Gozo in one day: a day trip itinerary from Malta

Gozo is the second-largest island of the Maltese archipelago: greener, quieter and more rural than Malta. Most visitors see it on a day trip. That's enough to cover the highlights if you plan the day well.

Getting to Gozo

The most popular option is the ferry from Ċirkewwa at the northern tip of Malta to Mġarr harbour on Gozo. The crossing takes about 25 minutes, and ferries run throughout the day and night. You only pay for your ticket on the way back from Gozo. There's also a fast ferry from Valletta straight to Mġarr, handy if you're staying in the capital.

On the island, a car or a hop-on hop-off bus is the most convenient way to get around. Regular buses also reach the main sights, but less frequently.

Morning: the Citadel in Victoria

Start at the Citadel in Victoria (known locally as Rabat), a fortified hilltop in the middle of the island. Inside the walls you'll find the cathedral, a few small museums and narrow stone lanes. The ramparts overlook almost all of Gozo, so it's a great place to get your bearings.

Late morning: Ġgantija temples

In the village of Xagħra stand the Ġgantija temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built over five thousand years ago, they are among the oldest freestanding structures in the world. According to local legend, they were built by giants, which is where the name comes from.

Afternoon: Dwejra

On the west coast lies Dwejra. The famous Azure Window collapsed in 2017, but the area is still spectacular. Here you'll see the Inland Sea, a lagoon connected to the open sea by a tunnel through the rock that small boats sail through, as well as Fungus Rock and dramatic cliffs.

On the way: Ta' Pinu Basilica

Between Victoria and Dwejra stands Ta' Pinu Basilica, Gozo's most important shrine, rising alone among the fields. It's worth stopping for at least a few minutes.

End of the day: Ramla Bay or Xlendi

You have two options for the finale:

• Ramla Bay – Gozo's best-known beach, with distinctive red-gold sand,
• Xlendi – a small bay with waterside restaurants, perfect for dinner before the ferry back.

If you have time left

• Wied il-Għasri – a narrow gorge cutting into the cliffs, with a tiny pebbly cove,
• Xwejni salt pans – rock-cut pools for harvesting sea salt, still in use today.

Practical tips

• Start early: the first morning ferries are less crowded, and a day on Gozo goes by fast.
• Check the time of the last ferry, or the last fast ferry to Valletta if you're using it.
• Mobile signal can be weak in parts of the island, so prepare your map and descriptions in advance.

Gozo with the See It app

The See It app includes descriptions of Gozo's attractions with photos, opening hours and ticket prices. You can download selected routes before you go and use them offline, which is very handy on Gozo. Read the descriptions or listen to them as you explore.

Planning a longer stay? See our Malta in 3 days itinerary, where Gozo is day three of the trip.