Fontana, Gozo: The Local’s Guide
By Kerry Gaffney | Last Updated 07/06/2026
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Why Visit Fontana, Gozo?
Fontana sits between Victoria and Xlendi, strung out along the valley road, and most visitors treat it as a through route rather than a destination in its own right. It rewards the ones who pause.
The village is known for its washhouses, the Għajn tal-Ħasselin, built by the Knights of St John in the sixteenth century and still in occasional use today. They’re quiet and photogenic and easy to miss if you don’t know to look for them. Fontana Cottage, just off the main road, is worth a stop for local produce, lace and handmade souvenirs.
At Easter, the church parvis is laid out with an Infiorata, a carpet of flower petals arranged into intricate patterns, which is one of those Gozitan traditions that catches you off guard with how beautiful it is. The wine festival in September is the other highlight, a relaxed evening in the village with local producers and, usually, some decent live music.
For eating, Fontana was without a restaurant until Franka opened in December 2025. It’s already earning good reviews and is a sister restaurant to Briju in Malta, which is a reliable indicator of quality.
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.
Where to Stay in Fontana
As one of the smallest villages on Gozo, with a population of around 1,000, accommodation in Fontana consists of B&Bs and Farmhouses. 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.
- Dar Il-Wied: With 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms and a pool, this villa is perfect for a family or group trip.
- The Nest Siekel Townhouse: A ten-minute walk from Victoria, with wonderful countryside views, this maisonette is perfect for couples.
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.