Victoria, Gozo: Your Guide to the Island’s Capital
By Kerry Gaffney | Last Updated 26/10/2026
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Why Visit Victoria, Gozo?
Victoria is Gozo’s capital, its commercial hub, and, for those of us who live nearby, the place we end up several times a week without really planning to. It’s a ten-minute walk from my village, which means I know it well: the morning quiet before the shops open, the lunchtime buzz around Independence Square, the way the limestone of the Citadel catches the light in the late afternoon, the narrow back lanes that offer shade in the summer. If you’re visiting Gozo, Victoria is worth more than a quick pass-through.
The city, Gozitans call it Ir-Rabat, though Victoria has been the official name since 1887, sits at the geographical centre of the island, which makes it a natural base for exploring. You’ll find the best concentration of restaurants, cafes and bars here, a couple of shopping malls, independent shops, and the Citadel rising above it all. We have a dedicated guide to the Citadel if you want the full picture on what to see up there, but the rest of Victoria more than holds its own. In September 2026, Victoria was also recommended as European Capital of Culture for 2031.
Where to Stay in Victoria
Victoria makes an excellent base for a Gozo adventure. Its central location makes it easy to explore the island via public transport or car, and there are plenty of bars, restaurants, shops and attractions to keep you entertained.
- Boutique Hotels: Centrally located The Duke Boutique Hotel is a luxurious option with some unusual extras, such as a private hot tub and sauna on your room’s balcony, plus views of the Citadel.
Or experience a stay in a traditional town house with Casa Gemelli Boutique Guesthouse, a B&B with exceptional ratings and guest reviews. - Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs): Citadella B&B is a thoroughly modern B&B situated in a traditional building, just moments from Victoria’s Citadel.
Another well-located option is Maria Rose Suites B&B, light and airy, and very well positioned on a quiet side street. - For a unique experience, why not book a stay inside the walls of Gozo’s Citadel.
For those seeking a more authentic experience, you could consider renting a traditional Gozitan farmhouse, several of which can be found in the outskirts of Victoria, or villages close-by.
Things to Do in Victoria
As you would expect from the capital, Victoria is packed with lots of great things to do. Here are some of our favourites:
- Walk up to the Citadel: A focal point of Gozo with over two thousand years of history. It is worth walking up that hill, I promise.
- Visit Il-Ħaġar Museum (Heart of Gozo): This cultural centre showcases Gozitan heritage through exhibits on local history, art and religious artefacts from St George’s Basilica. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace for views of Victoria’s skyline.
- Wander the Medieval Streets: Strolling through the narrow lanes that surround the main squares of Victoria is always a pleasure. Adorned with golden limestone buildings and colourful balconies overflowing with plants, it’s a photographer’s paradise.
- Visit St George’s Basilica: This Baroque basilica has an intricate interior and a calm atmosphere. Climb the bell tower for views over St George’s Square.
- Enjoy Villa Rundle Gardens: A peaceful retreat in the heart of Victoria featuring shaded paths, seasonal decorations during Christmas or Valentine’s Day, and plenty of spots to relax.
- Attend an Opera Performance: Victoria has two opera houses that enrich its cultural scene and if you are planning on visiting in October, we highly recommend checking out the performances planned for that month. There are other performances and concerts throughout the year, and both houses have good bistros that are perfect for a quick breakfast, lunch or dinner.
- Teatru Aurora: Built in 1976 by the Leone Philharmonic Society. Its next opera is Verdi’s Otello on 24 April 2027, then Bizet’s Carmen on 16 October 2027.
- Teatru Astra: Home of the La Stella Philharmonic Society. Its 2027 opera is yet to be announced.
- Teatru Aurora: Built in 1976 by the Leone Philharmonic Society. Its next opera is Verdi’s Otello on 24 April 2027, then Bizet’s Carmen on 16 October 2027.
- See the Filming Locations: Over the years, Victoria has been the backdrop for several films and TV shows, from Brideshead Revisited to Coronation Street. Most recently it provides the municipal heart of Sainte Victoire, the fictional French village of the popular The Madame Blanc Mysteries. Our guidebook The Real Sainte Victoire shows you where to find them.
Whatever you fancy, there are some great experiences to try out. Especially if you’re a foodie!
Where to Eat and Drink in Victoria
There are so many great spots in Victoria, and there are new ones opening all the time. These are just some of our favourites:
Breakfast & Coffee Spots
- Cup Cake: A contender for the best poached eggs on Gozo. It has a wonderful breakfast menu, and any rumours that we’ve developed an addiction to its Croque Monsieur are well-founded.
- Black Cat Café: A cosy spot near St. Francis Square for brunch or coffee. It is very popular, with great vegetarian and vegan options, so we advise booking in advance.
- Ta Cetta: One of our favourite spots for brunch. The fries have a crisp coating worth the trip alone and the location is perfect for watching the occasional traffic chaos in St. Francis Square.
Lunch & Dinner Recommendations
- Maldonado Bistro: Just a few minutes’ walk from the Citadel, Maldonado has been a fixture of the Gozo restaurant scene for years, and deservedly so. Offering Mediterranean dishes with a modern twist using fresh local ingredients, it’s a cosy and classy location with excellent service. It also offers cooking classes and a wine tasting experience that’s well worth booking. It’s one of our go-tos when we have friends or family visiting Gozo for the first time.
- Roża Restaurant: Tucked into a corner of St George’s Square, Roża offers views of St George’s Basilica from its outside seating and a mix of modern and traditional from its recently expanded interior. The menu offers a range of options, including vegan and vegetarian dishes.
- The Grapes Wine Bar: Also in St George’s Square, the Grapes offers a more casual and relaxed dining experience, albeit with the same beautiful views of the square. Perfect for when you fancy a quick bite and some people watching.
Bars in Victoria
- Bell & Bastion: Known for its rooftop bars, and now with a new ground floor bar too, so you no longer need to face the stairs.
- Ritzy Gastropub: Recently reopened after an extensive refit, and aimed at the more elevated end of the market.
- La Sciabordita: A relative newcomer to Victoria, opening up in early 2025, this Tuscan wine bar has a great selection of drinks and very reasonably priced dishes.
How to Get to and Around Victoria, Gozo
One of the great things about picking Victoria as your base for your holiday on Gozo is that it is probably the easiest place to get to on Gozo. Much like all roads lead to Rome, on this island almost all roads go via Victoria.
Of course, first of all you need to get to Gozo, and to help you with that part of your travel, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to get to and around Gozo. The summary of which is:
- Gozo Channel Ferry (Ċirkewwa to Mġarr): 25-minute ride departing every 30 to 45 minutes. The only choice if you have hired a car on Malta.
- Gozo Highspeed Ferry (Valletta to Mġarr): A 45-minute option for foot passengers only.
Both ferries take you to the beautiful Mġarr Harbour. From there you can easily get a taxi, hire a car or take public transport.
- By Car: Cars can be hired from the Gozo Channel Ferry Terminal and it will take about 15 to 20 minutes to drive to Victoria. Be warned though, while parking is available near to Villa Rundle Gardens, finding a spot can be a nightmare for most of the day, especially during summer.
- By Bus: Victoria is Gozo’s main transport hub, with buses connecting it to all major towns and villages. For travelling between Mġarr Harbour and Victoria, route 301 is the best as it’s the most direct and runs every 15 minutes. You can also take the 303 or 323 which take more indirect routes.
- By Taxi or Bolt: We recommend taking a Bolt or Uber for the 15 to 20 minute trip to Victoria. If there are none available, you will find White Taxis outside the Gozo Channel Ferry Terminal. And we strongly recommend agreeing the price before you start your trip.
You can book the fast ferry to Gozo from Valletta, Sliema or Buġibba here:
Victoria is compact enough to explore on foot, although be warned it is a bit on the hilly side. However, buses connect it to all the other parts of Gozo if you wish to venture further afield. Renting a car or using taxis is recommended if you plan to visit remote areas like Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs or Wied il-Mielaħ Arch.
Victoria brings together history, culture, good food and convenience. Whether you’re climbing the Citadel walls at sunset or lingering over dinner at Maldonado Bistro, it’s a town that rewards a slower look.
Only on Gozo for the day? Gozo in a Day: Film & TV Location Guide includes a self-guided walk around Victoria, with Mġarr Harbour and Dwejra built into the same route.