Gozo’s Top Hidden Gems You Need To Explore

You’ve probably known Gozo as the home of the Ggantija Temples, the world’s oldest stone structures listed as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites. Or you might have been attracted to the allure of the Azure Window. Perhaps, you are drawn to the architecture and historic monuments of its capital city, Victoria. But did you know that Gozo also has other travel attractions that are not as popular but equally stunning and travel-worthy as the top-rated ones?

What To Do

Many travelers tend to visit the same places recommended by websites like TripAdvisor. If you’re planning to visit Malta and Gozo on your next holiday, don’t miss to visit these hidden gems recommended by locals:

1.See the ruins and cliffs at Ta’Cenc

Kritzolina [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

At Ta’Cenc, you can find ancient cart-ruts and two dolmens, the Id-Dura tal-Mara and Id-Dura tax-Xaghra I-Kbira, that are believed to have been used as burial grounds during the Bronze Age. Trek the cliffs of Sannat to see a panoramic view of the surrounding villages or visit the ruins of Borg I-Imramma, a megalithic temple.

2. Bask in the sand at San Blas Bay

Erik1980 [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

If you like to escape the hustle of the big city, you can find solace in the secluded beaches of San Blas Bay. Here you can find steep hills leading to the rust-colored sand of the beaches.

3. Wied il-Mielah

Josephmercieca98 [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

In the valley and between the rugged cliffs of Ghasri runs a creek that leads to a fjord-like bay. This place is a perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling and diving. Embedded on the rock formations of the creek are fossilized sea urchins that appear as star-like patterns from a distance.

4. Ras il-Wardija 

BrandyMay [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Undoubtedly, Gozo has influences from its Roman and Punic settlers. Wardija, a quaint and sleepy village with Roman-Punic ruins, is just a walking distance from Dwejra. You can find here an artificial cave, the origins of which can be traced back during the 3rd century BC.

5. The Underground Cave Systems in Xaghra

If you’ll be visiting Gozo during the summer, visit the island’s underground cave system to escape the summer heat. Ninu’s Cave and Xerri’s Grotto are great caves to visit if you like to marvel at fascinating rock formations, as well as the stalagmites and stalactites.

6. Mistra Rocks

If you’re into trekking, visiting Mistra Rocks would mean a great adventure for you. This rocky cove is located amidst steep limestone cliffs. Considered a walker’s paradise, Mistra Rocks boast of its dazzling and refreshing waters perfect for those with weary feet after a long walk.

7. San Filep Bay

San Filep Bay is located in Dahlet Qorrot, a couple of minutes’ walk away from Mistra Rocks. This site is famous for its beach with fallen boulders. Whether you’re into snorkeling or not, you can surely find the wealth of Gozo’s endemic marine fauna and flora here attractive and worth seeing.

Where To Stay

If you’ll be staying in Gozo for more than a day, you won’t have to worry about where to stay. Although the island is a small one, there are actually a lot of accommodation options for you. There are hotels in the island, especially in the capital city. You can also find budget hostel accommodation, as well as apartments and boutique properties.

For many travelers, farmhouses in Gozo are the best choice. You can certainly consider this option as a home away from home, considering the amenities. A farmhouse comes with the usual appliances and features of a home, including bedrooms, bathrooms, and a lounge with flat screen TVs. There’s also a parking lot with a reliable alarm system, which is useful if you’ve opted to rent a car for your excursions. The kitchen comes with all the necessities you might need if you like to hold a BBQ party with friends. The farmhouses are also located near the island’s top-rated travel destinations, such as the Ta’Pinu Basilica, Victoria, and Ta’Gurdan Lighthouse. There’s also a 4 star hotel, the Grand Hotel in Gozo, located in Mgarr, just a couple of minutes away from the ferry terminal to Malta.

Like its sister islands of the Maltese archipelago, Gozo has a lot more in store for travelers with different preferences. Once you’ve reserved an apt holiday home, be sure partner with a tour service provider to create customized itinerary that will include all these destinations.