Nature experiences, sights and epic history – in Malta? Our best memory from our trip to Malta was the day trip to the island of Gozo. There we found tranquility, magnificent views and perhaps some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean.
It’s entirely possible to explore Gozo’s attractions in a day, but why not stay a night or two? The island truly deserves more time. If I were booking my trip today, I would definitely have spent more time here. Here are my eight favorites among Gozo’s most fascinating places!
Are you looking for attractions in Malta? Read about them here: 13 Best Places To Visit In Malta
1. Victoria and the Citadel
In the heart of Gozo lies the island's capital, Victoria (Rabat), and at the center of the city stands the Citadel, the old historic core. Why is the city also called Rabat? Rabat means 'suburb' in Arabic, referring in this case to the city that grew outside the Citadel. The name Victoria wasn’t given to the city until the late XNUMXs, when the British wanted to celebrate the queen’s birthday.
In addition to its charming squares, markets, restaurants, and historic buildings, the Citadel is the city’s main attraction. Evidence suggests that the city began to take shape here as early as 7000 (!) years ago, although the current thick stone walls surrounding the Citadel date back to the 16th century. These walls often had to shield the inhabitants from violent attacks. For if there’s one thing Malta has experienced throughout history, it’s occupations by various peoples and nations.
2. Hike at the White Cliffs of Ta'Cenc
One of Malta’s most stunning locations can be found along the coast near Sannat on Gozo. Here, the wild Ta’ Cenc cliffs rise steeply from the sea, with drops exceeding XNUMX meters in some areas. Despite the almost constant sea breeze, the ground is covered with an abundance of fragrant flowers and cacti. The area is also a protected bird sanctuary, making it a pure delight to gaze out over the cliffs and watch the birds dancing in the wind.
Finding the cliffs isn’t entirely straightforward—there are no signs or designated parking areas. However, once you’ve managed to park along the roadside, you’ll find plenty of trails to explore. Be cautious, though, as there are no safety railings anywhere, so keep a safe distance from the edges, especially when it’s windy.
3. Ramla beach – Gozo's finest beach
Neither Malta nor Gozo are known for their sandy beaches, but there are several fine-grained beaches if you search a little. The very best beach on Gozo is Ramla Beach – a red-orange beach with clear water and nice picnic areas.
4. The salt basins of Xwejni
In Xwejni on the north coast of Gozo, salt farmers still harvest sea salt in the traditional way in salt pans. The salt works are inherited in the family through the generations, but the profession is hard and tiring. Today, only a handful of salt farmers remain. Stop to admire the large seawater windows and buy some salt from one of the few remaining salt farmers. Even if you don't get out on the salt flats, it's easy to enjoy the beauty from the road.
Read more in my post: The salt farmers of Gozo
5. Eat ftira at Maxokk Bakery
Maxok Bakery is a small family-owned bakery in the town of Nadur on Gozo. Here you will find the island's best ftira - best described as a "potato pizza". In an old brick oven fired with oak wood, these sourdough pizzas topped with potatoes are baked. Thinly sliced potatoes are the basic ingredient, but other ingredients you can find on a ftira are capers, anchovies, olives, eggs or Maltese sausage.
Maxokk Bakery is not a restaurant, so there are no tables. But who cares? Grab your piping hot pizza as takeaway and sit somewhere in the sun to enjoy it. It may sound like an odd pizza, but I promise you it’s incredibly delicious. And very filling.
6. Admire Ta' Pinu
The Basilica Ta'Pinu, or rather Santwarju Bażilika tal-Madonna ta' Pinu is located overlooking the sea just outside the village of Għarb. The stories about this place have been many over the years.
In the 16th century, the old chapel was in a terrible state and was to be demolished, but the builder who struck the first blow broke his arm. So the demolition was stopped and the chapel was left standing. In the 19th century, a woman in the village heard the Virgin Mary speaking to her in the small chapel, and the place became a place of pilgrimage. But the chapel was small and the visitors were many, so it was decided to build a larger church. All said and done, in 1932 the new basilica was ready. The basilica that you can now visit. Or view from a distance like we did.
7. Wied il-Ghasri – The Winding Bay
Nature's beauty comes in all colors and with all kinds of greenery. A little off guard and unexpectedly, I actually encountered one of my top ten most beautiful beaches ever on Gozo. The beach at Wied il-Ghasri. The small pebble beach in the winding bay of Malta.
Wied il-Ghasri is located on the north coast of Gozo, approximately 2 kilometers west of the salt flats of Xwejni bay. Park the car and walk down to the beach. It is quite steep and some stairs, but the beach is definitely worth a visit.
Read more about my visit here: Wied il-Ghasri - The winding bay of Gozo - Malta
8. Dwerja bay and the fallen azure window
Among all the attractions on Gozo, the most popular attraction is no longer there. Azure Window, the stone arch by the sea collapsed in dramatic fashion in March 2017.
Today, the place is still a popular destination, but perhaps mainly for divers and for those of us who like beautiful nature. For Dwejja bay is still a really beautiful stretch of coast with delicious swimming. For those who want a little quieter swimming, Inland sea a good option with its turquoise waters and its cool sea cave for boats.
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