Gozo is the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago, a cluster of five islands, three of which are inhabited. The island of Gozo is located just about 30 minutes north of Malta itself, accessible via a high-speed ferry. Not only is Gozo one of the most popular vacation spots for Maltese people looking for a more relaxed escape from urban areas, but it’s also a must-visit for tourists visiting Malta. During a Malta vacation, many tourists choose to visit this “sister island”, which has a more rural feel and a unique landscape.
Planning a visit to this relaxed little island on your next trip to Malta? Here are the top five things you won’t want to miss in Gozo.
Salt pans
Of all the things to do in Gozo, visiting the salt pans was my personal favorite. These 350-year-old salt pans are not only gorgeous to look at on the sea, but also are quite interesting from a practical perspective. Located on the northern coast of the island of Gozo, this method of producing salt uses a simple method that collects seawater into limestone reservoirs.
The island sun then heats the water, allowing for evaporation to leave behind pure salt crystals. After a few months, salt can then be dried, stored, and processed for use. I found the area to be super interesting (and beautiful to explore). You can walk several miles along the coast and explore salt pans of all sizes. If you head into any local store in Gozo, you can purchase this unique type of sea salt, which I found to have a very strong “salty” taste.
Ġgantija Archaeological Park
If you’re into history and archeology, you won’t want to miss a stop at one of the coolest Heritage Malta sites, Ġgantija Archaeological Park. This park consists of two structures dating back to the Neolithic era ( built between c.3600 and c.3200 BC) and is one of the earliest Megalithic Temples of Malta. These temples were once used as a spiritual hub for the Gozo community and are now marked as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
You can spend anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours here exploring, depending on your level of interest in learning historical facts about the site. If you’re visiting in the summer, beware that this area is not shaded whatsoever and can get especially hot. Even if you’re not crazy about historical activities, a walk through this structure is still pretty fascinating and worth adding to your Gozo itinerary.
Dwejra Bay
A visit to Dwejra Bay is another popular thing to do while in Gozo, an area with some cool underwater caves and rock formations. There’s a lot to do in the Bay Area, including swimming, diving, and boat trips. I chose to do a small, 20-minute boat trip, which takes you underneath and through the caves and rock cliffs for some pretty epic views. The experience takes you through various tunnels and provides a cool visual of Gozo’s Blue Grotto. Just be sure to have some euros on hand, as these short boat trips are cash-only (you’ll pay at the end of the boat ride).
I liked this short experience because it offered a nice visual of the area without being at sea too long. However, for those who prefer a longer experience, various longer boat trips in the area go further out and explore more of the area. Many divers also visit this area to check out the Blue Hole, one of Gozo’s best diving sites.
The Citadel (Citadella) and Victoria
The Citadella is one of Gozo’s most visited areas, which encompasses an ancient fortified city that was once used as a place of shelter in the Bronze Age. Later, this area was used as a military outpost by the Knights of St. John. This fortified city can be viewed throughout the entire island of Gozo; however, it’s a must-visit for a visit to walk around the inside.
Inside the Citadella, tourists can explore the Gozo Old Prison, Gozo Nature Museum, the Museum of Archeology, and many other learning sites that provide a detailed outline of the historical significance of the Citadella. After you’re done exploring the Citadella itself, be sure to walk around the town of Victoria that surrounds it. This area is now the capital city of Gozo and has lots of restaurants, bars, and shops to explore during your visit (and lots of great places to try a Pastizzi, a traditional Maltese pastry stuffed with either mashed peas or ricotta cheese).
Xlendi Bay
Xlendi Bay is one of Gozo’s most beautiful and lively areas, featuring a rocky beach and crystal-clear waters. This area has so much to do to spend an entire day to spend here alone, from swimming to sunbathing to exploring the local restaurants and shops within the region. The Xlendi Bay area has a uniquely quiet atmosphere, as it was once a tiny fishing village. If you’re looking for somewhere to grab a great bite and cocktails, check out Soco Point, a restaurant with outdoor seating that overlooks the Xlendi Bay area. This spot has awesome cocktails and refreshing frozen iced coffee.
