Things to Do in Qala: Explore, Relax, and Discover

Like almost everywhere on Gozo, Qala boasts a fascinating history stretching back millennia. Even the name “Qala,”, which means “port” or “sheltered haven” in Maltese, hints at the one-time historical importance of Ħondoq ir-Rummien as a landing place.

But don’t be misled by Qala’s sleepy appearance, this village has a great variety of activities to keep you entertained, even if you’re not a history buff.

• Enjoy Ħondoq ir-Rummien: Swim, snorkel, and relax on this beautiful beach with views of Comino and the Blue Lagoon. During the summer, you can rent kayaks, jetskis and boats from Joyride Watersports or book a guided tour with Kayak Gozo.
  
  
• Coastal Walks and Hiking: Discover scenic trails along the rugged coastline. If you’re feeling adventurous, it is possible to walk from Ħondoq Bay all the way to Mġarr or San Blas.
  
  
• Ancient Cart Ruts: Discover intriguing cart ruts, parallel tracks carved into the rock, extending over 180 meters – some of the longest on Gozo.
  
  
• Historical Landmarks: The Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception (dating back to around 1000 AD) and St. Joseph Parish Church are significant religious landmarks.
  
  
• Segway Tours: Explore the area at sunrise for breathtaking views.
  
  
• Local Festivals: Experience the St. Joseph Festa (late July/early August) and the Qala International Folk Festival (September).
  

The water around the island is Gozo, so you should spend some part of your visit either on the sea, or in it. These are a top recommendations to explore the island from a different perspective.

Dining in Qala: A Taste of Gozo

Along with Xagħra, Qala has one of the most lively village squares on Gozo. It’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in local life, with a variety of restaurants and bars open all year round. Picture yourself sipping a refreshing drink on a warm summer evening, surrounded by the cheerful chatter of locals and visitors alike. We thoroughly recommend making sure you visit on a Sunday evening when the regular jam session takes place at Zeppi’s Pub. The music can be heard across the square and makes for a magical evening. When it comes to dining, you really are spoilt for choice in Qala.

• Mulino (Villa di Venti): Modern casual dining with a seasonal menu and excellent wine list.
  
  
• D Bar: A popular local eatery next to the church, serving homemade dishes, including highly recommended steaks, and all with friendly service.
  
  
• Zeppi’s Pub: Enjoy live music and a lively atmosphere in this beloved village pub.
  
  
• Ħondoq ir-Rummien Beach Café: From May to October, enjoy breakfast, brunch, and refreshing iced coffee with stunning sea views at this seaside kiosk.

How to Get to and Around Qala, Gozo

I think one of the other reasons that Qala might not be as popular as it deserves is because people assume that it’s difficult to get to, or to travel around the rest of Gozo if Qala is your base.

Both are untrue!

With a direct bus link from the harbour, Qala is one of the quickest and simplest villages to get to on Gozo.

Obviously the first stage is to get to Gozo, read our simple guide of the best way to get to Gozo or take our quick quiz on which Gozo Ferry is the best for you.

• From the Gozo Ferry Terminal: If you’re not hiring a car, and if you’ve already downloaded one of the three ride-hailing apps that operate on Gozo, then you can order a taxi to pick you up from the harbour. It’s about a 5- to 10-minute drive. If you haven’t already downloaded one of the apps, there are usually White Taxis available directly outside the Gozo Channel Ferry Terminal. Alternatively, you can take the 303 bus directly to Qala, which also only takes around 5 to 10 minutes.
  
• From Victoria (Rabat): If you’re heading to Qala from the capital, it will be about a 15 – 20 minute drive or taxi ride, and again is also easily reachable by bus route 303 from the Victoria Bus Terminus.

Once you’ve arrived in Qala, most attractions will be within walking distance, but renting a bike or scooter is a great way to explore the surrounding areas. To travel further afield, check out the options on our guide to getting around Gozo.

Qala offers a unique and unforgettable Gozitan experience. From its rich history and stunning natural beauty to its vibrant local culture and delicious food, we think Qala is a must-visit destination. We hope this guide has inspired you to explore this charming village. If you’re still deciding which Gozo village is the perfect fit for your holiday, be sure to check out our comprehensive village-by-village guide. And for all the essential planning information you need, our practical guide to Gozo is here to help.

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