straight to Xlendi, you can either take the bus from Mgarr Harbour or order a UBER.
There is a direct bus route (TD30) that takes you to Xlendi within 36 minutes. There is a bus every 30 minutes from 10:08 AM to 7:08 PM. Alternatively, you could also take route 301 to Victoria before taking route 330 to Xlendi. As everywhere in Malta, the bus ride costs 2€.
If you are traveling with a lot of luggage or arrive outside of these hours, it is best to take a UBER. The ride should cost no more than 14€ unless there is an event that causes prices to skyrocket.
Day 2: Victoria (Rabat)
Day 2 of this Gozo itinerary focuses on the island’s culture and history and has you exploring the island’s capital Victoria. With its historical landmarks and lively squares, it is a blend of the old and new. Hereby, the Citadel is the main highlight. Occupied since the Bronze Age, this fortified hilltop is a focal point of the island’s history and the ideal place to learn more about it.
Spend your morning strolling through the narrow, winding streets inside the Citadel and marvel at the panoramic views from the fortification walls, before visiting the museums on site. These include the Citadel Visitor Centre, the Old Prison, the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, the Gozo Nature Museum, and the Gran Castello Historic House.
I recommend getting the Discover Gozo Combo Ticket which includes the entry fee to these museums and also grants access to further historic sites in Gozo.
Once you have seen all you want to see inside the Citadel, I recommend eating the tasty Gozo cheeselet ravioli at Café Jubilee before strolling through the plazas and streets of Victoria. The are plenty of cafés at Independence Square and St. George’s Square that are ideal for people watching, but you can also stroll through Villa Rundle Garden.
If you are a foodie and want to treat yourself to one of the best foodie experiences in Gozo, you should reserve a table at Maldonado. Located on a side street, it is easy to miss it, but you will be glad to have heard about it after eating there. The food is amazing!
Getting from Xlendi to Victoria
Victoria is only a very short bus ride away from Xlendi, and you can choose between bus route 306 and route 330. Alternatively, you can take an UBER for around 6,50 to 7,50€.
Day 3: Natural Highlights
Gozo has many stunning natural spots and there is no way to see all of them in one day if you actually want to enjoy the experience. However, one full day is enough to check out the highlights (above the surface).
I recommend starting your day in the Dwejra Bay area where you will find the Blue Hole, Gozo’s most famous dive site, as well as Fungus Rock and Inland Sea. While you can no longer see the Azure Window, this area is more than worth a visit, as the view of the Blue Hole and the cliff is still stunning.
Be advised that it is best seen from above, so walk up the hill behind Kappella Sant’ Anna and walk towards the cliff edge on the lower level to see it. There are stairs leading down into an old quarry that leads to the Blue Hole, but this is the path divers take. Please do not walk here just to get a glimpse of it as climbing over the rock on site with a tank on your back is already hard enough without people obstructing your way.
And while some people will tell you that you can snorkel in the Blue Hole, I encourage you to snorkel in the nearby area around Fungus Rock instead. It is said to be a much nicer snorkeling area, and you will see more as it is shallower.
If you want to get a different perspective of the area, you can also do a short boat tour of the area. The boats depart at the Inland Sea and head out through a tunnel.
After spending some time in the Dwejra area, it is time to venture somewhat off the beaten track by visiting Gozo’s remaining sea arch Wied Il-Mielah. Situated at the end of a valley, you can gaze at it from the opposite cliff, walk on it or see it from below by following a path into the valley. If you want to, you can stop at Ta’ Pinu while driving there.
Afterward, it is time for a relaxed beach stop. Wied Il Ghasri beach might be small, but it is the perfect place to relax and swim or snorkel in the inlet. The nearby Xwejni Salt Pans are another place not to be missed. Stop there to see the salt harvesting process and buy some sea salt flakes!
If you feel hungry, I highly encourage you to eat at Il-Kartell in Marsalforn before heading to the last stop of the day. If you follow this Gozo itinerary, you will once again be at the beach, but this time you can relax on the golden sand of Ramla Bay. Relax here for a while, before hiking up to Tal Mixta Cave for one of the most scenic views of the island.
The Best Ways to See Gozo’s Natural Highlights
The best way to enjoy day 3 (and day 4) of this Gozo itinerary is by renting a car and turning it into a mini road trip. After all, many of Gozo’s most beautiful spots are somewhat off the beaten track and not incorporated into the public transport system. However, you will find a description of how to do it if you do not want to drive in Malta below. Just know that I do not recommend it.
If you want to get around by public transport, you will spend a lot of time on the bus and walking. You can get to Dwejra by taking bus route 311, which you will have to take back to Victoria once you are done exploring the area.
Then, you have to take route 308 to Ta’ Pinu, from where you will have to walk to Wied Il-Mielah, Wied Il-Ghasri, and the Xwejni Salt Pans. According to Google Maps, the walking time is around 2 hours, and you should not do it in summer. From Marsalforn, you can take bus route 322 to Ramla Bay.
Taking an UBER is not an option for this part of the itinerary, so you have to book a private tour with a driver if you do not want to walk to the more remote places.
Day 4: Cultural Highlights
If you follow this Gozo itinerary, day 4 will be all about culture ranging from Neolithic sites to a foodie experience. While your day in Victoria already gave you a good understanding of the island’s culture and history, you now get to new aspects of it.
If you have not visited it the previous day, you can start your day by visiting Ta’ Pinu Basilica with its mosaics, paintings, and colored windows. It is an architectural marvel built in a neo-romantic style and is a pilgrimage site thanks to miracles that have been attributed to it.
The next (or first) stop of the day is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ġgantija. The two Neolithic temples date back to 3600 BC and are therefore older than Stonehenge. This fact alone makes the site more than impressive, but it is only when you see the up to 5 meters high megaliths that you realize how marvelous Ġgantija really is.
Be sure to spend a good amount of time inside the museum before you visit the temples themselves, so you actually know what exactly you are looking at. I spent more than an hour learning all about it and the nearby Xagħra Circle and loved it. The exhibition provides a lot of important background information and makes the visit more rewarding.
The Ta’ Kola Windmill is another place in Xagħra that is not to be missed, so I highly recommend visiting it too. It dates back to the 1780s and now houses an exhibition about the traditional windmills of the island, but also life on Gozo. Stroll through the town afterward and do not forget to buy some ice cream or sweet treats at Dolceria Ropa. The benches of the nearby town square a the perfect place for a short break.
After that, I highly recommend touring the Ta’ Mena Winery in Xewkija. During the tour of the family winery, you learn all about wine production in Gozo and local food and furthermore get to sample some of it. Aside from a selection of wines, you can treat yourself to local cheese, sweet tomato paste made according to the family recipe and more. And chances are, that you will want to buy a supply of the wine and food you loved the most in the store before leaving.
Maria who now runs the company in the third generation draws you in as she passionately talks about the family history, wine, and olive oil, which makes it a rather immersive experience. It is necessary to book the tour several days in advance. Groups of more than 10 people can be organized from Monday to Friday, and there is a collective tour for smaller groups on Saturday.
Alternatively, you can also do a wine tasting at Tal-Massar Winery in Għarb. There are vineyard tours with a wine tasting every Tuesday and Sunday.
After the Ta’ Mena Winery tour, you should walk to St. John Baptist’s Church. Chances are, that you have already seen it from different points all around the island, so take the time to enter it. It has one of the biggest unsupported domes in the world and has a fantastic acoustic. You can also access the rooftop to get a good view of the surrounding area.
If there is still some daylight left, you can head to Nadur. There is a viewpoint from which you can see the three main islands of Malta, as well as churches with fine details and other scenic corners. And if you are still hungry (or want a snack to go for the next day of this Gozo itinerary), you should buy a ftira at Mekren Bakery.
The Best Ways to See Gozo’s Cultural Highlights
If you do not have a rental car, you can take the bus to the cultural sites of Gozo. If you have moved to Nadar, you can take bus line 322 to Ġgantija. Alternatively, you would have to take line 307 from Victoria. To get to Ta’ Mena Winery in Xewkija from Xagħra, you have to take bus line 307 to Victoria where you then board bus route 302. In order to get to Nadur afterward, you can take line 302 or 303.
Day 5: Comino Day Trip
Malta’s third-largest island Comino is part of Reġjun Għawdex (Gozo region), so it can be argued that you have not seen all Gozo has to offer without a day trip to Comino. Best known for the clear, turquoise water of the Blue Lagoon, this island has become one of the most visited spots in the country for a reason. And while parts of it are crowded in summer, you will still find hidden corners only a short walk away from the crowded spots.
After going for a swim in the Blue Lagoon, you should check out the Crystal Lagoon or walk to Santa Marija Battery. You can also relax at one of the beaches like St. Nicholas Bay and Santa Marija Bay.
There is no denying that Comino is worth a visit, but if you are an adventure lover, you should plan your visit between mid-March and October. During this time of the year, you have the chance to kayak to Comino instead of simply taking the ferry, and I can only encourage you to do it.
It is a guided tour organized by Gozo Adventures and no prior experience is required. Your guide will teach you all you need to know before you cross over and will keep you safe.
The guides know all the best spots, so you will get to see spots of Gozo that most people never get to see. After crossing the channel, you get to kayak through natural arches and into a canyon, before eventually having some time on Comino. It is an incredible experience and a real highlight that you have to include in your Gozo itinerary if you are an adventure lover.
Book your kayaking adventure now:
You can choose between a morning kayaking tour and an afternoon tour.
If you prefer exploring the underwater world to kayaking and relaxing at the beach, you can also dive in Comino. The are several great dive sites around the island including a wreck and the Santa Marija Caves.
Getting to Hondoq Bay
While there is a ferry from Mgarr Harbour, the kayaking tour and another ferry depart from Hondoq Bay. It is a very beautiful spot, but there is no bus stop nearby. Therefore, you will have to drive there yourself or take an UBER. Just know, that it can take a while to get an UBER for the return trip.
How to get to Gozo
If you follow this Gozo itinerary and spend 5 days on the island, it is best to take either the Gozo Channel Ferry or the Gozo Fast Ferry. Both depart from different points of the main island and arrive at Mgarr Harbour in Gozo. Which one is best for you depends on where you are before heading to Malta and also if you plan to bring a car.
Gozo Channel Ferry – These ferries depart from Ċirkewwa and have a crossing time of around 25 minutes. It is a passenger and car ferry, so it is a perfect choice if you have already rented a car on the main island or if you are staying close to Ċirkewaa. It is also the ferry private transfers to Gozo take. You can check out the schedule here.
To get to Ċirkewwa from the airport, you can take bus route X1. The ride takes around an hour and is in service from 5 AM to 10:50 PM. If you are in Valletta, you can take bus route 41 or 42.
Gozo Fast Ferry – The fast ferry is a passenger ferry that departs the Lascaris Whart terminal in the Grand Harbour of Valletta. The crossing time is 45 minutes, which makes it the best option if you are staying in the area around Valletta and plan to rent a car upon arrival in Gozo. You can check out the current ferry schedule here.
If you want more information, you can read this detailed guide on how to get to Gozo.
Where to stay in Gozo
If you follow this Gozo itinerary, I recommend splitting your time between two places, so you can start out your trip by staying right at the ocean and exploring the area in a relaxed way, before experiencing what it is like to stay in a traditional farmhouse. But of course, you can also choose to simply stay in one location if you prefer doing so.
St. Patrick’s Hotel, Xlendi (2 nights)
St. Patrick’s Hotel is located right at Xlendi Bay and offers views in two directions. While some rooms face the bay, others offer a sunrise view of the valley behind Xlendi.
Just know that there are also rooms that face a closed inner courtyard, so you have to choose which view you want while booking your stay.
There is a small pool on the roof, but you do not really need it, as you can just go for a swim right in the bay. However, the rooftop offers a nice view of the bay and has some sunbeds.
The hotel restaurant is right at the bay and has an outdoor sitting area, so you can enjoy your breakfast with a great view. Be sure to eat some of the pastizzi!
Sunny Villa, Nadur (2-3 nights)
The ‘Sunny Villa’ is a charming old farmhouse with a pool and is located next to the best bakery on the entire island. The room design embraces the historic building but gives it a homely touch, which makes it feel like home.
You can either rent the entire farmhouse or just one of the four bedrooms. Just know that you should book your stay months in advance if you want the entire house for yourself.
Alternatively, you can also stay in the Moonshine Villa next door.
Alternatives
If you dream of staying in a 5-star hotel during your 5 days in Gozo, the following accommodation is perfect for you:
Ta’ Cenc, Sannat ($$$) — a great 5-star hotel. It has a spa area and an outdoor pool, and there are several restaurants on the property.
Gozo Itinerary FAQ
Is Gozo worth a visit?
Gozo is a wonderful island and well worth a visit – in fact, you should spend several days there and not just try to see the entire island within one day. This island has a tranquil atmosphere that sets it apart from the main island and offers a stunning coastline with towering cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and rugged landscapes.
It is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, but also offers cultural sites such as the Ġgantija Temple UNESCO site and the Citadel of Victoria. And of course, it is also a foodie destination.
How long to spend in Gozo?
How long you should spend in Gozo depends on how much you want to see, but in order to see (and have the time to enjoy) the highlights, you need at least 4 days and another day if you also want to explore Comino.
If you have more time, you can easily spend even more time on the island without running out of fantastic places to see – especially if you are a scuba diver!
What to know about Gozo
What is the best time to visit Gozo?
Gozo is worth a visit year-round but is most popular in the summer months. The winter months from October to February are the rainiest, but for the most part, the temperature is mild. However, Gozo is also very windy, so pack a windbreaker if you visit the island during those months to catch some winter sun in Europe.
If you want to go for a swim in the ocean or go scuba diving, the water temperatures start to become pleasant in May and keep increasing until mid-September. However, you should also keep in mind that accommodation prices start to increase around mid-May and that things only get more expensive before reaching the price peak in July and August.
Therefore, you should consider following this Gozo itinerary during the shoulder months of April to mid-May and September to save some money and also escape the most crowded season. Doing so is also a good idea if you are not a fan of torching heat and if you want to go hiking while in Gozo.
How to get around Gozo?
Gozo is by no means a big island, so it is easy to get around by public transport. Many places are well connected by the local bus routes, with Victoria acting as the main point of departure regardless of where you are going. Alternatively, you can also take a UBER to get around. The most expensive route I found was Xlendi to Hondoq Bay, and the fare is in the 14 to 20 € range.
However, there are also spots that are further off the beaten track such as Wied Il Mielah and Wied Il Ghasri. To get there, you either have to walk several kilometers from the nearest bus stop or rent a car. UBER drivers are very unlikely to accept rides there, and there is a good chance that you will not find someone that is willing to pick you up.
Therefore, I highly recommend renting a car for parts of your 5 days in Gozo, so you can explore Gozo off the beaten track without having to worry about long walks, the bus schedule or not being able to find a driver that will take you to your next stop.
If you do not want to rent a car but still want the convenience of having a car, you can also hire a private tour with a driver.
Are you planning a trip?
Check out these useful websites and resources I use to plan my adventures around the world.
Gozo Itinerary Roundup
Whether you are exploring its ancient ruins, diving into its vibrant underwater world, or simply soaking up the laid-back ambiance, Gozo offers a memorable and rewarding experience. Its slower pace, natural beauty, and rich history make it a worthwhile destination that is sure to captivate visitors seeking a tranquil and immersive getaway.
I certainly loved my time on the island and can only encourage you to actually experience what it is all about too. Throughout the course of 5 days, this Gozo itinerary will hopefully allow you to do so. I wrote it because I want you to appreciate the island for the gem it is and learn to love it for all it has to offer. So embrace the adventure and plan your trip there now!
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More about Malta
If you are planning to visit Gozo & Malta, you might also be interested in these guides:
Malta Itinerary
Malta Travel Tips
Which Part of this Gozo Itinerary are you looking forward to the most?
Let me know in the comments down below!
Thank you for sharing this invaluable information in your blog post. ❤️ I can’t wait to explore Gozo using this itinerary! 🌿
Wow what a great itinerary! Love all the tips. I’ve never been to Gozo, but it looks like such a great place to visit.
Hi Steph, I am very impressed by your Gozo itinerary and your stunning photos. You have covered so many amazing places and activities in this beautiful island. I appreciate that you have shared your personal experiences and tips on how to make the most of your time in Gozo. Thank you for writing such a detailed and inspiring article.