In Partnership with Visit Gozo
Spend a week discovering Gozo, Malta’s laid-back sister island known for stunning beaches, hidden caves, fresh local food and lively village festivals. This 7-day Gozo itinerary shows you exactly how to plan the perfect week and proves Gozo is worth much more than just a quick day trip.
In this complete Gozo travel guide, you’ll find practical tips on how to get there, where to go and what to see. From quiet sandy coves and coastal walks to historic villages and local markets, this itinerary has everything you need to experience Gozo like a local while traveling slowly and sustainably.
The island of Gozo is part of the Maltese archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea and is often called Malta’s sister island. While Gozo belongs to the Republic of Malta, it has its own distinct identity, culture, and traditions, with a strong community feel.
If there’s any sign of how kind and welcoming Gozitans are, it’s in how they care for their cats. These island cats enjoy cosy handmade houses, daily feasts, and all the love the island can give. Many locals will make you feel right at home, happily sharing tips, stories, and traditions that make Gozo a place you’ll want to return to.
Gozo is home to Neolithic temples older than the pyramids, unbelievable dive and snorkelling spots, beautiful baroque churches, charming villages, dramatic coastline, and fascinating traditions. All of which make it a worthy destination for anyone seeking laid-back island life. The island's rural setting offers nature-rich experiences, from sandy beaches and picturesque coves to abundant marine life waiting to be discovered underwater.
Don’t miss the chance to savour Gozitan cuisine, known for its creamy sheep’s cheese, local olive oil and freshly baked sourdough bread. Gozo packs a punch for any visitor and has far more to see than a quick day trip allows. We stayed for a week and would love to return and discover even more of this beautiful island!
This itinerary highlights the very best of Gozo, giving you plenty of reasons to stay longer than a day. Our 7-day Gozo itinerary blends adventure and authentic experiences with easygoing island life, culinary delights and jaw-dropping sunset spots. We’ll show you the best beaches, activities, and places to eat on Gozo, including the best pizza on the island!
If you love discovering remote islands in the Med, you might also enjoy our guides to Corsica and Sardinia, two destinations we highly recommend for adventurous travellers, beach lovers, foodies and road trippers.
READ | Our Ultimate Gozo Travel Guide
How to use this guide
Use the contents table above to jump to different sections of our 7-Day Gozo itinerary, which makes it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for, whether it’s activities, places to eat, or sightseeing tips.
Our 7-day Gozo itinerary is designed for an unforgettable adventure across this wonderful island. It’s perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors, offering a mix of culinary delights, ocean views, snorkelling spots, boat rides, scenic hikes, charming villages, and fascinating historic sites.
Feel free to customise the itinerary based on your interests and travel pace. Whether you want to focus more on relaxing beach days, exploring cultural sites, or enjoying local food and festivals, this guide can help you plan a trip that suits you best.
Is Gozo worth visiting?
While Malta has become a traveller’s favourite in the Med, its captivating sister island, Gozo, is well worth a visit. With fewer crowds, a stunning rural setting, delicious local produce, and a pristine coastline, there are plenty of reasons to put Gozo on your list. If that isn’t enough, Gozo’s secluded charm makes it ideal for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and history enthusiasts alike.
Many visitors come to Gozo for a quick day trip, but it deserves so much more than that — we’d recommend a minimum of three to five days, though a week is ideal. It’s the perfect place to slow down, and with everything within a short distance, the island is easy to explore in greater depth.
Most day tours to Gozo stop at just a few main attractions, giving you only a glimpse of what this beautiful island has to offer. Instead of rushing it all in one day, stay for the week and savour the natural beauty, authentic local experiences, and rich history that make Gozo a must-visit destination.
Take time to wander through historical sites like the Ggantija Temples — older than the pyramids yet blissfully free of crowds — and the astonishing Citadel in Victoria. Staying longer gives you a chance to connect with locals, get lost in charming fishing villages, and kayak around Comino. Gozo is so much more than a quick pit stop on your way around Malta.
READ | 11 Reasons why you should visit Gozo
How to get to Gozo
While there are no direct flights to Gozo, you’ll quickly discover that this is a good thing, and when places take a little more effort, it is usually always worth it. There are two options for getting to Gozo: either get the ferry from Cirkewwa terminal in northwest Malta or a fast ferry from Valletta, which is closer to the airport.
The easiest and cheapest option is to take the ferry from Cirkewwa, Malta, to Mgarr on Gozo. This avoids traffic through Valletta, and the Cirkewwa ferry has a more regular service with ferries running all day, every 30 to 45 minutes. The drive to the ferry terminal takes around 1 hour, and the journey across to Gozo on this ferry takes around 25 minutes. This is also the best option if you have hired a car in Malta and are driving across to Gozo.
It costs €11.05 for the car and €4.65 per person; you only pay on the way back. On your way to Gozo, get in the queue, and on the way back, you’ll pay via a toll before you board the ferry. This is the most used ferry connecting Gozitans to Malta with a reliable service, and can also be used by passengers without a car. If you don’t hire a car, it’s possible to get a taxi or a bus to the ferry terminal.
If you plan to stay in Valletta for a night or two and combine this with visiting Gozo, you can book the fast ferry, but this is a passenger-only option. You will need to book your tickets in advance and can get an online discount of €12.00 on a return ticket. In stormy weather, the fast ferry to Gozo can be unreliable and only runs in the daytime.
TOP TIP | Get the tallinja card to save money on public transport. It’s a reusable card which you can top up and explore the best options for your stay for example the Explore Adult gives 7 Day of unlimited travel and costs €25.
READ MORE | Everythihng you need to know before visiting Gozo
How to be a responsible visitor on Gozo
🌱 Use a reusable water bottle. Tap water in Gozo is safe to drink, but it’s worth checking with your accommodation that it’s either filtered or reverse osmosis water.
🌱 Use water sparingly. Gozo relies heavily on rainfall, as there are no rivers or lakes to supply water. Most of it comes from desalination and underground aquifers. Take short showers and reuse your towels. Many farmhouses in Gozo have rainwater harvesting systems for non-drinking purposes.
🌱 Reduce your single-use plastic. For example, when ordering a drink, ask for no straw.
🌱 Don’t touch wildlife or marine life. When snorkelling or diving, observe animals from a distance.
🌱 Don’t take anything from nature with you. Leave shells, coral, and flowers where you find them.
🌱 Help protect nesting turtles. If you dig holes or build sandcastles on the beach, flatten them before you leave.
🌱 Travel light on the island. Gozo is small and make the most of walking, biking, or using the bus.
🌱 Support locals by choosing Gozitan-owned businesses and locally made products where possible. Stay in a homestay, buy food from local markets, or take a food tour with a local guide.
🌱 Stay longer and enjoy slow travel across the island — Gozo is much more than a day trip.
7 day Gozo itinerary summary
DAY 1 - ARRIVE IN GOZO
Time to get settled into Gozo’s laid-back island atmosphere
DAY 2 - NADUR FEAST* AND QUIET COVES
Join the St Peter and Paul celebrations in Nadur, then chill at Dahlet Qorrot.
DAY 3 - KAYAK THE BLUE LAGOON
Kayak to the famous Blue Lagoon, swim at Hondoq Bay & see Dwejra’s stunning coastline.
DAY 4 - SACRED SITES AND RELAX ON THE BEACH
Visit Ta’ Pinu church, stretch out on Ramla Beach and wander through Wied il-Ghasri.
DAY 5 - TASTE OF GOZO AND DRAMATIC COASTAL SCENERY
Savour local flavours on a food tour around the island and then check out the Inland Sea.
DAY 6 - DIVE OR SNORKEL IN XLENDI BAY
Go diving or snorkelling, then chill on the waterfront for food and drink.
DAY 7 - ANCIENT TEMPLES AND EXPLORE GOZO’S CAPITAL
Discover Ggantija Temples, stroll around Victoria streets and watch the sunset from the Citadel.
*If you are not visiting for a festival, then we’d recommend visiting Ghammar Hill for 360-degree views across the island or San Blas Beach for a more remote beach away from the crowds.
Day 1 - Arrive in Gozo
There are no direct flights to Gozo, so you’ll arrive at Malta International Airport and then either drive, take a bus, or catch a taxi to the ferry terminal at Cirkewwa or Valletta (passenger only). The ferry will take you to Mgarr, on the south of Gozo. If your flight arrives late at night, we’d suggest staying nearby in either Ghajnsielem, Nadur, or Qala.
We stayed in Qala (pronounced ‘ah-la’), only a five-minute drive from Mgarr. It’s a lovely, quaint village with a beautiful town square surrounded by a few bars and restaurants that come alive in the evenings. There’s also a traditional bakery with a modest shopfront, serving the most delicious freshly baked goods from a wood-fired oven
If you have the time and energy to catch the sunset, a 5-minute walk from the centre of Qala takes you to an exceptional viewpoint overlooking Comino and Malta. It’s located on Triq Iz-Zewwieqa, next to Xerri il-Bukkett restaurant, with several benches where you can sit and enjoy the view.
STAY | Lelux B&B, Qala
This is a lovely, traditional B&B in a great location on the southeast of Gozo. There’s a shared pool, kitchen, and sitting area. The rooms have en-suite bathrooms, and some have balconies where you can enjoy views of the surrounding village.
READ MORE | Take a look at our where to stay in Gozo guide for our favourite picks on the island.
Day 2 - Nadur Feast and DaHlet Qorrot
Our first full day on Gozo was perfectly timed to experience L-Imnarja, the feast of St Peter and Paul, celebrated every year on the last Sunday of June. The festival also marks the start of summer and takes place in Nadur around the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, an impressive structure with beautiful ceiling paintings by Lazzaro Pisani that is worth visiting even without the celebrations.
In the early afternoon, the festivities began with a parade through the streets of Nadur. Bars spilt out onto the streets, providing much-needed relief from the heat. Children joined in the fun, filling their water pistols and playfully soaking their friends, parents, and the occasional older islander! Dressed mostly in red and white, they paraded down the street with balloon displays, fireworks, smoke machines, and a band. One thing is for sure, Gozitans know how to have fun.
We escaped in the late afternoon to cool off at nearby Dahlet Qorrot Bay, a beautiful cove nestled between Nadur and Qala. The beach is lined with colourful old boathouses carved into the sandstone, giving it a rustic charm. There are several ladders along the beach so you can jump in and climb out, and we quickly realised that many locals from the parade had the same idea. It’s a pebble beach with a simple beach bar for snacks and drinks, so remember to bring cash.
As the sun set, locals prepared for the evening parade. We enjoyed dinner at Kaputa Restaurant in Qala, overlooking the church square. The pizza was excellent and very reasonably priced. The square came alive with Gozitans in their smartest outfits, along with priests, choir boys, a band, and a procession of men lifting a holy statue of St Peter and St Paul back into the church. Fireworks lit up the sky and filled the air with chest-thumping booms. Food stalls selling BBQ meat, Maltese sausages, burgers, chips, and more all added to the festive spirit.
STAY | Lelux B&B, Qala
Day 3 - Kayaking around Lagoons and Bays
Get ready for one of the best days on your Gozo itinerary, a morning kayaking adventure to explore the famous Blue Lagoon without the crowds and uncover the stunning Comino coastline.
Head over to Hondoq Bay to meet your guide from Gozo Adventures. Frank took us out for a guided kayak trip, walking us through all the safety procedures and the plan for the day. We paddled about 6km, first crossing to Comino’s Blue Lagoon to avoid the big boats from Valletta.
TOP TIP | Kayak in the morning to avoid the big crowds at the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular spots when visiting Malta and Gozo, and it has become quite crowded with boats. Kayaking is a fantastic way to enjoy the lagoon peacefully. We continued along the coast, passing caves and rocky arches, then stopped in a quiet cove to swim, cliff jump, and snorkel (equipment provided).
On the way back to Hondoq, we passed by Vow Rock, where Frank shared the legend of the pirate Dragut. After his brother was killed during a raid on Gozo and the islanders refused to return the body, Dragut vowed revenge. True to his word, he returned, raiding Gozo, capturing many locals and leaving only a few survivors.
You’ll need to be a confident swimmer, but the pace is gentle. Be sure to bring plenty of water and reef-safe sunscreen. After kayaking, relax at Hondoq ir-Rummien beach, known for its crystal-clear water, a lifeguard, beach bar, and ladders for easy swimming.
Head back to your B&B to freshen up and unwind before making your way to Dwerja Bay for sunset. The dramatic cliffs and lunar-like landscape set the perfect scene for a stunning end to an adventure-filled day.
STAY | Lunzjata Maisonette, Fontana
This is a spacious villa with valley views, a large pool, plenty of outdoor seating, shaded dining areas and an outdoor prep area. Inside there’s a well-equipped kitchen, a comfy living space and four bedrooms, each with its bathroom.
Day 4 - Sacred sites and relax on the beach
Start your day at Ta’ Pinu Basilica, one of Gozo’s most important religious sites. It’s famous for the legend of a local woman who heard the Virgin Mary’s voice and was healed. Take time to admire the mosaics outside and visit the original chapel inside. Locals also believe Ta’ Pinu protected Gozo from the worst of the plague.
Next, head to Ramla Bay, one of Gozo’s best Blue Flag beaches, known for its soft orange sand. Parking costs €2, with some free spots along the road. The beach has rocks and pebbles that can make entry tricky in places, but it’s great for bodyboarding and swimming, with lifeguards on duty. Above the bay, Tal-Mixta Cave offers a stunning framed view and is a favourite sunset spot, but it’s beautiful any time of day.
TOP TIP | Fill in any holes you dig and flatten sandcastles to protect nesting turtles.
Local volunteers from Nature Trust FEE Malta help safeguard turtle nests each season, usually from May, protecting hatchlings from ghost crabs and other threats. You may see a small stand with information about turtles and marine conservation. Ramla also faces ocean plastic challenges, so recycling is encouraged.
For a more active adventure, hike from Marsalforn to Ramla Bay, passing hidden coves and swimming spots. Avoid the midday heat and bring plenty of water if you go.
In the afternoon, visit Wied il-Ghasri, a scenic gorge with clear water for swimming and snorkelling. The small beach can get busy, and the steps are steep but short. Parking is limited but nearby. Despite some plastic litter, the gorge has excellent underwater sights and unique rock formations to explore.
Day 5 - Taste of Gozo and dramatic coastline scenery
One of our favourite days was discovering Gozo’s rich food traditions on a local tasting tour. We joined Leanne from Taste of Gozo to meet some of the island’s passionate producers.
First, we met Abraham, a friendly sheep farmer and one of the last on Gozo making traditional sheep cheese, known as gbejna. We helped make fresh cheese in a special bowl, scooped it into small baskets, and left it to dry with spices like sun-dried tomatoes, pepper, or fennel, depending on the season, or it can be enjoyed soft.
Next, we visited Debono Bakery, where the family has been baking bread for nearly a century. We went behind the scenes to learn about the process and how their sourdough starter has been passed down through generations. They bake around 60 loaves a day, including typical Gozitan bread like ftira and hobza. Traditionally, women would bring their Sunday dinners to cook in the bakery’s oven, a sustainable way to make the most of the still-hot oven.
Then we headed to the iconic salt pans to learn how the sea salt is still hand-harvested. We met Alfred, a passionate and hard-working man who has spent his life harvesting salt on the coast of Xwejni Bay. They have a small cave where the salt is stored, and you can purchase it directly from the family-run business.
Leanne then guided us to taste the Gozitan staples, including fresh sourdough bread, with fresh tomatoes, kunserva, olive oil, and sea salt under the olive trees overlooking Ta’ Pinu Basilica.
Our final stop was to meet Mark from San Blas Groves near San Blas Beach. He makes handmade liqueurs using organic fruit like lemons, mandarins, oranges, pomegranates, and prickly pears, leaving the zest to infuse for weeks for maximum flavour. He also cares for 25 cats that keep the local fields clear of rabbits!
BOOK | A Taste of Gozo sunset food tour, or book other food tour options
In the afternoon, head to Dwejra Bay. When searching on Google Maps, use “Blue Hole” or “Inland Sea” instead of “Dwejra Bay,” as that might take you to a quarry. From the Inland Sea car park, walk down the path near the church to find the boat tours. A 15-minute ride takes you through a sea cave to see coastal arches, orange coral, and dramatic cliffs. The famous Azure Window collapsed recently, creating a popular dive site.
The water clarity is excellent, so bring your snorkel and water shoes to swim in the Inland Sea’s clear waters. It’s the perfect way to end a day.
STAY | Block Hotel, Xlendi
A recently refurbished hotel with a chilled atmosphere, great food, and a modern rooftop pool — what more could you want? It’s in a fantastic location in Xlendi Bay and is linked to the Ritual Dive Centre below.
Day 6 - Dive in Xlendi Bay
Ever wanted to try scuba diving but didn’t want to commit to a PADI course? Rituals in Xlendi offers a try-dive experience, an introductory session designed for beginners to get a taste of diving. We’d highly recommend the Ritual Dive Centre for this. Jonny went out with Liam in Xlendi Bay and spotted baby barracudas and even an octopus!
If you’re not keen on diving, join a snorkelling session with Emily from Ritual, their in-house marine biologist who champions eco-initiatives across Gozo. At the Middle Finger site, we swam over endless seagrass meadows and spotted plenty of colourful fish, including cow bream and crabs, and even managed to see a scorpion fish.
Underwater photo credit - Ell @dandyblondie
Spend the afternoon relaxing in Xlendi Bay. Stop by Vanilla Ice Cream for the best in town; the Greek yoghurt flavour is so refreshing! For a late lunch or dinner, Terrazzo Restaurant & Beach Bar is a great choice, with live music and sunset views over the cliffs.
If you’re craving something casual, the Block Hotel has a rooftop bar and restaurant serving tasty burgers, pizza and Mexican food. Or, if you’re in the mood for seafood, try Mal Moll on the seafront for fresh Mediterranean dishes right by the water.
Take a stroll up to Xlendi Tower for panoramic views or follow the coastal path along the cliffs for dramatic scenery. The bay is dotted with colourful painted fishing boats and modern boats you can hire for a day trip along the coast to Dwejra.
STAY | Block Hotel, Xlendi
Day 7 - Ancient Temples and explore the Capital of Gozo
Before you leave Gozo, stop by the Ggantija Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s even older than the Pyramids and Stonehenge. You start inside a small museum that has fascinating artefacts and a short film that gives useful context for what you’ll see outside. The site isn’t huge and there’s little shade, so mornings or late afternoons are best.
Next, wander into Victoria and pick up a few locally made souvenirs. Skip the cheap tat, one way to check is where the items are made and if it’s not from Malta or Gozo it’s not local. We’d recommend PRETI Artigjanali close to St Georges square, which sells beautiful and genuine Gozitan products, handmade ceramics, chocolate, jewellery and crafts by supporting local artisans.
Take the time to wander the streets of Victoria, especially the pedestrianised areas around St George’s Basilica along Triq il-Karita. Look out for all the beautiful doorframes, potted plants and of course, street cats.
Explore the Citadel, which is open all day and perfect for soaking up sweeping views over Gozo’s rooftops and countryside. There are several museums inside that close at 5 pm, and during the warmer months, try to visit when it’s cooler if you can. Stick around for sunset if you have time, it has panoramic views across Victoria and beyond.
If you have spare time, pass through Fontana, a quaint little village just outside Victoria, with a lovely old fountain and valley views.
Where to stay in Gozo
Read our in-depth guide to campsites, hotels and unique accommodation and the best places to stay in Gozo.
This easy-to-use map below will help you find your dream stay in Gozo. Select your dates in the search bar below and compare the best prices across the main booking sites to show you the best deals.
We hope this 7-day Gozo itinerary has given you a taste of just how much more this hidden gem is than a quick day trip from Malta. From ancient temples and spectacular dive sites to scenic coastal walks and that famously warm Gozitan welcome, Gozo is the perfect place to slow down and breathe in the fresh, salty Mediterranean air.
If you’re planning your own trip, don’t miss our detailed Gozo travel guides to help you plan where to go, what to do, and how to make the most of your visit:
Ultimate Gozo Travel Guide — everything you need to know about planning your trip, from how to get to Gozo to driving around the island.
Where to Stay on Gozo — the best areas and accommodations in Gozo for every travel style, from traditional farmhouses to modern boutique hotels.
Best Beaches on Gozo — discover the top sandy beaches and secret swimming coves in Gozo.
Diving for the First Time in Gozo — our firsthand experience on a beginner dive with Ritual Dive, plus the best dive sites for beginners on Gozo.
