When you're on the islands, a visit to Gozo is an absolute must. The island has a very unique character that is vastly different from that of its more cosmopolitan sister, Malta. If you have time, stay a while. If not, make a day of it.
Gozo is tiny, at 67 square kilometres, yet it is jam packed with things to do. If you want to make the most of one day in Gozo, plan ahea, listing your top interests and make the best use of your time.
Getting there will invariably be by the car and passenger Gozo ferry from Cirkewwa, in the north of Malta. Then, you can experience Gozo in many different ways; the choice is yours.
Absolute freedom
The way to experience maximum freedom and the best use of your time on the island is by opting for independent car hire. Granted, the country roads and meandering streets don’t simplify navigation, but that’s why we have GPS, though Google maps works well enough! You save time versus using other means of transport and can reach those wonderful places that public transportation just doesn’t get you to.
Off the beaten track
If off the beaten track is really your kind of thing, why not take a Jeep tour? Complete with a guide, the tour takes you across Gozo’s green, hilly countryside to some magical spots. You could also take a Segway tour, if you prefer something a little more out of the ordinary. In any case, you get to experience rural Gozo, which is really the best part of it.
Straight to the highlights
If you’re the kind of tourist with a camera that’s ticking off those top sights to see, the Hop On Hop Off Bus may just be your best solution. Picking you up directly from the ferry, the bus stops at the most sought-after Gozo attractions. Get off at specific places of interest, enjoy your visit and wait for the bus to take you to the next attraction - nice and simple.
A local adventure
If you enjoy the local experience or you’re on a tight budget, public transport can be a suitable option. You’ll get to enjoy the adventure of getting from one place to another as well as the places themselves. And, since the bus service in Gozo is not the most efficient, with most buses going back to the capital Victoria (otherwise known as Rabat) at the heart of the island, you can try hitch-hiking - a great way to meet the locals.
Whichever way you go about it, your trip to Gozo will be memorable - no doubt!