Gozo and Comino as a Weekend Getaway: My Honest Guide for Malta Residents

After two years in Malta, I thought I’d seen it all. Valletta? Check. Mdina? At least twenty times. Sliema promenade? I know every stone by heart. Then I discovered what had been right under my nose all along: Gozo and Comino as a weekend getaway. Not as a tourist squeezed onto overcrowded boats, but as a resident who knows when and how to really enjoy these gems.

Spoiler: There’s a world of difference between taking the 8:30 a.m. tourist boat to Comino and having the Blue Lagoon almost to yourself at 4:00 p.m. Let me show you how, as a Malta resident, you can get the most out of your sister-islands weekend—without the rookie mistakes that nearly drove me crazy on my first trip.

Why Gozo and Comino Make the Perfect Malta Resident Weekend

You know the feeling? You’ve lived in Malta for months, but your life seems to revolve around Sliema, St. Julian’s, and the occasional visit to Valletta. Meanwhile, two completely different worlds are just a 25-minute ferry ride away. Gozo and Comino are what Malta was 30 years ago: authentic, relaxed, and blissfully free of high-rise skylines.

What You’ll Do Differently as a Malta Resident

Your biggest advantage as a local: you don’t have to tick everything off in one day. While tourists frantically race from the Azure Window ruins to the Citadel to the Blue Lagoon, you can take your time. These days, I nearly always stay at least one night on Gozo—and it changes everything.

Your Resident Advantages at a Glance:

• Flexibility: No time pressure, no pre-booked return ticket
• Better Rates: Resident discounts at many accommodations (always ask!)
• Local Contacts: Your Maltese colleagues often have insider tips
• Spontaneity: Bad weather forecast? Just postpone to next weekend
• Repeat Visits: You can revisit places, experience different seasons

Best Times to Visit: Crowds, Avoided

After countless Gozo trips, here’s my top tip: timing makes the difference between frustration and joy. The Blue Lagoon at 11:00 a.m. in August? Think sardine tin with a view. My personal sweet spots:

Pro Tip: Always check the weather on windy.com or similar apps. Gozo can get stormy while Malta is still calm. In strong north winds, the ferry sometimes gets canceled—yes, it happens more often than you think.

Exploring Gozo: From Valletta to Victoria in One Weekend

Gozo is Malta’s laid-back sister. Where Malta is hectic and over-developed, Gozo remains green and easy-going. The island is just 67 square kilometers—doable in a day, theoretically. Realistically, you need at least a weekend to not just tick the boxes, but to truly experience it.

Getting to Gozo: Ferry vs Helicopter vs Fast Boat

Let’s get practical: how do you actually get there? As a resident, you have more options than your average tourist:

The Classic Ferry (Gozo Channel)

This is your workhorse. Leaves every 45 minutes from Ċirkewwa (Malta) to Mġarr (Gozo). Cost: €4.65 per adult one-way, €1.15 for residents with a valid tallinja card. You pay only on the way back—take note!

• Duration: 25 minutes crossing
• With Car: €15.70 (up to 5m), reservation recommended
• Without Car: Bus 101 from Valletta to Ċirkewwa (1 hour), then ferry

Fast Boats (various providers)

Since 2023, there are more fast boat connections. Costlier, but much quicker and often with transfer service included.

• Duration: 15 minutes from Sliema/Valletta
• Cost: €25–35 per person
• Upside: Direct from Sliema, spectacular views
• Downside: Weather dependent, doesn’t operate in rough seas

Helicopter

Okay, this is pretty extravagant, but if you really want to make an impression:

• Duration: 5-minute flight
• Cost: From €100 per person (usually min. 4 people per flight)
• Best for: Special occasions, time crunch, unforgettable views

Gozo Accommodation: Hotels vs Airbnb vs Farmhouses

Where to stay? Depends on your style. I’ve tried them all:

Hotels (Ta Cenc, Kempinski)

Total luxury, but with the price tag to match. Ta Cenc is fabulously located, but from €200/night and up. Worth it for special occasions or if you want to treat yourself.

Farmhouses (the authentic Gozo experience)

This is my top tip! Traditional Maltese architecture, often with a pool, usually better equipped than hotels. Cost: €80–150/night for 2–4 people.

My favorite: A restored farmhouse in Għasri with sea view and pool. €120/night, sleeps four, and the owner Ġużi brings fresh ħobż (Maltese bread) every morning. Check Gozo.com or ask in local Facebook groups.

Airbnb (flexible and varied)

Huge range, from budget to luxury. Watch out: Some listings are in remote villages. Without a car, that can be inconvenient.

Gozo Must-Sees That Still Amaze After Ten Visits

Forget the standard tourist list. These places impress me after all these years:

Victoria/Rabat: The Heart of Gozo

The Citadel is a must, but don’t miss the Thursday Market (early morning). This is where real Gozitans shop—fruit, veggies, local cheese. Pure Malta vibes.

Xlendi Bay: My Chill Spot

Early morning or late afternoon, this bay is magical. Crystal-clear water, good restaurants, perfect for snorkeling. My tip: Salt & Pepper Restaurant for fish and chips with a view.

Azure Window Remains and Dwejra Bay

Yes, the famous Azure Window collapsed in 2017. But Dwejra Bay is still spectacular. The underwater scenery when snorkeling? Mind-blowing. And the Inland Sea (Qawra) is like a hidden saltwater lake.

Ramla Bay: The Red Sand Beach

Malta’s most famous red sand beach. Crowded in summer, but a dream in spring and autumn. The water is often calmer here than elsewhere.

Ta Pinu Basilica: Spiritual Time-Out

Impressive even if you’re not religious. The basilica is set among fields, surrounded by absolute silence. Perfect for a break from sightseeing stress.

Insider Tip: Wied il-Mielaħ Window

A natural stone arch less famous than the former Azure Window. A 10-minute walk from the road, but the view makes it all worthwhile.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon: It’s All About Timing

Comino is tiny—just 3.5 square kilometers—but the Blue Lagoon is a social media icon. The problem: everyone wants to go. The secret? When and how you go determines whether it’s paradise or total chaos.

Blue Lagoon Without the Tourist Crowds: My Pro Tips

The standard tourist boats arrive between 9:00 and 15:00. During these hours, the Blue Lagoon is a crowded, noisy, chaotic mess. My strategy:

The 4 p.m. Rule

From 4:00 p.m. onwards, the lagoon empties fast. Most day-trippers leave, and you have the turquoise water almost to yourself. Perfect for a relaxing swim and photos without a hundred heads in the shot.

The Early Bird Gets the Worm

Alternatively, take the first ferry at 6:45 a.m. from Ċirkewwa and head straight to Comino. By 9:00, you have the lagoon practically to yourself. The light is fantastic and the water crystal clear.

Private Boat Tour vs. Public Ferry

Public boats to Comino leave from Mġarr Harbour (Gozo) several times a day. Cost: about €10 return. Private tours are pricier (€40–80), but more flexible on timing.

Exploring Comino on Foot: Trails Off the Beaten Path

Most visitors stick to the Blue Lagoon. But Comino is absolutely stunning on foot—and almost deserted as soon as you get 200 meters from the lagoon.

The Comino Tower Trail

15 minutes’ walk from the harbor to St. Marys Tower (Santa Marija Tower). Built in 1618, with fantastic 360° views across Malta, Gozo, and the open sea. The path is easy but bring water—there’s no shade anywhere.

Crystal Lagoon: The Quieter Alternative

A 10-minute walk from the Blue Lagoon brings you to Crystal Lagoon. Just as beautiful, with 90% fewer people. The water here is even clearer—perfect for snorkeling. The path is a bit rocky—good shoes recommended.

Santa Marija Bay: Hidden Gem

On Comino’s north side is this little bay. Usually totally empty, crystal-clear water, perfect for a picnic. Only reachable with sturdy shoes and a bit of climbing—so it stays blissfully uncrowded.

Snorkeling and Swimming: The Best Spots

Comino’s underwater world is spectacular. Visibility is often 30+ meters, and the variety of species is surprisingly high for the Mediterranean.

Blue Lagoon: Beginner-Friendly

Shallow, calm water, perfect for snorkeling newbies. You’ll see bream, octopus, and—if you’re lucky—even small rays. The water is so clear you’d think it was just a meter deep—when it’s actually often three or four.

Crystal Lagoon: For Advanced Snorkelers

A bit deeper, more fish, more interesting underwater formations. The current can be stronger here—take care in rough weather.

Packing Essentials:

• Water shoes: Rocks are sharp—barefoot is torture
• Underwater camera: You won’t regret these photos
• Sun protection: UV-shirt or waterproof sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Snorkeling gear: Rentals are pricey and often not hygienic
• Water bottle: Only one small bar on Comino

Important note: Take your trash with you! Comino has a huge litter problem caused by day-trippers. As a resident, set a good example.

Practical Tips for Your Malta Islands Weekend Trip

Let’s get down to brass tacks. I wish I’d had these tips before my first Gozo trip—they would have saved me time, money, and nerves.

Calculating Costs: What You’ll Actually Spend

Forget those “budget travel blogs”—they plan for hostels and supermarket sandwiches. As a Malta resident, your standards are different. Here’s my realistic cost breakdown for a weekend (2 people):

Money-saving Tips That Actually Work:

• Ask about resident discounts: Many places offer 10–15% off
• Go with friends: Farmhouses are often cheaper per person for groups
• Bring your own food: A picnic on Comino saves you €40 vs. a restaurant
• Ferry over speedboat: Saves €20–30 per person; just 10 minutes longer
• Off-season: November to March, hotels are 50% cheaper

Packing List for Malta Island Hopping

What to pack for a weekend on two different islands? After countless trips, here are my essentials:

Clothing & Shoes:

• Sturdy hiking shoes (Gozo’s coastal paths are rocky!)
• Water shoes or flip-flops for Comino
• Light, long trousers for evenings (mosquitoes on Gozo!)
• UV-shirt or a light jumper (windy on boats)
• Swimwear (at least 2 sets—takes ages to dry)

Tech & Practical:

• Powerbank (no electricity on Comino)
• Waterproof phone case
• Underwater camera or waterproof action cam
• Sunglasses with strap (easy to lose on boats)
• First aid kit (plasters for rocky scrapes)

Sun Protection & Comfort:

• Sunscreen SPF 50+ (still strong in October!)
• Large towel (many accommodations have thin ones)
• Reusable water bottle
• Snack for the road (granola bars, nuts)
• Mosquito spray for Gozo evenings

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Almost every Malta newbie makes these mistakes. Learn from mine:

Mistake #1: Too Late for the Last Boat

The last Gozo–Malta ferry leaves at 10:30 p.m. (summer) or 8:30 p.m. (winter). Miss it and you’ll need an unexpected overnight or an expensive taxi boat. Check the latest times on gozochannel.com.

Mistake #2: Heading to Comino With No Cash

No ATMs on Comino. The small beach bar usually takes cards, but if the tech fails (it happens a lot), you’re stuck. Bring at least €50 in cash.

Mistake #3: Taking a Car to Gozo Without a Reservation

Especially on weekends, car ferries are overloaded. Without a booking, you might wait 2+ hours or not get on at all. Reserve online or arrive very early.

Mistake #4: Underestimating Gozo Distances

Gozo is small, but the roads are winding and often poorly signposted. Allow 20–30 minutes between places, not the 10 minutes Google Maps suggests.

Mistake #5: Wrong Expectations for the Blue Lagoon

Yes, the water is dazzlingly turquoise. No, it’s not a lonely paradise. In summer, there are hundreds of people in the water. Set realistic expectations, or visit outside peak hours.

Pro tip: Download the “Malta Public Transport” app. It shows real-time bus and ferry data—could save your skin if connections are suddenly canceled.

My Personal Gozo-Comino Weekend Plan

After dozens of trips, I’ve come up with my perfect itinerary. Feel free to use it or tweak it for your own ideal weekend:

Friday to Sunday: The Optimal Itinerary

Friday: Arrival and Gozo Vibes

2:00 p.m.: Leave Sliema on Bus 101 towards Ċirkewwa. Takes about an hour—the perfect time to unwind and get into island mode.

3:30 p.m.: Ferry to Gozo. The 25 minutes on the water are already part of the holiday. Stand out on deck in good weather, stay warm in the cabin if it’s windy.

4:00 p.m.: Arrive in Mġarr. If you rented a car, it’ll likely be here. Without a car, take Bus 301 to Victoria (15 minutes).

5:00 p.m.: Check in at your accommodation. Short break, freshen up, make evening plans.

6:30 p.m.: Head to Xlendi Bay for sunset. Salt & Pepper Restaurant has the best views—and the highest prices. Alternative: fish & chips to go, eat on the cliffs for a picnic.

8:30 p.m.: Dinner in Victoria. My recommendations: Ta’ Rikardu for authentic Maltese food, or il-Kcina tal-Barba for modern takes on local cuisine.

Saturday: Comino Day

7:00 a.m.: Breakfast (if not included: Maxokk Bakery in Victoria has the best pastizzi)

8:00 a.m.: Head to Mġarr Harbour. First boat to Comino leaves at 8:30—perfect for an empty Blue Lagoon.

8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Embrace Comino: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Comino Tower. Swim, snorkel, hike, take photos.

12:00 p.m.: Back to Gozo before the tourist flood arrives.

1:00 p.m.: Lunch in Marsalforn. The promenade is great to stroll, and the water here is often calmer than elsewhere.

3:00 p.m.: Ramla Bay or San Blas Bay (depending on if you want crowds or solitude). Ramla is more famous and bigger, San Blas is more hidden and wild.

6:00 p.m.: Dwejra Bay and Azure Window remains. Golden hour is perfect for photos of the dramatic rock formations.

8:00 p.m.: Dinner with a view: Zafiro Restaurant in Dwejra or back to Xlendi.

Sunday: Culture and Wind-down

9:00 a.m.: Relaxed breakfast, check out.

10:30 a.m.: Victoria and the Citadel. If it’s Thursday: don’t miss the local market.

12:00 p.m.: Ta’ Pinu Basilica. Short stop for some spirituality or just some peace and quiet.

1:30 p.m.: Last Gozo lunch. Il-Tmun Restaurant in Għarb for slow food, or fast food at McDonald’s in Victoria (yes, it really exists—and sometimes you just need it).

3:00 p.m.: Reserve your return ferry for around 4:00 or 5:00 p.m. Don’t cut it too close—on Sundays everyone wants to head back.

5:30 p.m.: Arrive in Malta, take the bus back to Sliema/Valletta. Start planning your next Gozo weekend on the way home.

Alternative Routes For Repeat Visitors

Once you’re on your second or third trip, things get interesting: you know the highlights, now it’s time for the hidden gems.

The Hiker’s Plan:

• Wied il-Mielaħ Window (hidden natural wonder)
• Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs (spectacular coastline)
• Sannat Plateau (endless open panoramas)
• Mġarr ix-Xini (remote bay, accessible only on foot)

The Culture Plan:

• Ġgantija Temples (older than Stonehenge!)
• Folklore Museum in Għarb
• Xagħra Windmills
• Traditional crafts at Ta’ Dbiegi Crafts Village

The Relaxation Plan:

• Whole day at one beach (Ramla or San Blas)
• Spa treatment at the Kempinski (pricey but heavenly)
• Wine tasting at Ta’ Mena Estate
• Sunrise cliffside yoga session

The Adventure Plan:

• Kayaking around Comino
• Diving at Dwejra (licensed dive schools on site)
• Rock climbing at Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs
• Paragliding (only in perfect conditions)

My insider tip for repeat visitors: bring Maltese friends along. They know spots not in any travel guide and share stories that totally change the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions on Gozo and Comino

Can I do Gozo and Comino in one day?

Theoretically yes, but realistically, no. You could tick off the highlights, but you won’t actually experience much. Give yourself at least one night on Gozo—it’s worth it.

Do I need a car on Gozo?

Depends. Main towns are well connected by bus, remote bays only by car or long hikes. For a relaxed weekend, I’d recommend a car.

What’s the internet like on Gozo and Comino?

Gozo offers good 4G/5G everywhere, reliable WiFi in hotels and restaurants. Comino has sporadic coverage—expect a digital detox.

Are the islands child-friendly?

Absolutely! Shallow beaches, clear water, no dangerous currents. Just be careful on cliff walks. Strollers are impractical because of the many stairs.

What about emergencies or medical care?

Gozo has a hospital in Victoria and several pharmacies. Comino has nothing—emergencies require a boat. Travel insurance is a must!

Can I use my Malta bus card on Gozo?

Yes! The tallinja card works on all Maltese islands, including the Gozo ferry (resident discount).

When is the Blue Lagoon actually empty?

November to March: almost always. April to October: early morning (before 9:00) or late afternoon (after 4:00 p.m.). July/August: it’s never truly empty.

What language do they speak on Gozo?

Maltese and English, just like Malta. Many older Gozitans speak fluent Italian. English gets you everywhere.

Is Gozo more expensive than Malta?

Restaurants and hotels are about the same, sometimes even cheaper. Transport costs extra (ferry), but many activities are cheaper or free.

Are there ATMs on the islands?

Gozo: yes, in Victoria, Marsalforn and Xlendi. Comino: no, bring enough cash!