Visiting Gozo on a Day Trip from Malta
Gozo is the smaller and quieter sister island of Malta, and a Gozo day trip from Malta is one of the most popular excursions for visitors staying on the main island. The island is known for its rural landscapes, coastal cliffs, historic towns and slower pace of life compared to Malta, and many visitors say Gozo feels very different even though it is only a short ferry ride away.
One of the main reasons people visit Gozo is because the island feels more traditional and less built-up than Malta, with small villages, farms, scenic viewpoints and quieter beaches. It is a good place to see a different side of the Maltese islands away from the busy areas around Sliema and St Julianโs.
Gozo is small enough that you can see many of the main attractions in one day, especially if you plan your transport in advance or join a tour. Popular places to visit include Victoria and the Citadel, Dwejra Bay, Ramla Bay, Xlendi and the Gozo salt pans.
Many visitors choose to visit Gozo as a day trip because ferries run frequently between Malta and Gozo, and the crossing is short and easy. However, if you have more time, some travellers prefer to stay overnight in Gozo to enjoy the island when the day trip visitors leave in the evening.
For most visitors staying in Malta for a few days, a day trip to Gozo is definitely worth doing, as it gives you a chance to see another island, different landscapes and some of the most scenic parts of the Maltese islands.
How to Get to Gozo from Malta
There are two main ways to get to Gozo from Malta, and choosing the right one depends on where you are staying and whether you are travelling with a car or using public transport.
The most common way to reach Gozo is by taking the Gozo ferry from ฤirkewwa in the north of Malta to Mgarr Harbour in Gozo. The ferry crossing takes around 25 minutes, and ferries run frequently throughout the day and evening. This ferry can carry cars, buses and passengers, so it is the best option if you are hiring a car or joining a bus tour.
To reach ฤirkewwa from Valletta, Sliema or St Julianโs, you can take a bus, taxi or hire car. The journey to the ferry terminal usually takes around one hour by bus or 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
The second option is the Gozo Fast Ferry from Valletta to Mgarr Harbour, which is a passenger-only ferry that travels directly from Vallettaโs waterfront. This ferry is often faster overall if you are staying in Valletta because you do not need to travel to the north of Malta first.
Both ferry options arrive at Mgarr Harbour in Gozo, which is the main harbour and transport hub for the island. From there, you can take buses, taxis or tours to explore the rest of Gozo.
Choosing between the two ferries usually depends on whether you are staying in Valletta or elsewhere in Malta, and whether you are travelling with a car.
Gozo Ferry vs Gozo Fast Ferry โ Which Should You Use?
Choosing between the traditional Gozo ferry and the Gozo Fast Ferry depends mainly on where you are staying in Malta and how you plan to travel around Gozo.
The traditional Gozo ferry from ฤirkewwa is usually the best option if you are hiring a car, joining a bus tour, or staying outside Valletta. It is also usually slightly cheaper than the fast ferry and runs very frequently throughout the day.
The Gozo Fast Ferry from Valletta is often the best option if you are staying in Valletta, as you can walk to the ferry terminal instead of travelling across Malta to the ฤirkewwa ferry terminal. This can save a lot of travel time overall.
The fast ferry is passenger-only, which means you cannot take a car, but it is convenient for foot passengers who plan to use buses, taxis or tours once they arrive in Gozo.
In simple terms, the ฤirkewwa ferry is best if you have a car or are staying outside Valletta, while the Valletta fast ferry is best if you are staying in Valletta and travelling on foot.
Both ferries arrive at the same place in Gozo, so once you arrive on the island, your transport options are the same regardless of which ferry you take.
Getting Around Gozo
Once you arrive in Gozo, you will need to decide how to travel around the island, especially if you are visiting for just one day. Gozo is small, but the attractions are spread out, so planning transport in advance is important for a day trip.
One popular option is the Gozo hop on hop off bus, which stops at many of the main attractions including Victoria, Dwejra Bay, Ramla Bay and Xlendi. This is an easy option if you do not want to drive and want a simple way to see several places in one day.
Public buses also operate across Gozo, and all buses connect through Victoria (Rabat), which is the main town on the island. Buses are cheap, but they can be slow, so using buses for a day trip requires some planning.
Many visitors choose to hire a car in Malta and take it on the ferry to Gozo, which is one of the easiest ways to explore the island in one day. Driving in Gozo is much easier than driving in Malta because there is less traffic and the roads are quieter.
Taxis and guided tours are also available from Mgarr Harbour, and some tours meet the ferry and take visitors around the islandโs main attractions.
The best way to get around Gozo for a day trip depends on your budget, how many places you want to visit, and whether you are comfortable driving.
Best Places to Visit in Gozo in One Day
Although Gozo is a small island, there are several major attractions spread across different parts of the island, so planning your day trip route is important. Most visitors only have one day in Gozo, which means you will usually only have time to visit around four or five main locations.
The most popular places to visit in Gozo include Victoria and the Citadel, Dwejra Bay, Ramla Bay, Xlendi Bay and the Gozo Salt Pans, and many tours and hop on hop off buses follow routes that include these locations. These places give a good mix of historic towns, coastal scenery, beaches and viewpoints, which is why they are included on most Gozo day trip itineraries.
Gozo is very different from Malta, and one of the best things about visiting the island is the rural landscapes, small villages and coastal cliffs, which make the island feel much quieter and less developed than Malta. Many visitors say Gozo feels more traditional and more relaxed.
When planning a Gozo day trip, it is usually best to start in Victoria in the centre of the island and then travel towards the coast, visiting places like Dwejra, Ramla Bay or Xlendi depending on your route and transport.
If you are using buses or the hop on hop off bus, your route will usually be fixed by the bus stops. If you are driving, you have much more flexibility and can visit more places in one day.
Even though you cannot see everything in one day, a well-planned Gozo day trip can still include several of the islandโs most famous and scenic locations.
Victoria (Rabat) & The Citadel
Victoria, also known as Rabat, is the main town and central hub of Gozo, and most day trips to Gozo include a stop here. The town is located in the centre of the island, which makes it a convenient base for buses, tours and taxis travelling around Gozo.
The main attraction in Victoria is the Citadel, a historic fortified city that sits on a hill above the town. From the Citadel walls, you get panoramic views across Gozo, and on clear days you can see almost the entire island. The Citadel is one of the most impressive historic sites in Gozo and is usually considered a must-visit location.
Inside the Citadel, you will find the Cathedral of the Assumption, small museums, narrow streets, old stone buildings and viewpoints overlooking the countryside and coast. The area is very scenic and good for walking and photography, and many visitors spend around one to two hours exploring the Citadel area.
Below the Citadel, Victoria town has shops, cafes, restaurants and bus connections to the rest of the island, which makes it a convenient place to stop for lunch during a Gozo day trip. Many bus routes pass through Victoria, so if you are using public transport, you will probably pass through the town at least once during the day.
For many visitors, Victoria and the Citadel are the highlight of a Gozo day trip, especially because of the views and historic atmosphere. It is usually recommended to visit Victoria either at the start of your day trip or around lunchtime before continuing to coastal locations like Dwejra or Ramla Bay.
Dwejra Bay & The Inland Sea
Dwejra Bay is one of the most dramatic and scenic places in Gozo and is famous for the former Azure Window rock arch, which collapsed in 2017 during a storm. Although the Azure Window is no longer standing, Dwejra Bay is still one of the most impressive coastal locations on the island and is included on almost all Gozo tours and day trip itineraries.
The main attraction at Dwejra is the Inland Sea, a small lagoon connected to the open sea through a natural tunnel in the cliffs. Small boats take visitors through the tunnel and out into the open sea, where you can see cliffs, caves and rock formations along the coast. This short boat trip is very popular and is usually inexpensive.
Next to the Inland Sea you will also see Fungus Rock, a large rock island just off the coast that was historically important during the time of the Knights of St John. The area around Dwejra is known for its dramatic cliffs, rock formations and coastal views, and it is a great place for photography and short walks.
Many visitors consider Dwejra Bay to be one of the most beautiful natural locations in Gozo, and it is usually included as one of the main stops on any Gozo day trip.
Ramla Bay
Ramla Bay is the largest sandy beach in Gozo and is famous for its distinctive red-golden sand, which makes it different from most beaches in Malta and Gozo. The bay is surrounded by hills and countryside, giving it a more natural and less developed feel compared to some beaches in Malta.
The beach is popular for swimming and relaxing, especially during summer, and it is often included as a stop on Gozo tours and hop on hop off bus routes. There are restaurants and cafes near the beach, which makes it a good place to stop for lunch during a day trip.
Above Ramla Bay is Calypso Cave, which is said to be the cave mentioned in Homerโs Odyssey where Calypso kept Odysseus. Whether the legend is true or not, the viewpoint near the cave offers excellent views across Ramla Bay, and many visitors stop there for photos.
Ramla Bay is a good stop on a Gozo day trip if you want to see one of the islandโs best beaches, relax for a while, or take photos from the viewpoints above the bay.
Xlendi Bay
Xlendi Bay is a small and very scenic bay on the south-west coast of Gozo and is known for its restaurants, cliffs and coastal views. It is a popular stop for lunch on Gozo day trips because there are several restaurants and cafes located right along the waterfront.
The bay itself is small but very picturesque, with cliffs on both sides and clear water for swimming. There is also a coastal walking path and steps leading up the cliffs, where you can get great views over the bay and the coastline.
Xlendi is often described as one of the most charming coastal villages in Gozo, and it is a nice place to relax for an hour or two during a day trip. Many tours stop here for lunch before continuing to other parts of the island.
Because it is relatively small, you do not usually need a long time here, but it is a good stop for scenery, food and a short walk along the coast.
Gozo Salt Pans & North Coast
The Gozo salt pans are located along the north coast of the island near Marsalforn and Qbajjar, and they are one of the most unusual landscapes in Gozo. The salt pans are rectangular pools carved into the rock along the coastline, and they have been used for salt production for hundreds of years.
During the summer months, seawater is left in the pans to evaporate, leaving behind sea salt that is collected by local families. The area is very scenic, especially from above, where you can see hundreds of geometric salt pans stretching along the coastline.
Near the salt pans you can also visit Wied il-Mielaฤง Window, a natural rock arch similar to the former Azure Window but still standing. This area is less visited than Dwejra but is very scenic and worth visiting if you are driving around Gozo.
The north coast of Gozo is one of the best areas for coastal drives, viewpoints and photography, and it shows a quieter and more rural side of the island compared to the main towns.
Suggested Gozo Day Trip Itinerary
If you only have one day in Gozo, the key is to plan a simple route that allows you to see several highlights without rushing too much. The island is small, but travel between locations still takes time, especially if you are using buses.
A typical Gozo day trip usually starts with the ferry to Mgarr Harbour in the morning. From there, most visitors head to Victoria and the Citadel, which is located in the centre of the island and is a good starting point. After visiting the Citadel and walking around Victoria, many people continue to Dwejra Bay to see the Inland Sea and coastal cliffs.
After Dwejra, the next stop is often Ramla Bay for a beach stop or lunch, or Xlendi Bay, which is a popular place for restaurants and coastal views. If you are driving, you may also be able to visit the salt pans along the north coast before returning to Mgarr Harbour for the ferry back to Malta.
A simple day trip route could look like this:
Morning ferry โ Victoria & Citadel โ Dwejra Bay โ Ramla Bay or Xlendi โ Return ferry.
If you are using the Gozo hop on hop off bus, the route will usually include most of these stops automatically, which makes it one of the easiest ways to see Gozo in one day without driving.
The most important thing when planning a Gozo day trip is to not try to see everything, as you will spend too much time travelling between locations instead of enjoying the island.
Is a Gozo Day Trip Worth It?
For most visitors staying in Malta, a Gozo day trip is definitely worth doing, as the island feels very different from Malta even though it is only a short ferry ride away. Gozo is quieter, greener and more rural, and many people say it feels more traditional and relaxed than Malta.
Gozo is particularly worth visiting if you enjoy scenery, coastal views, small towns and historic sites, as the island has a very different atmosphere compared to the busy tourist areas around Sliema and St Julianโs.
However, if you have enough time in your trip, some travellers prefer to stay overnight in Gozo rather than visit for just one day, as the island becomes much quieter in the evening after most day trip visitors return to Malta. Staying overnight allows you to enjoy the island at a slower pace.
If you are only visiting Malta for a few days, a day trip to Gozo is usually the best option. But if you are visiting Malta for a week or more, consider spending one or two nights in Gozo instead of just visiting for the day.
Overall, for most travellers, Gozo is one of the best day trips from Malta and is worth including in your itinerary.
Tips for Visiting Gozo on a Day Trip
There are a few important tips that can make your Gozo day trip much easier and more enjoyable, especially if you are visiting during peak summer months.
Try to take an early ferry to Gozo, as this gives you more time on the island and allows you to visit more places without rushing. Ferries run frequently, but starting early makes the day much more relaxed.
If you are visiting in summer, remember that Gozo can be very hot and exposed, especially at places like the Citadel and Dwejra Bay, so bring water, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes.
Public buses in Gozo are cheap but can be slow, so if you only have one day, consider using the hop on hop off bus, a taxi, a tour, or a hire car to save time.
Restaurants in Victoria, Xlendi and Marsalforn are good places to stop for lunch during your day trip, and many tours plan lunch stops in these areas.
Finally, always check the return ferry times, especially if visiting outside peak summer season, so you do not miss the last ferry back to Malta.
Rupertโs Handy Travel Tips
Planning a Gozo day trip from Malta? Here are a few useful tips before you go:
- Take an early ferry: This gives you more time on Gozo and makes the day much more relaxed.
- Start in Victoria: The Citadel is one of the highlights of Gozo and a good central starting point.
- Consider the hop on hop off bus: It is one of the easiest ways to see multiple places in one day.
- Bring sun protection: Gozo has many exposed coastal areas with very little shade.
Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more in our page Who is Rupert?.
Further Reading & Related Malta Guides
If you are planning a trip to Malta, start with our Malta travel guide, which covers transport, attractions, where to stay and essential travel tips for visiting the islands.
If you are arriving by plane, read our Malta airport transfers guide to understand the best ways to get from the airport to Valletta, Sliema, St Julianโs and Gozo.
If you want to explore the islands by boat, read our Malta cruises and Blue Lagoon guide, which covers Comino boat trips, Gozo boat tours and harbour cruises.
If you want an easy way to see Gozo’s main attractions, read our Gozo hop on hop off bus guide.
You can also read our Popeye Village Malta guide and Malta National Aquarium guide if you are planning to visit attractions in northern Malta.
Last Updated
This Gozo day trip from Malta guide was last updated in April 2026. Ferry schedules, transport routes and attraction opening times can change, so always check official ferry websites and transport providers before travelling.
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