Is Gozo Worth Visiting: Malta’s Hidden Gem
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Just a short ferry ride from Malta, the island of Gozo is often described as its quieter, greener sibling — and we’d have to agree. With its relaxed pace, dramatic coastline, and toddler-friendly adventures, Gozo turned out to be one of our favourite family holidays to date.
If you’re wondering “Is Gozo worth visiting?” — especially with little ones in tow — here’s everything we loved about about our family holiday in Gozo and this charming Mediterranean island, and why it might just deserve a top spot on your family travel wish list.
The island’s Mediterranean waters are stunningly clear, and that kind of ridiculous blue you usually only see on postcards, and the locals are lovely – warm, friendly, and full of stories if you’ve got time for a chat. There’s loads of things to do in Gozo with a toddler if you want, or you can just kick back and watch the world go by.
How to get to Gozo
If you’re visiting Gozo independently, you’ll need to hop on the Gozo ferry, which departs from either Valletta or Cirkewwa. It’s easy, affordable, and runs frequently — even late at night. I’ve written a full guide to getting from Malta Airport to the Gozo ferry here.
If you’re staying on Malta, you’ve got options:
Day trips – Several tours offer return transport and time to explore Gozo, often paired with a stop at the Blue Lagoon.
Boat trips – A fun option with snorkelling stops and a couple of hours to enjoy Gozo on foot.
How long to stay in Gozo?
We spent a full week in Gozo and never ran out of things to do — from beaches and boat rides to little towns full of charm. You could fit the highlights (like the Citadel and Victoria) into a day trip, but in my opinion, Gozo deserves a few unhurried days to truly take in its laid-back rhythm. You’ll find my Top 10 Things to Do in Gozo here.
Exploring Gozo’s Towns & Villages
Victoria (Rabat), the capital, is the beating heart of Gozo. We loved wandering through its cobbled streets, grabbing gelato in the square, and exploring the Citadel, a hilltop fortress with panoramic views. It’s part-buggy friendly and full of history.
Other hidden gems in Gozo include:
Xagħra – close to the Ġgantija Temples and filled with traditional charm.
Marsalforn – a relaxed seaside town with good restaurants.
Xlendi – great for sunsets, swimming, and seafood.
Best Beaches in Gozo for Families
While Gozo doesn’t have loads of sandy stretches, the ones it does have are safe, scenic, and perfect for kids. You can read my dedicated Gozo beaches guide here.
Ramla Bay – Golden-red sand, shallow water, a café and sunbeds. It’s one of the best Gozo beaches for families.
San Blas Bay – Small, peaceful, and more secluded. Worth the walk.
Xlendi Bay – Great for a paddle and evening walk.
Hondoq ir-Rummien – A local favourite near Qala, with calm waters and a lovely hidden-gem vibe.
Gozo’s Food Scene
Malta and Gozo’s food is hearty and full of flavour. Our favourites?
Pastizzis – Flaky pastry filled with ricotta or mushy peas. The ultimate on-the-go snack.
Rabbit stew – Malta’s national dish and a must-try if you’re into local cuisine.
Fresh seafood – Especially in Xlendi and Marsalforn, often grilled and served with island-grown veg.
Things to Do in Gozo with Kids
Gozo for families means low-stress adventures, fresh air, and lots of space to roam — no big queues or crowded tourist traps.
Boat trips from Xlendi or Dwejra are short and scenic.
The Citadel is brilliant for little explorers.
Ta’ Mena Estate offers family-friendly tastings and farm visits.
Salt pans are great for short wanders and spotting mini sea creatures.
Local playgrounds in most villages for a quick let-off-steam stop.
Nightlife in Gozo
Gozo’s nightlife is mellow and relaxed — which suited us just fine!
Xlendi has seafront bars perfect for cocktails and sea views.
In Victoria, you’ll find live music spots and quiet wine bars.
Most places are stroller-friendly and happy to serve food late, making evenings with kids doable and enjoyable.
History and Culture in Gozo
Gozo is steeped in history, and it’s super accessible for families:
Ġgantija Temples – Older than the pyramids and fascinating for all ages.
The Citadel – Central to Gozo’s story, with museums and viewpoints.
Ta’ Pinu Basilica – A peaceful hilltop church with epic views.
All across the island, you’ll stumble across ancient windmills, forts, and countryside chapels.
Getting around Gozo
We hired a car and found driving in Gozo stress-free. Quiet roads, left-hand driving (like in the UK), and short distances make it easy.
Public buses are clean and cheap if you’re happy to plan around timetables. The Tallinja app helps.
Taxis are fine for occasional use, but costs can add up.
Snorkelling and Diving in Gozo
Gozo is a dream for divers and snorkellers. The crystal-clear water (thanks to low algae levels) offers amazing visibility — up to 40m.
Blue Hole at Dwejra – A must-see for divers, especially since the collapse of the Azure Window in 2017.
PADI dive centres offer experiences for all levels.
Water temperatures stay between 25–29°C year-round.
Budget: Is Gozo Affordable?
For a Mediterranean island, Gozo is great value, especially compared to hotspots like Santorini or Ibiza.
Accommodation – Self-catering worked well for us and was very reasonable.
Dining – €10–15 for a main, with generous portions.
Car hire – Around €25–30 per day.
Attractions – Many of the best are either free or very low cost.
Cash vs Card in Gozo
Most places take card, but we did encounter a few that preferred cash — especially small kiosks or village cafés. Always handy to keep a few euros in your pocket just in case.
Final Thoughts: Is Gozo Worth Visiting?
So — Is Gozo worth visiting? Absolutely.
Whether you’re after lazy beach days, gentle family adventures, or a bit of Mediterranean culture without the crowds, Gozo for families hits the sweet spot.
We left with sun-kissed skin, happy memories, and a plan to return. Gozo’s hidden gems, friendly locals, and toddler-friendly pace made it a truly special trip.
More Gozo related blog posts:
Best Beaches in Gozo: Family-Friendly Guide
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How to get from Malta to Gozo – Ferry Options, Prices & Travel Tips
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