Why Visit Kerċem, Gozo?
Kerċem (pronounced ker-CHÉM) is one of Gozo’s smallest and most picturesque villages, tucked just beyond the south-west edge of Victoria (ir-Rabat), amidst a lush landscape of valleys, green hills, and quiet country roads. The village’s name comes from the Arabic word “kerkem,” meaning vineyard or orchard, a fitting tribute to the fertile landscapes that have drawn people here for thousands of years. With its roots reaching back to some of the earliest habitation on the island, Kerċem is a place where rustic charm, rural tranquillity, and traditions run deep.
Despite its small population, Kerċem is culturally vibrant, famed for its beautiful countryside walks, lively festas, and the peaceful hamlet of Santa Luċija. Whether you’re drawn by ancient legends, walks with gorgeous views, or the chance to experience local Gozitan life up close, Kerċem welcomes you with open arms and the promise of authentic island hospitality. It makes a great base from which to explore the rest of Gozo.
How to Get to Kerċem
Kerċem is only a 5 minute drive, or a ten-minute walk from Victoria. However, to get there you first need to get to Gozo from Malta, which means getting a ferry, to decide the best route for you, check out our guide on how to get to Gozo or take our Ferry Quiz. Once you’ve landed at Mġarr harbour, you have a few options.
- By Bus: Public transport in Gozo is pretty reliable and reasonably priced. However, almost every route terminates in Victoria, which means first taking the 301, 303 or 323 from the harbour to Victoria, then catching the 313, which loops though Santa Lucija before travelling to Kerċem, and back to Victoria. Despite this it only takes about 10 – 15 minutes. The trip also gives you some beautiful views.
- By Car: Hiring a car gives the greatest flexibility to explore Gozo during your stay, and Kerċem is just five minutes from Victoria and around fifteen minutes from the Gozo ferry terminal at Mġarr. Parking in and around the village is generally straightforward, except during festa weeks. There are plenty of car rental agencies near the harbour, so you can pick up your ride when you arrive.
- By Taxi or Ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Bolt, eCabs, and Uber operate on Gozo. There is also a White Taxi rank outside the Gozo Channel Ferry terminal. If you do use a White Taxi, make sure to agree the price in advance and that you have the payment in cash. There is an ATM inside the terminal if you need a top up. The other services accept both card payment via the app, and cash.
As you’d expect for such a small island, getting around Gozo is usually quite simple and quick. Almost every where is only 15 minutes away, that said don’t be surprised if there are random road closures and diversions. Especially in summer when Festa season is in full swing. While they can be frustrating, our advice is just to take a deep breath and find a new route. It’s too hot to get het up about small delays.
Where to Stay in Kerċem
For a tiny village Kerċem has some wonderful options when it comes to places to stay, from luxury hotels, comfortable B&Bs and traditional farmhouses, perfectly equipped for a family or group stay. Here are some of our favourites.
Where to Eat in Kerċem
As we’ve mentioned, Kerċem is small however, it has some really great places to eat and drink. It’s also only 10 minutes walk to Victoria, or a short taxi ride to Xlendi or Gharb, which all have some wonderful options, from fine dining to more casual eats.
- Tuta Restaurant: Part of the Tuta Agrotourism hotel and set on a 14-hectare farm, embrace slow eating and local Gozitan fare at its finest.
- Greens Sports Bar & Grill: Not to be confused with Greens Supermarket, Greens can be found next to the Kerċem Ajax ground and takes its name from the colour of the team’s strip. A great place to watch live sport, with plenty of TVs in the main restaurant and bar area. It also has a fabulous roof terrace, with wonderful view of the Citadel, that’s perfect for al fresco summer dining. I particularly love dining there during the feasts of St George and Santa Marija, as you can enjoy the firework show as you eat.
- Manini’s Pub: This small bar can be found half way up the road leading to the church. It’s ideal for grabbing a cold Cisk, sitting outside and watching the world go by. It’s also rumoured to serve the best rabbit on Gozo, a dish which has to be ordered 24 hours in advance. If you’re not that organised, it does decent pizzas at a very reasonable price.
Things to Do in Kerċem
Kerċem is full of natural beauty and rich tradition, offering something for every visitor:
- Lunzjata Valley: One of Gozo’s loveliest green valleys, perfect for country walks, birdwatching, and photography. The ancient aqueducts and sound of trickling water make it especially soothing.
- Annunciation Chapel: Whilst in the Lunzjata Valley, a visit to this troglodyte is a must. Dating back to the fourteenth century and was rebuilt in the seventeenth, it was extensively restored after World War II.
- Santa Luċija Hamlet: Experience rural tranquillity and traditional village life. The 16th-century Santa Luċija chapel is particularly picturesque and the surrounding fields are grazed by local shepherds.
- Heritage Sites: Explore the parish church, uniquely dedicated to both St Gregory and Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Roman-era remains and prehistoric sites nearby attest to Kerċem’s long history, though most are not open to the public.
- Filming Locations: Kerċem has appeared in the popular cozy crime drama, The Madame Blanc Mysteries and also doubled for Central America in the eighties classic, Brideshead Revisited.
- Village Festas: Kerċem is the only Gozitan village with two festas:
- St Gregory (12 March)
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help (second Sunday in July), now the larger of the two, with fireworks, music, and joyful processions.
- Għadira Fair: A popular traditional family fair held near the San Rafflu pond, featuring music, games, pony rides, and food stalls—fun for all ages.
- Outdoor Activities: The area is renowned for cycling, country walks, and exploring caves such as Għar Ilma and Il-Mixta.
- Wash Houses: If you venture down the wibbly-wobbly road from Kerċem towards Xlendi. Something we recommend you don’t do in a car or without the help of shoes with a strong grip. You’ll find an historic wash house, similar to those found in Fontana, just not as popular. It’s still in use today, but mainly for washing cars.
- Nearby Attractions: Kerċem’s location makes it a convenient base for visiting Victoria’s Citadel, Xlendi Bay, and the craft village at Ta’ Dbiegi.
Ready to Plan Your Trip to Kerċem, Gozo?
Kerċem invites visitors to slow down, savour Gozitan traditions, and connect with the warm local community amid stunning scenery. Are you most interested in rustic walks, village festas, farmhouses with character, or peaceful country escapes? Do you want help picking the ideal season, or tips for exploring by bike or on foot?
Let us know what you’d love to discover in Kerċem, and we’ll help craft the perfect Gozitan adventure for you!
