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Here’s our guide to the perfect weekend on the island, where to stay, what to see, and where to eat exceptionally well.
From Valletta, the Gozo Fast Ferry takes you across the channel in under 45 minutes, arriving in the colourful port of Mgarr. It’s an easy and scenic ride, especially when taken at golden hour. From Mgarr, most of the island is within 20 minutes by taxi or car.
The Classic: Hotel Ta’ Cenc & Spa
Carved into a bluff above the sea, Ta’ Cenc is Gozo’s original destination hotel. Built in the 1960s, it exudes a faded glamour — wide stone terraces, low-slung bungalows, and gardens brimming with oleander and prickly pear. The hotel’s large swimming pools and quiet ambiance make it a dreamy base, especially for those drawn to discreet charm.
Boutique Option: Battistini Boutique Living
Tucked in the heart of Xagħra, Battistini is a beautifully restored townhouse with crisp linens, hand-tiled bathrooms, and a rooftop plunge pool overlooking the village skyline. Ideal for couples or solo travellers looking for character and comfort.
Rent a House
Some of Gozo’s most beautiful stays are behind unassuming doors: restored farmhouses with inner courtyards, vaulted stone ceilings, and secluded pools. Try Gozoville, Baron Holiday Homes, or local agents who specialise in elegant long weekends.
Arrive on the fast ferry in the early evening and head straight for Gleneagles Bar, a Gozo institution perched above Mgarr Harbour. Think polished wood, vintage photographs, and a terrace perfect for watching the boats come in. Order a Negroni or a crisp local Vermentino, and toast your arrival.
Dinner can be simple — try local fish or pasta in one of the laid-back harbour restaurants before heading to your hotel.
Morning in Victoria
Start the day in Victoria, Gozo’s quietly elegant capital. Its narrow streets hum with village life, and it’s here you’ll find some of the island’s best antique jewellery shops. Pop into Rialto Antiques or the smaller ateliers near the Cathedral for vintage Maltese gold, antique silver filigree, coral necklaces, and occasional cameos. Most shops are family-run and delightfully informal — you may find yourself drinking espresso while choosing a bracelet.
Explore the Citadel
Above Victoria rises Il-Kastell, the ancient fortified city. Its limestone bastions offer panoramic views over the island and sea. Step inside the Baroque cathedral, wander through the tiny museum, or simply enjoy the stillness.
Don’t miss a visit to the Independence Square Market for olives, capers, Gozitan salt, and handmade baskets.
Village Churches & Evening in Xagħra
Later, explore nearby villages such as Għarb or Żebbuġ, where massive stone churches dominate sleepy squares. At golden hour, the façades glow like honey.
Evening drinks and dinner are best in Xagħra — head to a quiet courtyard bar or trattoria for grilled fish, Gozitan wine, and perfect tomatoes.
Il-Kantra Beach Club
Sundays in Gozo are slow — and rightly so. Spend yours at Il-Kantra, a beach club and restaurant set in a rocky cove beneath the Ta’ Cenc cliffs. There’s no sand here, just flat sun-warmed rocks, crystalline water, and a series of ladders leading straight into the sea.
Reserve a table early and plan to stay a while. The grilled octopus, spaghetti with shellfish, and a chilled bottle of Maltese rosé make for an unforgettable afternoon. Bring a book, swim, doze — repeat.
Hidden Coves
If you prefer a quieter spot, take the winding road to San Blas Bay, a small, red-sand beach accessed via a steep path. Or ask locals about Mġarr ix-Xini, a secluded bay that once hosted Brangelina during a film shoot, and which now draws a mix of divers and in-the-know swimmers.
If time allows before your ferry back to Valletta, squeeze in a final stroll through Nadur or Qala. These hilltop villages offer soft views across the sea and elegant limestone streets that feel unchanged in decades. Or return to Gleneagles for one last drink above the harbour.
