Gozo, Malta’s quieter sister island, is smaller and more rural. Moving at a slower pace, Gozo delivers a laid-back adventure with a mix of natural beauty, archaeological sites, charming towns, and excellent swimming spots. Having largely satisfied my interest in history on Malta, I focused on the rugged nature of Gozo, opting for hikes and vistas over towns and museums. I stayed in the capital of Gozo, Victoria, in St George’s Square at a small hotel called 39 St. George. It was charming and I could hear the church bells ringing.
I mostly ate snacks and a grocery store dinners on Gozo, as I was on the go frequently. One great meal was at One80 Kitchen at Mgarr Yacht Marina.
Things to do/see on Gozo:
Nature & Beaches:
Dwejra Bay and the Inland Sea
On Gozo’s western coast, Dwejra Bay is one of the island’s most dramatic and geologically fascinating areas. Known for its unique rock formations, deep blue waters, and otherworldly landscape, Dwejra is a must-visit for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone interested in Gozo’s natural wonders.
One of the most iconic features of the bay was the Azure Window, a limestone arch that sadly collapsed in 2017 due to natural erosion. Despite its loss, the area still holds a powerful allure. The collapsed remains now lie underwater, creating an exciting dive site for experienced scuba divers.
Just beside the main bay is the Inland Sea (Il-Qawra), a shallow, saltwater lagoon connected to the Mediterranean by a narrow tunnel through the cliffs. This sheltered pool, encircled by high rock walls, is a peaceful place for swimming and boating. Small traditional boats take visitors through the tunnel and out into the open sea—a thrilling journey that offers a unique perspective of the surrounding cliffs and caves.
On land, you can explore the Dwejra Tower, a historic watchtower built by the Knights of St. John, and the nearby Fungus Rock, a large limestone outcrop once believed to host a rare medicinal plant. The views from the cliffs are breathtaking, especially at sunset when the light bathes the rocks in a golden glow.
Sanap Cliffs
The Sanap Cliffs, located on the southern coast of Gozo near the village of Munxar, offer one of the island’s most spectacular and lesser-known coastal walks. Towering high above the Mediterranean, these cliffs are a quieter, more serene alternative to the more visited Dwejra or Dingli Cliffs, making them perfect for those seeking solitude and raw natural beauty.
The views here are simply stunning—sheer limestone cliffs drop dramatically into the deep blue sea, with layers of rock carved by centuries of wind and waves. On a clear day, you can even see to Malta. The landscape feels untouched and expansive, often with barely another soul in sight, especially if you visit early in the morning or later in the evening.
This area is ideal for walkers and photographers. A relatively easy path from Munxar leads to the edge of the cliffs, where you can follow a coastal trail with panoramic views, sea breezes, and the occasional glimpse of local wildlife or wildflowers in bloom, depending on the season.
Sunset here is especially magical—the sky shifts through soft pinks and golds, and the sea below glows with reflected light.
Marsalforn Bay
For a relaxed seaside break, head to Marsalforn, a coastal town popular for its beach, restaurants, and laid-back feel. It’s a great spot for lunch with a sea view, or a base for swimming and snorkelling.
Ramla Bay
Gozo’s most famous beach is Ramla Bay, known for its unique reddish-orange sand. It’s a wide, sandy beach backed by rolling hills and greenery, offering a rare sandy beach experience in Malta. The water here is calm and great for swimming (just not in February). If you climb the path on the right-hand side of the beach, you’ll reach Calypso’s Cave, which is said to be referenced in Homer’s Odyssey.
Wied il-Għasri
Tucked away on the northern coast of Gozo, Wied il-Għasri is a narrow, winding gorge that carves its way between dramatic limestone cliffs and empties into a secluded pebble cove at the edge of the sea. It’s one of those places that feels like a secret—off the main tourist trail and tucked into a pocket of raw natural beauty.
The gorge is a favourite among swimmers, snorkelers, and those simply seeking a quiet spot to take in the stunning Maltese coastline. A steep stone staircase leads down to the cove, where the clear, cool water invites you in. The inlet is flanked by towering cliffs that offer shade in the late afternoon and shelter from windier days, making it a peaceful retreat.
For those interested in a bit of exploration, there are small caves and crevices along the rock walls, and snorkelers will love spotting marine life in the shallow, calm waters. Whether you’re stopping by for a swim or hiking along the cliffs above for panoramic views, Wied il-Għasri is a beautiful reminder of Gozo’s rugged and unspoiled charm.
I stopped here on my walk along the saltpans and back up to Zebbug. It was an 8 km route starting in Marsalforn and ending in Zebugg.
Historical Sights:
Visit the Citadel in Victoria
At the heart of Gozo is Victoria (Rabat), the island’s capital. The highlight here is the Citadel, a fortified city perched on a hill that offers panoramic views across Gozo. Walking through its narrow lanes and massive limestone walls gives you a sense of its medieval past. Inside the Citadel, you’ll find several museums, including the Gozo Museum of Archaeology and the Old Prison.
Dwejra Bay is not only visually striking, but it also encapsulates Gozo’s deep connection to the sea, geology, and history. Whether you’re diving, hiking, boating, or simply soaking in the views, it’s a place that leaves a lasting impression.
Ta’ Pinu Basilica
Standing in a rural spot outside the village of Gharb, Ta’ Pinu Basilica is a peaceful and beautiful pilgrimage site. The church is known for miraculous healings and spiritual experiences, and its architecture and isolation add to the serene feeling of the place. Make sure to climb up Għammar Hill for amazing views of Ta’Pinu. The route is worn and uphill, so make sure to wear appropriate footwear. There are also various sculptures situated along the route representing the stations of the cross.
Ġgantija Temples
In case you didn’t get enough of prehistoric structures on Malta. Older than the pyramids of Egypt, the Ġgantija Temples in Xagħra are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and among the world’s oldest free-standing structures. The complex includes two Neolithic temples built from massive stone blocks, dating back over 5,000 years. The adjacent interpretation centre adds great context to the site.
Salt Pans near Zebbug
On the north coast, near the village of Żebbuġ, you’ll find a striking stretch of salt pans, a checkerboard carved into the rock. These saltpans are over 350 years old and still in use today, using traditional methods. During the summer months, seawater collected in the shallow reservoirs evaporates, leaving behind salt crystals. The remaining salt is then further dried and stored in caves carved into the coastal rock. Walking along the coastline here, especially at sunset, is incredibly picturesque. You may even find vendors selling small bags of local sea salt. Who knew salt could be so beautiful!?
Gozo is an easy day trip from Malta. But with so much to see, staying a few nights lets you enjoy quiet evenings, wild nature, and star-filled skies.
Pin me for later
You might also like…
Leave a Reply