A Gozo day trip is one of the best things you can do in Malta. Malta’s sister island is greener, quieter and more rural, with dramatic cliffs, ancient temples, a hilltop Citadel and some of the best swimming spots in the Mediterranean. This guide explains how to get there, how to get around, and how to fit the highlights into one day.
Gozo day trip at a glance
- Ferry: Ċirkewwa (Malta) to Mġarr (Gozo), about 25 minutes, or the fast ferry from Valletta, about 45 minutes
- Ferry cost: about €4.65 return for foot passengers on the Gozo Channel ferry, paid on the way back
- Getting around Gozo: car, bus, ride-hailing app, hop-on hop-off bus or quad/jeep tour
- Must-sees: the Citadel, Ġgantija Temples, Dwejra, Ramla Bay and Xlendi
- Best for: anyone who wants scenery, history and a slower pace
How to get to Gozo
Gozo Channel ferry from Ċirkewwa
The main ferry runs between Ċirkewwa, at the northern tip of Malta, and Mġarr harbour in Gozo. Crossings take about 25 minutes and run frequently all day and through the night. Foot passengers don’t pay on the way out: you pay for the return ticket (about €4.65 for an adult) when you leave Gozo. Cars can also go on the ferry.
Budget 2027 update: the budget announced new Gozo Channel fares for non-residents of €11 for adults, €7 for children and €22 per car including the driver, and an extra €3 per crossing for tourists on fast ferries. Exact start dates are still to be confirmed. See all the changes for tourists.
Ċirkewwa is about an hour from Valletta or Sliema by car, and it’s well served by buses, including express routes. Allow extra time in summer and at weekends.
Fast ferry from Valletta
Passenger-only fast ferries sail from Valletta to Mġarr in about 45 minutes, which is ideal if you’re staying in Valletta, Sliema or St Julian’s. Expect to pay around €7.50 one way. Check the latest timetable before you go, as sailings can be cancelled in rough weather.
How to get around Gozo
- Hire a car: the most flexible option. You can rent in Malta and take it on the ferry, or rent in Gozo.
- Hop-on hop-off bus: an easy way to see the main sights in one day.
- Public bus: cheap, with most routes going through the bus station in Victoria.
- Ride-hailing apps and taxis: available, but book your return to the ferry in advance.
- Quad or jeep tour: a fun guided way to reach the coast and countryside.
One-day Gozo itinerary
Morning: the Citadel and Victoria
Start in Victoria (also called Rabat), Gozo’s capital. Walk up to the Citadel for views over the whole island, visit the cathedral and the small museums inside the walls, then explore the shops and cafés around It-Tokk square below.
Late morning: Ġgantija Temples
In Xagħra, the Ġgantija Temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and among the oldest free-standing structures in the world, built over 5,500 years ago. Give yourself about an hour.
Lunch: Ramla Bay or Marsalforn
Head down to Ramla Bay, Gozo’s famous red-orange sand beach, for a swim, or to the seaside town of Marsalforn for lunch by the water.
Afternoon: Ta’ Pinu and Dwejra
Stop at the Ta’ Pinu Basilica, Gozo’s most important pilgrimage church, standing alone in the countryside. Then continue to Dwejra on the west coast to see the Inland Sea, Fungus Rock and the dramatic coastline where the Azure Window once stood.
Evening: sunset and dinner in Xlendi
End the day in Xlendi, a small bay surrounded by cliffs, with seafood restaurants right by the water. Leave enough time to get back to Mġarr for your ferry.
More things to do in Gozo
- Wied il-Għasri: a narrow sea inlet between cliffs, great for snorkelling on calm days
- Xwejni salt pans: centuries-old salt pans carved into the rock near Marsalforn
- San Blas Bay: a small, quiet sandy beach reached by a steep path
- Diving: Gozo has some of Europe’s best dive sites, including the Blue Hole at Dwejra
- Comino: boats from Mġarr reach the Blue Lagoon in a few minutes
- Events: Gozo hosts its own festas, carnival, opera and Christmas events. See our Malta and Gozo events calendar.
Gozo day trip tips
- Start early: catch a morning ferry to make the most of the day.
- Check the weather: strong winds can affect ferries and boat trips.
- Book your car early in summer: rental cars and ferry queues are busiest in July and August.
- Bring cash: some small cafés and kiosks in Gozo don’t take cards.
- Stay overnight if you can: Gozo is even better at a slower pace.
Frequently asked questions
Is one day enough for Gozo?
One day is enough to see the highlights: the Citadel, Ġgantija, Ramla Bay, Dwejra and Xlendi. To enjoy the beaches and diving properly, stay two or three days.
How much is the ferry to Gozo?
The Gozo Channel ferry from Ċirkewwa costs about €4.65 return for an adult foot passenger, paid when you leave Gozo. The fast ferry from Valletta costs around €7.50 one way. Prices can change, so check before you travel.
How long is the ferry from Malta to Gozo?
About 25 minutes from Ċirkewwa to Mġarr, or about 45 minutes on the fast ferry from Valletta.
Do I need a car in Gozo?
Not necessarily. A car is the most flexible, but the hop-on hop-off bus, public buses, ride-hailing apps and tours all work well for a day trip.
Is Gozo better than Malta?
They’re different. Malta has the cities, nightlife and most of the history, while Gozo is quieter and greener with more nature. Most visitors enjoy seeing both.
Plan the rest of your trip
Read our guides to the best things to do in Malta, getting around Malta and the best beaches in Malta and Gozo.
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