Gozo: Malta’s Laid-Back Little Sister (and Why I Loved It)

Gozo Landscape

I’ve been lucky enough to visit a few corners of the world that leave a lasting impression – and Gozo, Malta’s smaller, greener, and definitely sleepier sibling, is one of them. It's the kind of place where time seems to stretch, and locals still greet you with a nod that feels like it's been passed down for generations.

Getting There (Spoiler: It’s Easy)

Gozo Ferry

Reaching Gozo from Malta couldn’t be simpler. I took the Gozo Channel ferry from Ċirkewwa, right at the northern tip of Malta. The crossing only takes about 25 minutes, and even if you're not usually excited about ferries, this one’s a treat. Picture postcard views of Comino and the coast, a salty breeze in your face, and that moment of quiet anticipation as Gozo comes into view.

There’s also a fast ferry from Valletta if you’re traveling on foot. But I went the scenic route, and I’m glad I did. If you plan it right, Gozo makes a great day trip – though staying overnight lets you experience the island after the crowds sail back to Malta. Trust me, it’s worth catching a sunset or two.

First Impressions: Peace, Pastizzi, and the Occasional Goat

What struck me right away was how calm everything felt. Gozo has this timeless atmosphere – terraced hills, warm stone buildings, narrow lanes with just a whiff of thyme in the air. Locals still leave keys in their doors. Actual keys. In the actual door. There’s a sense of quiet trust here that’s hard to describe until you’ve seen it.

Wandering through Victoria, the island’s main town, I was drawn to everyday moments – a woman sweeping her doorstep, kids playing football by the parish church, men at a café sipping coffee like they’ve got all the time in the world. I found so much beauty in the small details: colourful shutters, iron balconies, baroque door knockers, weathered stone walls. I spent hours just photographing doors, windows, and shopfronts – Gozo really is a street photographer’s dream.

Victoria and the Citadel: History with a View

At the heart of Gozo is Victoria – or Rabat, as locals call it – and towering above it all is the Citadel, or Ċittadella. It's impossible to miss. This ancient fortified hilltop has been the island’s stronghold for thousands of years, and once you're inside, you feel it. The high stone ramparts give you panoramic views across the whole island – patchwork fields, domes of churches, and on clear days, even back to Malta.

I spent a lot of time here, wandering the old walls and side alleys with my camera. The afternoon light is perfect for photographing the fortress walls and sweeping landscapes. Inside, the Cathedral of the Assumption sits proudly at the Citadel’s heart. From the outside, it’s grand but understated; inside, it’s all elegance – and there's a clever ceiling painting that creates the illusion of a massive dome. It fooled me at first. There are also small museums and quiet courtyards, each with their own charm.

What I loved most about the Citadel wasn’t just the history – though it has plenty – but the atmosphere. The way the old stone holds the warmth of the sun, the views that stretch forever, and the sense of standing somewhere people have lived and defended for millennia.

Just outside the Citadel, in Victoria itself, you’ll find St. George’s Basilica tucked into the maze of narrow streets. It’s easy to stumble upon it unexpectedly – and I did. The interior is stunning, full of gold leaf, marble, and religious art. Locals call it the “Marble Basilica” for good reason. It feels almost too grand to be hidden in such a small town, and photographing its richly decorated interior was a highlight of the trip.

A Visit to Ta’ Pinu: Serenity in Stone

Another standout for me was Ta’ Pinu Basilica, just outside the village of Għarb. It's isolated, standing alone in the countryside, surrounded by open sky and terraced fields – almost surreal in its solitude. The basilica is a site of pilgrimage and prayer, and inside there’s a hush that settles on you as soon as you walk in. The walls at the back are filled with letters, photos, and tokens from people who believe they’ve received miracles here. It’s deeply moving – and architecturally stunning. I took my time photographing the outside from a distance, especially with the dramatic sky behind it. It’s one of those buildings that seems to grow in presence the longer you look at it.

Rocky Drama and Red Sand

Gozo’s coastline is wild and cinematic – especially on the western side near Dwejra. I stood there with my camera and just watched the waves slam against the rock formations, sea spray catching the afternoon light. The famous Azure Window may have collapsed in 2017, but the area is still incredible: the Inland Sea, the Blue Hole, and Fungus Rock are all packed into one rugged corner of the island.

This is a dream for dramatic landscape shots – rock arches, deep blues, and layers of limestone carved by centuries of wind and sea. I managed to get some of my favourite coastal images here.

For contrast, Ramla Bay on the north coast has soft, orange-red sand and shallow, swimmable water. There’s a small café, sunbeds, and even a cave perched above the beach that’s linked to the legend of Calypso and Odysseus. It’s one of the island’s few sandy beaches and an ideal stop for a more relaxed afternoon.

Unexpected Details

As much as I loved the major landmarks, it was the everyday life of Gozo that really stuck with me. I photographed the Victoria hospital – not your typical tourist spot, but the stone façade and symmetry were perfect in the late light. I found charming cafés on quiet side streets, with old men reading newspapers and baristas who greeted me like a local by day two. The doors and architectural details throughout the villages were irresistible – colourful, quirky, and beautifully worn.

If you love slow travel, visual storytelling, or simply watching the world go by from a shady bench, Gozo gives you plenty to point your lens at.

Final Thoughts

Gozo surprised me. I expected a quick hop over from Malta and a few historical sights, but I left with memory cards full of street scenes, sunlit churches, sweeping landscapes, and the feeling that I’d tapped into something special – slower, older, and wonderfully welcoming.

Whether you're into archaeology, churches, coastal walks, or café-hopping with your camera, Gozo delivers – quietly, confidently, and without fanfare. And that, I think, is what makes it unforgettable.