Things to Do in Fontana

One of the quieter villages on Gozo, Fontana still has a some lovely attractions to explore.

• Fontana Public Washhouses (Għajn tal-Hasselin): 16th-century arched washhouses built by the Knights of St John and still used by locals.
  

• Sacred Heart Parish Church: Built in the late 19th century by local fishermen, featuring beautiful artworks.
  

• Fontana Cottage: The perfect spot for a little souvenir shopping, find local delicacies, handmade lace, knitwear, and other unique souvenirs.
  

• Countryside Walks: Fontana is a great base if you love hiking, you can explore trails down to Xlendi, or up towards Munxar and beyond.
  

• Village Festa: The annual village Festas are a highlight of the Gozo summer. Fontana’s is held in June, and is famous for spectacular fireworks and joyful celebrations.

Dining in Fontana

When we first drafted this guide to Fontana, there were no restaurants in the village. However, in December 2025, Franka opened, offering traditional Maltese Cuisine. A sister location to Malta’s Briju, it’s already getting some great reviews.

Fortunately, as Fontana is so well-placed between Xlendi and Victoria, and getting around Gozo is simple, you don’t need to venture far to find some other great dining options. Here are some of our favourites:

• La Sciabordita: Just off Republic Street in Victoria, this stylish wine bar focuses on Tuscan flavours and is wonderful for lunch, dinner or a quick bite. Their platters are particularly excellent. Prices are reasonable and the service is friendly and efficient.
  
  
• Il-Terrazzo: Set high above Xlendi Bay and serving stunning food along with beautiful views, especially at sunset.
  
  
• Maldonado Bistro: One of my favourite places to eat on the whole of Gozo. Set on the outskirts of Victoria in a traditional townhouse, the food is traditional Gozitan with a modern twist.

How to Get to and Around Fontana, Gozo

To get to Fontana, you must first get to Gozo, which will involve getting a ferry or boat, have a read of our guide on how to get to Gozo to work out which is the best method for your trip. Once you’ve landed in Mġarr Harbour, you have several options.

• By Taxi or Ride-Hailing: Bolt and Uber both operate on Gozo, as well as the local eCabs. I recommend downloading all three and comparing prices and availability. You can also pick up a White Cab from the rank outside the Gozo Channel Ferry terminal. If you do that, make sure to agree a price in advance and that you have enough cash on you. There is an ATM inside the terminal if you need to top-up.

• By Bus: Gozo has a decent public transport system but almost all of the routes involve getting a bus to Victoria and then changing. To get to Victoria, I recommend catching the 301, which is the most frequent and direct route from the harbour to the Victoria Bus Terminal. You can also catch the 303 or 323, that will take a little longer but on the plus side, you’ll get a lovely tour of some other villages and the Gozo countryside. Once in Victoria, you’ll need the 306 bus, which connects Victoria to Fontana. The journey is about 5 minutes.
  

• By Car: Hiring a car is a choice for a stay on Gozo, as it means you’re not reliant on the bus network, which while great and very reasonably priced, can be limiting. There’s plenty of car hire companies at the harbour, which means you can pick up your ride as soon as you arrive.
  

Getting around Fontana is easy, although be warned that as it stretches from Victoria, one of the highest points on the island, all the way to the seaside village of Xlendi, everywhere you want to go will either be down or up.

Ready to Plan Your Trip to Fontana, Gozo?

Fontana rewards the curious traveller with its historic washhouses, parish church, and scenic valley. With its roots as a suburb of Victoria and its official recognition as a village in 1892, Fontana offers a unique blend of history, tradition, and rural charm. Would you like more tips on planning your stay, or help finding the perfect place to eat or stay? Let us know what you’d love to discover in Fontana!

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