Gozo is 1 of 21 islands that makes up the Maltese archipelago.

The whole of Gozo is 8 miles long and 4 miles wide. If you drove without stopping, it would take you 30 minutes to drive from one side of the island to the other.

The population stands at 35,000 – 40,000 and they’re known as Gozitans.

Of the 46 churches on the island, the largest one, in Xewkija is so big it can fit the entire village population of 3,000 inside it. The dome is the third largest unsupported dome in Europe behind St Peter’s in Rome and St Paul’s in London.

Despite the small population, Gozo’s football team briefly played in the Maltese league making the top tier twice and the quarter finals of the Maltese cup in 2000. The team disbanded after the 2010/2011 season.

Victoria

Gozo’s capital was originally called Rabat before being renamed Victoria during the Golden Jubilee year in 1887. Despite being renamed it never stuck with the locals who still call it Rabat.

Victoria is known for its medieval citadel with its fortified walls which offers views over the island, and made for an ideal defence structure.

The Citadel is home to museums including the old prison, cathedral museum, natural science museum, the Gozo museum of archaeology and more.

Independence Square (also known as It-Tokk) is the main square in front of the city hall and has several open air cafes and market stalls selling produce and is walking distance of the Citadel.

There are several squares nearby including St. George’s in the older part of the town and St. Francis Square near the bus terminal.

Victoria is a 15 minute drive from the ferry terminal and is well connected by bus which runs through to the centre every hour.

Salt Pans

The 350 year old salt pans in Xwejni Bay stretch about 3km along the north coast.

The salt pans are integral to long standing Gozitan traditions of sea salt production. The method dates back to the Phoenician era which was developed over the Roman times, and is continued by local families over generations.

The process is usually from May – September where salt is collected once per month.

The method involves seawater being collected through the limestone reservoirs and over several days the heat from the sun evaporates the water. The salt collected is dried and stored in caves carved into the coastal rock.

Natural salt collection is a local heritage and has become a tourist attraction. The salt is sold in local shops and sometimes roadside allowing visitors a chance to take home something from Gozo.

Visiting the Salt Pans doesn’t just offer you a picturesque experience but an educational one as well. Even though it’s a year round attraction, the ideal time to visit is the summer to witness the salt harvesting.

Ramla Bay

Ramla Bay is considered to be one of Gozo’s best beaches.

Known as Ramla il-hamra (red sandy beach), it’s based at the bottom of a valley surrounded by hillside. Ramla Bay isn’t just a natural gem, but a site with archaeological significance. Beneath the sand is Roman remains.

Ramla bay is a popular for snorkeling and swimming. Despite its popularity it remains undeveloped retaining its natural charm.

You can combine a visit to the beach with a short drive to Nadur to the Tal-Mixta cave.

A hidden gem and one of Gozo’s best off the beaten path locations, It sits on a high cliff overlooking Ramla Bay and attracts numerous visitors each day from nature lovers to adventurers.

If you’re driving, the roads nearby are pretty bumpy and a bit narrow. It’s a short walk to the entrance where you’ll go down a staircase, a small tunnel and a few more steps.

You could hike from Ramla Bay to the cave in about 10 minutes although take into consideration that there are steep areas on route.

Ggantija Archaeological Park

Built during the neolithic era, Ggantija Archaeological Park lies outside the village of Xaghra.

The complex consists of two structures, each with their own entrance, and flanked with a central corridor and is made entirely of limestone.

Dating back over 5,500 years, it’s recognised by UNESCO as the oldest free standing temples in the world making them older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids.

It’s remarkably well preserved despite its ancient origins.

The temples held spiritual and cultural importance. They hosted rituals, ceremonies, and celebrations to honour the gods and seek blessings for fertility and prosperity.

Restored in the late 2000s, visitors are able to get an up close view of the temples on an accessible and lightweight walkway which was built in 2011 to preserve the floor.

Wied Il-Ghasri

The Ghasri Valley is a sea canyon known for its quiet beach which is 300m inland from the sea.

It’s ideal if you’re seeking tranquillity. For a beach below a cliff it’s one of the easier ones to access. Due to the network of underwater caves and marine life It’s popular amongst divers and snorkelers.

There’s one particular cave with a shaft stretching up to the top of the steep cliffs that is popular to explore.

Even if you’re not coming here to sunbathe, swim and the rest, country walks and cycling are also popular activities here.

I hadn’t packed my swim shorts so it was never the intention to sunbathe or swim. I came here late afternoon for a stroll and explore. If I find myself back in the Ghasri Valley there’s definitely an appeal in spending a peaceful sunny morning in a secluded beach.

Dwejra Bay

Dwejra Bay is on the Southwest coast of Gozo.

Its coastal and rock formations makes the Dwejra an appealing attraction. You can swim in the foamy waters around the Blue Hole which is one of Gozo’s top diving sites.

One for the Game of Thrones fans, Dwejra Bay was the filming location for the wedding scene of Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo.

I came here early evening on the small off chance there might be a sunset. There was no luck on that front, but I already knew the chances were slim.

You can also come to see the 1652 Tower having played a part in WWII when it acted as a guard for the western side of Gozo.

The Fungus Rock, which legend has it had a medicinal plant grow there, was heavily guarded because it was believed to have had healing powers.

I enjoyed my time here. I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. Saying that I didn’t know what to expect.

Staying in a traditional B&B farmhouse was cool. Most of these go back centuries so you’re guaranteed an authentic experience. The couple who owned the one I stayed at (Il-Barrag Farmhouse) spent 7 years renovating their B&B because of the restrictions on the work they could do as it’s a listed building.

Above all else they were lovely hosts. Breakfast consisting of traditional homemade pastizzi which were a treat. I wasn’t feeling my best during my time here and they kindly enough supplied me with paracetamol while I waited until the next morning to buy some medicine.

First off, 2 nights is enough here to explore at a relaxed pace rather than cramming a lot into a short duration if you’re coming here for a day trip.

Make sure you have a car rental. It makes it so much easier to cover the island. It’s also the convenience of doing what you want when you want.

If you’re taking the ferry to Gozo from Malta, it’s €15 for a return trip and that was despite being here for 2 nights. You pay when you’re taking the return journey. What great value for money.