Gozo is Malta’s smaller, greener, and more tranquil sister island, a pastoral retreat of terraced hillsides, dramatic coastline, and ancient heritage that feels a world apart despite being just a 25-minute ferry ride from the main island. Where Malta buzzes with urban energy, Gozo moves at a gentler pace, its landscape defined by honey-colored farmland dotted with some of the Mediterranean’s most remarkable prehistoric temples, hidden sea caves, and idyllic swimming spots.

The island’s crown jewel is the fortified Citadel in the hilltop capital of Victoria (Rabat), a walled city within a city whose ramparts command views across the entire island to the sea. The Ggantija Temples, even older than Hagar Qim at over 5,500 years, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site of tremendous significance. Along the coast, the inland sea at Dwejra offers a natural saltwater lagoon connected to the open Mediterranean through a tunnel in the cliff, while Ramla Bay boasts a striking red-sand beach backed by fertile valley gardens. Gozo is also renowned as one of the Mediterranean’s finest diving destinations, with crystal-clear visibility and spectacular underwater caves, walls, and reefs.

Pro tip: Rent a car or scooter on arrival at the Mgarr ferry terminal to explore Gozo independently, as the island’s compact size means you can reach any point within 20 minutes. For the best diving, head to the Inland Sea at Dwejra, where the Blue Hole offers a stunning chimney dive suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. Visit the salt pans near Marsalforn at sunset for an extraordinary flat landscape of geometric pools glowing in golden light.