An Exciting Adventure on the Island of Gozo

On this day, another thrilling experience awaited us: crossing over to the island of Gozo. The night before, I prepared some sandwiches to ensure our morning wouldn’t start with a rush. We planned to take the 8:45 AM ferry, and luckily, everything went as planned.

How to Get to Gozo

The ferry schedule between Malta and Gozo is frequent, with departures roughly every 45 minutes. The crossing between Ċirkewwa (northern tip of Malta) and Mġarr (Gozo) takes just 25 minutes. We left our accommodation at 8:00 AM since Ċirkewwa was only a 15-minute drive away, giving us plenty of time to comfortably board the ferry.

Operated by Gozo Channel, the ferries are well-maintained and equipped with clean restrooms, a café, and sheltered seating areas. While onboard, we enjoyed the views: glimpses of the Blue Lagoon and Comino Island, which we plan to visit on another day. 😊
We drove our car onto the ferry to ensure a comfortable and flexible pace for our adventures on Gozo.

For the latest schedule, visit:
gozochannel.com/ferry/schedule

Important Note: Ticket Purchase
In Malta, you can board the ferry (by car or on foot) without a ticket. Tickets are only purchased at the Gozo Ferry Terminal in Mġarr.

Pro Tip: Upon arriving in Gozo, buy your return ticket immediately to save time later.

Gozo is brimming with attractions, and while we had a list of places we wanted to see, we knew it was impossible to fit everything into a single day. So, as usual, we planned a reasonable, non-rushed yet fulfilling itinerary.

The Wonders of Dwejra

As soon as we disembarked at Mġarr, our first destination was the mesmerizing western region of Gozo, Dwejra Bay. This area is famous for the now-vanished Azure Window, which collapsed into the sea during a storm in 2017. While it exists only in memory, the surrounding natural wonders more than compensate.

One standout feature is the Inland Sea, a unique lagoon connected to the Mediterranean via a narrow tunnel. This spot is popular among tourists, hikers, and divers. We took a boat tour through the tunnel to the open sea, marveling at the stunning play of light and the rock formations. Keep in mind that boat tours only operate in calm sea conditions, so it’s best to check beforehand.

After the tour, we swam in the tranquil waters of the Inland Sea. Our little one, Liny, loved splashing around, but due to the blazing sun, we kept our beach time short. For young children, it’s a good idea to bring a full-coverage swimsuit and a sun hat for extra protection.

While Liny and her dad enjoyed the water, I explored the Blue Hole, located on the rocky coastline nearby. This natural formation is a world-renowned diving and snorkeling spot, attracting adventurers with its crystal-clear waters. The area isn’t suitable for young children, so my husband and I took turns visiting it.

Pro Tip: Wear water shoes, as the terrain can be rocky and sharp. The Blue Hole, reaching a depth of 15 meters, is ideal for strong swimmers and divers. From above, its circular shape is most striking—side views simply don’t do it justice.

As my husband explored, Liny and I enjoyed our packed sandwiches, followed by a delicious ice cream from a small bazaar near the parking lot. Here, you can find souvenirs, drinks, coffee, and snacks. The nearby restrooms and showers are free to use.

Dwejra offers something for everyone, from peaceful swimming in the lagoon to thrilling underwater adventures. It’s no wonder it’s one of Gozo’s most beloved destinations. If you visit, don’t miss this gem!

A Change in Plans: Skipping Victoria

Our original plan was to visit Victoria, Gozo’s “capital,” next. However, as soon as Liny settled into the car, she fell fast asleep. We adjusted our itinerary to let her nap and decided to head toward the Wied il-Mielaħ Window instead. On the way, we made a stop at the elegant and imposing Ta’ Pinu Basilica.

Ta’ Pinu Basilica and Its Legend

The basilica is just 5 km from Dwejra, but the winding roads made it an 18-minute drive. While Liny and her dad rested in the car, I took advantage of the quiet moment to soak in the basilica’s serene atmosphere.

Legend has it that a local woman, Karmni Grima, heard the voice of the Virgin Mary here. Later, others reported hearing the same voice, and miraculous healings were attributed to the Virgin Mary’s grace. Inside the basilica, you can still see objects left by those healed, expressing their gratitude.

The basilica, with its neo-Romanesque style and monumental size, is awe-inspiring and radiates strength, standing tall on Gozo’s plains.

The Wied il-Mielaħ Window

Unlike the well-known Azure Window, the Wied il-Mielaħ Window is less crowded yet equally enchanting. A narrow, fenced path leads to this natural arch, offering a perfect spot for photos. Accessible by car, the route involves some rocky, unpaved roads, so avoid it with low-clearance vehicles.

Victoria: The Heart of Gozo

After Liny woke up, we finally headed to Victoria (locally called Rabat). At the heart of Gozo, Victoria’s highlight is the Citadel, built in the 16th century BC. From its limestone walls, you can enjoy sweeping views of the city and the entire island.

Inside the Citadel, winding alleys and charming streets form a maze perfect for wandering. After working up an appetite, we descended to Republic Street, the town’s main shopping area, and stopped at Cafe Jubilee for traditional Maltese sandwiches, pancakes, lemonade, and coffee. Refreshed, we explored the bazaar on the main square, packed with souvenirs.

Ramla Beach – Ending the Day on a High Note

Our last stop was Ramla Beach, Gozo’s most famous beach. Before hitting the sand, we visited the Tal-Mixta Cave, perched on the cliffs above. The panoramic view of the red sandy beach from the cave is breathtaking—don’t miss it!

By 4:30 PM, we reached the beach, where shallow, calm waters and a scenic setting awaited. Liny delighted in building sandcastles while we relaxed.

Ramla Beach offers amenities like showers, restrooms, restaurants, bars, and free parking. A striking statue of the Virgin Mary in the center adds a unique touch.

By 6:30 PM, we boarded the ferry back to Malta, closing our magical day on Gozo.

Before heading off, we stopped at a small kiosk in the harbor to purchase tickets in advance for the boat trip to Comino Island, which we plan to visit in the coming days. After another 15-minute drive, we arrived back at our accommodation in Xemxija. We ended the day with a delightful dinner on the terrace. It had been a wonderful day, and we are excited for the many Maltese attractions still waiting for us in the days ahead!

Final Tips for a Perfect Day on Gozo

• Sunset Views: If possible, catch the sunset from the Tal-Mixta Cave or the cliffs above the beach.
• Dinner in Mġarr: The harbor offers great restaurants to try local seafood.
• Craft Souvenirs: Find authentic Gozitan handmade items near the harbor or beach.
• Stay Hydrated: Bring water and snacks to stay energized throughout the day.
• Check Ferry Schedules: Evening crossings can have longer waits, especially during peak season.