9 Best Things to Do in Gozo

The Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu Basilica is a soaring structure between the villages of Gharb and Ghammar. Built between 1920 and 1931, it’s the destination for various religious pilgrimages in Gozo. This beautiful church also houses a wealth of sculptures and crafts produced from Maltese stone.

The church’s neo-romantic design includes 6 mosaics and an array of stained-glass windows, with a steeple that rises to a towering 61 meters high. Opposite the Basilica along Ghammar Hill, there's a series of 14 marble statues depicting the Via Crucis or the Stations of the Cross.

The Gozo Cittadella dates back to the Middle Ages, positioned on a lofty hillside and surrounded by ancient walls that kept foreign raiders out. Today, this alluring centerpiece of Rabat (Victoria) – Gozo's largest city – presents you with a myriad of laneways, markets, shops and other staples of Maltese culture.

Many of the Cittadella’s greatest buildings remain only in ruins, but several have been kept fully in use despite their age, including the Old Courts of Law and the Old Governor's Palace. Plus, there's an array of museums showcasing artifacts and trinkets. Be sure to head to the central marketplace of It-Tokk to find some great local produce and garments.

Dwejra Bay is a striking destination on the west coast of Gozo. Named after a small house that once occupied the beachfront, the shallow waters extend into a stunning 60-meter-long cave. Part of the reason that locals and tourists flock to this bay is for the striking rock formations, which have been naturally carved out over thousands of years.

Dwejra Bay is also popular among those who enjoy snorkeling. There are plenty of underwater scenes to enjoy, either in the shallows or the Blue Hole, a nearby picturesque dive site. There's also the possibility of soaking up the scenery from a fishing boat, which travels around from the other side of the cliffs.

The Villa Rundle Gardens provide a serene haven away from Rabat's busy streets during the peak of Malta's tourist season. The garden was named after British General Leslie Rundle, who established it in 1915. Featuring a variety of local and imported species, this central oasis is where you can escape the heat underneath Canary Palm trees.

Set around a towering fountain, the garden's connected paths are dotted with modern and classical sculptures. Once the sun goes down, the garden is lit up with colorful decorations. The Villa Rundle Gardens are a tranquil spot to catch your breath after a long day of sightseeing and swimming in Rabat.

Marsalforn Bay is a pebble-and-sand beach that offers outstanding swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling opportunities. It’s a popular summertime destination located around 4.5 km north-east of Rabat (Victoria). The surrounding waterfront promenade stretches the entire length of the bay, offering some unbeatable views.

Set between numerous hotels and guesthouses, the promenade has great restaurants and bars serving delicious Gozitan cuisine and cold drinks. Pick a spot with terrace dining and enjoy a meal as you overlook Marsalforn Bay’s immaculate landscape. Many of the venues stay open late into the night, lighting up the waterfront with live music and fun parties.

Daħlet Qorrot Beach lies on Gozo's scenic north-western coast, between the charming villages of Nadur and Qala. The pebbly beach's distance from many of the island's major towns means it remains relatively quiet throughout the year. But its stunning turquoise waters and pristine landscape make it one of Gozo's top coastal settings.

Daħlet Qorrot's shallow water means that it's a great place to visit with the family. The nearby rocks are also popular places to dive, plus there's a ladder to help you climb in and out of the sea. If the sun gets too hot, there are some small rocky inlets for shelter, as well as benches set beneath shady trees.

Tal-Massar Winery offers insight into the island's much-loved Gozitan cuisine. Since 1934, the estate has been passed down through generations who have maintained the row of vines spread across the countryside. The winery is open for vineyard tours and wine tastings every Tuesday and Saturday.

Here, you'll learn about the estate's history and the expertise it takes to produce consistently great tasting wine. You'll also get to meet the owners and experience some incredible views of the surrounding countryside and medieval towns. Alongside a selection of wines, the tour comes with 3 Gozitan-style finger foods, including traditional crackers and dip, cheese and sundried tomatoes and cold-pressed Gozitan olive oil.

Ggantija Temple is a significant archeological landmark on the island of Gozo. The UNESCO World Heritage site was excavated throughout the 19th century. It features huge slabs of limestone that are over 5 meters in length and weighing over 50 tonnes.

Built between 3,600 and 3,200 BC, Ggantija Temple is remarkably well-preserved. The interior offers examples of limestone that has been carved to create furnishings, doorways and altars. Evidence also suggests that the temple was once plastered and painted, with red ochre found on the walls.