Gozo might not be on your radar as a travel destination, but maybe it should be. In fact, it made it onto Condé Nast Traveller’s list of top destinations for 2024, and after visiting, I can see why.
Despite it being a small island, there are plenty of things to do there, especially if you love quiet places, with beautiful nature nearby. Beyond that, it’s the kind of place where you can slow down, enjoy traditional seafood, and explore without rushing.
Here are eight things you shouldn’t miss if you visit Gozo!
Explore Victoria, the Capital
Victoria is the heart of Gozo, and it’s the perfect place to start your trip. The buildings are lovely, they all have the same characteristic style, with yellow-ish buildings, and colored shutters that make them stand out. (In fact, in the island, it’s not allowed to paint buildings in another colour, unless you ask for legal permission to do so.)
The main streets are full of little shops selling local produce, souvenirs, and handmade goods. One of the most interesting finds is a selection of small salt packages infused with different flavors like orange, pomegranate, fig, and lemon. Great for gifts as well!
If you’re into history, you’ll spot plenty of old churches and traditional Maltese balconies while wandering around. It’s also a great place to grab a pastizzi, a flaky pastry filled with ricotta or peas. It’s cheap, delicious, and a local favorite!
Have a Coffee at St. George’s Square
Right in the middle of Victoria, St. George’s Square is a lively spot surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and restaurants. St. George’s Basilica, with its beautifully painted ceiling and details, sits at the heart of the square. Even if you’re not into churches, you can still step inside for a quick look.
The square is always buzzing with people, from locals chatting over coffee to tourists taking a break. You can sit at a café, order a coffee and a dessert, and just enjoy watching life go by. It’s a simple but really nice way to soak in the atmosphere.
Walk Around the Citadel
The Citadel is one of the most famous landmarks in Gozo. It’s been around for centuries, with parts of it dating back to medieval times. Since Gozo was constantly under threat of pirate attacks, locals used to seek refuge here when danger was near.
Today, you can walk along the old fortification walls and get a great view of the island. There are also small museums inside, like the Old Prison, which still has carvings left by prisoners on its walls.
Xwejni Bay
Just a short drive from the centre of Victoria, you’ll find Xwejni Bay, a peaceful little beach with clear waters and a rocky shoreline. Unlike some of the more crowded beaches on the island, Xwejni Bay feels a bit more untouched.
It’s a great spot for snorkeling since the underwater life here is pretty active. The surrounding landscape is unique too, with unusual rock formations adding to the nice area.
See the Salt Pans
The salt pans in Gozo, near Marsalforn, are over 350 years old. These rectangular pools carved into the rock are still used today to harvest sea salt. During the summer months, you might even see locals scraping off the salt by hand, just as it’s been done for generations.
Walking along the coastline here is really interesting because you get to see how something so simple, collecting salt from seawater, has remained unchanged for centuries. Plus, the geometric patterns of the salt pans against the rock and sea make for some cool photos.
Visit Ramla Bay
Ramla Bay is known for its reddish-gold sand, which makes it different from other beaches in Malta. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited in the island. The water is shallow, so it’s good for swimming, and since it’s a large beach, you can usually find a spot even when it’s busy.
At the back of the beach, you’ll notice ruins covered in vegetation, these are what’s left of a Roman villa. It’s a nice little detail that reminds you of how much history is buried on this island.
Hike to Tal-Mixta Cave
If you want a unique view of Ramla Bay, head up to Tal-Mixta Cave. It’s a bit of a climb, and it takes around 20 minutes to get there, but the cave opens up like a natural window overlooking the beach. According to some locals, this was once used as a lookout point to spot incoming ships. Now, it’s just a cool place to sit and take a break.
If you go in the late afternoon, the lighting inside the cave creates a nice contrast between the bright beach and the shadowy interior. Just be careful walking up, some paths can be a bit steep and rocky.
Relax at Xlendi Bay
Xlendi Bay is a small fishing village turned seaside getaway. The bay is surrounded by cliffs, and the water is crystal clear. If you’re up for a bit of an adventure, there’s a short but steep walk that takes you to the top of the cliffs for a great view.
The bay itself is calm, but since I visited on February, it was pretty windy and the sea very wavy.
A Trip to Gozo
Gozo might be small, but it’s packed with experiences that make it worth visiting. There’s plenty to explore, whether it’s walking through old streets, checking out caves, swimming at the beach, or trying some fresh seafood. It’s the kind of place where you can do as much or as little as you want, without feeling rushed.
And if you’re already been there, and have fallen in love with the island, feel free to contact us, so we can provide you with some relocation opportunities.
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