Gozo vacation packages

How to reach Gozo

• Flight time: Flights to Malta International Airport from London take around 3 hours and 10 minutes.

• Transfer time: There is no road access to Gozo from Malta, so you’ll have to take a ferry from Ċirkewwa, a 40-minute taxi or a 1-hour-20-minute bus ride from the airport. The ferry crossing takes 25 minutes and arrives at Mġarr Harbor.

• Price: A prepaid taxi to Ċirkewwa costs $39 before admin fees (pay at the taxi booths in arrivals and hand the chit to your driver). Bus tickets for the X1 service cost $2.70–$3.20. The standard ferry fare for foot passengers is $5.

Best time to visit Gozo

The best time for your Gozo vacations depends on what you’re looking for, as each season offers something different.

• March to May sees comfortable 17 to 24°C temperatures and decreasing rainfall, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities like hiking and sport climbing.

• June to August sends the mercury into the high 20s and low 30s. This is the perfect time to check out Gozo’s beach scene; coastal hot spots like Ramla Bay will be bustling.

• September to November temperatures take a dip, cooling from 28 to 21°C, and rain and wind pick up. Singing and sailing are both on the agenda, with the Opera is Gozo Festival in October and the BOV Gozo Autumn Regatta in November.

• December to February is ideal if you’re looking for a quiet escape and don’t mind a few short showers. With temperatures hovering around 16°C, it’s plenty warm enough to go sightseeing. If you want to get more active, these are also great months for surfing.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English and Maltese (Għawdxi is the local dialect) are spoken interchangeably.

• Currency: Gozo is in the eurozone.

• Getting around: The most convenient way is by car, but if you don’t drive or prefer not to, you should be able to get by using local transport. Malta Public Transport operates around 15 bus routes on the island. Tickets cost $2.70 for day services and $3.20 for night services and are valid for 2 hours from first use. A 7-Day Explore card (unlimited transport for 7 days) may work out cheaper in the long run at $27. For remote areas, ride-hailing services such as Uber, Bolt, and eCabs will be your new best friends.

• Electricity and plug types: Gozo operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz and uses type G plugs (the same three-pin plugs as the UK).

• Time zone: Gozo is on Central European Time (1 hour ahead of GMT during standard time and 2 hours ahead during Daylight Saving Time).

• Required travel documentation: UK citizens need a valid passport (issued less than 10 years before the entry date and valid for at least 3 months after the departure date) but don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days in a rolling 180-day period.

Where to stay on Gozo vacations

Looking for the perfect base for your vacation in Malta? Check out our guide to the best areas to stay in Malta and find the ideal spot to suit your travel style!

When it comes to Gozo, the island offers a range of accommodation options that cater to families, adults seeking a peaceful escape, and those looking for budget-friendly all-inclusive packages. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best spot for your vacation:

• Victoria – for culture and convenience

  The island’s capital is a great choice for families and couples alike. Its central location makes it easy to explore Gozo’s attractions, and the charming Citadel offers a fun, educational experience for kids. With shops, markets, and cozy restaurants, Victoria is perfect for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere.

• Marsalforn – for family-friendly fun

  Marsalforn is a seaside town that’s perfect for families. Its calm beaches, a promenade lined with cafes and restaurants, and activities like snorkeling and boat trips make it an excellent base. Parents will appreciate the relaxed vibe, while kids can enjoy safe swimming and exploring the coast. Discover more of Gozo by exploring our vacation to Marsalforn.

• Xlendi – for adults seeking tranquility

  Xlendi is a peaceful retreat, ideal for adults looking to unwind. With its dramatic cliffs, scenic coastal paths, and calm bay, it’s perfect for couples or solo travelers. This area offers a mix of cozy guesthouses and boutique stays that create a serene atmosphere.

• San Lawrenz – for all-inclusive vacations

  San Lawrenz offers budget-friendly options for those looking for all-inclusive vacations to Malta. This area is perfect for travelers who want convenience without compromising on comfort. All-inclusive packages often include meals, drinks, and activities, making it an affordable way to enjoy your stay on Gozo. Don’t miss our vacation packages to San Lawrenz as well.

• Nadur – for quiet family getaways

  If you’re after a peaceful family retreat, Nadur is an excellent choice. Its traditional charm, nearby beaches like Ramla Bay, and calm surroundings make it perfect for those seeking a slower pace.

Gozo’s diverse accommodation options ensure there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a family adventure, a relaxing adults-only escape, or an affordable all-inclusive vacation, this beautiful island has the perfect place for you to stay.

Best things to do in Gozo

From fascinating heritage sites to outdoor adventures, vacations in Gozo offer something for everyone.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs: This dramatic spot on Gozo’s southern coast features sheer drops into the sea and is the perfect place to watch the sunset.

• Tal-Mixta Cave: Located on the eastern side of Ramla Bay, the view from the cave's entrance is stunning, showcasing red-gold sand and turquoise water.

Best districts

• Victoria (Ir-Rabat): Known for its honey-colored citadel (Ċittadella) and filled with museums, theaters, chic boutiques, and craft shops (the lacework is exquisite), Gozo’s capital with two names is a must-visit.

• In-Nadur: Perched on a high plateau in eastern Gozo, this traditional village offers plenty of charm and some of the best views on the island. It's also the place to be for the Gozo Carnival in February, when locals flood the streets in all sorts of imaginative costumes.

Parks and gardens

• Villa Rundle Gardens: Located just off Republic Street in Victoria, these tranquil gardens feature shaded pathways and a variety of trees and plants. They're an excellent spot to relax after shopping in the nearby stores.

• Ta’ Kenuna Botanical Garden: Located in In-Nadur, around a British-built 19th-century semaphore tower and planted with native plants, this well-tended garden is a delightful find.

Museums

• Gran Castello Historic House: Spread across three former Ċittadella townhouses, this folklore and social history museum is a bit of a maze, but that adds to its charm.

• Il-Ħaġar Heart of Gozo Museum: Located near St. George’s Basilica (one of Victoria’s most impressive ecclesiastical structures) and showcasing many of the church’s treasures, this museum has a notably religious focus but also hosts temporary art exhibitions and other cultural events.

Historical monuments

• Ġgantija Temples: Situated on the Xagħra plateau, these UNESCO-listed monumental buildings are among the oldest man-made structures in the world. The on-site visitor center provides detailed information about the complex.

• Rotunda of Xewkija (Church of St John the Baptist): Modeled on Venice’s Baroque Santa Maria della Salute, this 20th-century church is famous for its enormous unsupported dome, visible from almost anywhere on the island.

Regional highlights

• Gozo Salt Pans: Situated near Xwejni Bay, this shimmering checkerboard of centuries-old rock-cut basins is one of the island's most extraordinary landscapes.

• Inland Sea (Dwejra): Surrounded by a pebbly beach and connected to the Mediterranean Sea by an 80-meter-long cliff tunnel, this seawater lagoon is one of the island’s top natural marvels.

Activities for families in Gozo

Whether you want to make the most of the island’s swimming spots or explore its history, there's something for every family to enjoy.

• Family-friendly beaches: With gentle waters and plenty of space for families to relax, Ramla and Marsalforn bays are perfect for a day by the sea.

• Playgrounds: If you need to entertain the kids while shopping for souvenirs, Għarb Leisure Park is just minutes from Ta’ Dbiegi Craft Village and offers swings, slides, seesaws, a football pitch, and fitness equipment.

• Aquariums and zoos: Kids can interact with horses and other animals at The Dreams of Horses Farm in Xagħra.

• Interactive museums: The Ċittadella hosts several museums where children can learn about Gozo’s history, including the Gozo Museum of Archaeology and the Old Prison, where kids will be intrigued by the graffiti left by former prisoners.

Free things to do in Gozo

Gozo offers plenty for budget travelers, whether you want to enjoy a festival or explore a historic site.

• Free heritage sites: Entry to the Ċittadella is free. Though there's a fee for the museums and visitor center, a combination ticket for all sites is a bargain at $5. Most island churches are free to enter, including the Baroque St. George’s Basilica in Victoria and the mosaicked Ta’ Pinu National Shrine near Għarb.

• Annual festivals and free events: Gozo’s calendar is packed with music, art, and folk festivals, with the biggest being Carnival, the week before Ash Wednesday. Celebrate in Victoria, Xagħra, or In-Nadur.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: Visit Gozo highlights planned walking trails that pass through some of the island’s most beautiful areas. For instance, the circular Daħlet Qorrot Walk in In-Nadur offers stunning garigue terrain and sea views.

• Sport climbing: Mġarr ix-Xini and Għajn Abdul feature dedicated sport climbing areas.

• Surfing: The popular surfing area stretches between Qbajjar and Ramla bays.

• Scuba diving and snorkeling: Scuba divers are drawn to sites like the Blue Hole at Dwejra, one of Jacques Cousteau’s top 10 dive spots. For those less experienced, snorkeling around the bays provides a fantastic way to view marine life.

Beaches to enjoy on Gozo vacations

Gozo vacations offer a chance to relax on some of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in the Mediterranean. With crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and hidden coves, the beaches in Gozo provide the perfect setting for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling.

• Ramla bay: Known as Gozo’s most famous beach, Ramla Bay is a stunning stretch of red-golden sand surrounded by lush hills. The calm, shallow waters make it ideal for families, while its natural beauty is perfect for those looking to relax in a serene setting.

• Hondoq ir-rummien: This small, picturesque beach is a favorite for snorkeling and swimming thanks to its clear waters and vibrant marine life. Its proximity to the ferry terminal also makes it a convenient stop for day visitors.

• San blas bay: For a more secluded experience, San Blas Bay is a hidden gem accessible by a steep path. Its reddish sand and peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect escape for those looking to avoid crowds.

• Mgarr ix-xini: This quiet, rocky cove is a snorkeler’s paradise, offering clear waters and a rich underwater world to explore. It’s also known for its stunning views and tranquility, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.

• Dwejra bay: Located near the site of the former Azure Window, Dwejra Bay is a dramatic and unique spot. While not a traditional sandy beach, its rocky shores and nearby Blue Hole make it a fantastic spot for diving and photography.

Gozo’s beaches cater to all types of travelers, from families seeking safe and sandy spots to adventurers eager to explore hidden coves. Whether you’re basking in the sun at Ramla Bay or snorkeling in Hondoq ir-Rummien, Gozo’s coastline is sure to make your vacation unforgettable.

Local dishes in Gozo

With sweet and savory pastries, cheeselets, and artisanal wines on the menu, you'll find plenty to tempt you on your Gozo vacations.

Some typical dishes

• Ġbejna: Made from sheep’s or goat’s milk, these small round cheeses can be salted, peppered, or pickled. A Gozitan staple, they appear everywhere, from soup to appetizer platters.

• Bebbux bl-aljoli: A dish for adventurous eaters, cooked snails served with a garlicky tuna tomato dip.

Meat dishes

• Bragioli: Long story short, steak stuffed with meatballs.

• Stuffat tal-fenek: A much-loved Maltese dish, rabbit marinated in wine, slow-cooked with vegetables, and seasoned with aromatic herbs. Order extra crusty bread to mop up the rich sauce.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Torta tal-lampuki: Named for its star ingredient, this fish pie combines lampuki (dorado) with olives, spinach, and other Maltese staples like onions, tomatoes, and capers. Lampuki season typically runs between August and December, though it can extend into January if the quota hasn't been reached.

• Pixxispad mixwi: This dish consists of marinated and grilled swordfish fillets garnished with sage and sweet green peppers. Swordfish is most readily available between March and November, but there isn’t a closed season.

Street food

• Pastizz: Stuffed with peas or ricotta and traditionally shaped into a diamond, these savory, flaky pastries are a Maltese food icon.

• Qassatat: Not too far from pastizz, but made with shortcrust pastry and pinched into a basket, qassatat comes with all sorts of fillings, but ricotta or ġbejna with fava beans is the classic combo.

Sweets and desserts

• Imqaret: Filled with dates, citrus, and spices, deep-fried and dusted with icing sugar, these traditional pastries are great with a scoop of ice cream.

• Qagħaq tal-għasel: These ring-shaped treacle pastries are traditionally eaten around Christmas, but you should find them year-round.

Local drinks

• Cisk Lager: Crisp with a light maltiness and a rich hop aroma, Malta’s favorite beer is perfect for summer drinking.

• DOK Gozo: Produced from grapes grown on the island, Gozitan wines have a unique salty flavor due to the vineyards' proximity to the sea. Choose from reds, whites, and rosé.