Gozo & Comino

Getting to Gozo
*** NOTE To get to Gozo please take the following advice, whether driving or taking the bus (#645 from Sliema Waterfront), LEAVE EARLY!

The ferry costs LM5.70 per car and Lm1.75 per person for a round trip.

It usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour to get to the ferry in Cirkewwa on Malta's west coast from Sliema. And usually the ferry will leave the minute you arrive, so you'll be waiting another 45 minutes to an hour to get on the next ferry Gozo and then the ferry takes another 30 minutes to cross the channel! So it could seem like a really long journey if you don't plan it well.

In summer, it is even more challenging. If you're staying in St. Julian's, Swieqi, or Paceville, and you're planning to take bus #645 to the ferry, your best bet is to actually go to Sliema to get it from the start of the route, regardless of whether you'll be backtracking. The reason for this is that the bus could be full by the time it reaches you wherever you are on the route. So better to be sure and catch it from the start. Again, the earlier the better.


Gozo
Gozo has such a distinct character and feel it's a wonder why it isnt part of the official name of The Republic of Malta. At around 60 sq km Gozo is a lot smaller and less populous than Malta (265sq km) but also a lot quieter and greener with lovely valleys. (A great place to escape from the tourism rush on Malta).

Gozo also has its share of medieval architecture, prehistoric temples, and underground caves as well as some great beaches. At the commercial centre of the island, Victoria, you will find a great view from atop the Citadel that offers up the entire island. Be there at dusk.

You can easily bike the whole island and swim any number of wonderful bays, or bask in the sun at The Inland Sea, a stretch of beach along the west coast that some say is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. The Inland Sea is a secluded pool of clear water and pebbly sand, sheltered by sheer cliffs. Centred around Dwejra Point, the area's outstanding feature is the Azure Window, a giant rock arch in the cliff.

Visit Calypso's Cave in the cliffs overlooking Ramla Bay on the northeastern coast or step down into the Alabaster Caves at the little town of Xaghra. But don't miss the Ggantija temple complex, which is also near Xaghra, because it is the grandest temple in Malta.

Comino

Getting to Comino
Follow the above advice for Comino as well, except note that there is a separate boat service that will take you to the uninhabited island. And again in summer, it can get really busy. Look for signs as you approach the ferry terminal in Cirkewwa that will tell you where to get your boat to Comino.


Comino
The 2 sq km uninhabited island between Malta and Gozo is a great spot to get away from it all. But only if you want to swim or snorkel in any of the sheltered bays. Here is where you will find the famous Blue Lagoon, an area of sea that is so turquoise blue you won't believe your eyes. There are only two buildings on the island, and no roads at all, thank goodness for that.