Things to do in Gozo: Top 10 must-sees

Discover Victoria, the vibrant capital of Gozo, nestled at the heart of the island and perched atop its highest point. Offering spellbinding panoramic vistas from the Citadel, Victoria enchants visitors with its lush valleys, gentle hills, and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea in the distance. Formerly known as Rabat, this historic city boasts a storied past dating back to 700 BC, when it was founded by the Phoenicians. As one of the oldest inhabited areas in the Maltese archipelago, Victoria is brimming with captivating sites of historical and cultural significance.

The cathedral is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary and has been the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Gozo since 1864. It features stunning architecture and religious significance.

Housed in a 17th-century noble residence that was originally known as Casa Bondi., this museum traces the cultural history of Gozo from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages.

This museum showcases Gozo’s flora, fauna, minerals, endemic species, and marine life. It also displays fossils, including fragments of elephant and hippopotamus bones from the glacial period. Notably, it houses a stone from the Apollo II lunar landing in 1969 and served as a World War II shelter.

Located in interconnected houses once owned by noble families, this museum houses a collection of traditional agricultural tools, blacksmithing equipment, mills, and woodworking tools, offering insights into the past life of Victoria.

These 16th-century buildings, used by the Knights of the Order until the 19th century, now serve as a historical exhibit. They feature prisoner graffiti, messages, and crosses, offering a glimpse into the island’s history.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu stands as a beacon of faith and hope in Gozo, Malta. Famed for its numerous reported miracles and answered prayers, the basilica has earned a revered status as a sanctuary of healing and solace. This sacred site attracts countless pilgrims who, moved by gratitude for prayers answered or blessings received, leave behind ex-voto offerings. These offerings, ranging from personal photographs to heartfelt letters and various personal items, form a poignant collection that is displayed in the basilica’s museum.

Once a famous landmark in Gozo, the Azure Window collapsed in 2017 due to natural erosion. In its absence, the Wied il-Mielaħ Window has gained prominence. Located in north-west Gozo, near Gharb, the Wied il-Mielaħ Window is an impressive natural limestone arch. Shaped over centuries by wind and sea, it is an outstanding example of geological art.

Dwejra Bay, once famous for the Azure Window, still offers interesting attractions worth exploring:

A peaceful lagoon connected to the Mediterranean Sea by a cliffside tunnel. Its tranquil waters are perfect for swimming, diving, and snorkeling, offering a unique aquatic experience.

A notable visitor attraction, stands as one of Gozo’s four remaining coastal watchtowers, alongside Xlendi Tower, Mġarr ix-Xini Tower, and Isopu Tower. Historically, these towers communicated with each other and nearby fortifications using fire and smoke signals, by night and day respectively. Open to the public without charge, the Tour de Dwejra offers an intriguing glimpse into Gozo’s historical coastal defenses.

The Fungus Rock a 60-meter high islet is known for the historically significant Maltese Fungus (Cynomorium coccineum), a parasitic plant esteemed for its believed healing properties by the Knights of St John.

Dwejra’s Blue Hole is probably the most famous dive site in Gozo, known for its spectacular underwater landscape of rock formations, arches and underwater caves teeming with marine life. Access to the Blue Hole can be tricky, with slippery and sometimes sharp rocks. Be sure to wear water shoes to avoid injury.

Ramla Bay, distinguished by its unique orange-tinged sand, stands as a captivating beach destination on Gozo. As the island’s largest sandy beach, it offers easy access via public transport, car, or a pleasant walk. Visitors can enjoy a range of amenities including sunbeds, umbrellas, and a variety of cafes and kiosks, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable beach experience.

Two main attractions near Ramla Bay are the Calypso Cave, known from Homer’s Odyssey, and the Tal-Mixta Cave, famous for its stunning views of the bay and its distinctive red sand. Both locations are excellent for photography enthusiasts, providing unique perspectives of the bay.

The Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs, also known as Sanap Cliffs, are situated on the southern coast of Gozo. They rise dramatically from the Mediterranean Sea, forming one of the highest points on the island. The cliffs are characterized by their sheer drop, some places reaching up to 140 meters above sea level.

The cliffs are a popular spot for walking and hiking. The area offers numerous trails that provide stunning views of the sea and the surrounding countryside. The walks along the cliff edge, while breathtaking, should be undertaken with caution due to the sheer drop. Additionally, the cliffs provide a romantic setting, making them an ideal spot to catch a mesmerizing sunset.

The Ġgantija site contains two Neolithic temples, dating back nearly 5,000 years before Christ. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Ġgantija Temples are considered to be among the oldest free-standing structures in the world. They date back to approximately 3600-3200 BC, making them older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. This antiquity places them in the Neolithic period, also known as the New Stone Age.

The name “Ggantija” comes from Maltese, meaning “giant’s tower,” reflecting the local legend that giants built the temples. The site consists of two temple complexes, Ggantija South and Ggantija North, both enclosed within massive boundary walls. The temples were built using large limestone blocks, some of which weigh over 50 tons, making them among the heaviest megaliths ever used in construction.

Located on the Xagħra plateau, the temple complex showcases the clever building skills of ancient people. The temples are mainly made from Coralline Limestone, a tough stone that lasts a long time. For parts inside like doorways and altars, they used a softer stone called Globigerina Limestone. Well-kept plaster pieces, colored with red ochre and displayed at the site’s Interpretation Centre, show that the original builders decorated the inside walls with paint.

The valley begins at Ta’ Dbieġi Hill before winding down through the village of l-Għasri, and on between iż-Żebbuġ and Ta’ Ġurdan Hill to meet the sea between impressive cliffs.

Wied il-Ghasri is a popular destination for divers and snorkellers, attracted by its famous underwater caves, in particular the famous Cathedral Cave also known as Blue Dome, located between Reqqa Point and Forna Point. This area is famous not only for its unique underwater structures, but also for the rich marine life that inhabits its waters, making it a great place to discover if you enjoy diving.

On Gozo’s north coast, just beyond Qbajjar Bay west of Marsalforn, you’ll find a unique sight: a mosaic of rock-cut salt pans extending into the sea. These 350-year-old salt pans, spanning about 3km along the coast, are not just picturesque; they are part of a centuries-old Gozitan tradition of sea-salt production, handed down through generations within specific families. The salt pans are a testament to Gozo’s rich cultural heritage.

Marsalforn is well known for its array of restaurants and eateries along the seafront, where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Maltese dishes. It’s a great place to relax and even sunbathe on the small beach. Don’t miss trying the local Maltese food at the restaurants.