Last Updated: January 3, 2024
The rugged landscape, gorgeous beaches, picturesque villages, Gozo has it all, and then some. Most tourists dedicate their time to exploring Malta and consider Gozo worthy only for a quick day tour. They’re merely scratching the surface though. Gozo offers unique experiences and amazing things to do so it’s best that you allow at least two days to explore it.
Since we moved to Malta, we’ve visited Gozo several times and each time was better than the last one. We always make it a point to spend some time relaxing by the beach but also include a few experiences and activities to spice things up.
Below we’re recommending some of the best things to do in Gozo based on our experience.
Without further ado, here are the 11 Best Things to Do in Gozo!
11 BEST THINGS TO DO IN GOZO
Compared to Malta, life in Gozo it’s slower. Here you won’t find congested streets and noisy neighborhoods. Nor you’ll have a problem finding a beach that’s not flooded with vacationers.
1. THINGS TO DO IN GOZO – EXPERIENCE HORSEBACK RIDING
Horseback riding it’s a great experience that’ll give you the opportunity to explore off-the-grid beautiful spots in Gozo. We trusted Gozo Stables with this experience and we can’t recommend them enough. The stables are very well taken care of and the staff is friendly and also very caring towards the animals. If you’re not an experienced rider, not to worry because here they cater for both beginners and those who have experience in horseback riding. This is one of the best things to do in Gozo if you’re looking for a unique experience.
2. THINGS TO DO IN GOZO – TAKE IN THE EXCEPTIONAL VIEWS FROM TAL-MIXTA CAVE
Every time we visit Gozo, we always make a quick stop at Tal-Mixta cave. It is one of the best spots to enjoy unparalleled views of the beautiful Ramla Bay. To reach Tal-Mixta cave you’ll have to follow the road that goes to Ramla Bay and turn right, just a few meters before you reach the beach. The entrance is free for everyone and you can enter anytime you want. Keep in mind that the road to the cave is unpaved and can get quite rough at parts. Grab something small to eat and enjoy a relaxing picnic while taking in the striking views.
3. THINGS TO DO IN GOZO – SPEND TIME BY THE BEACH AT THE IDYLLIC RAMLA BAY
If we’re making a list of the best things to do in Gozo, then Ramla Bay is undoubtedly on top of that list. It is a long stretch of beach with soft golden sand and inviting turquoise waters, perfect for everyone! The sea is quite shallow at the beginning and gets deeper gradually, so even if you’re not an experienced swimmer, you’ll love swimming here. Many will agree that this is one of the best beaches in the Maltese islands. Once you’re done swimming and sunbathing, head to the restaurant that is located right on the beach to enjoy a yummy lunch before you return back to your hotel.
4. THINGS TO DO IN GOZO – FEEL THE MEDIEVAL VIBE OF CITTADELLA
I never get tired of Cittadella in Gozo. The moment you walk past its gates you instantly feel as if you’ve teleported to a medieval era. Elements of baroque architecture are visible on the buildings. The most remarkable of all is the imposing Cathedral which is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The best thing to do at the Cittadella is to explore it at a leisurely pace and take it all in.
If you have time to grab a bite, be sure to eat at Ta’Rikardu restaurant. They have a cute rooftop area where you can enjoy your traditional Maltese dishes al fresco.
The best time to visit Gozo Cittadella is early morning for a chance to see it with lesser crowds.
5. THINGS TO DO IN GOZO – TAKE A CASUAL STROLL IN VICTORIA
Most people feel content having explored Cittadella and they are quick to move on to the next location in Gozo. I’d highly recommend that you dedicate a couple of hours to also exploring Victoria and its backstreets. The main street and the square are where life happens and it’s always busy. Once you venture past this vibrant part of the city, you’ll find cute alleys occupied by beautiful houses with traditional colorful balconies and doors. You’ll want to take pictures of each and every one of them.
6. THINGS TO DO IN GOZO – EXPLORE THE ISLAND’S NUMEROUS UNDERGROUND CAVES
Until recently I was completely clueless about the fact that these underground caves existed in Gozo. During our recent visit to the island, we had the opportunity to visit 2 caves and I was utterly fascinated by them. The caves were discovered by luck many years ago when the owners of these houses were digging a well. This is precisely the reason why the entrance to the cave is located inside private property. Two of the most remarkable ones that we got to explore were Xerri’s Grotto and Ninu’s cave.
READ ALSO: HOW TO SPEND ONE DAY IN VALLETTA, MALTA
7. THINGS TO DO IN GOZO – GO FOR WINE TASTING
If you’re an oenophile, then this is hands down one of the top things to do in Gozo. Wine tasting in Gozo is a great way to learn more about the Maltese wines, taste a few local varieties, and get to mingle with other people who share the same passion for wine. We had this experience at Tal-Massar winery and I can’t recommend it enough. Not only were the owners lovely and the wines divine but also the winery is located at an idyllic spot offering wonderful views.
8. THINGS TO DO IN GOZO – SWIM AT THE GORGEOUS WIED IL-GHASRI
I’m about to introduce you to one of Gozo’s best-hidden gems, known mainly to the locals. Wied il-Ghasri is a gorge that offers a paradisal little beach with turquoise waters. The access is easy by car up to a certain point, but you’ll have to descend a steep flight of stairs in order to reach the beach. The views from the top are magnificent but do dedicate some time for swimming and sunbathing too. If you arrive early in the morning, you might get lucky and have the beach to yourself. However, from 11 am onwards, it tends to get quite busy. You’ll need comfortable shoes to hike down to the beach. Also, don’t forget to use sunscreen, a hat and drink lots of water. Now that the secret is out, don’t miss out on this amazing location during your visit to Gozo!
9. THINGS TO DO IN GOZO – GO FOR A ROMANTIC PICNIC AT THE SALT PANS
I’ll admit that this was by far one of the best experiences I had in Gozo to date. That’s not to say that the rest of the “best things to do in Gozo” that are included in this list aren’t special but the picnic is my personal favorite. If you’re looking for a romantic experience to do with your significant other, I can’t think of anything better than this personalized picnic at the salt pans in Gozo. The salt pans are just one of the numerous locations that Gozo picnic can prepare and set up. The food is homemade and it is freshly prepared for you, the choices of food and drinks are ample and the setting is fairytale-like. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or you simply want to treat someone you love to an unforgettable experience, then this one’s for you. I honestly can’t recommend it enough!
READ ALSO: 5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT MALTA
10. THINGS TO DO IN GOZO – VISIT GOZO’S PICTURESQUE VILLAGES
I’ve always believed that the best way to get to know a new destination is by visiting its less touristy parts. Whether it is eating at a local restaurant, visiting its sleepy villages, or mingling with the locals, these experiences all guarantee to give you a glimpse into the locals’ everyday life.
Gozo has plenty of picturesque villages to explore with some of the most noteworthy being il-Fontana, L-Gharb, and Kercem. Undeniably, the ones that steal the show are those located by the sea. If you don’t have time to venture off the beaten path and you can only visit one, then that must be Xlendi, located in Munxar.
11. THINGS TO DO IN GOZO – VISIT THE MARVELOUS TA PINU CHURCH
Last but certainly not least on our list of the best things to do in Gozo, is the impressive Ta Pinu Church. The spectacular building is visible from a distance and the closer you get, the more awestruck you’ll feel. The architecture both in the interior and the exterior is remarkable. I’d highly recommend that you enter the church for a chance to admire the beautiful mosaics, paintings, and statues.
Ta Pinu church is open daily from 7 am to 7 pm and the entrance is free to everyone.
11 BEST THINGS TO DO IN GOZO – FINAL THOUGHTS
There you have it, the 11 best things to do in Gozo! As you can see, you can totally see Gozo in one day but in order to fully appreciate the island, you will need at least 2 days. Gozo’s easy-going lifestyle, its rugged landscape, beautiful beaches, and charming villages, will have you fall in love with it in an instant. This is precisely the reason why when someone asks me if Gozo is worth visiting, I always reply with a whooping YES!
