Gozo y Comino como escapada de fin de semana: Mi guía honesta para residentes en Malta

After two years in Malta, I thought I had explored the island inside out. Valletta? Check. Mdina? At least twenty times. Sliema promenade? I know every single stone. Then I discovered what was right under my nose: Gozo and Comino as a weekend trip. Not as a tourist squeezed onto crowded boats, but as a resident who knows when and how to truly enjoy these gems.

Spoiler: It makes a world of difference whether you take the 8:30 am tourist boat to Comino or have the Blue Lagoon almost to yourself at 4:00 pm. Let me show you how, as a Malta resident, you can make the most of your sister islands getaway—without the rookie mistakes that nearly drove me crazy at first.

Why Gozo and Comino are the perfect Malta resident weekend getaway

Do you know the feeling? Youve been living in Malta for months, but somehow your life just revolves around Sliema, St. Julians and the occasional Valletta visit. Meanwhile, two totally different worlds are just a 25-minute ferry ride away. Gozo and Comino are what Malta used to be 30 years ago: authentic, relaxed, without a high-rise skyline.

What you do differently as a Malta resident compared to tourists

The greatest advantage as a resident: You don’t have to tick everything off in one day. While tourists rush from Azure Window ruins to the Citadel to the Blue Lagoon, you can take your time. By now, I almost always stay at least one night on Gozo—that changes everything.

Your resident advantages at a glance:

• Flexibility: No time pressure, no pre-booked return flight ticket
• Better prices: Resident discounts in many accommodations (always ask!)
• Local contacts: Your Maltese colleagues often have insider tips
• Spontaneity: Bad weather forecast? Just postpone for the next weekend
• Repetition: You can revisit places, experience different seasons

Best travel times for residents: Avoid the crowds

After countless Gozo trips I can tell you: timing makes the difference between frustration and delight. Blue Lagoon in August at 11:00 am? Thats like sardines in a can with a view. My personal sweet spots:

Pro tip: Always check the weather on windy.com or similar apps. Gozo can get stormy even when Malta is still calm. In strong north winds, the ferry is sometimes suspended—yes, it happens more often than you’d expect.

Exploring Gozo: From Valletta to Victoria in a Weekend

Gozo is Malta’s relaxed sister. Where Malta is bustling and overbuilt, Gozo remains green and laid-back. The island is just 67 square kilometers— theoretically doable in a day. In reality, you need at least a weekend, not just to tick the boxes but to really experience it.

Getting to Gozo: Ferry vs. Helicopter vs. Speedboat

Let’s get practical: How do you actually get across? As a resident, you have more options than the average tourist:

The classic ferry (Gozo Channel)

This is your workhorse. Runs every 45 minutes from Ċirkewwa (Malta) to Mġarr (Gozo). Cost: €4.65 for adults one-way, €1.15 for residents with a valid tallinja card. You only pay on the return—remember this!

• Duration: 25 minutes actual travel time
• With car: €15.70 (up to 5m length), reservation recommended
• Without car: Bus 101 from Valletta to Ċirkewwa (1 hour), then ferry

Speedboats (various providers)

Since 2023 there are more speedboat links. More expensive, but much faster, often with transfer service included.

• Duration: 15 minutes from Sliema/Valletta
• Cost: €25–35 per person
• Advantage: Direct from Sliema, spectacular views
• Disadvantage: Weather dependent, not running in rough seas

Helicopter

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

• Duration: 5 minutes flight
• Cost: From €100 per person (minimum 4 seats usually required)
• When it’s worth it: Special occasions, real time crunch, unforgettable views

Gozo stays: Hotels vs Airbnb vs Farmhouses

Where to stay? Depends on your style. Ive tested them all:

Hotels (Ta Cenc, Kempinski)

Pure luxury, but accordingly expensive. Ta’ Cenc is spectacularly located, but starts at €200/night and up. Worth it for special occasions or for treating yourself.

Farmhouses (traditional Gozo experience)

This is my recommendation! Authentic Maltese architecture, often with 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, fits four, and the owner Ġużi brings fresh Ħobż (Maltese bread) in the morning. Check Gozo.com or ask in local Facebook groups.

Airbnb (flexible and varied)

Wide choice, from cheap to luxurious. Beware: some listings are in remote villages. Without a car this can be a hassle.

The Gozo must-sees that still impress after 10 visits

Forget the standard tourist list. These places fascinate me even after years:

Victoria/Rabat: The heart of Gozo

The Citadel is a must, but also check the Thursday Market (Thursdays early morning). Real Gozitans shop there—fruit, veggies, local cheese. Pure, small Malta feeling.

Xlendi Bay: My relaxation spot

Early morning or late afternoon, this bay is magical. 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 landscapes when snorkeling? Unbelievable. And the Inland Sea (Qawra) is like a hidden saltwater lake.

Ramla Bay: The red sand beach

Maltas most famous red sand beach. Crowded in summer, but a dream in spring or fall. The water is often calmer than at other beaches.

Ta Pinu Basilica: Spiritual timeout

Impressive even if you’re not religious. The basilica sits amid fields, absolute silence around. Perfect for a short break from sightseeing stress.

Secret tip: Wied il-Mielaħ Window

A natural stone arch, less known than the former Azure Window. 10 minutes walk from the road, but the view makes it worth the trip.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon: Timing is Everything

Comino is tiny—just 3.5 square kilometers—but the Blue Lagoon is THE Instagram spot. The problem: everyone wants to go. The secret: what time and how you go determines whether it’s paradise or pandemonium.

Blue Lagoon without the crowds: My insider tips

Standard tourist boats arrive between 9:00 and 15:00. During this time the Blue Lagoon is a nightmare of noise, trash, and crowds. My strategy:

The 4:00 pm rule

After 4:00 pm, the lagoon empties dramatically. Most day-trippers head back, you have the turquoise water almost to yourself. Perfect for relaxed swimming and photos without hundreds of heads in the background.

The early bird gets the worm

Alternatively: First ferry at 6:45 am from Ċirkewwa, then straight on to Comino. By 9:00, you’ll basically have the lagoon to yourself. The light is fantastic, the water crystal clear.

Private boat tour vs. public ferry

Public boats to Comino depart from Mġarr Harbour (Gozo) several times a day. Cost: about €10 return. Private tours are more expensive (€40–80), but let you choose your timing.

Exploring Comino on foot: Walking trails away from the crowds

Most visitors just stick to the Blue Lagoon. But Comino is stunning on foot—and almost empty as soon as you step 200 meters away from the lagoon.

The Comino Tower Trail

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

Crystal Lagoon: The quiet alternative

10 minutes walk from Blue Lagoon is Crystal Lagoon. Just as beautiful, but 90% fewer people. The water here is often even clearer, perfect for snorkeling. The trail is a bit rocky—wear sturdy shoes.

Santa Marija Bay: Hidden gem

On the north side of Comino is this small bay. Usually completely empty, crystal-clear water, perfect for a picnic. Only reachable via climbing and proper footwear—so it stays untouched by the crowds.

Snorkeling and swimming: The best spots

Comino’s underwater world is spectacular. Visibility is often 30+ meters, the biodiversity surprisingly rich for the Mediterranean.

Blue Lagoon: Beginner friendly

Shallow, calm water, perfect for snorkel beginners. You’ll see bream, octopus and, if you’re lucky, small rays. The water is so clear you’d think it’s only a meter deep—in reality often three to four meters.

Crystal Lagoon: For experienced swimmers

Somewhat deeper water, more fish, more interesting underwater formations. The current here can be stronger—be careful in rough weather.

What you should definitely pack:

• Water shoes: The rocks are sharp, barefoot is torture
• Underwater camera: You won’t regret the photos
• Sunscreen: UV shirt or waterproof sunblock (SPF 50+)
• Snorkeling gear: Renting is pricey and often unhygienic
• Water bottle: There’s only one small bar on Comino

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

Practical Tips for your Malta Islands Weekend Trip

Let’s get concrete. I wish Id had these tips before my first Gozo trip—they would have saved me time, money and nerves.

Budgeting: What you’ll actually spend

Forget the budget travel blogs—they calculate based on hostel standards and supermarket sandwiches. As a Malta resident, your expectations are different. Here’s my realistic cost breakdown for a weekend (2 people):

Money-saving tips that really work:

• Ask for resident discounts: Many accommodations give 10–15% off
• Go with friends: Farmhouses are often cheaper per person for groups
• Bring your own food: A picnic on Comino saves €40 versus restaurant
• Ferry instead of speedboat: Saves €20–30 per person, just 10 minutes longer
• Off-season: From 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, I’ve found my essentials:

Clothes & shoes:

• Sturdy hiking shoes (Gozo’s coastal paths are rocky!)
• Water shoes or flip-flops for Comino
• Light, long pants for evenings (mosquitoes on Gozo!)
• UV shirt or light sweater (wind on the boat)
• Swimwear (at least 2 sets, dries slowly)

Tech & practical stuff:

• Power bank (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 scrapes from rocks)

Sunscreen & comfort:

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

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

These slip-ups happen to almost every Malta newbie. Learn from my mistakes:

Mistake #1: Too late for the last boat

The last ferry from Gozo to Malta leaves at 10:30 pm (summer) or 8:30 pm (winter). Miss it and you’ll need to book a last-minute stay or pay for an expensive taxi boat. Check current times on gozochannel.com.

Mistake #2: Going to Comino with no cash

There’s no ATM on Comino. The small beach bar takes cards, but if it’s down (happens regularly), you’re stuck. Bring at least €50 in cash.

Mistake #3: Taking a car to Gozo without reservation

Especially on weekends, car ferries get overloaded. Without a reservation you’ll often wait 2+ hours or not get on at all. Book online or go very early.

Mistake #4: Underestimating distances on Gozo

Gozo is small, but 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 Blue Lagoon

Yes, the water is a stunning turquoise. No, it’s not a deserted paradise. In summer, hundreds of people stand in the water. Manage your expectations or visit outside of peak times.

Pro tip: Download the Malta Public Transport app. It shows real-time data for buses and ferries—it can save your skin if connections are cancelled.

My Personal Gozo-Comino Weekend Plan

After dozens of trips I’ve found the perfect schedule for me. Use it as is or as a base for your own plan:

Friday to Sunday: The optimal itinerary

Friday: Arrival and Gozo warm-up

2:00 pm: Leave Sliema by bus 101 heading to Ċirkewwa. The journey takes about an hour—perfect for relaxing and getting into island mode.

3:30 pm: Ferry to Gozo. The 25 minutes on the water are already part of the holiday. Stand on the outer deck if the weather is good, stay warm inside if its windy.

4:00 pm: Arrive in Mġarr. If you rented a car, its usually here. Without a car, take bus 301 to Victoria (15 minutes).

5:00 pm: Check-in at your accommodation. Short breather, freshen up, discuss evening plans.

6:30 pm: Xlendi Bay at sunset. Salt & Pepper Restaurant has the best views, but also the highest prices. Alternatively: fish & chips to go and a picnic on the cliffs.

8:30 pm: Dinner in Victoria. My recommendation: Ta’ Rikardu for authentic Maltese cuisine, or il-Kcina tal-Barba for modern takes on local dishes.

Saturday: Comino day

7:00 am: Breakfast (if not included in your accommodation: Maxokk Bakery in Victoria has the best pastizzi)

8:00 am: Head to Mġarr Harbour. The first boat to Comino leaves at 8:30 am—perfect timing for an empty Blue Lagoon.

8:30–12:00 pm: Comino all to yourself: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Comino Tower. Swim, snorkel, hike, take photos.

12:00 pm: Back to Gozo before the masses arrive.

1:00 pm: Lunch break in Marsalforn. The promenade is nice for a stroll, the water here is often calmer than elsewhere.

3:00 pm: Ramla Bay or San Blas Bay (depending on whether you want crowds or peace). Ramla is more famous and bigger, San Blas more hidden and natural.

6:00 pm: Dwejra Bay and Azure Window remains. The golden hour is perfect for photos of the dramatic cliffs.

8:00 pm: Dinner with a view: Zafiro Restaurant at Dwejra or back to Xlendi.

Sunday: Culture and a relaxed finish

9:00 am: Laid-back breakfast, check out.

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

12:00 pm: Ta’ Pinu Basilica. Quick stop for some spirituality or just peace and quiet.

1:30 pm: Last lunch on Gozo. Il-Tmun Restaurant in Għarb for slow food, or fast food at McDonalds in Victoria (yes, it really exists, and sometimes you just need it).

3:00 pm: Last ferry booking for about 4:00 or 5:00 pm. Don’t be late—everyone wants to return on Sunday.

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

Alternative routes for repeat visitors

On your second or third visit, things get interesting: You know the highlights, now its about the secret spots.

The wanderer plan:

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

The culture plan:

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

The relaxation plan:

• Whole day at one beach (Ramla or San Blas)
• Spa treatment at the Kempinski (expensive, but divine)
• Wine tasting at Ta’ Mena Estate
• Yoga session at sunrise on the cliffs

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 secret tip for repeat visitors: Convince Maltese friends to join you. They know places that aren’t in any guidebook and tell stories that totally change the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gozo and Comino

Can I do Gozo and Comino in one day?

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

Do I need a car on Gozo?

Depends. Main towns are connected by buses, remote bays you reach only by car or long walks. For a relaxed weekend, I’d recommend a car.

What’s the internet like on Gozo and Comino?

Gozo has excellent 4G/5G everywhere, WiFi in hotels and restaurants is reliable. Comino has spotty reception, expect a digital detox.

Are the islands child-friendly?

Absolutely! Shallow beaches, clear water, no dangerous currents. Just be careful on cliff hikes. Strollers are impractical due to many stairs.

What about emergencies or medical care?

Gozo has a hospital in Victoria and several pharmacies. Comino has nothing—for emergencies, you need 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 really empty?

November to March: almost always. April to October: early morning (before 9:00 am) or late afternoon (after 4:00 pm). July/August: never really empty.

What language is spoken on Gozo?

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

Is Gozo more expensive than Malta?

Restaurants and hotels are about the same price or 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, so bring enough cash!