Gozo
Travel Guide

Gozo travel guide

Gozo took me by surprise. I’d expected a Mediterranean island and got something that felt more like stepping back in time – rustic stone buildings, unhurried streets, and on our first morning, a group of pensioners playing bingo in the church gardens. There was also a telephone box that had been converted into a village library, which I loved.

And then there was the water. I’ve never seen anything glisten like that.

Gozo is Malta’s smaller, quieter sister island, just a short ferry ride away. It’s less polished than a lot of European destinations and completely unapologetically so. We first visited in 2022 with our daughter, who was 16 months old, and we came because we have family in Qala – a quiet residential village that most visitors never make it to. That gave us a very different experience of the island than you’d get staying somewhere more touristy.

With my aunt and uncle planning to spend much more time there in retirement, we’ll be back. This guide covers everything we know about Gozo so far, with links to more detailed posts on beaches, things to do, getting there, and whether it’s worth the trip with kids.

Gozo travel essentials at a glance

🗣️ Language: Maltese and English
💶 Currency: Euro (€)
🕐 Time zone: Central European Time (CET)
🔌 Plug type: Type G plugs (same as UK)
💳 Cash or card: Card widely accepted, but carry some cash for smaller stalls
📅 Best time to visit: April-October with July-August being hottest and busiest
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family friendly: Yes, calmer than some Mediterranean islands
🚢 How to get there: Direct flights from many UK airports to Malta, then ferry to Gozo – see our guide on how to get from Malta to Gozo
🚌 Public transport: Buses connect the island but aren’t frequent. Car hire is recommended to explore
🍴 Cuisine: Mediterranean – rabbit stew is the national dish, also expect seafood, ftire (local bread), Pastizzi and lots of Italian influence

Plan your trip

If you’re planning a trip to Gozo, these guides cover everything we actually did and saw during our week on the island, with practical advice for families and first time visitors.

Is Gozo worth visiting?

A complete travel guide to Gozo, including how long to stay, the best beaches, local food, transport tips, and practical advice for planning your trip.

Is Gozo worth visiting?

Top 10 things to do in Gozo

Planning a trip to Malta and wondering whether Gozo is worth visiting? Here are my top things to do in Gozo — a family-focused guide to Malta’s quieter sister island.

Top 10 things to do in Gozo

How to get from Malta to Gozo

A complete guide on how to get from Malta to Gozo, including travel options from Malta Airport, ferry schedules, ticket prices, organised tours, and what it’s really like making the journey with a toddler.

How to get from Malta to Gozo

Best beaches in Gozo

This guide covers the best beaches in Gozo, from toddler friendly sandy spots to coves suited to older kids and adventurous swimmers, plus practical details on facilities, parking, and nearby cafés.

Best beaches in Gozo

How to use this Gozo travel guide

If you’re just starting to plan, begin with the “Is Gozo worth visiting?” guide and transport advice to get your bearings. Ready to explore? Head to the Top 10 things to do and best beaches posts to start shaping your itinerary. Travelling with kids? You’ll find family friendly tips woven throughout every guide.
This Gozo travel guide will keep growing as we spend more time on the island – all based on real trips, with practical advice for families and first time visitors.

Gozo FAQs

Yes, without hesitation. It’s quieter and less polished than a lot of Mediterranean destinations, and that’s exactly what makes it worth it. If you want clear water, genuine local culture and a pace that actually lets you switch off, Gozo delivers all of that.

Really good, actually. It’s relaxed, locals are warm with children, and there’s plenty to keep little ones happy without needing a packed itinerary. The beaches are calm, the roads are quiet, and it never felt overwhelming with a toddler in tow.

We spent a full week and didn’t run out of things to do. You could cover the highlights in a long weekend, but a week gives you time to actually settle in rather than rush. If you’re doing a day trip from Malta you’ll see the main sights, but you won’t really get a feel for the island.

July and August are peak summer and extremely hot – we visited in summer and the heat ruled out a couple of things we’d planned to do with our daughter. June is probably the sweet spot, warm enough without being overwhelming. May half term is also worth considering if you’re travelling with school age kids, though flight prices reflect that.

Not at all. Dining out is very affordable, attractions are either free or low cost, and self-catering accommodation is particularly good value – especially if you’re travelling with family or another couple and can share a villa or farmhouse with a private pool. Car hire is worth budgeting for as you’ll want the flexibility.

You fly into Malta Airport and then make your way to the ferry. There are two crossing points – Cirkewwa, which takes cars and is the most popular, and Valletta for foot passengers. We got a taxi from the airport to Cirkewwa. See our full guide on getting from Malta to Gozo for everything you need to know.

Yes, we felt completely comfortable throughout our trip, including with a young toddler. It’s a small, tight knit island with a relaxed atmosphere and we never had any concerns.

Gozo
Travel Guide