Gozo: Day Trips and Tours from Valletta

Make time for a Gozo day trip from Valletta during your visit to Malta. Discover the second largest Maltese island and its enchanting natural and historic sites.

Explore the ancient Ggantija temples, the Citadel of Rabat and the attractive fishing village of Xlendi. See the famous Dwejra bay, the Inland Sea and the dive spot known as the Blue Hole — there’s so much to discover in Gozo.

Here's everything you need to know about Gozo, one of the most interesting day trips from Valletta.

How to get to Gozo from Valletta?

Gozo is an island just to the northwest of Malta. It can be reached by boat in less than 45 minutes if you take the Gozo Fast Ferry.

From Valletta to Gozo by car

If you have a rental car you can take it on the ferry from Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal which is around 40 minutes drive from Valletta. The price is around €16 for a return journey and passengers other than the driver must pay separately. The crossing take less than 30 minutes.

From Valletta to Gozo by bus/ferry

It is also possible to use the public buses on Malta and Gozo to get around. You can catch the bus to Valletta Ferry Terminal and pay for a foot passenger ticket which is under €10 per person. Tickets also include access to the Barakka Lift in Valletta.

Guided tour to Gozo from Valletta

One of the easiest ways to travel between the two islands is to take a guided Gozo day trip from Valletta. The tours include all transport for getting to and around the islands, a local guide and sightseeing activities.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Gozo from Valletta?

A typical day trip to Gozo from Valletta involves plenty of sightseeing and the opportunity to glimpse the island's historic and natural attractions.

Start the day with pick up at your hotel and then make the short journey to the ferry terminal to board the boat. Cruise past the island of Comino and see its famous lagoons before arriving in Gozo.

You will then begin your tour of the island and visit historic sites such as the 5,000-year-old Ggantija temple complex and and the ancient Rabat Citadel, which is the former capital of the island and dates back to the Bronze Age.

Next, you will explore some of the natural wonders of the island including Dwejra Bay, home to the popular diving spot known as the Blue Hole, the Inland Sea and the former site of the Azure Window.

Visit the seaside town of Xlendi and grab some lunch before heading back to the ferry terminal for the return journey to Valletta.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Gozo?

There are a plenty of different Gozo day tours from Valletta to choose from. Whether you want an action-packed day of touring the island on 4x4 or a leisurely boat cruise, there’s an excursion to suit your tastes.

Boat cruise to Gozo from Valletta

Take a slow boat cruise from Valletta to Gozo stopping at the famous Blue Lagoon of Comino on the way. Spend a leisurely day sunbathing on deck and enjoy a refreshing dip in the azure waters of the Mediterranean.

Visit the highlights of the Maltese coastline and also get time to explore Gozo by land to see the island’s famous sights.

Guided tour to Gozo from Valletta

A guided tour that takes in all the natural and historic highlights of Gozo in a single day. Visit the historic Ggantija temple complex and the ancient Citadel of Rabat. Discover the history of the island and its place in Greek literature from your knowledgeable local guide.

See the natural pools and rock formations of Dwejra Bay, which is one of the region’s most photographed areas. Visit the fishing village of Xlendi and see its picturesque bay, grottoes and rugged rock formations.

Private tour to Gozo from Valletta

Enjoy a private tour of Gozo with your own personal guide. These tours include transport and a driver and guide to show you the must-see locations on the island. Learn a little local history and discover fascinating locations such as the Ggantija Temples, the Citadel of Rabat, Calypso’s Cave and the Salt Pans of Gozo.

Eat a traditional Maltese lunch in a local restaurant and see picturesque views that have appeared in Hollywood movies. Visit all the best locations on Gozo and have the option to choose which places you would like to see on these flexible tours.

Jeep tour in Gozo from Valletta

Discover the island of Gozo in a rugged 4x4 jeep. Tour the island and go where ordinary vehicles cannot in these adventure tours across land. See the most popular sights on the island and get the chance to swim, sample local products and stop for photos at some of the best and most scenic viewpoints.

Travel to Gozo from Malta by private boat so you won’t have to queue for the ferry. Explore the island of Gozo on land and water in these action packed, fun and informative jeep tours.

Quad tour in Gozo from Valletta

These quad tours are a must if you’re looking for an adventurous way to discover Gozo. Travel to the island by private boat and then take a day-long tour on quad bikes. See places that other tours cannot reach and visit some of the island’s most interesting natural landmarks, including Calypso’s Cave, Fungus Rock and the Inland Sea.

Ride as a passenger or drive your own quad bike as you pass by deep valleys, rugged rocks and picturesque bays. Stop for a three-course lunch before doing a little shopping and grabbing some photo opportunities.

How much does a tour to Gozo from Valletta cost?

The prices for tours can vary a bit depending on what activities you would like to do and if you choose private or group tours.

• Group sightseeing tours range from around €60 to €80 per person, and private sightseeing tours cost from €250 to €400 per person.
• Boat tours start from as little as €30 per person.
• Jeep and quad tours cost from €80 to €120 per person for a full day tour.

What will you see and do in Gozo?

Some of the most popular things to see on a Gozo day trip include the island’s enchanting natural scenery and its historic buildings.

The Ggantija Temple complex is one of the island’s most impressive landmarks and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. The ancient ruins date back over 5,500 years which makes them older than the Pyramids of Egypt.

The Citadel of Rabat in the island’s main city of Victoria is another of Gozo’s ancient wonders. The walled fortress was first built over 3,500 years ago and was heavily reconstructed in the 16th century to protect it from attack by the Ottoman Empire. It contains the Cathedral of Assumption which dates from the 17th century.

Gozo also has beautiful natural locations to explore many of which can be found around its coastline. Dwejra Bay is home to a lagoon known as the “Inland Sea” which fills from the sea through a long narrow tunnel in the limestone cliff.

The Blue Hole can also be found in Dwejra Bay and is a well known dive site that sits near to where the Azure Window rock formation stood. The famous window appeared in movies and popular TV shows, and was one of the most popular tourist spots in Gozo until it collapsed in 2017.

When is the best time to visit Gozo?

From late spring to the end of summer is the best time to visit Gozo. The months of June, July and August are the busiest period, while May, September and October are the best time to explore the island without the crowds.

Travel tips

• Be sure to book your Gozo day trips in advance to get the best deals and ensure availability.
• Bring your swimming clothes, as there are many opportunities to take a refreshing dip on the island.
• Pack sunscreen and a hat, as the summer months in Gozo are generally hot and dry.
• Bring some cash to spend while you are touring round, as some small retailers may not accept credit cards.