Gozo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Overview
The Gozo hop-on hop-off bus is one of the easiest ways to explore the island in a single day, especially if you are visiting Gozo from Malta and do not want to hire a car. The sightseeing bus starts and finishes at Mgarr Harbour, which is where the ferry from Malta arrives, making it very convenient for day trip visitors.
The bus operates two sightseeing routes with around 15 stops across the island, covering many of Gozo’s main attractions including Victoria and the Citadel, Dwejra Bay, Ramla Bay, Marsalforn, Xlendi, Ta’ Pinu Basilica and the Ggantija Temples. Because the routes cover both the north and south of the island, the bus allows visitors to see much more of Gozo than they would using public buses in the same amount of time.
The buses are open-top sightseeing buses, which means you can sit on the top deck and enjoy views across the countryside, villages and coastline as you travel around the island. For many visitors, the bus journey itself is part of the experience because Gozo is very scenic and rural compared to Malta.
The hop-on hop-off bus is particularly useful for visitors who only have one day in Gozo, as it provides a simple route between the island’s main attractions without needing to drive or organise taxis. While you cannot see absolutely everything in one day, the bus makes it possible to visit several of the most popular locations on the island.
How the Gozo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Works
The Gozo hop-on hop-off bus operates using a 1-day ticket that is valid from the first time you board the bus, and during that day you can get on and off the bus at any of the official stops along the route. This means you can stop at attractions, explore the area, and then catch a later bus to continue your journey around the island.
The buses run on two different routes around Gozo, known as the Purple Route and the Blue Route, and together these routes cover most of the island’s main attractions. If you stayed on the bus without getting off, the full loop would take around 2.5 hours, but most visitors get off at several stops during the day.
The Purple Route mainly covers the west and south of Gozo, including Victoria, Dwejra Bay, Ta’ Pinu Basilica and Xlendi Bay. This route includes some of the island’s most scenic coastal areas, cliffs and historic sites.
The Blue Route covers the north and east of Gozo, including Marsalforn, the Ggantija Temples, Ramla Bay and Nadur. This route includes beaches, coastal towns and archaeological sites.
Most visitors start the hop-on hop-off bus at Mgarr Harbour, as this is where the ferry from Malta arrives. From there, the bus travels around the island stopping at villages, viewpoints, historic sites and coastal locations.
Audio guides are available on the bus in multiple languages, which means you can listen to information about Gozo’s history, villages and attractions while travelling between stops, making the bus both transport and a guided tour at the same time.
It is important to remember that you will not have time to visit all 15 stops in one day, so it is best to plan in advance which stops you want to visit, such as Victoria, Dwejra Bay, Ramla Bay or Xlendi.
Switching Routes at Victoria
One important thing to know when using the Gozo hop-on hop-off bus is that the Blue Route and Purple Route both pass through Victoria, which is the main town in Gozo. This means Victoria acts as a central hub where you can switch between routes during the day.
This is very useful if you want to see attractions on both sides of the island, because you do not need to return to Mgarr Harbour to change routes. Instead, you can get off the bus in Victoria, explore the Citadel and the town, and then board a bus on the other route later in the day.
For example, many visitors take the Purple Route in the morning to visit places like Dwejra Bay or Xlendi, then return to Victoria around lunchtime, explore the Citadel, and later take the Blue Route to visit Ramla Bay, Marsalforn or the Ggantija Temples.
Because the routes cross in Victoria, a common plan for the day is to start at Mgarr Harbour, travel to Victoria, explore the Citadel, continue on one route to coastal stops, return to Victoria, switch to the other route if time allows, and then return to Mgarr Harbour for the ferry.
Understanding that Victoria is the main interchange point between the two routes makes it much easier to plan your day and decide which stops to visit when using the Gozo hop-on hop-off bus.
Gozo Hop-On Hop-Off Routes & Stops
The Gozo hop-on hop-off bus operates two routes that together cover most of the island’s main attractions, villages and scenic areas. These routes start and end at Mgarr Harbour and travel in loops around different parts of Gozo.
The Purple Route includes stops such as Xewkija, Victoria, Dwejra Bay, Ta’ Pinu Basilica and Xlendi, which covers the central and western parts of the island. This route includes several of Gozo’s most famous scenic and historic locations.
The Blue Route includes stops such as Marsalforn, the Ggantija Temples, Ramla Bay and Nadur, which covers the northern and eastern parts of Gozo. This route includes beaches, coastal towns and archaeological sites.
Because there are two routes, some visitors choose to stay on the bus for one full loop first to see the island, and then choose which stops to visit on the second loop. This can be a good strategy if you are unsure where you want to spend the most time.
Planning your stops in advance is important because if you get off at too many stops, you may run out of time before the last buses return to Mgarr Harbour for the ferry.
Gozo Hop-On Hop-Off Stops & Nearby Attractions
The Gozo hop-on hop-off bus has stops across the island on both the Purple Route and the Blue Route, covering the main towns, beaches, historic sites and viewpoints. Because you will not have time to visit every stop in one day, it is a good idea to plan which stops you want to visit before starting the bus tour.
The Purple Route mainly covers the west and south of Gozo, including Dwejra and Xlendi, while the Blue Route covers the north and east of the island, including Ramla Bay and the Ggantija Temples.
Purple Route Stops & Attractions
| Stop | Area | Nearby Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Mgarr | Harbour | Ferry terminal, Fort Chambray |
| Xewkija | Village | Rotunda Church |
| Savina | Crafts | Savina Creativity Village |
| Victoria | Capital | Citadel, shops, restaurants |
| Ta’ Dbiegi | Viewpoint | Ta’ Dbiegi Crafts Village |
| Dwejra | Coast | Inland Sea, Fungus Rock |
| Ta’ Pinu | Church | Ta’ Pinu Basilica |
| Fontana | Village | Local village area |
| Xlendi | Bay | Restaurants, coastal walk |
This route includes some of the most scenic coastal areas in Gozo, particularly around Dwejra and Xlendi, and also passes through Victoria and several traditional villages.
Blue Route Stops & Attractions
| Stop | Area | Nearby Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Capital | Citadel, shops, restaurants |
| Marsalforn | Coast | Promenade, restaurants |
| Ggantija | Temples | UNESCO Ggantija Temples |
| Ramla | Beach | Ramla Bay |
| Nadur | Viewpoint | Island viewpoints |
| Mgarr | Harbour | Ferry terminal |
This route includes Gozo’s main beach at Ramla Bay, the Ggantija Temples, and coastal towns such as Marsalforn, as well as viewpoints near Nadur.
Planning Your Stops
Because the routes cross at Victoria, many visitors use Victoria as the main stop during the day, visit the Citadel, and then continue on either the Purple Route or Blue Route depending on which attractions they want to visit.
A common plan is to visit Victoria first, then Dwejra or Xlendi on the Purple Route, and Ramla Bay or Marsalforn on the Blue Route, before returning to Mgarr Harbour for the ferry back to Malta.
Planning your stops in advance will help you see more of Gozo without feeling rushed, especially if you are visiting Gozo as a day trip from Malta.
Victoria & The Citadel
Victoria, also known as Rabat, is the main town in Gozo and one of the most important stops on the Gozo hop-on hop-off bus route. Most visitors consider this the main stop on the island, and it is usually where people spend the most time during a Gozo day trip.
The main attraction in Victoria is the Citadel, a historic fortified city built on a hill in the centre of Gozo. From the Citadel walls, you can see panoramic views across the island, and on clear days you can see almost the entire coastline of Gozo. The Citadel has been inhabited since ancient times and has played an important role in Gozo’s history.
Inside the Citadel you will find the Cathedral of the Assumption, museums, narrow streets, old stone buildings and several viewpoints, making it a very interesting place to walk around for an hour or two. The area is compact and easy to explore on foot.
Below the Citadel, Victoria town has shops, cafes, restaurants and the main bus station, which makes it a convenient place to stop for lunch during your hop-on hop-off bus tour. Many visitors start their day here before continuing to coastal locations later in the day.
For most visitors using the Gozo hop-on hop-off bus, Victoria is usually the most important stop and should not be missed.
Dwejra Bay & The Inland Sea
Dwejra Bay is one of the most dramatic coastal areas in Gozo and is one of the most popular stops on the hop-on hop-off bus route. This area was once home to the famous Azure Window rock arch, which collapsed in 2017, but the area is still one of the most scenic parts of Gozo.
The main attraction at Dwejra is the Inland Sea, a small lagoon connected to the open sea through a 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 usually only takes around 20 minutes.
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 has dramatic cliffs, rocky coastline and coastal walking paths, making it one of the most scenic areas in Gozo.
Many visitors consider Dwejra Bay to be one of the highlights of visiting Gozo, and it is usually included on most tours and day trip itineraries.
Ramla Bay
Ramla Bay is the largest sandy beach in Gozo and is famous for its red-golden sand, which makes it different from most beaches in Malta and Gozo. The beach is surrounded by hills and countryside, which gives it a more natural and less developed feel compared to some beaches in Malta.
Ramla Bay is a popular stop for visitors who want to relax, swim, or stop for lunch during a Gozo day trip. There are restaurants and cafes near the beach, and the area is easy to walk around.
Above Ramla Bay is Calypso Cave, which is said to be the cave mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey. Whether the legend is true or not, the viewpoint near the cave offers excellent views across the bay and is a popular photo spot.
Ramla Bay is a good stop on the hop-on hop-off bus if you want to see one of Gozo’s best beaches or take a break from sightseeing.
Xlendi Bay
Xlendi Bay is a small scenic bay on the south-west coast of Gozo and is a popular stop for restaurants, coastal walks and swimming. The bay is surrounded by cliffs and has a small harbour area with restaurants and cafes along the waterfront.
Many visitors stop at Xlendi for lunch because there are several restaurants with sea views and outdoor seating, making it a very pleasant place to stop during a day trip.
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. The area is small, so you usually only need around an hour here unless you stop for lunch.
Xlendi is often described as one of the most charming coastal villages in Gozo, and it is a relaxing stop during the hop-on hop-off bus route.
Is the Gozo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Worth It?
The Gozo hop-on hop-off bus can be a very good option for visitors who do not want to hire a car and want an easy way to see several parts of the island in one day. The bus route is designed to pass many of the main attractions, so it removes the need to plan complicated bus routes or organise taxis.
The main advantage of the hop-on hop-off bus is that it is simple and convenient, especially for day trip visitors arriving by ferry at Mgarr Harbour. You can start the bus tour near the ferry terminal and travel around the island without worrying about directions or transport connections.
However, the hop-on hop-off bus is not the fastest way to travel around Gozo, and you will not be able to visit every stop in one day. If you want complete flexibility and want to see as much as possible, hiring a car is usually the best option.
The hop-on hop-off bus is best suited for:
- Visitors on a Gozo day trip from Malta
- Visitors who do not want to drive
- Visitors who prefer organised sightseeing
- Families and older travellers
- Visitors who want a relaxed way to see Gozo
For many visitors, the hop-on hop-off bus is a good balance between public transport and hiring a car, especially if you only have one day in Gozo.
Tips for Using the Gozo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
There are a few useful tips that can make using the Gozo hop-on hop-off bus much easier, especially if you are visiting Gozo for just one day.
It is usually best to start the bus tour as early as possible after arriving on the ferry, as this gives you more time to visit stops and reduces the risk of missing the last bus back to Mgarr Harbour.
Try to choose only two or three main stops to visit, such as Victoria, Dwejra Bay and Ramla Bay or Xlendi. If you try to visit too many stops, you will spend too much time waiting for buses and travelling between locations.
If the weather is good, sitting on the top deck of the bus gives the best views across the island, but remember to bring sun protection because the sun can be very strong during summer.
Always check the last bus times and your return ferry time, especially outside peak summer season, so that you do not miss the ferry back to Malta.
The hop-on hop-off bus is best used as a relaxed sightseeing day rather than trying to see everything, and planning your stops in advance will make the day much more enjoyable.
Rupert’s Handy Travel Tips
Using the Gozo hop-on hop-off bus? Here are a few useful tips to make the most of your day:
- Start early from Mgarr Harbour: This gives you enough time to visit several stops before the last buses.
- Pick 2–3 main stops: Victoria, Dwejra and either Ramla Bay or Xlendi is a good plan.
- Sit on the top deck: The views across Gozo’s countryside and coastline are much better from upstairs.
- Check the last bus time: Make sure you can return to Mgarr Harbour in time for your ferry back to Malta.
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 and Gozo, 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 Julian’s and the Gozo ferry.
Planning to visit Gozo for the day? Our Gozo day trip guide explains ferry options, transport around the island and the best places to visit in one day.
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.
You can also read our Malta hop on hop off bus guide if you want an easy way to see Malta’s main attractions.
For other attractions in Malta, see our Popeye Village Malta guide and Malta National Aquarium guide for visitor information and ticket advice.
Last Updated
This Gozo hop-on hop-off bus guide was last updated in April 2026. Bus routes, stop locations and timetables can change, so always check official tour operators before travelling.
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