Island of Gozo – Let’s explore here
What’s it like in Gozo?
The island of Gozo is part of Malta, a small island state in the Mediterranean Sea between Libya and Italy. There are six islands in Malta, the three largest of which, Malta, Gozo and Comino are inhabited.
This page mostly focusses on the island of Gozo. As we loved it so much, we dedicated this separate page just for our exploration of the island. We have a separate page for the rest of Malta.
The landscape of the island of Gozo is low lying and mostly consists of hills and fields, and there are no rivers or lakes on the island. The highest point is Ta’ Dbieġi hill, in the west of the island near Saint Lawrence and Għarb, at 580 ft (177 m) above sea level.
Gozo is located about 4 miles (7 km) north west of the island of Malta and is the second largest island in Malta, at around 8 miles (14 km) long and 4½ miles (7 km) wide.
With a population of around 39,000 (2021) Gozo is nowhere near as densely populated as the main island of Malta, at 1,440 people per square mile (c.f. 4,400 people per square mile across all of Malta and 720 people per square mile in the UK).
The people are incredibly friendly and welcoming, and it also operates a digital nomad scheme, which you may find of interest.
A bit about the history of Gozo
Early History and Ancient Times
Gozo has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The island was first inhabited around 5000 BC by Neolithic settlers. Archaeological evidence suggests that Gozo was an important site for early civilisations, with temples and burial sites found on the island. One of the most notable prehistoric sites is the Ggantija Temples, which are among the oldest free-standing structures in the world, dating back to around 3600 BC.
Classical and Medieval Periods
Gozo’s history during the classical period saw it fall under various empires, including the Phoenicians, Romans, and Byzantines. The island became part of the Roman Empire, and later the Byzantine Empire, as part of the wider Malta region. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Gozo was ruled by the Arabs, who introduced new agricultural techniques and fortified the island.
Following the Arab period, Gozo came under the control of the Normans in the 12th century and later became part of the Kingdom of Sicily. The island was fortified during this period, and it remained under the control of various Mediterranean powers, including the Aragonese and the Knights of St. John.
Rule by the Knights of St. John
From 1530, Gozo became part of the Knights Hospitaller’s holdings when they were granted the islands of Malta, Gozo, and Comino by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. The Knights of St. John fortified Gozo and used it as a defensive outpost against the Ottoman Empire. The island played a crucial role in the defense of Malta during the Great Siege of 1565, though it was not as heavily involved as the main island of Malta.
French and British Periods
Gozo was briefly under French control between 1798 and 1800, following Napoleon’s conquest of Malta. During this period, the island faced economic and social hardships. After the French were expelled, Gozo came under British control as part of the British Empire in 1800, along with the rest of Malta. The British used the islands as a naval base, and Gozo remained under British control until Malta gained independence in 1964.
Modern Gozo
After Malta’s independence, Gozo remained part of the newly established independent state of Malta. The island has maintained a distinct identity, with a rural character and a focus on agriculture and tourism. In recent decades, Gozo has experienced growth in tourism, with visitors attracted by its natural beauty, historical sites and traditional way of life.
Gozo road trip
Our Albanian road trip was part of a much larger European road trip.
For our road trip through Gozo, we travelled from Il-Mellieħa on the main island of Malta to the ferry port, before taking the ferry over the short distance to the island of Gozo.
We particularly liked the west and north coasts of Gozo, in the west for the drama, and on the north for the salt. A lot of the architecture in Gozo really reminded us of northern Africa, alongside incredible, resplendent Catholic Churches. Interacting with so many super-friendly English-speaking people hugely improved our knowledge of this intriguing and beautiful island, and we met loads of really interesting people.
Map of our road trip through Gozo
This is a map of our road trip through Gozo.
Our route took us from Mgarr – Ghajnsielem – Sanap Cliffs – Xlendi Bay – Kerċem – San Lawren – Għarb – Wied Il-Mielaħ Window – Wied Il-Ghasri – Reqqa Point – Victoria – Fougasse – Nadur – Qala – Mgarr
The ferry to Gozo
Driving to Gozo involved us taking the ferry from Cirkewwa on the main island of Malta to Mgarr, on the south east coast of Gozo (not to be confused with Mġarr on the main island of Malta!). The ferry travels between the islands many, many times a day, and the journey only takes around ½ hour.
There were quite a lot of passengers on the ferry in mid October, and quite a lot of drivers had to do three-point-turns within the ferry to fit in.
Paying for the ferry to Gozo
As of 2024, there is no way to purchase tickets online. You also don’t pay anything to travel on the ferry from the island of Malta to Gozo, and there are no checks. You do however pay for the ferry from Gozo to the island of Malta – there is a toll gate on the road at the entrance to Mgarr ferry port.
Our favourite places in Gozo
These are some of the best places that we explored on our road trip through Gozo. We’ve put them in alphabetical order.
Comino island
Comino island is a small island that sits between the island of Malta and Gozo. As a nature reserve and a sanctuary for birds, it has only two permanent residents, a priest and a policeman. The island is dominated by the 17th century Saint Mary’s Tower (Maltese: Torri ta’ Santa Marija).
Dwerja bay
Dwreja bay is a lovely bay located on the west coast of Gozo, west of San Lawrenz. Popular with tourists still, despite the collapse of the once-famous Azure-window, it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the views.
Għajnsielem
Għajnsielem is a small town located in south east coast of Gozo, next to the ferry port of Mgarr. Fort Chambray is an 18th century fort in Għajnsielem built by the Knights Hospitaller. Along with the Parish Church and the Church of the Madonna of Lourdes, it dominates the skyline when approaching Gozo.
Għarb
Għarb is westernmost village in Gozo. The most magnificent Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu looks over the village. Also, Ta’ Dbieġi hill, the highest point in Gozo, at 580 ft (177 m) above sea level, is located close by.
Għar tal-Qrewis
Għar tal-Qrewis is a magnificent set of large caves on the north west coast of Gozo. There’s no signage to the site, and due to their cliffside location, and the gravel road leading to the site, they’re harder to spot than the nearby Wied Il-Mielaħ Window.
Kerċem
Kerċem is a small town in central Gozo that located on one of the oldest settlements in Gozo, dating back to around 5,000 BC.
Mgarr
Mgarr is the main ferry port of Gozo that serves as a connection with the island of Malta. It’s a very pretty port with a lovely marina and a great skyline, being overlooked by the the Parish Church and the Church of the Madonna of Lourdes, Ghajnsielem.
Nadur
Nadur is Gozo’s second city, although the population is fewer than 5,000 inhabitants (2021). It’s located in eastern Gozo, north of Għajnsielem.
Qala
Qala is a small village on the south east coast of Gozo, close to Mgarr. It affords great views over the islands of Comino and Malta.
Reqqa point
Reqqa point is located o the north coast of Gozo and is the most northerly point. It’s renowned as the best diving site in Gozo, and is surrounded by salt pans first constructed in the Middle Ages.
Close to Reqqa point is Xwejni Rock, an notable and unusual shaped rock. Sitting next to Xwejni Rock, there is also an 18th century artillery battery nearby, named the Qolla l-Bajda battery.
Sanap Cliffs
Sanap Cliffs, known locally as Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs, is a set of stunning 150m high cliffs, located on the south coast of Gozo.
Victoria
Victoria is the main city on Gozo and is located in the centre of the island. Although it’s the most populous settlement, there are only around 7,000 inhabitants (2021). The city is dominated by the fortified cittadella, which can be seen from all approaches.
Wied Il-Mielaħ Window
The stunning Wied Il-Mielaħ Window is a natural arch made from limestone, located on the north west coast of Gozo. The Ġurdan lighthouse overlooks the site from the Ġurdan hill.
Xewkija
Xewkija is the oldest village in Gozo, dating from the 17th century. It’s located in the south of central Gozo, and the Gozo campus for the University of Malta is located in the village. The village is dominated by the 17th century Church of Saint John the Baptist, locally known as the Rotunda of Xewkija.
Xlendi bay
Xlendi bay is a small village on the south west coast of Gozo that’s very popular with divers. The 17th century Xlendi Tower is also located (Maltese: Torri tax-Xlendi) is also located in Xlendi bay.
What’s it like to drive in Gozo?
As with driving in the UK, they drive on the left hand side of the road in Gozo.
Driving in Gozo is mostly a sedentary affair, mostly due to its small size, and general laid-back attitude of the people of Gozo. We experienced no tailgating, and most Maltese people we met were in fact very polite, and often they’d let you out at junctions.
Most of the main road infrastructure on the islands is very good, although in very remote areas, especially near to the coast, the roads are mostly gravel tracks with potholes, although in no way are they to be described as poor (in comparison to many other countries across Europe (e.g. Serbia, Albania, Romania).
Do you require an international driving permit in Gozo?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
Can you use your UK driving license when driving through Gozo?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
Do I need a carnet de passages to drive in Gozo?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
What are the speed limits in Gozo?
The speed limits for cars in Gozo are:
- 30 mph (50 km/h) for urban driving
- 50 mph (80 km/h) outside of built up areas
- 50 mph (80 km/h) on dual carriageways
- There are no motorways in Gozo
What currency do they use in Gozo?
In Gozo and all across Malta they use the Euro. The use of credit / debit cards is now widespread. Travellers cheques are accepted. There are lots of ATMs.
You should make yourself aware of the amount that your bank charges you for using credit and debit cards abroad. Often credit cards are cheaper for purchasing items directly, and for withdrawing cash from ATMs.
What language do they speak in Gozo?
They speak Maltese and English in Gozo and all across Malta. More than two thirds of people also speak Italian, and many speak French, although to a lesser degree.
What time zone is Gozo in?
Remember, when you’re planning your next trip to take a look at what time zone it’s in.
Do I need a visa to visit Gozo?
We’ve created a dedicated, more comprehensive page on visas, which you should find helpful. Check it out!
Is wild camping legal in Gozo?
No, wild camping is illegal in Gozo.
What plug / socket type do they use in Gozo?
In Gozo they use plug / socket type G.
Health issues in Gozo
Is it safe to drink water in Gozo?
Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in Gozo. Bottled water is also readily available across the country.
What vaccinations are required for Gozo?
This NHS website is kept up to date with all relevant information on vaccinations in Gozo.
Phones in Gozo
What is the country calling code for Gozo?
The country calling code for Gozo is +356
What are the emergency phone numbers in Gozo?
- The emergency number for police in Gozo is: 112
- In Gozo, the emergency number for ambulance is: 112
- The emergency number for fire in Gozo is: 112
If you’ve got some useful info that you’d like to share, let us know!
Don’t forget to check out all the other pictures!