Best of Gozo Island
The island of Gozo, or the island of Calypso as it uses to be known, is filled with natural wonders. Gozo is situated to the northwest of Malta, with a population of just over 30 000 inhabitants. Unlike its sister island Malta, it still retains the feeling of small villages with a baroque church in the middle of each town where in summer, a colorful feast is held in every hamlet with fireworks and cheerfulness.
In winters, a jigsaw puzzle of colorful carpets flowing over terraced fields, bordered by rubble walls, while in the summer, it is surrounded with the bluest of crystal waters that no one can resist but dive in. Gozo is perfect for any traveler, from families, young couples, or solo travelers. From boating, hiking, snorkeling to scuba diving, climbing, bouldering, segway, cycling, and, sailing you will never run out of adventure and things to explore.
Saying that, most tourists and Maltese alike like to visit Gozo just for a day and do the top 6 or 7 sites of Gozo but missing on the real secret gems. On this page, you get to find out numerously hidden and underrated gems.
Summary
How to get to Gozo island
Top 7 sites to visit in Gozo
Gozo hidden secret Gems
Best beaches in Gozo
Gozo by Sea
Summer holiday in Gozo
Fun facts about Gozo
Best Sunset places in Gozo
Cliff diving in Gozo
How do you get to Gozo Island?
Gozo is an island in the northwest of Malta. There is no direct road, so you will need to get the ferry from Cirkewwa.
Gozo Channel Ferry Service –
This ferry operates 24 hours between the north port of malta Cirkewwa ( link to below Cirkewwa )and the southern port of Mgarr in Gozo. It is a short crossing that will take approximately 25 minutes, and on the way, you get to see Comino ( link to my other site), another smaller island with crystal blue water.
There are winter and summer timetables. On bank holidays, it tends to get busier; you will be able to see on this CCTV how many cars there are in the queue. This will help you plan better.
How much it cost for a crossing ticket?
Click here for fare and ticket prices- TICKETS.
Getting to Cirkewwa by bus
Cirkewwa bus station is the last stop on many bus routes, including the
X1 route from the International Airport,
222 this route pass through Sliema, Saint Julians &, Bugibba the three highest touristy places
Route 41 and 42 start from Valetta to Cirkewwa
Gozo hidden gems
Gozo off the beaten path, there are many little inlets, valleys, caves and historical sited that are less known, some not even by the very locals
let us dive in and start with the hidden gems Gozo island has to offer
Summary
Mixta Cave
Ghajn Barani
San Blass Bay
Mgarr ix Xini
Mgarr ix Xini Tower
Sanap Cliffs
Lunzjata Valley
San Filep Bay
Mixta Cave
L-Għar tal-Mixta sits overlooking the beautiful red sandy beach of Ramla l-Ħamra. On the other side of the beach, there is the mythical cave of Calypso. Ramla bay’s view from this historical cave can not be missed when you are on Gozo.
Mixta cave used to be used by cave dwellers, and pottery found in the area support this theory. The word ‘Mixta’ is derived from the Maltese word ‘Mxett, ‘meaning a place where one shelters in winter together with the cattle’. When you are inside, you can still find mangers for their domesticated animals. There is also a carved whole( it has been sealed by a block) were most likely done when cooking smoke and air can ventilate.
The Mixta cave was also used against corsairs where cannons have been mounted and shot at the pirate ships, a set of wide stairs can still be seen to the north of the cave, where it takes straight to a faugasse, where they used it as a cannon for the corsairs ships.
Sunsets Mixta Cave is facing west, and you get the best sunsets in June and July. The sun melts in the sea, and in the meantime, with the last golden rays, it will electrify Mixta cave with its mellow golden hew.
Ghaj Barani
Ghajn Barani is a wide corridor of scenic clay slopes wedged between the cliff tops and the blue sea and located between the famous Ramla l-Hamra Bay and the tourist coats village of Marsalforn.
This by no means is the easiest cove to get to. You have a good 15 min walk either if you start at Ramla Bay, Marsalforn, or the town of Xaghra, but it is more than worth the extra hike. The marine life is superb; a clay slab reaches the blue water where you can stretch and take the sun’s warm rays.
A natural crevasse in the clay created a natural pool known by the locals as ‘ il banju tas sinjura’ ( the baroness bath), making it the best natural infinity pool.
Another interesting site is a carved-out boulder that is tilted on its side, making it very interesting if you manage to get inside
San Blass Bay
San Blass bay is a small tranquil beach on the northern coast of Gozo. It is mainly visited by the locals in the nearby village of Nadur also a few tourists and ex-pats that live in Malta. It is not the most accessible bay to reach due to the exceptionally steep road. This discourages many people, making San Blas Bay a very peaceful place. San Blass Bay is a little gem that’s undisturbed by man. Large orange limestone boulders surround a small red sandy beach. You also have a small kiosk where you can get a few refreshments and an ice cream, A sugar boost to get you back up the hill.
Mgarr ix Xini a small beach in the south of Gozo. It is a natural port; the fjord-like look will give it a good shelter from all the northern winds.
Mgarr ix-Xini was used by the Knights of the order of Malta as a small harbor for galleys. A small watchtower was built to defend this port in 1661 by Grand Master de Redin. As for now, a day is used by tourists and locals alike, for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and lately also for climbing and DWS deep water soloing.
Mgarr ix-Xini is also the site where Movie By the Sea, starring Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt was partially filmed.
Mgarr Ix-Xini Tower
Mgarr ix Xini Tower is one of the many coastal defense fortifications around Malta and Gozo. It was built to defend this Mgarr ix Xini bay(used as a port by the order) in 1661 by Grand Master de Redin.
You can hike from Mgarr ix xini or from Xatt l Ahmar. Both are brilliant walks where you can get spectacular views of the channel, Comino, and Malta in the distance.
You can visit the tower on Sundays (weather permitting) between 10:30 and 12:30. The Wirt Għawdex flag is flown on the roof when the tower is open.
Close to the Mgarr ix-Xini Tower is also the site where Movie By the Sea, starring Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt was partially filmed.
Sanap Cliffs
Sanap is a cliff face in the limits of Sanat and Munxar. They are white sheer cliffs dropping straight to the blue sea. There is a cobblestone road that takes you to the Pinur view spot, where you can get a panorama of Xlendi tower. Sanap is one of the best places for sunset in Gozo.
The word Sanap is an old Arabic word deriving from the name of the mustard plant.
Lunzjata Valley
This fertile valley is one of the most picturesque in Gozo, with unparalleled scenery. The Knights of Malta used it for hunting, and today it is a critical area for agriculture. It is one of the best places for a relaxing country walk. The continuous sound of running water coming from the springs and aqueducts that line the valley adds to the calming ambiance. A chapel dedicated to the Annunciation of Our Lady is found at the entrance of Lunzjata.
San Filep Bay
San Filep Bay is a small bay easy to locate if you get to Daħlet Qorrot. It is a small cove just before the last stretch of road Dahlet Qorrot bay. The area, famous as a fishing site, is vibrant with marine life, with crystal clear waters.
Gozo Best Beaches
What makes Gozo a holiday utopia are the gorgeous beaches and the coastal inlets with crystal blue water. Making it even better is the warm summer weather. There is nothing better than lying on a beach and letting the breeze fill you with happiness.
Ramla il-Hamra Bay
Ramla Bay is situated to the north of the island, between the town of Nadur and Xaghra. This beach name’s literal translation is Red Sand, and that is because, yes, you guessed it!! The red shade of the sand.
Ramla Bay Gozo
Ramla Bay is the biggest beach on the island of Gozo, and the only beach mentioned in the odyssey. According to Homer the nymph Calypso uses to live in the cave to the west of Ramla bay (the cave still survives).
To the east o the beach, you can spot another cave, Mixta cave, a cave with one of the best viewpoints and the most-liked Instagram spot on the island of Gozo.
Fun fact- this beach is known for turtle sightings.
Pros
- Easy to reach, easily accessible
- Great views, clean water
- Good place for snorkeling enthusiasts
- Amenities and kiosks
- Beautiful surroundings
- Umbrellas and sunbeds rented out here
- Blue Flag-certified beach
Cons
- Sand can get quite hot. Remember to bring your flip-flops with you.
- The middle of the beach is rocky. Get in the water from the sides
- On the weekends it can get busy.
San Blass Gozo
My favorite beach has to be San Blass. It is not easily accessed, the ex-pats in Gozo nicknamed it lovers beach, and maybe it is for that reason. This beach is sandy ( at least for most times of the year). It is suitable for snorkeling, and it has a friendly island chill vibe to it. It is a tranquil beach with a few locals and tourists all enjoying this little beach in harmony.
Pros
- Beautiful surroundings
- Great views, clean water
- Not so busy
- Amenities and kiosks
- Umbrellas and sunbeds rented out here
Cons
- Long way uphill
- Parking is minimal
- quite small
- Get shadow after 5 pm due to the high cliffs in the area
Blue Lagoon Beach. ( technically the blue lagoon is in Comino island, but Comino is part of the Gozo jurisdiction )
These two white-sanded beaches situated opposite one another, with the crystal blue waters running in between them, are definitely one of the most sought-after beaches. They tend to get crowded in the busy summer months, so a word to head to the blue lagoon early or, better yet, charter a private boat and do all beaches and lagoons around Comino island in the exclusive environment of your private boat.
Pros
- Uncomparable crystal blue water
- Good place for snorkeling enthusiasts
- Amenities and kiosks
- Umbrellas and sunbeds rented out here
Cons
- Can only be reached by boat
- Underwater currents between Coimno and Cominotto
- Can get quite busy if you are not on a private boat.
- No shaded areas except if you rent an umbrella
- Small beaches
Dahlet Qorrot bay and san Filep day
Dahlet Qorrot is one of the most overlooked bays, with pristine crystal water, and a few traditional boats bobbing about during the summer. Surrounded by caves that have been cut into soft limestone, and turned into boathouses with colorful doors, makes Dahlet Qorrot one of the most picture-perfect beaches on the island.
It is also possible to cliff dive from a few places on this beach as always check the depth and tide first.
The limestone in the area they are packed with fossils making it the perfect playground for any geologist enthusiast
Dahlet Qorrot name, Legend has it that got its name from an Ottoman pirate ship named Qorrot that embarked in this bay, and since then, the name stuck.
Pros
- A quiet tranquil beach
- Crystal clear waters
- WC in the area
- Healthy marine life
Cons
- Not much parking in the area
- Loose rocks above the boathouses can be hazardous, especially in wet or windy days
- Sea gets deep fairly quickly
- Not the biggest beach out there
Dwejra Bay – Inland Sea
Dwejra is the furthest west point on the Maltese islands, also one of the most famous places in malta for the lost Azzure Window. It is fantastic because you have so many top sites in one place, The blue hole, fungus rock, Dwejra bay, inland sea, coastal watchtower, and crocodile rock all in the same area.
Dwejra has two bays: the inland sea, a natural seawater lagoon connected to the Mediterranean through a small narrow arch. The arch is big enough to let these little boats in and out on this pretty secure bay. The beach is relatively shallow to get in, but once you are in the tunnel, it will drop quite fast to a depth of around 35 meters. This is one of the famous dives in Gozo, and also close by, you have the blue hole, a perfect place for free diving, a sport that is getting much more exposure now.
The next bay in the area is Dwejra bay, a less tourist bay opposite the fungus rock. To get to this rocky coast, you need to go down a set of steps carved in the stone. At the bottom, you will find some boat houses dug in the soft limestone in the area. You have to plunge at the deep end. There isn’t any easy to the sea. It is best if you walked to the end of the slipway (which also has been cut in the limestone) and then plunge into the ocean from there.
Pros
- healthy marine life
- top diving place
- ideal from freediving
- ideal for sunset
- numerous sites close by
Cons
- quite deep for snorkeling
- not ideal for beginners
- it would help if you kept an eye on boats while you swim
