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What to do in Gozo

From landscapes steeped in myth to some of the Med’s best beaches, Malta’s sister island has something for everyone. Many cultures have fused to give Gozo its own unique flavour, so if you can tear yourself away from your sun lounger, you’ll discover history and tradition in spades.

Ggantija Temples

Legend has it these ancient megaliths, built more than five millennia ago with stones weighing more than 50 tonnes, were the work of giants. Whether you believe the fable or not, this UNESCO-listed complex is one of the oldest manmade structures on the planet – eclipsing the Pyramids of Giza by a thousand years.

Perched on a hill near the pretty village of Xaghra, you can see all the way to Malta on a clear day.

Cittadella

You can’t miss Gozo’s photogenic walled city dominating the skyline of Victoria, the island’s small capital. Founded in the late medieval era to defend against marauding pirates, much of what you see today was rebuilt by the Knights of St John in the late 16th century.

Within the walls lies a cathedral, an old prison and some interesting little museums, such as the Gozo Museum of Archaeology and the Gran Castello Historic House. Spend a couple of hours wandering the narrow winding streets, and walk along the ramparts for terrific views across the island.

Ramla Beach

Gozo has some fine beaches but this sandy bay about 15 minutes’ drive from the resort of Marsalforn is by far the most popular, especially with families.

At the bottom of a bamboo-lined valley, overlooked by a white statue of the Madonna, the beach has the lot. Swim and snorkel in clear turquoise waters, laze on a lounger with an ice-cream in hand, or just sit and wiggle your toes in the red sand.

Blue Lagoon

Gozo will keep you busy for days but you really can’t leave without cruising over to the Blue Lagoon, just 15 minutes from Mgarr Harbour. Hugely popular and deservedly so, this sheltered cove is impossibly picturesque – think gin-clear waters, powdery white sand and golden rocks.

Sunbathe and snooze under cloudless blue skies and swim and snorkel to your heart’s content. Just be sure to get that envy-inducing Instagram snap before you head back to basecamp.

Rotunda

In the village of Xewkija, the Church of St John the Baptist, better known as the Rotunda, is a remarkable sight. Built from local limestone and topped by one of the largest unsupported domes in Europe – after St Peter’s in Rome and St Paul’s in London – it can be seen from all over southern Gozo.

Once you've admired its exterior, take the lift to the top for uninterrupted views across the plains to the sparkling sea.

Where to stay in Gozo

For families

Xaghra is a top choice for families with kids of all ages. Ramla Beach, one of Gozo’s best stretches of sand, is less than 10 minutes’ away, while little explorers will love Xerri’s Grotto and Ninu’s Cave – underground caverns full of stalagmites and stalactites – and the nearby Ggantija Temples.

In western Gozo, San Lawrenz offers safe swimming at the Inland Sea and boat trips around the surrounding caves and cliffs. Both villages have kids’ playgrounds and casual restaurants clustered around main squares, as well as accommodation ranging from family-run hotels to self-catering Gozitan farmhouses, often with a pool.

For travellers on a budget

For value and atmosphere, check out Marsalforn on the north coast. While still small, Gozo’s main resort has a good selection of cheap guesthouses, B&Bs and self-catering apartments surrounding its small bay. There are restaurants, bars, shops and dive centres on your doorstep, along with a seafront promenade for sunset strolls.

Gozo is a small island, so Marsalforn makes a convenient base for exploring all it has to offer. You can walk to tiny beaches for swimming and snorkelling, and there are regular buses to Victoria. If you hire a car or scooter, most places will be within a 20-minute drive.

For food and drink

On Gozo’s southern coast, Xlendi bustles with dozens of waterfront restaurants serving freshly caught seafood. For oenophiles, the Ta’ Mena Estate and Tal-Massar Winery are less than 15 minutes’ away and offer wine tastings paired with local produce such as honey and cheese. You’ll find four-star hotels and smart guesthouses in this low-rise resort.

The pretty little port of Mgarr has a clutch of excellent restaurants, many with outdoor terraces overlooking the marina, and serving local specialities like seafood and rabbit. There’s only one hotel in town, but it’s very popular and has a fine position overlooking the harbour.

For nightlife

While the island isn’t big on nightlife, most villages have a café or bar where you can enjoy a cold Cisk, the local lager. Marsalforn is your best bet for a livelier night. There’s a string of bars along the promenade with tables spilling outside on balmy evenings and people chatting until the early hours.

Xlendi has some more upmarket options, from buzzy lounges serving cocktails to a club in a cave just outside of town. Or, head to one of the waterfront restaurants for sundowners overlooking the beautiful bay.

For culture

Stay in capital Victoria to be surrounded by culture. Victoria boasts two theatres – the Aurora Opera House and the Astra Theatre – that stage opera, ballet and classical concerts. The latter also organises the annual Mediterranea festival, with operas and concerts across the island in autumn.

Victoria’s historic citadel also has a handful of interesting museums, including the Archaeology Museum with finds from the island’s temples at Ggantija. Accommodation options range from boutique hotels and guesthouses to B&Bs and apartments.