An Escape to Gozo: Malta's Tranquil Sister Island

Overview

Gozo is Malta’s quieter, greener sister island. While only a short ferry ride from the mainland, it feels worlds apart. Characterized by baroque parish churches rising over sleepy stone villages, terraced fields, and a dramatic coastline sculpted by the wind and sea, Gozo is a haven for hikers, history enthusiasts, and divers. This four-day itinerary balances historic exploration in the capital of Victoria with lazy afternoons on red-sand beaches and scenic walks along limestone cliffs.

Getting There

Traveling from the Netherlands to Gozo is straightforward and takes roughly 5 to 6 hours in total:

• Flights: You can fly direct from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Malta International Airport (MLA) with KM Malta Airlines or easyJet (approx. 3 hours 10 minutes). Alternatively, Ryanair operates direct flights from Eindhoven Airport (EIN) to Malta (approx. 2 hours 55 minutes).
• Airport to Ferry: Upon landing in Malta, take a taxi directly to the Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal at the northernmost tip of the mainland (around 45 minutes, costing €30–€40), or catch the direct X1 public bus (about 75–90 minutes).
• Ferry to Gozo: Board the Gozo Channel ferry from Ċirkewwa to Mġarr Harbour on Gozo. The crossing takes 25 minutes and operates 24/7. Note: You do not buy a ticket on the way to Gozo; you only pay the round-trip fare (€4.65) when returning from Gozo. Alternatively, a passenger-only fast ferry connects Valletta directly to Gozo in about 45 minutes.

Day-by-day

Day 1: The Heart of Gozo & The Cittadella

• Morning: Arrive at Mġarr Harbour, grab a fresh pastizz (flaky pastry filled with ricotta or peas) at the port, and head to your accommodation to drop off your bags.
• Afternoon: Head to Victoria (also known locally as Rabat), the island's central hub. Explore the narrow, winding alleys of the old town before climbing up to the medieval Cittadella. This fortified city offers 360-degree views across the entire island.
• Evening: Dine in one of Victoria’s lively squares, sampling local Gozitan cheese (ġbejniet) and fresh sourdough bread.

Day 2: Red Sands, Salt Pans & Hidden Gorges

• Morning: Start your day at Ramla Bay, famous for its unique golden-red sand. Take a short hike up to Tal-Mixta Cave for an iconic view looking down over the bay.
• Afternoon: Travel to the northern coast to see the Qbajjar Salt Pans near Marsalforn, where salt has been harvested from hand-cut coastal rock shelves for centuries. Continue west to Wied il-Għasri, a spectacular, narrow sea canyon perfect for a secluded swim.
• Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant in the fishing village of Marsalforn.

Day 3: Dwejra Bay, the Blue Hole & Ta' Pinu

• Morning: Explore the dramatic geological wonders of Dwejra on the west coast. Visit the Inland Sea (a secluded lagoon linked to the open sea via a natural rock tunnel) and peer into the famous Blue Hole, a premier diving spot.
• Afternoon: Head inland to visit the majestic Basilica of Ta' Pinu, a monumental national shrine standing solitary in the countryside, renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful mosaic paths.
• Evening: Walk along the rugged Sanap Cliffs or Ta' Ċenċ Cliffs to watch a dramatic sunset over the Mediterranean.

Day 4: Comino's Blue Lagoon & Departure

• Morning: Take a small boat excursion from Mġarr Harbour to the tiny neighboring island of Comino to swim in the world-famous, crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon before the midday day-trippers arrive from mainland Malta.
• Afternoon: Return to Gozo to pack up, pick up some local honey or sun-dried tomatoes as souvenirs, and head to the ferry terminal.
• Evening: Cross back to Malta's mainland for your flight back to the Netherlands.

Where to Stay

• Boutique Farmhouses (Xagħra, Għasri, or Gharb): Gozo is famous for its beautifully restored, centuries-old limestone farmhouses, many of which feature private pools and rustic stone walls. This is the most authentic Gozitan experience.
• Victoria (Rabat): Best for those relying on public transport, placing you at the central bus hub with easy access to cafes, shops, and historic sites.
• Marsalforn or Xlendi: Ideal if you want to wake up next to the sea, offering plenty of waterfront dining options and easy access to swimming spots.

Budget

• Flights: €100 – €300 round-trip from the Netherlands, depending on the season and how early you book.
• Ferries: €4.65 return for a foot passenger on the main ferry; €7.50 one-way for the Valletta fast ferry.
• Accommodation: €60 – €120 per night for a charming guesthouse or private room in a farmhouse; €130+ for premium hotels.
• Local Transport: Public buses cost €2.50 per journey in summer. Car rental is highly recommended to explore remote corners and costs roughly €25 – €45 per day.
• Food & Drink: €30 – €55 per day. A casual lunch of local platters or flatbreads (ftira) costs €10–€15, while a nice dinner with local wine costs around €25–€35.

Know Before You Go

• Visas & Entry: As both the Netherlands and Malta are in the Schengen Area, no visa is required for Dutch citizens or EU residents. A valid passport or national ID card is sufficient.
• Driving: Like the UK, driving in Malta and Gozo is on the left-hand side of the road. Gozo's roads are often narrow and steep, so a compact car is best.
• Public Transport & Taxis: Buses on Gozo run less frequently than on mainland Malta (often once an hour). Rideshare apps like Bolt and eCabs operate on Gozo, but wait times can be very long due to a limited number of drivers on the island. Plan ahead if you do not rent a car.
• Ferry Quirks: Remember that you do not need to show or buy a ticket when boarding the ferry in Malta to go to Gozo. You only buy your ticket at the Mġarr terminal in Gozo when you are ready to travel back to the mainland.