If you appreciate glorious sunshine-filled days, incredible architecture, ancient history, mouth-watering cuisine and Hollywood-worthy beaches, Gozo is the place to go. One of three Maltese islands, Gozo boasts endless unspoilt, natural attractions with a far less touristy vibe than the more popular island of Malta.
As a small island, it’s the perfect destination for a long weekend getaway. Whether you want to soak up as much culture as possible or explore the sandy coves and beaches, here are the places you won’t want to miss whilst visiting Gozo.
Hitch a ride
Although the island is small, you may still need a method of transportation to be able to visit all the must-see attractions in just a few days. Be aware that the roads in Gozo are mostly dirt tracks, which are narrow and winding and during the summer months they become increasingly busy and chaotic.
It’s also worth noting that many drivers on the island tend to not be the best at indicating and accidents are common, so be sure you are a confident driver if you’re planning on hiring a car to get around. A safer (and perhaps more fun) way to explore the island is to hire some mopeds, segways or even a tuk-tuk for the day.
Visit the top architectural masterpieces
As far back as 60 A.D., St Paul brought Christianity to the Maltese islands after being shipwrecked there. Throughout the centuries there have been a multitude of intricately designed churches built upon all three islands, with around 46 on Gozo alone. Even if you aren’t religious, the impressive buildings are still wonderful places to visit. As you travel around the island you’ll be sure to hear the ringing of church bells frequently, a classic element of the island’s soundscape.
Ancient Citadel
In the Capital of Victoria, you’ll find the Citadel, originally built in the Middle Ages to house Gozo’s inhabitants during the times of coastal privacy. The buildings, churches and walls have been expertly rebuilt and restored over the years, but many original structures still stand dating back to the 1600s and are arguably one of the best cultural locations in Gozo.
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Ggantija Temples
This UNESCO site is one of the few sites you’ll have to pay to enter, but if you’re interested in ancient history it’s worth it to see the Neolithic ruins that date back more than 5,500 years, making them older than the Egyptian Pyramids.
Ta Pinu Basilica
Starkly contrasting against the rural landscape of rugged fields and sparse, humble homes are the beautifully grand Ta Pinu Basilica. Meticulously crafted from Maltese stone, this sanctuary dates back to the early 1900s and is a pilgrimage point for thousands of Christians each year.
Explore the deep blue sea
Being an island in the Mediterranean, Gozo is of course laced with plenty of sandy beaches, bays and coves, all set beneath a dramatic cliff line that is truly picturesque. These are some of the best spots to discover the natural beauty of Gozo’s shoreline.
Dwejra Bay
Along the Western shore, Dwejra Bay is known as a geological and ecological haven. It’s an inspiring site of natural beauty that has even seen fame thanks to the popular TV series ‘Game of Thrones’, in which Daenerys Targearyn and Karl Drogo were married under the Azure Window, a natural sea arch which unfortunately collapsed in 2017. The Azure Window still offers breathtaking views of the coastline even without the arch, and just beside it is one of the most famous diving spots in Malta, the Blue Hole.
The Blue Hole is a freediving hotspot, where an underwater archway around 10 metres deep connects the pool to the ocean. If you prefer snorkelling or have younger explorers in tow, the Coral Gardens nearby are great for exploring multi-level sea beds and their extensive marine life. Starfish, damselfish, colourful wrasses and more are abundant here due to the unique natural habitat. Make sure to wear water shoes here though, as the rocks are sharp and covered in plenty of sea urchins.
For a small fee, you can take a boat ride through a magical sea cave onto the Inland Sea to look back at the stunning views of Gozo’s cliff line. Plus, you have the advantage of a knowledgeable guide to answer any questions about the island.
Taste the Mediterranean
With all these and many more places to explore whilst visiting Gozo, you’re sure to be spoilt for choice on how to spend your long weekend. In between sightseeing, you’ll have no trouble finding delicious meals of fresh, authentic Mediterranean cruising as the entire island makes great use of fresh ingredients and the surrounding fish and seafood.