Free Gozo and Comino Travel Guide & Mobile App

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Gozo and Comino
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Explore Gozo and Comino for prehistoric temples, limestone villages, coastal walks, clear bays, local food and Malta’s slower island character.

Gozo and Comino form Malta’s quieter northern island world, separated from the main island by the Gozo Channel. Gozo is the larger and inhabited island, a landscape of limestone villages, terraced fields, dry-stone walls, salt pans and deeply indented bays. Comino, much smaller and largely car-free, is known for its clear water, rocky coves and exposed coastal scenery. Together they offer a markedly slower counterpoint to Malta’s more urbanised central and eastern districts.
Read more about Gozo and Comino
Victoria, Gozo’s compact capital, occupies the island’s centre and is dominated by the Citadel, a fortified hilltop enclosure with wide views across fields and villages. Around it, settlements such as Xagħra, Nadur, Għarb, Għasri, Żebbuġ and Qala retain distinct parish churches and local identities, while Marsalforn and Xlendi combine seaside promenades with swimming, boating and dining. The island’s built environment is shaped by honey-coloured limestone, traditional balconies, narrow lanes and substantial village churches, many of which remain important civic as well as religious landmarks.
Gozo’s archaeological heritage is unusually prominent. The Ġgantija Temples at Xagħra are among the world’s oldest freestanding stone structures, while the Ta’ Bistra catacombs, the Xagħra Stone Circle and other remains reveal a long sequence of prehistoric settlement and ritual activity. At the coast, Dwejra’s dramatic geology, including the Inland Sea and Fungus Rock, illustrates the power of erosion; the Azure Window itself collapsed in 2017 and should not be described as an existing natural arch. The island’s countryside is particularly appealing in spring, when fields and garigue can become green and flower-filled after winter rain.
Comino is a more limited, weather-exposed environment than Gozo. The Blue Lagoon is its best-known site, but the island also has walking paths, sea caves, a watchtower and quieter rocky shores away from the busiest landing areas. Visitor numbers can be high in summer, and access arrangements for the lagoon and boat landings may change, so advance checking is sensible. On Gozo, swimming, kayaking, diving, cycling and walking are complemented by a food culture centred on seasonal produce, local cheeselets, bread, honey, wine and seafood. The islands reward visitors who allow time for village life, coastal weather and the changing light on their limestone landscapes.

When is the best time to visit Gozo and Comino?

Best: May–June, October · 24–28°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January1680
February1670
March1860
April2040
May (best)2420
June (best)2810
July315
August3210
September2930
October (best)2560
November2170
December1880

Getting to and around Gozo and Comino

How to get there

Most visitors reach Gozo by the Gozo Channel ferry from Ċirkewwa at the north-western end of Malta, which is outside the region, to Mġarr Harbour on Gozo. Vehicles can usually be carried, subject to the service’s current arrangements. Fast ferry services also link Gozo with Valletta, though routes and operating conditions should be checked before departure. Malta International Airport is on the main island, outside Gozo and Comino; allow time for the road transfer to Ċirkewwa or the harbour used by a fast ferry. Comino is reached by seasonal boat services and private or organised excursions from Gozo or Malta, with access arrangements varying by season and site.

Transportation

Gozo has scheduled buses linking Mġarr Harbour, Victoria and the principal villages, although services can be less frequent in rural areas and at quieter times. Taxis, private transfers, hired cars, scooters and bicycles are useful for reaching dispersed archaeological sites, beaches and coastal viewpoints. Driving is on the left, as elsewhere in Malta, and narrow village streets, steep lanes and limited parking require care. Walking is rewarding around Victoria, the Citadel, coastal paths and village centres, but summer heat and exposed terrain should be taken seriously. Comino has no conventional road network; walking and boat travel are the practical ways to move around it.

Top city travel guides in Gozo and Comino

The cities of Gozo and Comino, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Gozo and Comino

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Gozo and Comino

Gozo’s attractions range from prehistoric archaeology to open-air coastal landscapes. The Ġgantija Temples near Xagħra provide the principal historical focus, while the Citadel in Victoria combines fortifications, religious buildings, museums and broad views over the island. Dwejra is valued for its changing geology, the Inland Sea and diving waters rather than for the vanished Azure Window, and the coast around Qbajjar and Marsalforn adds salt pans, swimming areas and walking routes. Ramla Bay is known for its broad reddish sand and surrounding countryside, while Xlendi offers a sheltered inlet beneath steep limestone slopes. Village squares, parish churches, rural chapels and small cultural collections add a more local dimension between the major sites. Comino offers a different scale of experience, centred on the Blue Lagoon, rocky coves, sea caves, coastal paths and the Santa Marija Tower. Conditions and crowd levels vary greatly by season, so the islands are best explored through a mixture of heritage visits, short walks, swimming and time in the villages rather than by rushing between viewpoints.

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Best landmarks in Gozo and Comino

The Citadel in Victoria is Gozo’s defining built landmark, standing on a prominent hill at the island’s centre and enclosing defensive walls, the Cathedral of the Assumption and historic streets. At Xagħra, the Ġgantija Temples are the region’s most important prehistoric structures, built from massive limestone blocks during Malta’s Neolithic temple period. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu, in open countryside near Għarb, is a prominent twentieth-century pilgrimage church whose solitary position makes it readily recognisable. Along the coast, Dwejra’s Fungus Rock and Inland Sea are geological landmarks shaped by erosion and marine access, while the Azure Window no longer exists after its 2017 collapse. Comino’s Santa Maria Tower, commonly called St Mary’s Tower, is a substantial seventeenth-century coastal watchtower above the island’s cliffs. The salt pans near Qbajjar form a distinctive geometric landscape, linking working coastal traditions with Gozo’s limestone scenery.

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Explore Gozo and Comino on the map

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Best restaurants in Gozo and Comino

Gozo’s food reflects Malta’s Mediterranean setting and its agricultural island economy. Look for ġbejniet, small Gozitan cheeses traditionally made from sheep’s milk, served fresh or cured; ftira and other breads; pastizzi; broad bean dishes; rabbit prepared in Maltese style; and seasonal soups and vegetable plates. Gozo is also associated with local honey, tomatoes, olive products, wine and prickly pear preparations, while seafood features strongly in coastal villages such as Marsalforn and Xlendi. Restaurants range from family-run village establishments and cafés to hotel dining rooms, seafront places and more contemporary kitchens. Menus naturally vary with the season and the catch. Farmers’ stalls and food shops can be useful for picnic supplies, particularly before visiting rural sites or Comino, where dining choices are considerably more limited than on Gozo. Italian and broader Mediterranean cooking is also widely represented, reflecting Malta’s location and historic connections.

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Best bars in Gozo and Comino

Evening life on Gozo is relatively low-key and is concentrated in Victoria, Marsalforn, Xlendi and larger village centres rather than in a single club district. Victoria provides wine bars, cafés, restaurants and occasional live entertainment around its historic core, while the coastal resorts become more sociable during the warmer months. Traditional village bars remain places for conversation, televised sport and simple drinks, and local festas can bring temporary music, decorations and late activity to parish streets. Marsalforn has the most recognisable seafront evening scene, with restaurants and bars overlooking the bay, whereas Comino is generally a daytime destination with very limited night-time infrastructure. Travellers seeking large-scale clubbing usually look to Malta’s main island rather than Gozo and Comino. Check current transport arrangements before staying late, especially when relying on ferries or rural buses.

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Best nightclubs in Gozo and Comino

Evening life on Gozo is relatively low-key and is concentrated in Victoria, Marsalforn, Xlendi and larger village centres rather than in a single club district. Victoria provides wine bars, cafés, restaurants and occasional live entertainment around its historic core, while the coastal resorts become more sociable during the warmer months. Traditional village bars remain places for conversation, televised sport and simple drinks, and local festas can bring temporary music, decorations and late activity to parish streets. Marsalforn has the most recognisable seafront evening scene, with restaurants and bars overlooking the bay, whereas Comino is generally a daytime destination with very limited night-time infrastructure. Travellers seeking large-scale clubbing usually look to Malta’s main island rather than Gozo and Comino. Check current transport arrangements before staying late, especially when relying on ferries or rural buses.

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Best shops in Gozo and Comino

Victoria is Gozo’s main shopping centre, with everyday shops, food stores, cafés and small independent businesses around the centre and approaches to the Citadel. The island’s villages offer a more limited selection of local produce, craft goods and everyday necessities. Useful regional purchases include ġbejniet and other Gozitan foods, honey, wine, olive products, prickly pear preserves, cured ingredients and traditional sweets, subject to transport and customs rules when taking food abroad. Pottery, lace, woven goods, glassware and small pieces of limestone craft may be available through local workshops, galleries and gift shops, though quality and provenance vary. Marsalforn and Xlendi have seasonal seafront retail aimed at visitors, while village festas sometimes bring temporary stalls and food stands. Comino has little conventional shopping, so buy water, snacks, sun protection and other essentials before travelling there.

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Gozo and Comino essentials

Currency and Payment
Gozo and Comino use the euro, with the currency code EUR, as part of Malta. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, shops and visitor sites, but a small amount of cash remains useful for kiosks, rural businesses, buses, boat services and occasional smaller purchases. Payment facilities may be more limited on Comino and in remote coastal areas than in Victoria or the larger Gozitan villages. Notify your bank of travel plans if required and choose dynamic currency conversion carefully when offered.
Safety
Normal urban and travel precautions are appropriate, including care with belongings in crowded ferry, beach and bathing areas. The main regional risks are environmental: strong sun, dehydration, uneven limestone paths, slippery rock, sudden changes in sea conditions and exposed cliff edges. Swimming conditions can deteriorate quickly, especially around rocky coasts and Comino. Use marked paths where available, wear suitable footwear and follow warnings from local authorities or boat operators. Drivers should allow for narrow roads, cyclists, pedestrians and unfamiliar junctions rather than assuming that short distances mean quick journeys.
Emergency Situations
Dial 112 for police, fire and ambulance emergencies in Malta, including on Gozo and Comino. Give your exact location and, where relevant, identify the nearest harbour, bay, village, coastal path or landmark; mobile positioning may not be precise on open coastline. For a sea emergency, alert the relevant boat operator or coastguard service and call 112. On remote walks, avoid relying solely on a mobile signal, tell someone your route and carry sufficient water. The national emergency arrangements apply across the islands rather than being unique to Gozo or Comino.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress respectfully when entering churches, whose interiors are active religious spaces, and keep voices low during services. Queue patiently at ferry terminals and follow local instructions at busy swimming sites. Do not climb barriers, remove stones, damage archaeological remains or walk across cultivated fields without permission. Use rubbish bins or take litter away, particularly on Comino and along exposed coastlines. Ask before photographing people closely, homes or religious ceremonies. Tipping is discretionary rather than a fixed regional rule, but rounding up or leaving a modest amount for good service is customary in many cafés and restaurants.
Local Tips
Victoria is the most practical base for buses and everyday services, while a stay near the coast offers easier access to swimming and evening dining but can be quieter outside high season. Gozo’s villages hold local feasts at different times of year, but dates and road arrangements change annually. Spring and autumn are generally more comfortable for walking, whereas the sea is often most appealing in warmer months. At Comino, arrive early or choose a less crowded period if possible, and check whether current visitor controls, booking rules or landing restrictions apply to the Blue Lagoon.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloBongu[bʊŋɡu]
GoodbyeSaħħa[sæħːa]
YesIva[ivɑ]
NoLe[le]
Please/You're welcomeJekk jogħġbok[jɛk jɔdʒbɔk]
Thank youGrazzi[ɡrɑʦɪ]
Excuse me/SorrySkużani[skuˈzɑnɪ]
How are you?Kif inti?[kɪf ˈɪnti]
Fine. And you?Tajjeb. U int?[ˈtɑjːɛb. u ɪnt]
Do you speak English?Titkellem bl-Ingliż?[tɪtˈkɛlɛm bl̪ˈɪŋɡlɪz]
I don't understandMa nifhux[mɑ nɪfˈhʊʃ]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNixtieq narah il-menu, jekk jogħġbok[niʃˈtiːk nɑˈrɑ ħɪlˈmɛnʊ, jɛk jɔdʒˈbɔk]
I don't eat meatMa niekolx laħam[mɑ ˈniɛkɔlʃ ˈlɑħɑm]
Cheers!Salute![sɑˈluːtɛ]
I would like to pay, pleaseNixtieq inħallas, jekk jogħġbok[niʃˈtiːk ɪnˈħɑlɑs, jɛk jɔdʒˈbɔk]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Għin![ɡɪn]
Go away!Mur 'il bogħod![mur ɪl ˈbɔɡɔd]
Call the Police!Iċċempel il-Pulizija![ɪt͡ʃˈɛmːpɛl ħɪl pʊlɪˈzɪjɑ]
Call a doctor!Iċċempel dottur![ɪt͡ʃˈɛmːpɛl dɔtˈtʊr]
I'm lostQed ninsab mitluf[kɛd nɪnˈsɑb mɪtˈlʊf]
I'm illQed morda[kɛd ˈmɔrdɑ]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Nixtieq nixtri...[niʃˈtiːk nɪʃˈtri]
I'm just lookingQed inħares[kɛd ɪnˈhɑrɛs]
How much is it?Kemm hu?[kɛm hʊ]
That's too expensiveDak hu wisq għali[dɑk hʊ ˈwiːsɪq ˈɡɑli]
Can you lower the price?Tista' tnaqqas il-prezz?[ˈtɪstɑ tˈnɑkːɑs ħɪlˈprɛts]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Kemm hi s-siegħa?[kɛm hɪ sˈsiːɡɑ]
It's one o'clockHija l-ewwel sigħa[ˈhiːjɑ lˈɛwɛl sɪˈɡɑ]
Half past (10)Nofs wara (10)[nɔfs ˈwɑːrɑ ˈdʒɛt]
MorningFilgħodu[fɪlˈɡɔːdu]
AfternoonWara nofsinhar[ˈwɑːrɑ nɔfsˈɪnħɑr]
EveningFilgħaxija[fɪlˈɡaʃɪjɑ]
YesterdayIlbieraħ[ɪlˈbɪrɛħ]
TodayIllum[ɪlˈlʊm]
TomorrowBħal-lum[bħɑlˈlʊm]
11[1]
22[2]
33[3]
44[4]
55[5]
66[6]
77[7]
88[8]
99[9]
1010[10]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Fejn hemm ...?[feɪn hɛm ...]
What's the address?X'inhuma l-indirizz?[ʃ'ɪnʊmə l̪ɪnˈdɪrɪt͡s]
Can you show me (on the map)?Tista' turili (fuq il-mappa)?[ˈtɪstɑ tuˈrɪlɪ (fuq ħɪlˈmɑppa)]
When's the next (bus)?Meta għandha tkun il-(bus) li jmiss?[ˈmɛtɑ ˈɡɑndʌ hɪkʊn ħɪl ˈbʊs li ˈjɪmɪs]
A ticket (to ....)Biljett (għal ...)[bɪlˈjɛt (ɡʌl ...)]

History of Gozo and Comino

Neolithic Temples at Ġgantija

Gozo preserves one of the most important prehistoric landscapes in the central Mediterranean. The Ġgantija Temples at Xagħra were built during Malta’s Neolithic temple period, broadly in the fourth and third millennia BC, using enormous limestone blocks. Their scale reflects sophisticated communal organisation and ritual practice long before the arrival of written records. Nearby remains, including the Xagħra Stone Circle, show that the surrounding plateau was an important ceremonial and funerary area. Today these sites provide the clearest physical evidence of Gozo’s deep antiquity and form part of the UNESCO-listed Megalithic Temples of Malta.

Phoenician, Punic and Roman Gozo

Gozo was drawn into the trading and political networks of the central Mediterranean during antiquity. Phoenician and later Punic influence is reflected in archaeological evidence, while Roman rule brought the island into the administrative and commercial system of the empire. The settlement known in antiquity as Gaulos is associated with the area of modern Victoria, and Roman remains have been found in several parts of the island. Although much of the ancient landscape is fragmentary, this period established patterns of agriculture, seaborne exchange and settlement that continued to shape Gozo after Roman authority weakened.

Medieval Rule and the Citadel

During the medieval period Gozo was governed within the changing political sphere of Sicily and the wider Maltese islands. Its elevated central stronghold, now the Citadel in Victoria, developed as a place of refuge and administration. The town and fortifications were repeatedly modified as military technology and political circumstances changed. Rural communities lived under the protection of the fortified centre but remained vulnerable to raids across the sea. The Citadel’s walls, cathedral and streets preserve the layered character of Gozo’s medieval and early modern history.

The Knights of St John and the 1551 Raid

The Ottoman-linked raid of 1551 was one of the most traumatic events in Gozitan history. The island was attacked by a force associated with the Ottoman Empire and its North African allies, and a large part of the population was carried into captivity. The disaster exposed Gozo’s vulnerability and encouraged stronger defensive planning under the Order of St John, which ruled Malta and Gozo from 1530. Fortifications, watchtowers and coastal observation systems were subsequently improved, while settlements and farming communities gradually recovered.

Hospitaller Fortification and Village Growth

Under the Order of St John, Gozo’s defensive network expanded beyond the Citadel. Coastal towers and fortified positions helped monitor approaches, while the island’s parish villages developed more substantial churches and civic spaces. Agriculture remained central, with dry-stone walls, terracing and small-scale cultivation adapting to limited soil and water. The period also strengthened the visual identity still associated with Gozo: honey-coloured limestone buildings, prominent parish churches and a rural landscape organised around compact settlements.

British Rule and Modern Connections

The British took control of Malta and Gozo in 1800 after the French occupation and subsequent Maltese uprising. Gozo remained primarily agricultural, but administration, education, communications and maritime links changed during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The development of dependable ferry services connected island communities more closely with Malta, while emigration and overseas employment affected many families. British rule ended with Malta’s independence in 1964, but roads, public institutions and transport links created during the modern period remain part of Gozo’s contemporary infrastructure.

Tourism, Conservation and the Azure Window

From the late twentieth century, Gozo became increasingly associated with rural tourism, diving, walking and historic landscapes, while Comino’s Blue Lagoon developed into one of Malta’s most recognisable bathing sites. This growth brought income but also pressure on coastlines, roads, water resources and fragile habitats. The collapse of Gozo’s Azure Window in March 2017, after severe weather and long-term natural erosion, became a powerful reminder that the islands’ geology is dynamic. Conservation and visitor management now form an important part of the islands’ future.

Gozo and Comino in Photos

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Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Gozo and Comino

Discover Gozo and Comino with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, tours, and more. Plan your trip effortlessly!

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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More about the Evendo app

Evendo is your comprehensive travel guide to Gozo and Comino. Explore attractions, landmarks, and local gems with ease and book hotels, tours, and experiences directly through the app.

  • 'Near Me' feature to discover nearby attractions and hidden gems
  • Curated local tips to experience Gozo and Comino like a local
  • Travel essentials and history of Gozo and Comino
  • User-friendly navigation

Imagine stepping onto the pristine shores of Gozo and Comino, Malta, with a personal travel guide right in your pocket. Evendo is your go-to app for exploring these stunning islands, offering detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. From the iconic Azure Window (Dwejra Window) to the historic Citadel in Victoria, and the serene Blue Lagoon in Comino, Evendo ensures you won't miss a thing.

Discover local favorite restaurants like Ta' Philip in Gozo and Comino's charming outdoor eateries. With rich information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, planning your trip has never been easier. The app's 'Near Me' feature helps you find nearby attractions and hidden gems, making it easy to navigate and explore.

Evendo also allows you to book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences seamlessly. No more hassle of searching for what to see and do and figuring out how to get there. Everything you need is in one place, and the best part? It's completely free to use, with no in-app purchases or hidden costs.

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