Gozo is Malta’s sister island and it’s absolutely stunning. Click on this blog post to find out how you can have the perfect day trip to Gozo.
I bet some of you didn’t know that Gozo is our sister island. The Maltese archipelago consists of three islands: Malta being the largest, Gozo and Kemmuna which is inhabited by no one. A favorite pastime of the Maltese is to go to Gozo for a day or for a whole weekender especially during Carnival and Summer holidays. I recently visited with my friend Jas Rolyn
In this blog post, I’ll be giving you my top destinations and tips on how YOU can have the perfect day trip to Gozo!
How To Get To Gozo:
Since Gozo is it’s own island, you would need to catch a ferry. Gozo Channel is the operator! Here’s something you should know:
⭐️ Gozo channel has a Summer and Winter timetable. I suggest keeping it handy for your travels!
⭐️ You pay when coming back to Malta from Gozo not when going to Gozo from Malta. Here is a complete list of the fees
⭐️ The ferry leaves from Ċirkewwa Harbour (Malta) and Mġarr Harbour (Gozo)
⭐️ You don’t need to have a car to get on the boat
⭐️ Gozo channel also have an app which I find very useful instead of having to go on Safari and browse through their website: iOS Download and Google Play
⭐️ The whole duration to get to Gozo and back to Malta is about 20-25 minutes. Might seem long but trust me, time passes quickly! I make sure I always stay outside to admire the beauty of the Maltese islands and catch a glimpse of Kemmuna’s crystal clear waters and St Paul’s islands
⭐️ There are several ways to get to Ċirkewwa. Firstly, you can drive. That is the easiest option. Second you can rent a taxi. Depending on where you are in Malta, this can be a bit expensive as Ċirkewwa lies at the very north or thirdly, by bus. I do not recommend Maltese public transportation especially in the sweltering Summer heat which is also Malta’s busiest time of the year
Getting Around Gozo:
I personally never had to use public transportation in Gozo as I always went by car but again, I don’t recommend you relying on buses. They are much less frequent than buses in Malta and they don’t go over the island. Buses only operate on selective routes!
What many of us do is rent a quad bike. IT’S SO MUCH FUN! Some companies also offer quad bike tours where they take you around Gozo and offer refreshments as well. I highly recommend doing this! It is the perfect activity if you’re going to Gozo just for a day trip and would like to explore the island in one day.
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Best Hotels In Gozo:
The island is full of hotels to choose from. Locals love to stay in farm houses especially for weekend trips. I remember as child staying in stunning farmhouses with my family and having the time of our lives. If you don’t want to stay at a hotel and if especially you’re a big group of people, don’t rule out farm houses!
Best Tours In Gozo:
I personally used Get Your Guide for my trip to Krakow and can’t recommend them enough. Here I added some of the best tours in Gozo just in case you are interested
Now for the fun part ..
What To Do In Gozo:
⭐️ Visit Ta’ Pinu Church : A Gozo Landmark
Exact coordinates for Google Maps: 3667+PW Gharb
Address: Shrine, Ta’ Pinu, Road, Gharb
Also known as the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu, this stunning church is a must see, especially for first timers! What makes this church stand out is it’s location being located pretty much in the middle of nowhere and with no buildings round it and for me, I love the outside of it. I’ve been inside once for a church service and I recall it being absolutely stunning.
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⭐️ Għajnsielem Parish Church:
27GQ+FM Ghajnsielem
Address: Pjazza Madonna Ta’ Loreto, Għajnsielem
You see this as soon as you disembark from the ferry. This was my first time visiting and I love it! And the church is also known as Our Lady of Loreto Parish Church. Parking is easy as there’s plenty close to the church and it’s a relatively quiet area as well.
⭐️ Ta’ Mixta Cave:
377Q+8R Nadur
Address: Tal-Mixta Cave, Nadur
One of my favorite landmarks in Gozo! It’s pretty tricky to get to. You have to park 10 mins away from the cave and walk to it but once you get there, it’s stunning. You get a full view of Ramla il-Ħamra bay under you. I love the crystal clear water. This is a must add destination to your day trip to Gozo. It is one of my favourite spots in Gozo and I always make sure to visit whenever I am there.
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⭐️ Ċittadella:
Address: it-Telgha tal-Belt, Victoria
Another favourite of mine in Gozo. I make sure I visit whenever I’m in Gozo! The Ċittadella lies in the capital city of Gozo, Victoria or Rabat in Maltese, and it dates back to centuries ago. It’s main use in the past was a fortress, very much like Mdina
Make sure you add it to your day trip to Gozo itinerary!
⭐️ Ramla il-Ħamra:
This bay is one of Gozo’s most iconic and beautiful bays. It’s one of my favourites and I spend a day in Gozo! It’s a very popular spot so I suggest going there early to find a good spot and to find parking. Ramla il-Ħamra translates to Red Bay and that’s because the sand has a red-ish tinge to it!
⭐️ Wied il-Għasri:
Żebbuġ
Wied il-Għasri is a valley (wied = valley) with some spectacular views and perfect for a walk in the countryside or a bike ride. It is a favourite amongst locals. A staircase cut into the rock leads down to a tiny shingle beach at the head of the inlet. Wied il-L-Għasri is very popular with divers who like to explore the surrounding underwater caves. The very narrow and secluded bay is also a haven for those who seek a quiet bathing area.
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⭐️ San Lawrenz/ Dwejra Inland Sea:
San Lawrenz is a small village in Gozo and right at the edge there’s this very small bay where locals love to gather for a swim. The water is one of the clearest I’ve ever seen and it was so refreshing. It is located very close to Dwejra window so it’s not hard to miss at all.
⭐️ Fungus Rock:
I discovered about Fungus Rock from Jas Rolyn when we went to shoot for his upcoming book about Gozo (check out his already published book about Valletta) Fungus Rock is located right opposite Dwejra window and there’s a very big parking for you to leave your car. Walking to it might be a little bit tricky but nonetheless, it was especially stunning!
⭐️ Xlendi:
Ah, Xlendi. You can’t go to Gozo and not go to Xlendi! It’s a favourite amongst locals. My favourite thing to do is swim and eat at Mobydick restaurant. It’s always a treat when going there!
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Do you have any questions about my day trip to Gozo?
That brings an end to today’s post! I hope you enjoyed it.
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