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Gozo is Malta’s smaller quieter sister island, and choosing where to stay here can shape your entire experience whislt staying on the island. Gozo is compact, yet each village offers a different atmosphere. Some areas are busier than others and coastal locations are the most popular. Rural locations are quieter and more peaceful. Some suit beach days and diving trips, while others are better for romantic evenings and countryside views.
Unlike larger destinations, Gozo is not about moving between neighbourhoods every day. It is about choosing the right base and enjoying a slower pace. Whether you are visiting for swimming, diving, boutique stays, or a relaxed Mediterranean escape, this guide explains the best areas to stay in Gozo and which hotels suit different types of visitors.
How to Use This Guide
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Contents
Gozo may be small, but choosing the right area to base yourself on the island will depending on what you value more. While nowhere is more than a short drive away, each village has a distinct atmosphere.
Broadly speaking, Gozo offers:
Central villages with the most restaurants and transport links
Coastal bays with swimming access and sea views
Rural inland areas with farmhouses and countryside charm
Western villages close to dramatic cliffs and diving sites
Before choosing your hotel, think about what matters most on during your visit. Do you want walkable restaurants each evening? Is sea access important? Are you planning to dive? Will you rent a car? Do you prefer boutique charm or resort-style comfort?
Here is a quick breakdown of the main areas we cover in this guide:
Victoria (Rabat) – Best for convenience, restaurants, and transport connections
Xaghra – Best for village charm and proximity to Ramla Bay
Xlendi – Best for scenic sea views and diving access
Marsalforn – Best for casual seaside stays and summer atmosphere
San Lawrenz – Best for luxury resorts and quiet countryside
Nadur – Best for farmhouse stays and panoramic island views
Victoria, also known as Rabat, is the capital of Gozo and the island’s most central base. It sits in the middle of the island, making it convenient for reaching both the northern beaches and the southern coastal villages within a short drive.
The town has the widest choice of restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, and shops in Gozo. The historic Citadel overlooks the town and offers panoramic views across the island, particularly at sunset. While it is not directly by the sea, Victoria is practical, well connected, and busy throughout the year.
Victoria suits:
First-time visitors
Travellers without a car
Short stays
Visitors who prioritise restaurants and amenities
Anyone wanting easy transport connections
The Duke Boutique Hotel
The Duke Boutique Hotel is one of the best options in Victoria. Rooms are modern and comfortable, and some offer views toward the Citadel. Its central location makes it ideal for exploring the island without needing to rely heavily on transport.
BOOK | THE DUKE BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Maria Rosa Suites
Maria Rosa Suites is a small and well-maintained guesthouse located close to the Citadel. Rooms are simple but tastefully designed, and the location allows easy walking access to restaurants and shops. It is a good choice for a comfortable and affordable central stay.
Townhouse17
Townhouse17 is a modern boutique stay in central Victoria with clean design and a relaxed atmosphere. Some rooms feature balconies, and the rooftop terrace offers views toward the Citadel. It suits couples and short city-style stays.
Xaghra is one of the most charming villages in Gozo. It sits slightly inland but close to Ramla Bay, one of the island’s most beautiful sandy beaches. The village square is lively but relaxed, with several good restaurants and cafés.
Accommodation here often includes converted farmhouses and boutique hotels with character. Xaghra feels traditional and peaceful while still offering dining options in the evenings.
Xaghra suits:
Couples
Boutique hotel seekers
Travellers wanting beach access nearby
Visitors who enjoy village atmosphere
Visits to Ġgantija Archaeological Park
Cornucopia Hotel
Cornucopia Hotel is set in a restored farmhouse and combines traditional architecture with modern comfort. With countryside views and a peaceful setting, it offers an intimate and relaxed base close to Ramla Bay.
Il-Logga Boutique Hotel
Il-Logga Boutique Hotel offers modern, well-designed rooms with rooftop views across the Gozitan countryside. It is located close to Xaghra’s main square, making it easy to walk to restaurants while still enjoying a calm setting.
Xlendi is one of Gozo’s prettiest coastal spots. The small bay is surrounded by cliffs, with calm water that is perfect for swimming. Waterfront restaurants line the promenade, creating a scenic and relaxed setting.
It is quieter and more romantic than Marsalforn, making it especially popular with couples. Xlendi is also one of Gozo’s diving hubs, with several dive centres operating from the bay.
Xlendi suits:
Couples
Scenic stays
Divers
Relaxed coastal holidays
Hotel San Andrea
Hotel San Andrea is located directly on the waterfront promenade in Xlendi. Rooms are comfortable and many offer sea views, making it a strong choice for couples who want to wake up overlooking the bay. Its central position means restaurants and swimming spots are just steps away.
St. Patrick’s Hotel
St. Patrick’s Hotel offers a bright and comfortable stay right on Xlendi Bay. The rooftop terrace and sea-facing rooms are highlights, and the relaxed atmosphere suits travellers who want scenery without resort pricing.
Block
Block is a modern and minimalist option slightly set back from the waterfront. Apartments are spacious and well designed, making them ideal for longer stays or couples who prefer a more contemporary base.
Hotel Xlendi Resort & Spa
Hotel Xlendi Resort & Spa offers larger facilities including indoor and outdoor pools. It is a practical choice for travellers who want a few more amenities while still being close to the bay.
Marsalforn is one of Gozo’s main seaside villages. It has a small promenade, easy swimming access, and a casual, practical atmosphere. It can feel livelier in summer and is popular with both locals and visitors.
It is less romantic than Xlendi but more energetic, with more dining options along the waterfront.
Marsalforn suits:
Families
Casual beach stays
Divers
Summer visitors
Lantern Guest House
Lantern Guest House offers simple, affordable rooms close to the waterfront. It is a practical option if you want easy access to swimming and dining without boutique pricing.
Calypso Hotel
Calypso Hotel is located on the seafront with views over Marsalforn Bay. It offers comfortable rooms and a rooftop terrace, making it one of the most convenient and established stays in the area.
Murella Living
Murella Living is a colourful and characterful boutique-style guesthouse just behind the promenade. Rooms are individually designed, giving it more personality than standard seaside hotels.
Electra Guesthouse
Electra Guesthouse is a budget-friendly option right by the water. Rooms are simple but clean, and the location is ideal for a short, easy stay in Marsalforn.
San Lawrenz is one of the quietest and most refined areas in Gozo. Located inland on the western side of the island, it sits close to Dwejra Bay and some of Gozo’s most dramatic coastal landscapes, including limestone cliffs and open countryside.
This area feels more rural and spacious than the seaside villages. Accommodation here is typically resort-style or countryside based, offering privacy, landscaped grounds, and spa facilities rather than walkable promenades and restaurants.
San Lawrenz suits:
Luxury travellers
Spa and wellness breaks
Couples seeking privacy
Visitors wanting peace and open landscapes
Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz
Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz is Gozo’s most established luxury resort. Set within landscaped gardens, it offers multiple pools, a large spa, and a tranquil setting. It is ideal for a refined and quiet stay.
BOOK | KEMPINSKI HOTEL SAN LAWRENZ
Mood Farmhouse B&B
Mood Farmhouse B&B is a smaller, more intimate option in the countryside. It combines rustic Gozitan architecture with modern comfort and suits travellers looking for a quieter boutique stay.
Nadur sits on higher ground with panoramic views across Gozo. It feels residential and local, with fewer hotels and more private farmhouses.
This area is peaceful and scenic, making it ideal for slower trips and travellers who prefer a more authentic village atmosphere.
Nadur suits:
Farmhouse stays
Quiet escapes
Longer visits
Quaint Boutique Hotel Nadur
Quaint Boutique Hotel Nadur offers modern rooms within a traditional stone building in the heart of the village. It is a comfortable and convenient option with easy access to local restaurants.
BOOK | QUAINT BOUTIQUE HOTEL NADUR
Ta' Rosalba B&B
Ta' Rosalba B&B is a small guesthouse offering a relaxed, homely atmosphere. It is well suited to travellers looking for a simple and affordable base in a quiet part of Gozo.
Looking for the perfect place to stay? Then use our handy interactive map below.
Gozo is one of the Mediterranean’s top diving destinations, known for exceptional visibility, dramatic underwater arches, caves, reef systems, and famous sites such as the Inland Sea and Blue Hole. If diving is a primary focus of your trip, choosing the right base will make your stay much smoother.
While Gozo is small, early dive briefings and equipment transport can make location more important than you might expect.
Xlendi
Xlendi is widely considered one of Gozo’s main diving hubs. Several dive centres operate directly from the bay, and a number of shore dives begin nearby. The sheltered inlet makes entry straightforward, and equipment transport is easy.
Staying in Xlendi reduces early morning travel and works particularly well for multi-day diving itineraries.
Marsalforn
Marsalforn is another strong option for divers. It has established dive schools and a practical seaside layout with accommodation, cafés, and dive centres within walking distance.
This area suits group trips and longer dive-focused stays, especially in summer when the village has a livelier atmosphere.
San Lawrenz and Dwejra
If you plan to dive sites around Dwejra, including the famous Blue Hole and Inland Sea, staying near San Lawrenz can reduce travel time. This area is quieter and more rural but places you close to some of Gozo’s most iconic dive locations.
For dive-focused trips:
Choose accommodation close to your dive centre
Confirm whether equipment storage is available
Ask about early breakfast or packed options
Consider renting a car if diving multiple areas
If diving is your priority, basing yourself near your primary dive operator will make your trip significantly easier and more relaxed.
It is possible to visit Gozo without renting a car, but your choice of base becomes more important.
Victoria is the most practical area if you are relying on public transport. It has the island’s main bus connections, the widest choice of restaurants and shops, and everything is walkable once you arrive. From here, buses connect to the main coastal villages and beaches.
Xlendi and Marsalforn can also work without a car if you are happy to stay primarily within one village. Both offer swimming access, restaurants, and accommodation within walking distance, making them suitable for relaxed stays.
However, Gozo’s beaches and scenic viewpoints are spread across the island. Renting a car gives you far more flexibility to explore hidden bays, coastal walks, and inland villages at your own pace. If you plan to move around frequently, a car will make your stay easier.
Most visitors visit Gozo only for a short day trip from Malta, however we think Gozo is really worth spending more time on. Staying between three and five nights, which is enough time to experience the island without rushing. This allows you to explore different coastal villages, swim in multiple bays, visit the Citadel in Victoria, and enjoy relaxed evenings in village squares.
If you want a slower pace with time for diving, boat trips, or countryside walks, four or five nights feels ideal. Gozo is not about ticking off attractions quickly. It rewards unhurried travel and time spent enjoying the scenery.
Even a short stay feels noticeably calmer than mainland Malta. With the right base, a few days in Gozo can feel like a proper island escape rather than a quick stopover.
Book early in peak summer months. July and August are the busiest times, and boutique hotels and farmhouses fill up quickly.
Decide between coastal views or countryside calm. Seafront villages offer swimming and restaurants, while inland areas provide more space and privacy.
Confirm parking if renting a car. Some village streets are narrow, and not all properties offer private parking.
Check minimum stay requirements. Farmhouses and villas often require longer bookings, particularly in summer.
Choose location based on your main activities. Divers may prefer Xlendi or Marsalforn, beach lovers may prioritise proximity to Ramla Bay, and those without a car should consider Victoria.
Look at recent guest reviews. Smaller boutique properties vary in style and facilities, so up-to-date reviews are helpful.
Is Victoria the best place to stay in Gozo?
Victoria is the most central and convenient area, particularly if you are not renting a car. It offers the widest choice of restaurants, shops, and bus connections, making it a practical base for short stays.
What is the prettiest area to stay in Gozo?
Xlendi and Xaghra are often considered the most scenic. Xlendi offers dramatic sea views and a cliff-lined bay, while Xaghra combines village charm with countryside and proximity to Ramla Bay.
Do you need a car in Gozo?
A car is not essential, but it makes exploring beaches, dive sites, and rural villages much easier. Public buses connect most areas, though services can be limited in the evenings.
Is Gozo good for couples?
Yes. Gozo is quieter and more romantic than mainland Malta, with boutique hotels, farmhouses, sea views, and relaxed village evenings that suit couples very well.
Is Gozo better than Malta for a quiet stay?
Gozo is generally much quieter and less developed than Malta. It is better suited to travellers looking for slower pace, nature, and fewer crowds.
Which area is best for beaches in Gozo?
Xaghra is closest to Ramla Bay, the island’s best sandy beach. Marsalforn and Xlendi offer easy sea access, though they are rocky rather than sandy.
How far is Gozo from Malta Airport?
Gozo is reached via ferry from Malta’s Cirkewwa terminal. From Malta International Airport, the total journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours including transfer and ferry crossing.
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