Victoria, Gozo: Your Complete Guide to Where to Stay, Eat, and Explore

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Nestled in the heart of Gozo, Victoria—officially named in 1887 to honour Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee—is a place where centuries of history meet vibrant island life. Locals still affectionately call it Rabat, a name derived from the Arabic ribat (meaning "suburb"), reflecting its origins as the settlement outside the ancient Citadel. As Gozo’s capital, Victoria is the island’s cultural and logistical hub, offering a captivating mix of Baroque architecture, lively squares, and modern conveniences. Whether you’re here to explore its storied past or soak up local life, Victoria promises an unforgettable experience.

• Where to stay in Victoria

• How to get to Victoria

• Where to eat and drink in Victoria

• Things to do in Victoria

• How to get around Victoria

• When to visit Victoria

• Plan your trip to Victoria

Where to Stay in Victoria, Gozo

Victoria makes an excellent base for a Gozo adventure. Its central location makes it easy to explore the island via public transport or car, and there are plenty of bars, restaurants, shops and attractions to keep you entertained.

Here are some of our top accommodation recommendations:

• Boutique Hotels:

  • The Duke Boutique Hotel: Centrally located, this is a luxurious option that offers some unique amenities, such as a private hot tub and sauna on your room's balcony, as well as offering stunning views of the Citadel.

  • Casa Gemelli Boutique Guesthouse: A charming B&B housed in a traditional townhouse with exception ratings and guest reviews.

• Budget-Friendly Stays:

  • Citadella B&B: A thoroughly modern B&B situated in a traditional building, just moments from Victoria's Citadel, and one of the best bars on the island, The Castle Bar

  • Maria Rose Suites B&B: Located in a recently renovated historic building, the Maria Rose Suites is light and airy, and very well positioned on a quiet side street.

For those seeking a more authentic experience, you could consider renting a traditional Gozitan farmhouse, several of which can be found in the outskirts of Victoria, or villages close-by.

How to Get to Victoria

One of the great things about picking Victoria as your your base for your holiday on Gozo is that it is probably the easiest place to get to on Gozo. Much like all roads lead to Rome, on this island almost all roads go via Victoria.

Of course, first of all you need to get to Gozo, and to help you with that part of your travel, we've put together a comprehensive guide on how to get to Gozo. The summary of which is:

• Gozo Channel Ferry (Cirkewwa to Mgarr): 25-minute ride departing every 30-45 minutes. The only choice if you have a hired a car on Malta.

• Gozo Highspeed Ferry (Valletta to Mgarr): A 45-minute option for foot passengers only.

Both ferries take you to the beautiful Mgarr Harbour. From there you can easily get a taxi, hire a car or take a public transport.

By Car: Cars can be hired from the Gozo Channel Ferry Terminal and it will take about 15 - 20 minutes to drive to Victoria. Be warned though, while parking is available near to Villa Rundle Gardens, finding a spot can be a nightmare for most of the day, especially during summer.

By Bus: Victoria is Gozo’s main transport hub, with buses connecting it to all major towns and villages. For travelling between Mgarr Harbour and Victoria route 301 is the best as it's the most direct and runs every 15 minutes. You can also take the 303 or 323 which take more indirect routes.

By Taxi or Bolt: We recommend taking a Bolt or Uber for the 20-minute trip to Victoria. If there are none available, you will find White Taxis outside the Gozo Channel Ferry Terminal. And we strongly recommend agreeing the price before you start your trip.

Where to Eat and Drink in Victoria

There are so many great spots in Victoria, and there are new ones opening all the time. These are just some of our favourites:

Breakfast & Coffee Spots

Aurora Bistro Café: Part of one of the two band clubs/opera houses in Victoria, it's known for hearty breakfasts in an elegant setting.

Black Cat Café: A cosy spot near St. Francis Square for brunch or coffee. It is very popular, with great vegetarian and vegan options, so we advise booking in advance.

Ta Cetta: One of our favourite spots for brunch. The fries have an insanely gorgeous coating and the location is perfect for watching the occasional traffic chaos in St. Francis Square.

Lunch & Dinner Recommendations:

Maldonado Bistro: Just a few minutes walk from the Citadel, Maldonado has been a fixture of the Gozo restaurant for years, and deservedly so. Offering Mediterranean dishes with a modern twist using fresh local ingredients, it's a cosy and classy location with excellent service. It also offers cooking classes and a truly epic wine tasting experience. It's one of our go-tos when we have friends or family visiting Gozo for the first time.

Roża Restaurant: Tucked into a corner of St George's Square, Roza offers views of St George's Basilica from its outside seating and a mix of modern and traditional from its recently expanded interior. The menu offers a range of options, including vegan and vegetarian dishes.

The Grapes Wine Bar: Also in St George's Square, the Grapes offers a more casual and relaxed dining experience, albeit with the same beautiful views of the square. Perfect for when you fancy a quick bite and some people watching.

Bars in Victoria

Castle Bar: Located near the Citadel, this traditional bar offers a cosy atmosphere with friendly service, some spectacular cocktails and a very friendly pub cat, Pubsy. It's perfect for a casual drink after sightseeing, and if you're a musician, then make sure to drop in on a sunday afternoon for the jam session.

La Sciabordita: A relative newcomer to Victoria, opening up in early 2025, this Tuscan wine bar has a great selection of drinks and very reasonably priced dishes.

Nomad Lounge: Another new spot, this whisky lounge also offers craft beers and a light menu in a laid-back atmosphere.

Things to Do in Victoria

Explore The Citadel (Cittadella)

The Citadel is the crown jewel of Victoria and possibly Gozo’s most iconic landmark. Dating back to the Bronze Age, it served as an acropolis during the Punic-Roman period before evolving into a fortified castle under the Knights of St. John. Historically, it protected locals from corsair attacks and was rebuilt after the Ottoman invasion of 1551.

Recently restored, the Citadel now features museums, churches, and panoramic views of Gozo’s countryside and coastline—especially magical at sunset. Highlights include:

• The Cathedral of the Assumption, renowned for its flat-painted dome that creates an optical illusion of depth.

• Museums such as the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, Gran Castello Historic House, Gozo Nature Museum, and Old Prison (€5 combo ticket).

Visit Il-Ħaġar Museum (Heart of Gozo)

This cultural centre showcases Gozitan heritage through exhibits on local history, art, and religious artefacts from St. George’s Basilica. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace for stunning views of Victoria’s skyline.

Wander the Medieval Streets

Strolling through the narrow lanes that surround the main squares of Gozo is always a pleasure. Adorned with golden limestone buildings and colourful balconies overflowing with plants, it's a photographer’s paradise.

Discover St. George’s Basilica

This Baroque masterpiece captivates visitors with its intricate interior design and serene atmosphere. Climb the bell tower for breathtaking views over St. George’s Square.

Enjoy Villa Rundle Gardens

A peaceful retreat in the heart of Victoria featuring shaded paths, seasonal decorations during Christmas or Valentine’s Day, and plenty of spots to relax.

Attend an Opera Performance

Victoria boasts two opera houses that enrich its cultural scene and if you are planning on visiting in October, we highly recommend checking out the performances planned for that month. There are other performances and concerts throughout the year, and both houses have good bistros that are perfect for a quick breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Teatru Aurora: Built in 1976 by the Leone Philharmonic Society, this venue hosts grand productions like Puccini’s Madama Butterfly.

• Teatru Astra: Known for its stunning productions such as Verdi’s La Traviata, this opera house is a cultural gem not to be missed.

Explore Filming Locations

Over the years, Victoria has been the backdrop for several films and TV shows, ranging from the beloved UK soap opera, Coronation Street, to By the Sea, starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Most recently it provides the municipal heart of Sainte Victorie, the fictional French village of the popular The Madame Blanc Mysteries.

How to get around Victoria

Victoria is compact enough to explore on foot, although be warned it is a bit on the hilly side. However, buses connect it to all the other parts of Gozo if you wish to venture further afield. Renting a car or using taxis is recommended if you plan to visit remote areas like Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs or Wied il-Mielaħ Arch.

When to Visit Victoria

Victoria is a great all year round destination, these are just some of the highlights

• Spring (March–May): Perfect for exploring historical sites amidst blooming wildflowers.

• Summer (June–August): Enjoy lively festivals like Santa Marija on August 15th or St George's in July.

• Autumn/Winter (September–February): Quieter months with mild weather—ideal for cultural events or festive decorations at Villa Rundle Gardens.

Plan your trip to victoria

Victoria combines history, culture, gastronomy, and convenience into one unforgettable destination. Whether you’re climbing the Citadel walls at sunset or enjoying Maltese delicacies at Maldonado Bistro, this vibrant town offers something special for every traveller.

Start planning your trip today—Victoria, and Gozo, await!

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