Fontana, Gozo: The Village of Springs and Timeless Tradition

Explore Fontana, Gozo—one of the island’s smallest and most picturesque villages. Discover its historic washhouses, lush valleys, and welcoming community. Find travel tips, things to do, and why Fontana is a must-visit gem in Gozo.

Fontana, Gozo: Why Visit This Gem?

Fontana (pronounced fon-TAH-na), known locally as It-Triq tal-Għajn (“the street of the water springs”), is one of Gozo’s smaller villages, nestled between Victoria (Rabat) and the picturesque Xlendi Bay. Its name, derived from the Italian word for “spring” or “fountain,” is a nod to the village’s renowned natural water sources and historic washhouses. Despite its modest size, Fontana stands out for its tranquil atmosphere, warm community, and rich tradition.

Originally a suburb of Rabat (Victoria), Fontana became a distinct parish and was officially recognised as a separate village in 1892, marking its transformation into a community with its own identity and annual festa. For those seeking authentic Gozitan life, Fontana offers a peaceful escape, steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty.

How to Get to Fontana

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 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.

- 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.

Where to Stay in Fontana

As one of the smallest villages on Gozo, it has a population of around 1,000, you will not be surprised to find out that this is not the village for you. If you prefer a hotel, there are some great nearby options in Victoria and Xlendi. If boutique bed & breakfasts, or a beautifully restored farmhouse with its own private pool is more your style, then Fontana offers some gorgeous accommodation options, including:

Happy & Healthy B&B: Quirky and charming, this self-check in B&B offers family rooms and is also highly-rated by couples.

The Nest Siekel Townhouse: A ten-minute walk from Victoria, with wonderful countryside views, this maisonette is perfect for couples.
Dar Il-Wied: With 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms and a pool, this villa is perfect for a family or group trip.

What to do in Fontana

Fontana Public Washhouses (Għajn tal-Hasselin): 16th-century arched shelters 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.

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!