Gozo is the day trip that almost everyone adds to a Malta holiday. Malta\u2019s quieter, greener sister island sits just a short ferry crossing away, and in a single day you can explore prehistoric temples older than Stonehenge, wander a medieval citadel, swim in a hidden fjord, and eat some of the best food on the Maltese Islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The good news if you are staying in Valletta: getting there has never been easier. The Gozo Fast Ferry<\/strong> departs from Lascaris Wharf<\/strong> in the Grand Harbour, a short walk from The Embassy Valletta Hotel<\/a>, and lands you in Gozo in 45 minutes<\/strong>. No buses to the north of the island, no hour-long detour through Cirkewwa. Just out the door, down to the harbour, and on to Gozo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is everything you need to know to plan the perfect day trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You have two ferry options. For a day trip from Valletta, the fast ferry is the clear winner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The fastest and most convenient route from Valletta. A high-speed catamaran operated by Gozo Highspeed<\/strong> connects Lascaris Wharf in the Grand Harbour directly to Mgarr Harbour in Gozo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From The Embassy Valletta Hotel:<\/strong> Walk to the Upper Barrakka Gardens<\/a> (10 minutes), take the Barrakka Lift down to the waterfront (1 minute, \u20ac1), and you are at Lascaris Wharf. The whole journey from hotel lobby to ferry terminal takes roughly 15 minutes on foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The traditional route, operated by Gozo Channel<\/strong>. A conventional car ferry from Cirkewwa (at the northern tip of Malta) to Mgarr Harbour in Gozo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Cirkewwa ferry makes sense if you are hiring a car to drive around Gozo. For a day trip on foot or using Gozo\u2019s bus network, the fast ferry from Valletta saves you roughly two hours of travel time across the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gozo is small enough to cover the highlights in a day if you plan your route. Here is a suggested itinerary that works whether you are using Gozo\u2019s bus network, a taxi, or a hire car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Start at the Cittadella<\/strong> (Citadel) in Victoria<\/strong> (also known as Rabat), Gozo\u2019s capital. This fortified hilltop settlement has been inhabited for thousands of years and offers panoramic 360-degree views across the entire island. Inside the walls, visit the Cathedral of the Assumption<\/strong>, the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, and the old prison. The views from the ramparts are the best on the island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Victoria is the hub of Gozo\u2019s bus network, so all routes from Mgarr Harbour pass through here. Take Bus 301 from the ferry terminal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A short bus ride (Bus 307) or taxi from Victoria, the Ggantija Temples<\/strong> in Xaghra are a UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/strong> and one of the oldest free-standing structures in the world \u2014 predating both Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids by over 1,000 years. The two megalithic temples date to approximately 3,600 BC, and standing inside them gives you a genuine sense of the scale and ambition of Malta\u2019s prehistoric temple builders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The visitor centre provides excellent context before you walk the site. Allow at least 45 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Between Xaghra and the western coast, the Basilica of the Blessed Virgin of Ta\u2019 Pinu<\/strong> rises from the Gozitan countryside like a cathedral dropped into open farmland. It is Malta\u2019s most important pilgrimage site, built in the 1920s around a small chapel where a local woman reportedly heard the Virgin Mary speak in 1883.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether or not the story resonates with you, the church itself is architecturally impressive, and the surrounding countryside is some of the most peaceful on the island. Entry is free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For your afternoon, choose between two of Gozo\u2019s most dramatic natural sites:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wied il-Ghasri<\/strong> is a narrow, winding sea canyon on Gozo\u2019s northern coast. The sea snakes between high cliffs to meet a tiny pebble beach at the bottom. The water is exceptionally calm and clear, making it one of the best snorkelling spots on the islands. It is best visited in the morning when the light hits the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dwejra<\/strong> on the western coast is where the famous Azure Window once stood (it collapsed in 2017). The site remains stunning \u2014 the Inland Sea<\/strong>, a natural saltwater lagoon connected to the open Mediterranean through a tunnel in the cliff, is worth the visit alone. Nearby, the Fungus Rock<\/strong> juts out of the sea and the dramatic coastline is ideal for walking and photography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gozo\u2019s food is excellent and noticeably different from mainland Malta \u2014 more rustic, more seasonal, more connected to the land. For a sit-down meal, try:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your schedule permits, Ramla Bay<\/strong> in Xaghra is Gozo\u2019s most famous beach. The distinctive red-orange sand is unique in the Mediterranean, and the undeveloped valley behind the beach gives it a beautifully wild feel. Sunbeds and a restaurant are available in season. Above the beach, Calypso\u2019s Cave<\/strong> offers views down to the bay (though the cave itself is small).<\/p>\n\n\n\n By Bus:<\/strong> Gozo has a reliable public bus network that fans out from the Victoria Bus Station. Routes cover most key attractions. A single fare is \u20ac1.50 (winter) or \u20ac2.00 (summer) with a tallinja card. Buses are less frequent than on Malta, so check timetables in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By Taxi:<\/strong> Taxis are available at Mgarr Harbour and in Victoria. For a full-day trip, hiring a taxi for the day may be more convenient and cost-effective than relying on buses, especially if you want to reach Wied il-Ghasri or Dwejra, which have limited bus access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By Hire Car or Scooter:<\/strong> Available from rental companies at Mgarr Harbour and in Victoria. Gives you the most freedom, but Gozo\u2019s roads are narrow and signposting can be inconsistent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By Tuk-Tuk or Quad Bike:<\/strong> Popular tourist options available at Mgarr Harbour. Fun, but not the fastest way to cover multiple stops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How do I get to Gozo from Valletta?<\/strong>Getting to Gozo from Valletta<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Option 1: Gozo Fast Ferry (Recommended)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Option 2: Cirkewwa Car Ferry<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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What to See in Gozo: A Suggested Day Trip Route<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Stop 1: The Citadel, Victoria<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Stop 2: Ggantija Temples<\/a>, Xaghra<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Stop 3: Ta\u2019 Pinu Basilica<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Stop 4: Wied il-Ghasri<\/a> or Dwejra<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Stop 5: Lunch in Victoria, Xlendi, or Marsalforn<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Stop 6: Ramla Bay<\/a> (If Time Allows)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Getting Around Gozo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Practical Tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Frequently Asked Questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Gozo Fast Ferry runs from Lascaris Wharf in the Grand Harbour to Mgarr Harbour in Gozo. The journey takes 45 minutes, with approximately 15 sailings per day. From The Embassy Valletta Hotel, the ferry terminal is a 15-minute walk via the Barrakka Lift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n