Gozo Travel Guide

Malta's little sister island of Gozo invites visitors to put on their walking shoes. Life here moves at a leisurely pace, its rhythms dictated by the seasons, with a rugged landscape and beautiful coastline just crying out for exploration. Inland, flowering herbs and hardy Mediterranean crops cover the small island, and in summer it is fragrant with oleander, bougainvillea, and geranium. The island has some picturesque rock formations, fascinating caves, and lovely beaches.

Gozo has some of the Mediterranean's best snorkelling and scuba diving sites, but it is also a place of myth and legend, believed to be Calypso's island in Homer's . The countryside is dotted with old stone farmhouses and Baroque churches, as well as some prehistoric temples and other historic sites of importance.

The commercial centre of the island, Victoria, has a sleepy 17th-century feel. The town has many buildings of historical and cultural interest, mostly situated inside the Citadel, the ancient fortified part of the town. In the Citadel, tourists can enjoy numerous museums and wonderful views of the entire island. Gozo is a quiet, ancient, and atmospheric tourist destination and is reachable from Malta's Grand Harbour by ferry in about 20 minutes.

Things to do in Gozo

Gozo is a sleepy, dreamy, and ancient island. The rugged coastline offers visitors some wonderful swimming spots, a few sandy beaches, scenic cliffside walks, and world-class scuba diving sites. The iconic Azure Window and surrounding Dwejra Bay are a must for visitors, as is Xlendi Beach, with its dramatic white cliffs and turquoise water.

Those interested in the geological features of the island, or in Greek mythology, will enjoy exploring the caves of Xachra, including Calypso Cave, named for the nymph that supposedly seduced Odysseus to stay with her on the island. The mysterious and ancient Ggantija Temples, which seem to grow naturally out of the rocky landscape, are UNESCO-listed and very exciting to explore. There are many cultural and historical attractions clustered together in the Citadel.

This old, fortified section of Victoria houses a number of interesting museums and boasts some of the best views in Malta. Gozo also has a number of beautiful churches, including Our Lady of Ta' Pinu Basilica, the Church of St. John the Baptist, and St. George's Basilica. It's not exactly a party destination, but a holiday in Malta is incomplete without a jaunt around beautiful Gozo.

The Citadel photo

The Citadel

A good place to begin exploring Gozo is the Citadel, or Citadella, an historic castle right in the centre of Victoria. The area that is now the Citadel was first fortified around 1500 BC, with further developments occurring under Phoenician and Roman rule. Up until the 18th century, it was the only fortified refuge against attack for Gozo's inhabitants. From the ramparts of this fascinating sanctuary, visitors can admire sweeping views of the whole islands. Happily, the Citadel houses a number of attractions and makes for an exciting visit. The Gozo Museum of Archaeology, found just inside the walls of the Citadel, is a 17th-century building that was originally the town hall. It provides great insight into the history of the island, also illustrating the cultural history of Gozo from prehistoric times to the early modern era. Presented chronologically, this collection covers the Neolithic Period, the Phoenicians, the Romans, medieval times, and the emergences of the Knights of St John. The Citadel also houses the spooky Old Prison, which is now a museum. One of the Citadel's greatest treasures is the beautiful 17th-century Baroque cathedral. The Citadel could easily keep tourists occupied for a few hours with the views alone justifying a visit.

Ggantija Temples photo

Ggantija Temples

Sometime between 4,100 BC and 2,500 BC, Pre-Phoenician Gozitans carved two massive megaliths into temples that now stand as mysterious monuments to a bygone age. Legend has it that they were transported to the island by a giantess called Sansuna, hence the site's name: A gantija. Large stone balls in the area have led archaeologists to conclude that the massive blocks were rolled into place. Two temples have a common facade but each has a separate entrance. Inside the walls, animal sacrifices occurred during ritual observances. The temples, along with other similar complexes on the main island of Malta, are documented as the oldest free-standing structures in the world. For this reason, the extremely impressive A gantija Temples are a famous UNESCO Word Heritage Site. But the site is not equipped with as much information as some visitors might desire. It's best to do some research beforehand or to join a guided tour as added knowledge greatly enriches the A gantija experience.

Caves of Xaghra photo

Caves of Xaghra

The alabaster caves at Xaghra feature amazing stalactites and stalagmites. One of them, named Calypso Cave, has an important place in Greek mythology and overlooks the red sand of Gozo's best beach, Ramla Ihamra. The grotto is believed to be the one referred to in Homer's Odyssey as being where the beautiful nymph, Calypso, kept Odysseus for seven years. Visitors have fantastic views over the bay while below remains a fortification built by the Knights of St John. Two other caves worth visiting at Xaghra are Xerri's Grotto and Ninu's Grotto, both geologically magnificent. Discovered by local families whilst digging wells on their properties, visiting the caves requires knocking on their doors and descending through their houses. The families are very friendly and happily show visitors around. Children enjoy exploring the caves and are recommended attractions for those travelling in Malta with kids or to anybody interested in the geology of the region.

Azure Window photo

Azure Window

A marvellous Maltese treat, the Azure Window is a distinctive rock formation forming a large arch over the brilliant blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Formed when several enormous caves collapsed, it's often been a perfect location for film shoots. Located in Gozo, near the tourist village of Dwejra, the Azure Window is a popular scuba diving site in Malta. Unfortunately, tourists aren't allowed to walk across the arch due to erosion, with the site in danger of falling apart altogether. If this happens, it will be renamed the Azure Pinnacle. This coastline boasts many secluded pebbled bathing pools and crystal clear water. The strange formations formed in lovely little pools makes swimming exciting, providing enjoyable diving in the blue hole near the Azure Window. The area's most famous formation is Fungus Rock, found near the entrance to a black lagoon. Heavily guarded during the era of the Knights of Malta because of a special plant with healing properties which grew upon it, stealing the plant meant death penalty.

Malta travel info

Electricity

230 volts, 50Hz. UK-style three-pin square plugs are used.

Language

English and Maltese are the official languages; Italian is also spoken

Money

The currency was changed to the Euro (EUR) in 2008 (Maltese lira are no longer accepted). Banks, ATMs and exchange bureaux can be found all over the islands, as well as foreign exchange machines in the tourist areas.

Banks generally open mornings Monday to Saturday, but exchange bureaux at the international airport are open 24 hours a day. Most hotels and restaurants, as well as many shops, accept American Express, MasterCard, and Visa.

Tipping

A gratuity of about 10 percent is expected in hotels and restaurants if a service charge is not included in the bill. Most services are tipped about five to 10 percent (including taxi drivers).

Health

There are no health risks associated with travel to Malta, and food and water are generally safe for consumption. Travellers coming from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Malta; all eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance. Medication should be available in Malta but those requiring specific prescription medication should take it with them in the original packaging, accompanied by a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing what the medicine is and why it is needed.

Safety

Malta is very safe for tourists. Crime is rare, though theft from parked cars and handbag snatching can occur. Local driving can be challenging so visitors should exercise caution on the roads.

Local customs

Travellers shouldn't wear skimpy clothing away from the beaches, and dress should be conservative when visiting churches.

Doing business

Business in Malta tends to be conducted in the same fashion as elsewhere in Europe in that punctuality is important and dress should be formal. A suit and tie are standard unless the weather is hot, in which case visitors can forgo the jacket.

Handshakes and the exchanging of business cards take place on greeting. English is widely spoken in business so a translator is unnecessary. Business hours can vary but are usually 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. Some businesses open for a half-day on Saturdays.

Duty free

Travellers arriving in Malta from non-EU countries do not need to pay customs duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco; 4 litres of wine and 2 litres of spirits. Travellers may carry personal items of non-commercial nature worth up to €430 when travelling by air or sea.

Communications

The country code for Malta is +356; visitors can purchase local SIM cards for unlocked phones and WiFi is available in cafes, restaurants and hotels.

Passport & Visa

The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Additionally, non-EEA passengers to Malta must hold return or onward tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. For visitors who are visa-exempt, extensions of stay are possible by reporting to the Police Headquarters in Malta, no later than one week prior to the expiration of the period of visa exemption. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if visitors are arriving from or have transited through an infected area. It is highly recommended that visitor's passports ha at least six months validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Malta. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

UK citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Malta. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Malta. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Malta. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Malta. A visa is required.

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid on arrival in Malta. No visa is required.

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Malta. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

Useful contacts

Official Tourism Website of Malta: www.visitmalta.com

Emergencies: 112

Embassies / consulates in other countries

Embassy of Malta, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Canada): +1 202 462 3611

Malta High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7292 4800

High Commission for Malta, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 6290 1724

Malta Honorary Consulate, Johannesburg, South Africa: +27 1 1435 0463

Embassy of Malta, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1676 2340

Embassies / consulates in Malta

United States Embassy, Valletta: +356 2561 4000

British High Commission, Ta'Xbiex: +356 2323 0000

Canadian Embassy, Rome, Italy (also responsible for Malta): +356 2552 3233

Australian High Commission, Ta' Xbiex: +356 2133 8201

South African Embassy, Rome, Italy (also responsible for Malta): +39 685 2541

Embassy of Ireland, Ta' Xbiex: +356 2133 4744

New Zealand Embassy, Rome, Italy (also responsible for Malta): +39 6853 7501