How To Have The Best Day In Gozo (During Winter)

Gozo, the smaller, quieter (and greener) sister of Malta is synonymous with spectacular reddish-orange beaches, hidden lagoons, the best diving spots in Europe and near-perfect snorkelling waters.

Beaches aside (even if they are Caribbean-like stunning), are you wondering what else there is to do in Gozo during winter?

Gozo is a mere 67 km², yet the size still dwarfs the amount of things to see and do. Still, winter is a perfect time to enjoy many of those headline sights.

You can take to the medieval streets or visit prehistoric temples. Outdoor lovers will enjoy discovering Gozo’s unspoilt beauty whilst lapping up the warm winter sunshine. Gozo is an island overflowing with culture and folklore spanning thousands of years…

this jewel promises a memorable day.

So…winter- sminter! 😜

In this guide I’ll share how to have the best day in Gozo during winter. (It’s actually easier than you might think)

Visit Ta’Pinu Church (Must-See)

Ta’ Pinu Church is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Gozo. Dating back to the 19th century this beautiful church is also known as: (the) National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu. 

Though it’s Celtic-like decorations and limestone walls are impressive… its the backstory for me. 

Taking place in 1888, local woman Karmni Grima encountered a divine spiritual experience. Since then, several miracles have been were linked to Ta ‘Pinu. Said to be the heart and soul of Gozitans, you don’t need to be a believer to enjoy a visit here. But, it’s moving to see prayers from all over the world pinned to the walls. 

Find Gozo’s Best Hidden Gems During Winter

One of the best things to do in Gozo is discovering the island’s unspoilt beauty. And is there anything between than stumbling across hidden gems doesn than hiking?

During the winter months, Gozo is blanketed in a luxurious-looking carpet of green.

Which is actually more becoming of a second spring, so you can look forward to pleasant sunny days.

The mild winter temperatures make it ideal for a day getting lost in the gorgeous countryside.

So, whether you prefer coastal walks or taking in the stunning scenery, you’ll find Gozo has a variety of trails that suits every mood.

You can head to popular hiking spots like Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs, Ramla Bay–the striking reddish hued beach, or what I like to call the ‘beach with je ne sais quoi’. Since you’re here don’t forget to swing by Tal Mixta Cave) or Salt Pans in Xwejni to see sea salt harvesting.

A hidden gem in Gozo is the hike up Sanap Cliffs. From there, you can also stop and photograph incredible ocean views that lead over to Comino.

Visit Cittadella (and other things to do in Victoria)

Visit the spectacular Cittadella, an old fortified city located in Rabat (also known as Victoria), Entry is free and you can walk around and learn all about the medieval history of Gozo. From the hilltop, you can stop for coffee and drink in the mesmerising views of the entire island.

As you are here, why not visit many more (small) museums? They’re all within walking distance!

You can combine a visit to the Museum of Archaeology which houses some “fat ladies” ornaments and other relics found at Ggantija Temples.

Also, visit Gozo Cathedral where a temple once stood dedicated to Goddess Juno. For more cultural and historical value; the former Prison of Gozo and Folklore Museum are worth visiting. 

Once, leaving Cittadella, you can explore Victoria’s labyrinth of medieval streets that lead to a warren of narrow backstreets.

The heart of Gozo is a colourful hub of action. Think: restaurants, markets, cafes, shops etc. Saying this, you can also chill in the the square for a spot of people-watching, a glass of something or light bites.

Nadur Carnival

“Normally”, winter signals a time for celebrations in Gozo. Kicking off the calendar is the carnival held in the village of Nadur. This is one of the oldest and most vibrant cultural festivals held on the Maltese archipelago. And the Maltese (and Gozitans) know just how to party! Traditionally, the gozo carnival in Nadur occurs once a year and is celebrated in spectacular fashion to mark the beginning of lent, the 40 days countdown before Easter–another tradition celebrated with processions. (You can read more about Easter in Malta in the linked post).

But finally, a few more things on Nadur carnival…

If like me, you enjoy lively street parties with cultural meaning behind it… you’ll L O V E carnival in Nadur. Expect plenty of dancing and music infused with the most imaginative of costumes. 

Enjoy the Views At Xlendi Tower

I love how the many Gozo historical monuments can whisk you back in time in an instant. To see another monument, you can head to the Xlendi Tower in Xlendi Bay. You will have to do a little bit of hiking to get here, but totally worth it for the views offered! Here’s a curious fact for you: This tower was built during the 1650s, Xlendi Tower and makes it the oldest free-standing watchtower in Gozo.

Like all watchtowers dotted throughout the islands, Xlendi Tower was built to keep nefarious characters such as pirates and smugglers out! Do you believe that history repeats itself? Well, interestingly the watchtower was also used to keep pandemic evaders out too.

Visit Ġgantija Temples

Attractions during the winter months are much quieter and more intimate now. So it’s perfect great to take in some culture and more history.  Ġgantija Temples (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is another must-see in Gozo. So, why not visit the structures once thought to have been built by a giant race?  

Though the Ġgantija Temples doesn’t garner the same worldwide attention, they are believed to be older than the Giza Pyramids of Egypt. Making these impressive Megalithic structures, one of Gozo’s best kept secrets. Even if you’re not a history buff, you’ll absolutely find a visit here fascinating.

Fun fact:

The gigantic structures you will see here is what gave the temple complex its name. The name derives from the Maltese word “giant” which is: “ġgant”. 

Boat Ride at Dwejra

Winter in Gozo can invite dangerous undercurrents, making swimming hazardous. So a trip diving in Dwejra, nearby Blue Hole or exploring the remnants of the befallen Azure window may be off the cards… for now.

For a unique experience, why not enjoy a boat ride on a traditional luzzu? A boat ride costs €5 per person taking you from the Inland Sea and out to the open Mediterranean waters.

Though the Azure Window is no longer there, the area itself feels otherworldly. As you pass the awe-inspiring caves, you’ll see a coral reef or Fungus Rock leaping out of the sea. The season invites the most clear and crystalline water too, so just one more reason to visit Gozo in winter.

Oh, and sunsets from Dwejra are unmissable. So why not end the best day in Gozo on a high?   

Have The Best Day in Gozo!

Winters in Gozo are extremely short, so you haven’t got long! That being said, I hope you have the best day in Gozo.

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