Gozo & Cittadella
Għawdex / Iċ-Ċittadella
Malta's second-largest island, with a far slower pace than the main island. A citadel in the centre overlooks the whole island, and nearby are salt pans, red sand beaches and diving spots.
Gozo (Għawdex) lies northwest of Malta and covers about 67 square kilometres. Its farmland and small villages are even quieter than those of the main island. In the centre, on the hilltop of the capital Victoria (Rabat), stands the Cittadella, a fortress that has served as a defence since the Bronze Age. After restoration, its ramparts are open free of charge and offer views over the whole island. Inside are Gozo Cathedral and small museums of archaeology and natural history. Other highlights include the Ġgantija temples, a World Heritage Site dating to around 3600 BC; Dwejra on the west coast, where the Azure Window arch collapsed in 2017, though the inland sea and the Blue Hole dive site remain world-class; the red sand beach of Ramla Bay on the north coast; and the ancient salt pans along the coast near Marsalforn. Getting there: the Gozo Channel ferry takes about 25 minutes from Ċirkewwa on Malta to Mġarr on Gozo, and you buy your return ticket on arrival. A fast ferry also runs from Valletta, taking about 45 minutes. Buses on the island radiate from Victoria, but driving or joining a day tour is more efficient.
Opening hours
Castle open all day; museum about 09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Basilica of Ta' Pinu
- Ġgantija Temples
- Xwejni Salt Pans
- Ramla Bay
- Dwejra Bay & Inland Sea
- Blue Lagoon, Comino
- Popeye Village
- Mellieħa Bay (Għadira Bay)