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Explore this “spectacular” island with “mesmerizing blue” waters that reach 22°C in November.

Posted on by L. Dreeye
Explore this “spectacular” island with “mesmerizing blue” waters that reach 22°C in November.

Beautiful view of the island of Gozo
It has been described as “what Malta was like” (Photo: Getty Images)

With red sand, ancient temples and year-round sunshine, Gozo is just one of the breathtaking islands that make up the Maltese archipelago.

Recently named by Time Out magazine as one of Europe’s most underrated travel destinations in 2025, this quiet island is often described as “what Malta used to be” – a slower, more laid-back alternative to its busy and frequently visited sister island. .

Just 25 minutes by ferry from Malta, Gozo is the second largest of the five Maltese islands and, despite being just 26 square miles, is full of hidden gems and character.

Thanks to its 7,000-year history, there is a lot to discover here. The island is home to some of the oldest temples in the world, dating back to before the Egyptian pyramids.

Mgarr Harbour, Gozo, on a clear winter day
The island boasts extensive beaches and picturesque hills (Photo: Getty Images)

It is also a place shrouded in mythological lore and it is believed that it was here that a beautiful nymph held Odysseus against his will.

The natural beauty of the island is no less enchanting. From expansive beaches and picturesque hills to blue waters and rugged coastlines, those who venture off the beaten path will be rewarded.

Lonely Planet writes: “Although Malta can sometimes feel busy and crowded, sleepy and laid-back Gozo offers the perfect opportunity to breathe out and unwind.”

And visitors agree. One TripAdvisor reviewer called the “mesmerizing blue” waters surrounding this island “breathtaking.” And another said Gozo was a place of “peace and tranquility”.

Before you book your flights, here’s everything you need to know.

How to get to Gozo

There are no direct flights to Gozo; the only way to get there is by ferry.

The ferry departs from Cirkewwa, the northernmost point of Malta, and sails every 30-45 minutes, arriving at the port of Mgarr.

The ride takes about 25–45 minutes and can be choppy, especially during high winds. However, the service is considered “safe” and operates all year round.

METRO GRAPHICS Gozo, Malta Locator Map
Gozo is the second largest of the five Maltese islands (Photo: Metro).

Malta is a three-hour flight from London, with Ryanair one-way tickets starting from £29 per person in November. If you want to travel during peak season, June or July, prices are slightly higher, starting from £45.99.

You can fly from any London airport, including Heathrow and Gatwick, as well as Luton and Stansted.

What’s the weather like in Gozo?

The good news is that there is not a bad time to visit Gozo. The island has a typical Mediterranean climate with more than 300 sunny days a year.

If you want to bask in the warmth or swim in the warm waters, it is best to visit during the summer season, from July to August, when temperatures can rise above 20 degrees and rain is rare.

Blue Hole in Gozo
The Blue Hole in Gozo is one of the most popular diving sites in the Maltese Islands. (Photo: Getty Images)

But don’t lose sight of the seasons: spring (April and May) and autumn (September-November). Temperatures range from 21°C to 27°C and there are fewer tourists, so you can explore the island without the crowds.

If you’re chasing last-minute sunshine, now may be the best time to visit, although it’s cooler than summer and the mercury is currently rising to 23°C.

Meanwhile, winter has milder weather with temperatures ranging from 16-17°C during the day and 9-11°C at night. December is the wettest month and visitors should prepare for some rain.

View of Ramla Bay, Gozo, Malta.
Gozo has a typical Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine a year (Photo: Getty Images)

Things to do in Gozo

For a small island, Gozo has a rich history dating back 7,000 years and spanning Roman, Arab, Phoenician, Sicilian, French and British influences.

The island is said to have been the home of the mythological nymph Calypso, who in Homer’s Odyssey holds Odysseus as a “prisoner of love” in a cave for seven years. The cave, a popular tourist attraction located on the red-sand beach of Ramala Bay Island, is closed to the public due to “geological activity.”

The Azure Window is another landmark lost to the elements. The natural limestone arch, which was once the island’s main attraction, collapsed during a storm in 2017.

The arch was 50 meters high and has been featured in several films and TV shows, including Game of Thrones. Now its rocky remains are a popular diving site.

Divers head to the Blue Hole, a vertical chimney about 25 meters deep and 10 meters long that connects to the open sea through an underwater arch. During the dive you can see the remains of the Azure Window. Moby Dives is a popular dive school in Gozo that also caters for beginners.

In addition to its history, Gozo boasts some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world, including the Ggantija Temples, which were built during the Neolithic period, also known as the Stone Age, in 3600 BC.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these are Malta’s earliest megalithic temples, pre-dating the pyramids.

Meanwhile, Victoria Island’s capital, known as Rabat, is home to the Citadel, a historic fortress dating back to the Middle Ages.

Tripadvisor reviews describe the place as “a beautiful place with a lot of history.” One review left by JandPTravels read: “If you like history, you’ll love this place. It oozes from every wall and room. Stunning views of Gozo and some very interesting sites and museums.”

Another, from Traveltiger, called it “an incredibly impressive fortress with stunning views of the island.”

If you’re not into sightseeing, there’s still plenty to enjoy. Rusty Bay Ramla is known for having the softest sand on the island and is undoubtedly Gozo’s most popular beach.

The vast stretch of sand has attracted visitors since the Roman period. The remains of a Roman villa are hidden among the bamboo behind the beach.

Also worth a visit are the Salt Pans on the north coast of Gozo, near the resort town of Marsalforn. The 350-year-old patchwork of salt pans stretches 1.8 miles along the entire coastline.

Where to stay in Gozo

Malta, Gozo island, Xlendi, watchtower and salt marshes at sunset
The island’s salt marshes are a popular attraction (Photo: Getty Images)

The island has a variety of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget – from stone farmhouses and luxury villas to elegant hotels.

The gateway to Mgarr Harbor Island, with plenty of boats perched on a hilltop overlooking the Mediterranean, The Grand Hotel is a four-star hotel with sea views, spacious suites and swimming pools.

The island’s central capital, Victoria, has a variety of boutique hotels and B&Bs, with prices ranging from £70 to £80 per person per night in November.

The west coast boasts the picturesque villages of Gharb and San Lawrenz, where you’ll find the five-star Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, a luxury hotel carved from limestone with five pools, subtropical gardens and views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Meanwhile, on the north coast of Zebugg, close to the salt pans and Ramala Bay, there are several options, including the Calypso Hotel and the Cornucopia Hotel.

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