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Looking for the best things to do in Gozo, Malta in one day? This article covers everything you need to know, see, and do for a perfect day trip to Gozo.
The lovely island of Gozo surely exceeded all my expectations. I can honestly say the day I spent exploring the second-largest Maltese island was one of the most fun of my 5 days in Malta.
Think picturesque towns, unspoiled beaches, peaceful countryside, and spectacular landscapes. Gozo has it all, and more!
I could easily see myself spending a whole week here enjoying the slow pace of the island and its untouched feel.
But if one day in Gozo is all you have, it’s also possible to see many of its top attractions and have a great time. And you can even combine your day in Gozo with a visit to the famous Blue Lagoon, in Comino island, as I did.
So, without further ado, here’s what to do in Gozo in one day.
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Best things to do in Gozo in one day:
Admire the spectacular scenery of Dwejra Bay
Despite the collapse of the famous Azure Window in 2017, Dwejra Bay remains very much worth visiting for its unique and stunning natural scenery.
In fact, it was the first stop of my Gozo day trip and one of my favorites.
From here, you can also admire the impressive Inland Sea, a small but beautiful lagoon connected to the sea through a natural arch carved in the limestone.
The Inland Sea Tunnel is considered one of the most spectacular diving spots in the Mediterranean Sea, and even Jacques Costeau elected it as one of the best dives of his life.
If you’re not into diving, you can still go on a tour through the Inland Sea archway to the nearby Fungus Rock and the site where once stood the Azure Window in one of the small fishing boats you can find down on the beach.
Visit the megalithic Ggantija Temples
The Ggantija Temples in Gozo are the oldest of the Megalithic Temples of Malta, which include 5 other sites on the main island and are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Built between 3600 and 3200 B.C, the 2 temples that constitute the Ggantija complex are also the second oldest megalithic temples in the whole world (after Göbekli Tepe in Turkey). This means they are even older than the famous Stonehenge in England or the pyramids of Egypt.
The Ggantija Temples were used for fertility rituals during the Neolithic and fell into disuse around 2500 B.C.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, archeological excavations brought them to light, and in the early 2000s the temples were restored and the whole area rehabilitated.
Today, the park includes an interpretation center where you can learn more about the Neolithic period in Malta and admire statues and other artifacts found here and on other sites.
Outside, the walkways will lead you inside the impressive megalithic temples.
Seeing these 5500-year-old stones with your own eyes is an experience not to be missed while in Gozo!
Relax at Ramla Bay
The unspoiled Ramla Bay is Gozo’s longest stretch of sand. And not just any sand but golden red sand!
Located in the north of the island, this beautiful beach is a sight for the eyes and a great place to relax, swim, snorkel or soak in the Mediterranean sun.
Although there are a couple of cafes on the beach, the whole surrounding area remains largely untouched by man and offers a peaceful atmosphere that can be hard to find on other Maltese beaches.
If you’re short on time or don’t feel like going to the beach, you can still admire it from above as I did.
Walk along the Xwejni Salt Pans
The Insta-famous Xwejni Salt Pans, on the north coast of the island, are one of Gozo’s most unique attractions.
But these 350-year-old and 3 kilometers long salt pans are more than just a scenic place. They’re the result of a long tradition passed down through generations and hard labor.
Dating back to the Phoenicians and Romans, Gozo salt pans benefit from the perfect combination of seawater, climate, and rocks at this location.
Walking along the Xwejni Salt Pans during the summer months, you can still see the locals harvesting the salt in this incredible rock-cut landscape.
And don’t forget to buy a packet or two of Gozo natural sea salt to savor back home.
Wander through the Citadel
Wandering through the narrow streets of the Citadel and admiring the panoramic views of the island was one of my favorite things to do in Gozo.
The Citadel is Gozo’s ancient fortified city. Standing proudly in a hill right in the center of the island, it has been the epicenter of life in Gozo since Neolithic times.
A walk along its impressive defensive walls, dating back to the medieval period, offers glorious views over the whole island.
Today, only a small number of families still live inside the Citadel. Over the years, most of the old houses and palaces have been restored and converted into shops, restaurants, cafés, and a remarkable number of museums.
History buffs will love the Museum of Archeology, the Folklore Museum, the Old Prison, and the World War II Shelters, to cite only a few of the many museums you can visit in the Citadel.
Dominating the main square, the beautiful Cathedral of Gozo is also worthy of a visit, as well as its museum located right next door.
Fun fact: This baroque-style Cathedral is the only one on the island that doesn’t have a dome but a painted flat ceiling emulating one.
Taste the local food at Ta’ Rikardu
Located inside Gozo’s Citadel, Ta’ Rikardu is a traditional Maltese restaurant and shop serving delicious local products in a typical and cozy atmosphere.
They also produce their own wine and cheese and offer milking and cheese-making tours on their farm.
I stopped for lunch here during my day in Gozo and was not disappointed.
I had one of their specialties – the Maltese ravioli with local cheese and tomato sauce – and, of course, the wine.
It was the perfect home-cooked-style meal after a morning of sightseeing!
If the weather is good, you can also sit outside on their terrace and enjoy your local meal with a view of the island.
Explore the capital city of Victoria
Outside the walls of the Citadel, you’ll find the lively capital city of Victoria.
Locals still call it by its old name Rabat, meaning suburb in Arabic and Archaic Maltese.
In fact, the city started to develop in the 15th century as a suburb of the ancient Citadel. Today, it’s the largest city in Gozo and its social, commercial and cultural center.
Its bubbly atmosphere surely got me by surprise, especially for such a small island!
I strongly suggest taking your time to stroll around its narrow streets, browse the stores and markets, or sit in one of its squares for some people watching.
Victoria has also a vibrant cultural life, including not one but two opera houses, each one putting on at least one opera show a year.
Visit the Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary
Located in an isolated area of Gozo’s countryside, the Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary is an oasis of peace and tranquility.
Even if you’re not a religious person, the Basilica of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu, considered an architectural masterpiece, is well worthy of a stop during your Gozo day trip.
The current shrine was built between 1920 and 1931, but the first records of the existence of a chapel on this site date back to the 16th century.
In 1883, a local woman called Karmni Grima is said to have been walking near the church when she heard a voice calling her. She went inside the chapel and heard the voice coming from the image of the Blessed Virgin and asking her to pray three Hail Marys.
Over the years other miracles were attributed to Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu, gaining it the status of sanctuary and attracting many visitors and pilgrims.
Inside the basilica, you can admire magnificent sculptures, mosaics, and stained-glass windows.
But the most touching area, in my opinion, is the one dedicated to the ex-votos – a display of offerings to Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu for the miracles granted to the devotees, from baby pictures and clothes to helmets and casts.
Outside, a series of marble statues representing the Way of the Cross run up the hill opposite the sanctuary.
Before you go, make sure to soak in the beautiful views all around you.
Enjoy the views from Nadur Belvedere
Speaking of views, if you’re looking for one of the best panoramas of the Malta archipelago, you absolutely need to stop at the Nadur Belvedere Point.
Located in the village of Nadur, not far from the Mgarr Harbor where the ferries stop, it offers spectacular views of Comino and the Blue Lagoon, all the way to the main island of Malta.
Take a speedboat to Comino’s Blue Lagoon
From Gozo’s harbor, you can easily take a speedboat to Comino and end your day swimming in the clear turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon.
The stunning Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s top attractions – and justifiably so! – so don’t expect to be alone here though.
If you’d like to avoid the crowds, I recommend visiting in the off-season as I did, and if possible right in the morning or at the end of the afternoon when most of the big tour boats haven’t arrived yet or are already gone.
My speedboat trip with Ebsons Comino Ferries also included a half tour around the island of Comino to see some of its amazing caves and landscape. This was definitely the highlight of my day and I can’t recommend it enough!
Pro tip: For more convenience, after your tour of Comino you can choose to be dropped in Malta by speedboat instead of going back to Gozo and taking the ferry. Or vice-versa: if you choose to visit Comino and the Blue Lagoon in the morning, you can take the speedboat in Cirkewwa and then return from Gozo by ferry.
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How to take a day trip to Gozo from Malta:
The cheapest way to get from Malta to Gozo is to take the ferry from Cirkewwa harbor in the northern part of the island. You can buy your ticket at the port terminal and the trip takes around 25 minutes.
To explore Gozo at your own pace and with maximum flexibility, I recommend renting a car and taking it with you on the ferry.
Or you can hire a driver for the day once you arrive in Gozo as I did. You’ll find many taxis and car rentals with driver for tours right at Mgarr Harbor.
Alternatively, you can book an organized day trip from Malta and enjoy a hassle-free day in Gozo. This Gozo full-day jeep tour includes all the highlights, lunch, and a powerboat ride back to Malta via the Blue Lagoon and the Comino caves.
Another option is to buy a day ticket to the Hop-On Hop-Off Gozo Sightseeing Bus departing from the harbor.
If you’re planning a Gozo day trip, this list of the best things to do in Gozo in one day has got you covered. From stunning beaches and scenic landscapes to impressive temples and rich historical sites, I guarantee you Malta’s sister island will not disappoint you.
More travel tips
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Accommodation
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Tours
GetYourGuide is my favorite platform for local tours, unique experiences, and skip-the-line tickets to attractions all around the world.
Klook is another great resource for tours and activities, especially if you’re looking for things to do in Asia.
Car Rentals
Booking.com has a car rental search engine that compares the biggest brands in car hire and allows you to find the cheapest deals all around the world.
* I was a guest of Visit Malta during my time in the country. As always, all opinions are my own.
Have you been to Gozo? What would you add to this list of the best things to do in Gozo? Share in the comments section below!
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Lisa says
Oh that blue water is stunning. You have definitely now made me add Gozo to my bucket list. It looks stunning.