A visit to Malta’s pretty little sister is an absolute must if you’re on holiday in the Maltese Islands.
Gozo is ready to welcome you with its breathtaking natural scenery, a coastline dotted with beaches, warm hospitable people and a history that spans over 7,000 years.
Though separated from mainland Malta by a mere 5km stretch of sea, Gozo is very different and unique.
The island is roughly a third of the size of Malta, more rural and much more tranquil.
But how exactly do you get to Gozo? Here’s everything you need to know!
By ferry
Gozo is an island so the only way to get there right now is by boat.
Gozo Channel runs direct ferry services between Malta and Gozo around the clock, seven days a week.
Head for the ferry terminal at Cirkewwa, it’s less than a 10-minute drive from the centre of Mellieha.
The journey takes around 25 minutes and the standard fare for a round trip is €4.65 for foot passengers or €15.70 if you take a car.
The ferry service runs around the clock from 5am onwards, with trips departing every 45 minutes or so.
You can check the Gozo Channel timetable here.
By air
You’ll soon be able to fly to Gozo from Malta’s airport.
A state-run helicopter service is in the pipeline, which will operate from Malta International Airport to the Gozo Heliport on the outskirts of Xewkija.
By car
Not yet!
Ambitious plans have been launched for a tunnel under the sea linking Malta and Gozo.
If the project is given the final go ahead, the road tunnel from St Paul’s Bay to Nadur is expected to be open by 2025.
Getting around Gozo
Once you’ve arrived in Gozo from the ferry, it’s very easy to get around.
Hire a car, catch the bus, or rent a bicycle and explore charming villages such Qala, Ghajnsielem, Zebbug and Gharb.
Head to one of Gozo’s beautiful beaches such as Hondoq Bay or Ramla Bay or catch the sunset in Xlendi.
Gozo means ‘joy’ and a visit to this relaxed little island should bring exactly that.
Public Transport
It’s simple to get around Gozo this way, thanks to an excellent and frequent bus service that runs from Victoria and the ferry terminal at Mgarr Harbour.
Malta Public Transport operates around a dozen routes around Gozo, with the regular 301 service connecting Mgarr to Victoria.
Buses also serve the popular tourist areas such as Xlendi Bay, Dwejra, Marsalforn Bay and Ramla Bay.
Hire a car
Everyone drives on the left-hand side in Malta and Gozo, so British motorists will feel right at home.
There are around a dozen car hire operators in Gozo where you can rent a vehicle for a day, a weekend or a whole week.
Get on your bike
Motorcycles, mopeds and bicycles are available for hire in Gozo at reasonable rates.
It’s a great way to discover the parts of the island that other means of transport cannot reach.
The weather is also ideal for bike rides, although the midday sun can be very hot in summer.
Hop-on, hop-off bus
Seeing Gozo from an open-topped bus is a fun way to appreciate the island’s landmarks.
Two operators run bus tours around Gozo, taking you to Nadur, San Lawrenz, Victoria, Marsalforn, Xewkija, Xlendi, Xaghra, Ramla Bay, Ta’ Pinu and more.
Each tour includes an audio commentary in several languages.
Trackless train
A firm favourite with kids, but enjoyed by people of all ages, the trackless train is a cultural and historical train tour around Gozo.
The train includes all of the island’s major landmarks such as
Xaghra, Xewkija, the Ggantija Temples, Villa Rundle Gardens and the Citadel in Victoria.
Find out more about Gozo’s attractions here.
Photos thanks to Eliot Vella
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