My Perfect 3-Day Gozo Itinerary

Gozo is Malta’s quieter, more rugged counterpart—an island brimming with natural beauty, rich history, and a slower pace that feels worlds away from the mainland. Despite its size, Gozo is a playground for adventure seekers, offering everything from dramatic coastal hikes and iconic dive sites to centuries-old temples and charming villages.

I spent a week on Gozo exploring every inch of the island and uncovering epic attractions and activities– and even found some unexpected hidden gems. From day tripping to Comino to hiking the dramatic Wied il-Mielaħ valley, I’ve condensed my experience into what I think is the ultimate 3-day Gozo itinerary—a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and unforgettable moments without feeling rushed.

Day 1: Arrival, Caves, and Magical Sunsets

Morning: Arrival and Lunch at Mekren’s Bakery

Arriving at Gozo via the ferry from Ċirkewwa is a smooth and straightforward experience. The ferry ride itself takes about 25 minutes, and disembarking with a car is quick and well-organized. Once you’re off the ferry, you’ll find yourself at Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main gateway.

From here, it’s just a 10-minute drive (around 5 km) to Mekren’s Bakery in Nadur. While you could walk, the steep hill leading to Nadur makes driving a better option, especially if you’ve just arrived with luggage. Mekren’s Bakery is a local institution, known for its freshly baked ftira bread, a traditional Maltese sourdough loaf.

I highly recommend trying their ftira with gbejniet (local sheep cheese) or potatoes which is extremely filing but I absolutely loved it. If you’ve got bags, take a quick detour to drop them off at your boutique hotel before lunch. Or, if you're comfortable, leave them in the car and continue to the nearby caves for great views of the coast.

Midday: Tal-Mixta Cave and Calypso Cave

After lunch, head to Tal-Mixta Cave, one of Gozo’s most iconic viewpoints. From Mekren’s Bakery, it’s an easy 10-minute drive to the cave’s car park.

From there, it’s a short walk to the cave entrance, where you’ll be greeted with a breathtaking view of Ramla Bay. This natural cave frames the bay’s distinctive red sand and shimmering turquoise waters, making it a perfect photo spot.

If time allows, take a short 10-minute drive to Calypso Cave, another scenic viewpoint overlooking Ramla Bay. Although the cave itself has collapsed, the lookout offers panoramic views of Gozo’s rugged coastline. This is a quick stop but well worth it for the unique perspective.

Afternoon: Quick Swim at Ramla Bay

Once you’ve soaked in the views from the caves, head down to Ramla Bay just a 5 minute drive away for a quick swim and an hour or so to relax at one of Gozo's most famous beaches.

This beach is world-famous for its red sand and clear, shallow waters, making it perfect for swimming or simply unwinding after a morning of exploring. There’s plenty of parking nearby, and the beach is equipped with a few snack bars if you need refreshments. I suggest packing a towel and some sunscreen for a couple of hours of pure relaxation before continuing your journey.

Late Afternoon: Explore Victoria and the Cittadella

As the afternoon heat begins to fade, make your way to Victoria (Rabat), the cultural and historic hub of Gozo. The drive from Ramla Bay to Victoria takes about 15 minutes. Once there, head straight to the Cittadella, a stunning fortified city perched on a hilltop. Wander its cobbled streets and take in the panoramic views of Gozo from the ancient walls.

Don’t miss the Grand Basilica of St. George, a beautifully ornate church located in the heart of Victoria. Spend some time walking through the surrounding streets, where you’ll find quaint shops, local cafes, and Independence Square, a perfect spot to relax with a coffee or a refreshing drink.

Evening: Sunset at Sanap Cliffs

While you could choose to stay in Victoria, unwinding the day with a drink at one of the city’s cozy bars or enjoying dinner at a Cittadella rooftop restaurant, such as It-Tokk or Ta’ Rikardu, this is an adventure Gozo travel itinerary—and I want you to experience the very best of theisland.

The most magical ways to end your first day is by witnessing the sunset at one of the epic Gozo sunset spots.

For your first evening, I recommend driving to the Sanap Cliffs, located on Gozo’s rugged southern coastline. This peaceful and less-visited spot offers a dramatic setting with sheer limestone cliffs plunging into the Mediterranean below. The drive from Victoria takes about 15 minutes, and there’s parking available near the small road leading to the cliffs. From there, it’s a short and easy walk to the edge.

Arrive about 30 minutes before sunset to fully soak in the experience. The cliffs are tranquil and feel untouched, making it the perfect spot to reflect on your first dayof exploring Gozo.

Dinner: Local Dining Recommendations

After sunset, make your way back to your accommodation or venture to one of Gozo’s fantastic restaurants for dinner. For your first night, I recommend:

• Ta’ Frenc: A farm-to-table restaurant offering refined Gozitan dishes, perfect for a special meal.
• Tmun: Located near Mġarr Harbour, this is an excellent choice for seafood lovers, with a modern and creative twist on local cuisine.
• Il-Kantra: Situated near the Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs, this charming spot combines local flavors with a cozy, rustic ambiance.

Day 2: Gozo's History, Coastal Wonders, & Stunning Views

Morning: Ġgantija Temples and Ta’ Kola Windmill

Begin your second day with a visit to the Ġgantija Temples, one of the world’s oldest freestanding structures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located in Xagħra, just a 15-minute drive from most accommodations on Gozo, these megalithic temples date back to 3600 BCE—older than the Pyramids of Egypt. Wander through the site, taking in the intricate stonework and imagining life on Gozo over 5,000 years ago. There’s parking available near the entrance, and the site includes an interpretive center to help you fully appreciate its historical significance.

After exploring the temples, make a quick stop at the nearby Ta’ Kola Windmill, a charming 18th-century windmill that offers a glimpse into Gozo’s rural history. It’s a small but interesting museum, showcasing traditional tools and living quarters from a time when windmills were vital to daily life.

Lunch: Xagħra Dining Options

For lunch, I recommend staying in Xagħra, which has several excellent local eateries. Latini Restaurant, located right in the village square, is a favorite for fresh, traditional Maltese dishes. Alternatively, D-Venue offers a relaxed atmosphere with great pasta and seafood options. Take your time to enjoy the quiet charm of the square before moving on to your afternoon adventure.

Afternoon: Dwejra Bay– The Blue Hole and Inland Sea

After lunch, head to Dwejra Bay, one of Gozo’s most iconic natural landscapes, located about a 20-minute drive from Xagħra. This area is home to some of Gozo’s most unique geological formations, including the Blue Hole, the Inland Sea, and the fascinating Fungus Rock.

The Blue Hole is a natural cylindrical rock formation that plunges 15 meters deep into clear blue waters. If you’re a certified diver, this is an unmissable spot for exploring underwater arches and marine life (I recommend contacting one of the dive shops in Dwejra Bay beforehand, I dove with Gozo Dive- St Andrews).

For non-divers, it’s still a great place to swim or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, or just explore the coast.

Nearby, the Inland Sea is a serene saltwater lagoon connected to the open sea by a narrow tunnel through the cliffs. You can take a short boat ride here to explore the tunnel and admire the stunning cliff faces from the water. It’s a peaceful and unique experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Also within the area is Fungus Rock, a large rocky outcrop steeped in local history. According to legend, this rock was once believed to house a rare plant used by the Knights of St. John for medicinal purposes. Today, Fungus Rock serves as a dramatic photographic backdrop, so if you're a fan of photography like me, consider coming back at golden hour.

Evening: Sunset at Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs

As your second day winds down, make your way to the Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs for another unforgettable sunset. Located on the southern coast of Gozo, these cliffs are slightly less dramatic than Sanap but offer sweeping views over the Mediterranean and the islands of Comino and Malta in the distance.

The drive to the cliffs takes about 15 minutes from Dwejra Bay, and there’s parking near the access point. Take a short walk to the cliff edge, where the landscape opens up to breathtaking views. The tranquility of this spot, combined with the stunning golden light of sunset, makes it one of my favorite places to reflect and unwind.

Dinner: More Excellent Gozo’s Dining Experiences

After sunset, treat yourself to a delicious dinner at one of Gozo’s fantastic restaurants:

• Xlendi’s Boat House Restaurant: Located on the waterfront in Xlendi Bay, this spot is perfect for seafood lovers. The fresh fish and views of the bay make for an unforgettable meal.
• Ta’ Philip: A farm-to-table restaurant known for its traditional Gozitan dishes cooked in a wood-fired oven. This is a great choice for a hearty, authentic dinner.
• Il-Kartell: Another excellent option in Xlendi, offering a mix of Mediterranean and Gozitan cuisine with a cozy atmosphere.

Day 3: Island Adventures and Coastal Charm

Early Morning: Sunrise at Wied Il-Mielaħ Natural Arch

Start your final day on Gozo with a magical sunrise at the Wied Il-Mielaħ Natural Arch. This impressive limestone formation, located on the island’s northwest coast, is a quieter alternative to the now-collapsed Azure Window.

Arriving at dawn means you’ll have the arch almost entirely to yourself, and the morning light beautifully highlights its rugged edges and the turquoise waters below. There’s parking nearby, and it’s just a short walk to the viewpoint.

Morning: Epic Adventure to Comino and the Blue Lagoon

After your sunrise adventure, head to Ħondoq ir-Rummien Beach, a small sandy bay on Gozo’s southeastern coast. This is your starting point for an epic kayaking trip to Comino Island. Crossing the Gozo Channel by kayak is one of the most fun and adventurous ways to get to Comino and its famous attractions like the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon.

Book a guided tour through Gozo Adventures or Kayak Gozo, as local regulations require a licensed guide for crossing the channel. These tours often include stops at sea caves and lesser-known spots, making the journey as exciting as the destination. Once on Comino, you’ll have time to swim, snorkel, and explore the lagoons, known for their vibrant turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs.

Lunch: Quick Bite on Comino

Since you'll want to stay a while on Comino, after a morning of kayaking and swimming, I recommend a quick lunch at the Comino Snack Bar, which offers simple options that are great for a quick bite. Alternatively, you can pack a picnic to enjoy on the island while taking in the views of the lagoons.

Afternoon: Relax or Explore More of Gozo

After an adventurous day kayaking to Comino and swimming in its lagoons, you’ll likely be ready to slow things down. You could head back to your boutique hotel to relax and recharge or get lost in a local village, wandering its narrow streets and soaking up the laid-back Gozitan atmosphere.

If you’re up for exploring, here are a few other fantastic activities and sights to round out your afternoon:

• Marsalforn Salt Pans: Visit these ancient man-made formations along the northern coast, where locals still harvest sea salt. The geometric patterns against the rugged coast are perfect for photography and a quick stroll.
• Ninu’s Cave and Xerri’s Grotto: Located in Xagħra, these underground caves feature impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Access is unique—through private homes, offering an intimate and memorable experience.
• Qala Belvedere: Head to this viewpoint on the southern coast near Mġarr Harbour for panoramic views of Comino, Malta, and the surrounding coastline. It’s a quiet spot ideal for reflection and scenic photography.
• Xewkija Rotunda: Visit Gozo’s largest church, known for its massive dome and beautiful interior. You can even take an elevator up to the rooftop for sweeping views of the island.
• Visit a Vineyard: If you’re a wine lover, stop by a local vineyard like Ta’ Mena Estate for a wine-tasting experience paired with Gozitan delicacies.

Dinner: A Memorable Final Meal on Gozo

After sunset, savor your final meal on the island. Here are a few more recommendations of my personal favorites.

• Rew Rew Wine Bar (Victoria): A cozy wine bar tucked away in Victoria, offering a curated selection of local wines and simple, delicious platters of cheese, cured meats, and bread. It’s perfect for a relaxed, intimate evening.
• Il-Logga Restaurant (Xagħra): A family-run spot with a modern take on Maltese and Gozitan cuisine. The seafood pasta here is a standout, and the terrace seating offers a lovely view of the surrounding countryside.
• Giuseppe - Cafe & Bistro (Nadur): Known for its fusion menu and lively atmosphere, this spot serves everything from fresh seafood to vegan-friendly dishes. Its central location in Nadur makes it a convenient choice if you’re staying nearby.
• Ristorante Bancinu (Mġarr Harbour): Located right by the water, this seafood restaurant specializes in dishes like grilled octopus, lobster pasta, and freshly caught fish. It’s ideal if you want a final meal overlooking the harbor lights.
• D-Bar (Qala): A casual but highly-rated local favorite offering hearty portions of traditional Gozitan dishes like rabbit stew and baked pasta. A great spot for an authentic, no-frills dining experience.