Gozo is a generally safe destination for those looking to travel alone in a laid-back environment surrounded by natural beauty.
As one of the three islands of Malta and known as the little sister to the busy and lively main island of Malta, Gozo offers her visitors an abundance of outdoor activities, history, spectacular views and local produce all year round.
For the solo traveller, including first timers, it can prove to be the ideal destination. Although care and precautions should always be taken, the crime rate on the island is low. Linguistically, the Maltese may have and use their own language but alongside it, English is still used officially. English is also the communal language used between foreigners. Various other languages are used as the island sees a rise in residents and visitors from other countries.
Easily accessible by sea, there is the option of either the Gozo Channel Ferry or the Fast Ferry into the harbour of Mgarr. The Gozo Channel Ferry from Cirkewwa sails frequently day and night, takes approximately 20 minutes and is paid for only on the return journey from Gozo back to Malta. The Fast Ferry from Valletta does not run quite so frequently and is more expensive but is a convenient option if travelling from or to the country's capital. The airport used is Malta International (MLA). There is not a road link between the islands.
When arriving onto Gozo the buses run frequently to various locations, including a weekend night bus to the island's main town of Victoria. Information can be found outside the exit of the terminal where the bus stops are or from the tourist information desk inside the entrance. There are also toilets and a snack bar there. The buses can get very full, especially during the summer when it is the main holiday season. Payment can be made by cash, contactless or travel card with each ticket being valid for two hours.
Taxis are nearly always waiting outside the small terminal. The Bolt app is a popular alternative on the island. On foot is also possible, for those that like walking and don't mind the hills. There are some nice views over Comino and across to Malta on the way up or coastal walking tracks go in both directions.
The port is also the place to get a boat over to Comino, Malta's smallest island. Perfect for walking, swimming or snorkelling there is often the choice of boat companies along the edge of the harbour with plenty of ticket sellers around.
To see the highlights of the island more quickly and easily there are two different open top hop on-hop off sight-seeing buses that go to the port. These can be a good way to get the bearings for the island, feel how close towns are to each other and discover where requires further exploration.
Once on Gozo, the various towns are dotted around, each tends to have a church and square at the centre with a few bars, restaurants and convenience stores. Houses and accommodation surround the centre, some then have Gozitan style farms, some have tourist attractions, before leading into wide-open spaces.
It is possible to walk between the towns, however some areas are hillier than others or have valleys between them.
Inland attractions include windmills, Ta Pinu, the Ggantija Temples, the craft village and the Cittadella. Whilst the coast offers those such as the salt pans, the inland sea, the cliffs, watch towers and Tal Mixta cave. But there is much more to see than those.
The windmill at Xewkija
There are many inland and coastal paths suitable for walking and cycling with some only being accessible on foot. They consist of different levels of intensity and the most rural paths can be followed using red markings, its often useful to take note of these as the crosses can prevent accessing a dead end or private land.
It is advisable to take necessary equipment, food, water and adequate footwear and clothing. Most places are fine for the experienced or accompanied walker but inexperienced or solo walkers should be aware of the environment, hours of sunlight and be prepared to change the route or plan. However, Gozo is just a small island and with that in mind it is difficult to go too wrong and almost impossible to get too lost.
Ramla from Tal-Mixta Cave
Swimming, diving, snorkelling and other water sports can be enjoyed around the island. Though the sea is colder in the winter it is still possible to enter on a nice day. There are many secluded spots that can be found away from the main areas. Currents can be strong and most of the island is rocky so caution should be taken, rock shoes are useful. The main sandy beach is at Ramla. Jellyfish are a big issue and their daily location is determined by the currents. Purple flags are used to show when there is the hazard of stinging jellyfish. The larger ones, known locally as the fried egg jellyfish are generally harmless even if they do look a little scary.
Accommodation of all varieties can be found. For those travelling without thinking too much about their wallet there is a good selection of bigger or boutique hotels. Some of these offer stunning views, swimming pools, spa facilities, on site restaurants and more. For the more adventurous or budget traveller there are also hostels, shared houses or private lettings as other options. For the most adventurous, the best deals tend to be found at the last minute and if you don't mind changing, it can work out cheaper plus you get the experience of different places.
The same variety can be found with food and drink establishments. There are both large and small supermarkets across the island, an abundance of pastizzi and bars or restaurants to suit different tastes and budgets. Local specialities include Gozitan goats cheese, rabbit and the dolphin fish when in season.
St. Francis Square, Victoria
The currency used is the Euro. The country is a member of Schengen so there is no passport control when arriving into Malta from another Schengen country. The time zone is GMT+1. Kilometres are used to measure distance and Celsius for temperatures. They drive on the left side of the road.
There are a few things to watch out for, as there are anywhere. In my experience the island is very money orientated so always check prices, bills and change in shops or when eating out. Although never been an experience of mine, people have said that sometimes restaurants are not very accommodating to solo diners.
The ease of the destination for travelling, sightseeing, exploring and disconnecting far outweighs any negatives and help make it the perfect place for a solo trip.
