The BEST Day Trip To Gozo: All You Need To Know (2024)

Planning a day trip to Gozo from Valletta or St Julian’s Bay? In this guide, discover everything you need to know before you go.

Gozo Island makes the perfect day trip from Malta, and it’s packed with amazing scenery, stunning beaches, rich history, and a laid-back vibe that is unbeatable.

Whether you’re into exploring ancient temples, checking out cool caves, relaxing on red-sand beaches, or just soaking in some stunning views, a Gozo day trip is an excellent choice.

Read on to get the full scope of what to do for a day in Gozo!

DAY TRIP TO GOZO – OVERVIEW

Let’s start this guide with the essentials you should know about a Gozo day trip, such as how to get there, the best things to do in Gozo, and much more.

WHERE IS GOZO ISLAND?

Gozo Island is part of the Maltese archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea.

Located just north of Malta, Gozo is the second-largest island in the area and is known for its scenic landscapes, quiet and traditional towns, and rich history.

It offers a more unique and authentic experience compared to the busy capital of Valletta and other areas in Malta.

Click here or on the image below for an interactive map of Gozo Malta.

HOW TO GET TO GOZO ISLAND?

You have three different options to get to Gozo Island – Taking a public car ferry to Gozo, booking a fast ferry to Gozo from Valletta, or joining a day trip to Gozo from Valletta.

#1 PUBLIC CAR FERRY TO GOZO

The public car ferry departs from Ċirkewwa Port on Malta’s northwest coast and arrives at Mġarr Harbour on Gozo.

This ferry to Gozo operates about every 30 minutes with a journey time of 15 minutes. View the ferry schedule here.

You can purchase a return ticket for approximately €20 for a car with two passengers. Note that there’s no way to book online and you’ll have to pay at the port.

#2 FAST FERRY FROM VALLETTA TO GOZO

For quicker transit, the fast ferry from Valletta’s Lascaris Wharf Terminal to Gozo takes about 45 minutes and costs around €15 per person for a return trip. Note that you can’t bring a car onboard.

#3 DAY TRIP TO GOZO FROM MALTA

Alternatively, consider a day trip to Gozo from Malta, particularly the Gozo Island Tour by Tuk Tuk or the Full-Day Jeep Tour, which are great options if you have limited time in Malta.

These excursions include hotel pickup in Malta, a visit to top attractions such as Ramla Bay, Victoria, and Calypso Cave, and a bonus speedboat trip to the Blue Lagoon and Comino Caves.

It’s the most convenient day trip to Gozo and Comino you can book.

BOOK NOW: Day Trips To Gozo

HOW TO GET AROUND GOZO?

Exploring Gozo is easy and fun with several great options. You can rent a car or an ATV for the freedom to explore at your own pace.

We personally rented a car with Discover Cars and we loved our time driving around on the island.

If you prefer a guided experience, join a tour from Valletta or St Julian’s, which provides a more structured itinerary and that might be a better option depending on your preference.

Another convenient option is the Hop On Hop Off Bus, which covers all the major attractions and you won’t need to drive around on your own.

WHAT TO DO FOR A DAY IN GOZO?

There are countless things to do in Gozo, and spending a day on the island is just enough to see the main tourist spots.

Start by visiting the Citadel in Victoria for great views and a bit of history. Next, head to Dwejra Bay to see the remains of the Azure Window and explore the coast.

Don’t miss the Ggantija Temples, some of the oldest structures around. Wrap up your day at Ramla Bay, famous for its red sand.

This mix of history, nature, and local spots will give you a great taste of Gozo. Want to know more? Below is a detailed list of the best things to do on the island.

RELATED GUIDE: 30 BEST Things to Do in Gozo

DAY TRIP TO GOZO WITH A TOUR

First and foremost, let’s discuss the itinerary for a Gozo day trip if you join a guided tour from Valletta.

Particularly, this tuk-tuk tour around Gozo is the one I highly recommend booking – Not only for the hundreds of positive reviews but for having a great Gozo itinerary.

This Gozo day tour starts with a pick-up from Valletta or nearby areas. The first stop is the Church of St. John Baptist, which boasts the third-largest unsupported dome in the world. For a small donation, you can access the roof and enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the island.

Next, visit Sanap Cliffs, one of the highest points on Gozo, offering breathtaking views of Malta and Comino. These cliffs are a hidden gem, not accessible by public transport.

Proceed to Xlendi Beach, where you can admire the beautiful blue water, cliffs, and the historic Xlendi Tower from the Belvedere viewpoint.

This Gozo day tour continues to Ta’ Pinu National Shrine, a spectacular basilica with extensive murals and mosaics, situated in the serene countryside.

Explore The Citadel, a fortified city with panoramic views of the island. Discover its hidden secrets, including WWII shelters and grain silos.

Visit the 350-year-old Xwejni Salt Pans, which stretch along the coast for about three kilometers. These salt pans offer both a scenic view and a glimpse into traditional salt production. You can even buy some salt to take back home!

Enjoy a light traditional Gozitan lunch at Marsalforn Bay, another spot where salt is still produced.

Stop at Qala Belvedere for more stunning views before heading to Wied il-Ghasri, where a series of steps lead to a secluded pebbly bay. This spot offers great photo opportunities and a chance for a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean.

RELATED GUIDE: Comino Island Travel Guide

Weather permitting, the return journey includes a sail around the Blue Lagoon and Comino’s captivating caves aboard the Yippee Island Hopper Boat.

Finally, visit the Ggantija Temples, one of the oldest free-standing structures in the world, located at the Ġgantija Archaeological Park.

It’s worth noting that you’ll stop in many places, but most of them can be enjoyed in a short time. In short, this guided Gozo day tour makes for the perfect day trip to Gozo from Valletta!

BOOK NOW: Gozo Day Tour by Tuk Tuk

GOZO DAY TRIP – DO IT YOURSELF

If a guided Gozo day tour isn’t your thing, and you’d prefer a more independent trip (or if you have more time and intend to spend a few days in Gozo), then this is the Gozo itinerary for you.

You’ll find ferries from Malta to Gozo departing very early morning, and I recommend leaving early to make the most of your day trip to Gozo.

Specifically, taking the ferry any time between 6 am and 7 am is a good option.

Alternatively, there’s a Hop-on Hop-off bus service on Gozo, which is a convenient way to visit the key attractions on the island.

If you do take the tourist bus, bear in mind that the first bus leaves at 9:45 am from Gozo Ferry Terminal, which means you’ll arrive a little later to the island.

RELATED GUIDE: BEST Things to Do in Mdina, Malta

MORNING

Start the morning in Rabat, also known as Victoria, which is the capital of Gozo and a cultural hub of the island.

Rabat is famous for its market squares, narrow streets lined with shops selling crafts and local goods, and the majestic Citadel that looms over the cityscape.

The Citadel itself is a historic fortress that has been beautifully restored, offering visitors a glimpse into Gozo’s past.

Visit the Gran Castello Historic House, Citadel Ruins with gorgeous views of Gozo, and the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, all within the Citadel complex.

There’s more! Don’t miss St George Basilica known for its opulent interior decorated with fine marble, gold leaf decorations, and art pieces.

The Basilica houses a rich collection of art from prominent artists such as Mattia Preti and Giovanni Battista Conti, and you’ll see their work on both the ceiling and dome.

If you have more time available, on top of shopping for souvenirs, make sure to stop by the Villa Rundle Gardens, a well-maintained park that is great for hanging out during a day in Gozo.

LUNCH

After exploring Victoria, Roza Restaurant is one of the best places to stop for lunch.

The food is delicious, and the owners are friendly. I highly recommend the strozzapreti with Maltese sausage, or the prawn linguine, which is just as tasty as it sounds!

Prices are slightly higher than other restaurants in Gozo, but they use local, fresh ingredients and you’re guaranteed to have a great lunch.

AFTERNOON

The afternoon plan for this Gozo itinerary may seem a little full, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have to rush around the island.

Ggantija Temples is the first stop, which is only a few minutes away from Victoria, and the remaining attractions are not far from each other.

Ggantija Temples

Start your afternoon by visiting the Ggantija Temples, some of the oldest religious sites in the world, older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.

When you visit, you can learn about who built them and why, with signs that explain everything.

These temples are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making them a key place to visit for anyone interested in history and how people lived thousands of years ago.

Xerri’s Grotto & Ninu’s Cave

Xerri’s Grotto and Ninu’s Cave are two fascinating underground sites located in Xagħra and they’re located within walking distance from each other.

Ninu’s Cave is found underneath a private house, which is the only entrance, and features impressive calcite formations that are hard to find anywhere else in the world.

You can visit Ninu’s Cave from 1 pm to 5 pm from Monday to Sunday, and there’s no entrance fee but donations are encouraged.

Just a short walk away, Xerri’s Grotto, also located under a family home, is deeper and boasts intricate rock formations.

The Grotto was originally found in 1924 while digging a well, and it was then extended during World War II to be used as a shelter.

To enter, you’ll go down a 10-meter spiral staircase and follow a loop about 30 meters long, where you’ll see beautifully formed calcified structures ranging from 25 centimeters to a meter in height.

Xerri’s Grotto opens from Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm and the entrance fee is €2.50 per person.

Calypso’s Cave Viewpoint

From there, continue your Gozo day trip to Calypso’s Cave Viewpoint. This spot offers stunning panoramic views of Ramla Bay, one of Gozo’s most beautiful beaches.

According to legend, this cave is where the nymph Calypso kept Odysseus captive in Homer’s epic, “The Odyssey.”

Unfortunately, the cave was destroyed after a landslide from the mountain slope, and it’s no longer accessible, but you can still come and take in the views over Ramla Bay.

Ramla Beach

Next, head down to Ramla Beach, located beneath Calypso’s Cave Viewpoint. Ramla Beach is known for its distinctive red sand and is perfect for a refreshing swim.

The beach is well-equipped with facilities like sunbeds and umbrellas (€5 for each), and small kiosks where you can buy drinks and snacks.

It’s an ideal spot for families, as the beach slopes gently into the water, providing a safe environment for swimming, and you’ll love it if you travel as a family.

Sanap Cliffs Sunset Point

Conclude your day at Sanap Cliffs, a prime location for watching the sunset. The cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop as the sun sets over the Mediterranean Sea, and you’ll love ending the day here.

It’s worth noting that the Sanap Cliffs are on the other side of the island, and you’ll have to book a taxi in case you don’t have a rental car.

In case you’re wondering if you can see the sunset from Ramla Beach, that’s unfortunately not possible, and that’s why I recommend coming here instead.

That said, if you prefer taking it easy, then Sanap Cliffs are optional, and you could go back to your hotel on Gozo or take the ferry back to Malta.

SPEND THE NIGHT AT KEMPINSKI HOTEL SAN LAWRENZ

While this itinerary is mostly designed as a day trip to Gozo from St Julians Bay or Valletta, you might want to spend the night here. In that case, the Kempinski Hotel is the best accommodation pick.

This hotel provides top-notch facilities including spacious rooms, five swimming pools, a world-class wellness center, and fine-dining restaurants.

There are two on-site restaurants – L’Ortolan, serving exquisite Mediterranean cuisine, and L’Istoria Restaurant offering authentic Italian dishes.

For more casual dining, Il-Baldakkin Gastrobar has light meals and cocktails on its charming terrace, and during the summer months, the poolside grill and fish restaurant provides a lovely alfresco dining experience.

The rooms are spotless and modern, and feature everything you need from a comfy bed to a minibar to pool views and a seating area, to name only a few.

All in all, whether you’re looking for a pampered rest or a base for adventure, the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz delivers an excellent blend of comfort and quality.

CHECK NOW ON BOOKING.COM

GOZO ISLAND TRAVEL TIPS

There are many fantastic things to do on the island, and below I have included some useful Gozo travel tips to help you organize your trip.

RELATED GUIDE: 15 BEST Things To Do In Marsaxlokk, Malta

CONSIDER GETTING THE GOZO COMBO TICKET

The Discover Gozo Combo Ticket allows you to visit most of the key attractions in Gozo and it will save you some hassle paying each entrance fee separately.

Priced at €13 for adults and €7 for children, this ticket offers excellent value as it grants access to:

• The Ġgantija Archaeological Park
• The Ta’ Kola Windmill
• The Citadel Visitor Centre
• The Old Prison
• Gozo Museum of Archaeology
• Gozo Nature Museum
• Gran Castello Historic House.

The ticket remains valid for 30 days from its first use, giving you ample time to explore these attractions in Gozo at your own pace.

Additionally, from March 13 to May 31, the ticket also includes free access to special Malta Biennale exhibition sites located in the Rabat/Victoria Citadel, such as the Gozo Cultural Centre and the Grain Silos.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT GOZO ISLAND?

The best time to visit Gozo is during the spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October).

During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm, which is great for a one day in Gozo itinerary to explore the best attractions on the island without the intense heat of the summer.

Plus, you’ll often find great accommodation, similar to the luxury hotels in Valletta, and that is a massive plus if you want a unique stay.

IS GOZO WORTH VISITING?

Absolutely, Gozo is worth visiting, and you’ll see countless cultural and natural attractions during a Gozo day tour. The island features beautiful beaches, ancient forts, and remarkable stone architecture.

Malta as a whole is a gorgeous place too, but Gozo is particularly popular for its outdoor activities and its many small villages, each with its own unique character.

IS ONE DAY IN GOZO ENOUGH?

One day in Gozo is enough to see the main tourist spots and get a feel for the island. You can explore the Citadel in Victoria, visit the Ggantija Temples, and enjoy the coastline at Ramla Bay.

While you’ll get a taste of Gozo’s history and natural beauty, there’s much more to discover, and if you have the chance, I recommend spending more time here and staying 3 to 4 days.

SUMMARY – GOZO DAY TRIP FROM VALLETTA

I hope you enjoyed reading this article about taking a day trip to Gozo from Valletta. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations for day trips to Gozo to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

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