Gozo is an island located in the Mediterranean Sea and is often cited as Malta’s sister island.
It is a well-regarded and popular tourist destination that sees 2 to 3 million tourists annually. Many people come for the weather and beautiful beaches only to discover the island is full of culture, friendly people, and delicious cuisines.
As with any other destination, you should travel to Gozo at the right time to get the most of what it has to offer.
The Best Time to Visit Gozo
The best time to visit this beautiful island is in May, June, and September.
May through June is towards the end of spring, and October to November is towards the end of summer and the start of autumn. It is best to visit during these months because the weather will still be mild, and the island will not be too busy. However, the island gets very busy between July and September, the official summer months.
Visiting in the middle of summer is also not a good idea because everything will be expensive due to the large number of tourists visiting at this time.
Winter: An Alternative Option
You should visit Gozo between December and March if you want the best offers on everything from flights to Gozo to accommodation, although it is worth pointing out that prices will go up rather dramatically in the Christmas and New Year period.
You can find lots of Gozo farmhouses for rent in during these months and you can even book some in advance. You can also book four and five-star hotels affordably at this time, aside from the Christmas holidays.
Even though the number of people visiting Gozo in the winter when temperatures can fall to as low as 10 degrees Celsius is low, avoid booking flights or accommodation close to or on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The reason is because these periods see an influx of tourists.
If you do fancy taking a break between Christmas and New Year, it is possible to find last-minute seasonal bargains, so don’t dismiss the notion of a Gozo festive holiday.
If you visit before the water and weather get too chilly to go for a dip in the sea but outside the high season, you will be on your own because there will be no lifeguards.
You will also easily get a seat at the best restaurants on the island and enjoy the sights and attractions comfortably without any crowds ruining the experience.
Visiting Gozo for Water Sports, Swimming, and the Beach
As with the rest of the Mediterranean, the best months to visit Gozo for water or beach-related activities are July and August. The days are sunny, and you get around 10 hours of sunlight during these months.
The sea is also much calmer at this time, although many more Malta and Gozo residents visit the sea at this time. Water temperatures can reach between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius, which is perfect for swimming. Take a dip in the water and it will feel like you are swimming in a warm bath!
March to September are popular months for diving, with diving activities increasing as the water temperature increases. It is best to avoid swimming between October and November because the autumn currents and strong winds experienced on the island can affect visibility and be a safety hazard for anyone in the water.
Only attempt to dive during this period if you are very experienced, and always dive with a partner in case of difficulties.
The Best Time for Walking, Hiking, and Sightseeing
If you want to visit the island for walking and hiking, the best time is during spring. The island is greenest at this time, and you will see many beautiful native flowers blooming. You can also overlap your walking and hiking with swimming, especially if you arrive at the end of spring when the temperatures are just warm enough to warrant a t-shirt.
Since most buildings on the island do not have air conditioning, it is best to visit any museums and attractions in autumn or spring. If you have to go, do so at the start and end of summer before the interiors get too hot and stuffy.
There is not much to see in terms of tourist attractions in autumn because that is when most cultural festivals happen. However, you can always visit the Gozo streets at this time or visit nearby Malta to see the sights. There are some excellent historical museums in Valetta, which tell the story of Malta’s past in fascinating detail.
Places to See and Things to Do
In addition to walking on the beaches, swimming, diving, hiking, and enjoying the museums and attractions, there is so much more to do in Gozo. You can start by visiting Victoria, the capital city of Gozo. This city stands atop a hill, with magnificent views of the surrounding areas and even the sea.
The best time to visit is in the afternoon so you can enjoy the shimmering hues of the walls of the citadel that surround Victoria’s main historic centre.
Another thing to do in Gozo is visit the Ta’Pinu Basilica. This impressive ancient building sits seemingly in the middle of nowhere, is surrounded by hills, and has a spectacular sea view in the background. The modern basilica was completed in 1931, but you can still see the old one behind it.
The Ta’Pinu Basilica is an architectural masterpiece since it has stained-glass windows, arches, a mixture of construction and architectural styles from all over Europe, a marble canopy, and Maltese stone sculptures.
Gozo is a beautiful Mediterranean island that everyone should visit at least once. If you decide to visit, do so at the start or end of summer because the mid-summer months get too hot, and the winter is too cold to enjoy much on the island. The island is readily accessible from Malta, so why not book a two-for-one holiday?
