Gozo is the day trip that almost everyone adds to a Malta holiday. Malta’s 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.
The good news if you are staying in Valletta: getting there has never been easier. The Gozo Fast Ferry departs from Lascaris Wharf in the Grand Harbour, a short walk from The Embassy Valletta Hotel, and lands you in Gozo in 45 minutes. 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.
Here is everything you need to know to plan the perfect day trip.
Getting to Gozo from Valletta
You have two ferry options. For a day trip from Valletta, the fast ferry is the clear winner.
Option 1: Gozo Fast Ferry (Recommended)
The fastest and most convenient route from Valletta. A high-speed catamaran operated by Gozo Highspeed connects Lascaris Wharf in the Grand Harbour directly to Mgarr Harbour in Gozo.
- Journey time: 45 minutes
- Fare: €7.50 one way (foot passengers only)
- Frequency: Approximately every hour, with around 15 sailings per day
- First departure from Valletta: 06:45
- Last return from Gozo: 20:45 (extended to 23:45 between June and October)
- Timetable: Check gozohighspeed.com for the latest schedule
- Departs from: Lascaris Wharf, Grand Harbour (accessible via the Barrakka Lift from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, or the steps from the waterfront)
From The Embassy Valletta Hotel: Walk to the Upper Barrakka Gardens (10 minutes), take the Barrakka Lift down to the waterfront (1 minute, €1), and you are at Lascaris Wharf. The whole journey from hotel lobby to ferry terminal takes roughly 15 minutes on foot.
Option 2: Cirkewwa Car Ferry
The traditional route, operated by Gozo Channel. A conventional car ferry from Cirkewwa (at the northern tip of Malta) to Mgarr Harbour in Gozo.
- Journey time: 25 minutes (crossing only)
- Fare: €4.65 return per person (foot passengers), ~€15.70 return with a car
- Frequency: Every 30–45 minutes, 24 hours a day
- The catch: Getting to Cirkewwa from Valletta takes 50+ minutes by bus (routes 41 or 42) or 30 minutes by car. This adds over an hour each way to your day trip.
The Cirkewwa ferry makes sense if you are hiring a car to drive around Gozo. For a day trip on foot or using Gozo’s bus network, the fast ferry from Valletta saves you roughly two hours of travel time across the day.
What to See in Gozo: A Suggested Day Trip Route
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’s bus network, a taxi, or a hire car.
Stop 1: The Citadel, Victoria
Start at the Cittadella (Citadel) in Victoria (also known as Rabat), Gozo’s 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, the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, and the old prison. The views from the ramparts are the best on the island.
Victoria is the hub of Gozo’s bus network, so all routes from Mgarr Harbour pass through here. Take Bus 301 from the ferry terminal.
- Entry to the Citadel: Free (individual museums are ticketed via Heritage Malta)
- Time needed: 1–1.5 hours
Stop 2: Ggantija Temples, Xaghra
A short bus ride (Bus 307) or taxi from Victoria, the Ggantija Temples in Xaghra are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest free-standing structures in the world — 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’s prehistoric temple builders.
The visitor centre provides excellent context before you walk the site. Allow at least 45 minutes.
- Entry: ~€9 (Heritage Malta)
- Time needed: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Stop 3: Ta’ Pinu Basilica
Between Xaghra and the western coast, the Basilica of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu rises from the Gozitan countryside like a cathedral dropped into open farmland. It is Malta’s most important pilgrimage site, built in the 1920s around a small chapel where a local woman reportedly heard the Virgin Mary speak in 1883.
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.
- Entry: Free
- Time needed: 30 minutes
Stop 4: Wied il-Ghasri or Dwejra
For your afternoon, choose between two of Gozo’s most dramatic natural sites:
Wied il-Ghasri is a narrow, winding sea canyon on Gozo’s 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.
Dwejra on the western coast is where the famous Azure Window once stood (it collapsed in 2017). The site remains stunning — the Inland Sea, a natural saltwater lagoon connected to the open Mediterranean through a tunnel in the cliff, is worth the visit alone. Nearby, the Fungus Rock juts out of the sea and the dramatic coastline is ideal for walking and photography.
- Time needed: 1–1.5 hours at either location
Stop 5: Lunch in Victoria, Xlendi, or Marsalforn
Gozo’s food is excellent and noticeably different from mainland Malta — more rustic, more seasonal, more connected to the land. For a sit-down meal, try:
- Victoria: Several restaurants in and around the Citadel serve traditional Gozitan cooking. Look for ftira (the Gozitan flatbread, different from the Maltese version), rabbit, and local cheese.
- Xlendi: A picturesque bay on the south coast with waterfront restaurants. Good for fresh fish.
- Marsalforn: A coastal village on the north side with a long promenade, restaurants, and the famous Marsalforn Salt Pans — geometric salt-harvesting pools carved into the limestone coastline, well worth a walk before or after lunch.
Stop 6: Ramla Bay (If Time Allows)
If your schedule permits, Ramla Bay in Xaghra is Gozo’s 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’s Cave offers views down to the bay (though the cave itself is small).
- Best for: Families, swimmers, a final stop before catching the ferry back
Getting Around Gozo
By Bus: Gozo has a reliable public bus network that fans out from the Victoria Bus Station. Routes cover most key attractions. A single fare is €1.50 (winter) or €2.00 (summer) with a tallinja card. Buses are less frequent than on Malta, so check timetables in advance.
By Taxi: 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.
By Hire Car or Scooter: Available from rental companies at Mgarr Harbour and in Victoria. Gives you the most freedom, but Gozo’s roads are narrow and signposting can be inconsistent.
By Tuk-Tuk or Quad Bike: Popular tourist options available at Mgarr Harbour. Fun, but not the fastest way to cover multiple stops.
Practical Tips
- Catch the 08:45 or 09:45 ferry from Valletta. This gives you a full day on Gozo without an uncomfortably early start. Aim to return on the 17:45 or 18:45 ferry to be back in Valletta for dinner.
- Book the ferry in advance during peak season. The fast ferry is popular in July and August and sailings can fill up. Book at gozohighspeed.com.
- Bring sun protection. Gozo has very little shade outside of the towns. Sunscreen, a hat, and water are essential from May to October.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The Citadel, temples, and coastal paths all involve walking on uneven ground.
- Check the last ferry time. The last return sailing to Valletta varies by season. Missing it means an expensive taxi to Cirkewwa and the car ferry, or an unplanned night in Gozo.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Gozo from Valletta?
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.
How much does the ferry to Gozo cost?
The fast ferry from Valletta costs €7.50 one way. The traditional car ferry from Cirkewwa costs €4.65 return for foot passengers.
Is a day trip to Gozo enough?
Yes. Gozo is small and compact. In a full day you can comfortably visit the Citadel, the Ggantija Temples, Ta’ Pinu, and one coastal attraction, with time for lunch. However, if you want to relax on a beach and explore at a slower pace, two days is ideal.
Do I need a car in Gozo?
Not necessarily. Buses cover the main attractions and taxis are available. However, a hire car gives you more flexibility, especially for reaching coastal sites like Wied il-Ghasri and Dwejra which have limited bus service.
What is the best time of year to visit Gozo?
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer warm weather, fewer crowds, and green countryside. Summer is hotter and busier but ideal for swimming. Winter is quiet and mild, with the Citadel and temples virtually to yourself.
Can I take a car on the Gozo Fast Ferry?
No. The fast ferry from Valletta carries foot passengers only. To take a car, you need the Gozo Channel ferry from Cirkewwa.
How far is the ferry terminal from The Embassy Valletta Hotel?
A 15-minute walk. Head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens (10 minutes), take the Barrakka Lift down to the waterfront (€1), and Lascaris Wharf is right there.
Image taken from Aleteia.