A Practical Guide to Gozo

Know Before You Go

Planning a visit to Gozo? This guide is packed with everything you need to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. From practical tips to cultural insights, we’re here to help you feel like a local on your first visit.

Power Plugs: Gozo uses UK-style three-pin plugs (Type G). If your devices use a different plug type, make sure to pack a travel adapter to keep everything charged.

Table of Contents

• Know Before You Go

• Getting Around Gozo

• Connectivity & Tech

• Shopping and Souvenirs

• Dining and Fine Dining

• What’s On in Gozo

• Practical Tips

• Useful Websites and Apps

Currency and Payments: Gozo uses the Euro, and most places accept card payments. However, smaller establishments in Victoria and rural villages may only take cash. Having a Revolut account or similar is incredibly helpful for easy payments and great exchange rates.

Real-Time Weather: For accurate and detailed weather updates, Maltese Islands Weather is a must. It’s based in Għarb, is the site trusted by most locals and will help you make the most out of your time on the Island.

Facebook is Key: Many restaurants and tourist-focused businesses in Gozo don’t have dedicated websites. Instead, they use their Facebook page to share menus, contact details, and give updates.

Getting Around Gozo

Getting to Gozo is easy. and moving around Gozo is even easier, whether you prefer public transport, renting a vehicle, or exploring on foot. For more information, have a look at our Guide to Getting Around Gozo.

Public Transport: The bus network in Gozo is reliable but not hugely frequent, with most villages only served by one bus an hour and virtually all routes starting and ending in Victoria. There is a fairly frequent service between Victoria and Mgarr Harbour, and direct routes connect the harbour to popular tourist locations like Xlendi and Marsalforn. Additional buses operate during the summer season. The Malta Public Transport Tallinja app is a handy tool for checking schedules and planning your trips. Buses are affordable but don't run late into the night, so plan accordingly.

Car and Scooter Rentals: Renting a car or scooter is the most flexible way to explore Gozo’s hidden gems. While many roads are in good condition, some are narrow, steep, or feature tight switchbacks. Make sure you have a valid driving licence, insurance, and drive carefully.

Taxi Services and Ride-Sharing: Apps like Bolt and eCabs are widely used on Gozo and provide a convenient way to get around, usually taking only a few minutes to reach you once booked. You can also pick up a White Taxi, which are usually found at the Ferry Port or in Independence Square, Victoria.

Walking and Cycling: Gozo’s compact size makes it ideal for exploring on foot or by bike. Coastal paths and countryside trails offer stunning views, while cycling is a great way to discover more remote areas.

Connectivity and Tech

SIM Cards: Need reliable internet? Grab a local SIM card from GO, Epic, or Melita, available at the airport or in Victoria.

Navigation: Google Maps is reliable, but for offline use, Maps.me is a fantastic alternative.

Public Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi, provided by the Ministry of Gozo, is easy to find in a number of public areas across Gozo including village squares. Most bars and restaurants will also have Wi-Fi that you can access as a customer.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Supermarkets: You’ll find a good mix of supermarkets in Gozo, with the largest being in Victoria. Smaller village shops are great for local produce but often observe traditional opening hours.

Opening Hours: Most larger shops remain open all day, but smaller village shops often close for a siesta from 12 PM to 4 PM, reopening in the evening until 7 PM. Many are closed on Sundays and public holidays, so plan accordingly. If you do get caught with bare cupboards and a closed shop, the two food delivery apps you need are Bolt and Wolt, they also deliver groceries.

Souvenirs: Handmade lace, ceramics, and silver filigree are iconic to Gozo and make for unique keepsakes. The best places to buy these treasures include the charming alleyways around Independence Square and St George's Square in Victoria, as well as the Craft Village and Fontana Cottage, where you’ll find an array of authentic, locally made items.

Dining and Fine Dining

Gozo punches above its weight when it comes to eating out. From fine dining and sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine to traditional local eateries, there are options for every taste and budget. Standout venues include Ta' Frenc, renowned for its locally sourced ingredients and elegant setting. It's also the restaurant where Angeline Jolie and Brad Pitt's characters tried to rekindle their romance in By The Sea, which was filmed entirely on Gozo. Another place not to miss is Level 9 by Michelin-star-winning chef Oliver Glowig, where modern Mediterranean cuisine is elevated with stunning views and creative flair. Almost every village in Gozo boasts at least one restaurant, band club, or kiosk serving hearty local dishes.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or grabbing a quick bite, Gozo’s dining scene is sure to impress and one of the easiest ways to book a table is with Bookia.

What’s On in Gozo

Gozo is bursting with activities, events, and celebrations year-round. Whether you’re looking for a village festa, a cultural festival, or live music, there’s always something happening on the island.

Beaches and Swimming Spots: Don’t miss Ramla Bay’s golden red sands, the serene isolation of San Blas Bay, or the beautiful water at Hondoq. Before you head to the beach, check online for seasonal jellyfish warnings. Between 15th May and 15th October, Maltese Islands Weather provides a very useful "Recommended Bays" service.

Festas and Celebrations: From May to September, Gozo comes alive with traditional festas in different villages, complete with parades, fireworks, and concerts. These events are a wonderful way to experience Gozo

Seasonal Highlights: Look out for annual events like Carnival in February or early March, the Santa Marija Feast in August, and Christmas markets in December.

Specialised Tours: Explore unique activities like salt harvesting at Xwejni, wine tastings at local vineyards, or guided archaeological tours of Ġgantija Temples.

Stay Updated: For the latest information on events and activities, visit Events in Gozo. This website is a fantastic resource to help you plan your days around what’s happening locally.

Practical Tips

Local Etiquette: While Gozo is relaxed and welcoming, it’s worth noting some local customs. When visiting churches, make sure to dress modestly (e.g., covering shoulders). Greeting people with a “good morning” or “good afternoon” is appreciated, and locals are generally happy to help with directions or recommendations.

Cashpoints: ATMs are available in Gozo, with most located in Victoria, particularly along Republic Street. Larger villages like Sannat, Xaghra, Xlendi, and Marsalforn typically have one ATM, but smaller villages often do not. To avoid inconvenience, it’s best to withdraw cash while in Victoria. Most ATMs accept major international cards, but check with your bank regarding fees.

Pharmacies and Medicines: In Malta and Gozo, you can’t buy over-the-counter medicines, such as painkillers or cold remedies, in supermarkets. Instead, you’ll need to visit a pharmacy. Pharmacies are usually open from 7 AM to 12 PM, then reopen from 4 PM to 7 PM. Most are closed on Sundays and public holidays, but the pharmacies in Victoria are usually open all day. For Sundays and public holidays, an emergency rota is available, ensuring you can access essential medication when needed.

Fireworks and Petards: Don’t be alarmed if you hear loud explosions at 8 AM, noon, or even at seemingly random times throughout the day. These petards are a traditional part of Gozo’s festa culture and are often used to signal celebrations or other events. While charming, they can catch even locals off guard, so be prepared for some unexpected early-morning noise, especially during festa season (May to September).

Transport During Festa Season: Roads near festa celebrations may be closed or rerouted, and parking can be limited in village centres. If you’re attending a festa, consider arriving early or using public transport or a taxi app like Bolt.

Tap Water: Tap water in Gozo is safe to drink, but its taste may not appeal to everyone due to it being desalinated sea water. Consider using a reusable bottle and refilling it with filtered water, which is widely available in supermarkets or accommodations. If you want to make a decent cup of tea, we recommend using bottled water for the kettle too.

Public Holidays: Malta and Gozo enjoy several public holidays, 14 in total, which can affect opening hours for shops, restaurants, and pharmacies. Major holidays include New Year's Day (1st January), Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck (10th February), Santa Marija Feast (15th August), and Christmas Day (25th December). Many businesses may close, so it’s wise to check ahead or plan around these dates.

Emergency Numbers: The EU-wide emergency number 112 works in Malta and Gozo.

Gozo Discounts: There are several ways to save some money on your trip to Gozo, found out more with our top money saving tips for Gozo.

Useful Websites and Apps

Maltese Islands Weather: For detailed weather forecasts.

Bookia: For restaurant reservations.

Pharmacy Roster: Find an open pharmacy on Sundays and Public Holidays

Malta Public Transport: For bus routes and schedules.

Gozo Channel Ferry: For ferry times and updates.

Gozo HighSpeed Ferry: For tickets and service updates.

Beach Guide: Useful site that provides real-time information on the conditions of beaches all around Gozo, Comino and Malta.

With these tips in your back pocket, and our Ultimate Guide to Gozo your trip is sure to be unforgettable. Whether you’re savouring a meal with a sea view, exploring hidden coves, or soaking up the island’s rich history, Gozo has something special for everyone.

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