where to stay in Gozo

Seek Out The Best Suitable Area For Accommodation

If you're trying to decide where to stay in Gozo, glossy pictures and the tiny island size could mislead you. One village feels like a quiet hilltop retreat, another is all beach days and sunset cocktails, and a third seems perfect on paper but is tricky for buses and parking.

When you pick the wrong base, your trip will be filled with difficulties; when you pick the right base, everything from morning swims to dinner reservations becomes easier.

The guide walks you through each major town and village with simple "best for" labels, making it easy for you to identify those areas that are right for you and avoid those that aren't.

Table of Contents - Where To Stay In Gozo

The following are the locations that will be discussed on this page. You can 'jump' to any one of these in order to quickly jump to the section that interests you most.

• Victoria in Gozo (Rabat) – Central, practical, local everyday life
• Marsalforn Gozo – Seaside promenade, lively summer evenings
• Xlendi Bay Gozo – Small bay, cliffs, relaxed sunsets
• Mġarr & ferry area – Handy for ferries, short stays
• Gozo's Village Farmhouses – Quiet countryside, pools, starry nights
• Frequently asked questions about where to stay in Gozo

Victoria in Gozo (Rabat)

Best Without A Car

Victoria suits travellers who like staying somewhere practical and central, using it as a base to head out to Gozo’s beaches, villages and viewpoints each day. Pick Victoria if you prefer a no-fuss stay: everything you need is close by and it’s easy to set off in a different direction every morning. Stay here if you enjoy being in the middle of local life, with simple access to the rest of the island rather than being tied to just one bay or village.

Gozo’s capital Victoria (Rabat) combines with its historic streets below the Citadel, and cafes, shops, and buses, an ideal base for everyday travel.

Who it’s for: Victoria suits travellers who are looking for somewhere practical and central to base themselves from which to explore Gozo's beaches, villages, and viewpoints.

Pros & cons:

• ✅ It is central for buses to all the beaches and villages.
• ✅ Services for everyday needs (supermarkets, pharmacies, cafes).
• ✅ Suitable for short breaks and first-timers.
• ❌ There's no beach - you'll always go to the coast.
• ❌ Can feel like a town, not just a "beach holiday ”.

What It’s Like to Stay in Victoria

• There is a lot of local life going on in this Gozitan town
• There is always a view of the Citadel over your head
• The day is busier with locals, and the evening is calmer
• It's easy to find supermarkets, bakeries, banks, pharmacies, and a lot more

Where To Stay in Victoria

• Small hotels and guesthouses
• Simple Bed and Breakfast accommodation
• Self-catering apartments

💡 Local tip: Opt for accommodation near Victoria's bus station for the easiest day trips - it's much easier to get to any beach or village from there.

Mini-CTA to map 👉 On the map above, if you're looking for central accommodations, zoom into Victoria and the streets around the Citadel.

marsalforn in Gozo

Best Seaside Buzz

A sheltered bay with everything close at hand. Gozo's laid-back fishing village with colourful boats and a small harbour. Summer evenings spent strolling, swimming, and sipping cocktails at seafront cafés. Everyday holiday comforts at your doorstep - beach shops, minimarts, gelaterias, seafood restaurants.

The classic seaside resort of Marsalforn is wrapped around a sheltered bay with a promenade, swimming spots, and plenty of places to eat - a popular choice when it comes to Gozo hotels by the sea.

Ideal For: It's a great place for travellers looking for a relaxed seaside base in Gozo, with swimming, seafront walks, and a lot of cafes and restaurants nearby.

Pros & cons:

• ✅ Promenade along the seafront with a small sandy beach and rocky swimming areas.
• ✅ Restaurants, cafes, bars, dive centres, and boat trips are available along the waterfront.
• ✅ Family-friendly all year and only 10–15 minutes from Victoria.
• ❌ The sandy area is fairly small, and most of the shoreline is rocky.
• ❌ During the summer, the seafront can be noisy and crowded.

What It’s Like to Stay in Marsalforn

• A sheltered bay with everything close at hand
• Gozo's laid-back fishing village with colourful boats and a small harbour
• Summer evenings spent strolling, swimming, and sipping cocktails at seafront cafés
• Everyday holiday comforts at your doorstep - beach shops, minimarts, gelaterias, seafood restaurants.

Where to stay in Marsalforn

• Seafront hotels and guesthouses overlooking the bay
• Self-catering apartments just off the promenade or on side streets
• Small, family-run B&Bs slightly back from the front, often a bit quieter

💡 Local tip: For calmer nights in peak summer, look for accommodation a little back from the main seafront road or towards the Qbajjar side of the bay rather than right in the centre.

Mini-CTA to map 👉 On the map above, if you’re looking for a seaside place to stay in Gozo, zoom into Marsalforn Bay and the seafront promenade; for quieter options, check the streets just behind the front.

Xlendi bay Gozo

Best Scenic Sunsets

Xlendi is a cosy seaside option on Gozo's southwest coast, where you will find a small beach tucked between dramatic cliffs, a promenade, and waterfront restaurants - a perfect spot for a relaxing getaway.

Perfect If You: Xlendi is a great seaside base for travellers who want easy swimming, cliff views and a few good seafront restaurants within walking distance.

Pros & cons:

• ✅ Sheltered bay ideal for swimming, snorkelling and diving.
• ✅ The seafront has plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars.
• ✅ The best sunset views and cliff walks are right outside your door.
• ❌ There are fewer shops and services than in Victoria or Marsalforn.
• ❌ Peak summer can make the bay and promenade feel crowded.

What It’s Like to Stay in Xlendi

• A tiny village with everything closeby; beach, cafés and hotels all a short walk away.
• Surrounded by steep cliffs and coastal paths right on your doorstep, with gorgeous sunset viewpoints.
• Evenings by the sea with seafront restaurants.
• A very sea-focused stay, ideal for quick swims, snorkelling and boat trips rather than big-town shopping.

Where to stay in Xlendi:

• Seafront hotels and boutique hotels
• Self-catering apartments above the promenade or on side streets
• A few places a little up the hill with bigger views and slightly quieter nights

💡 Local tip: For quieter nights in high season, look for accommodation slightly back from the central seafront or a little higher on the bay sides, rather than directly above the busiest restaurants.

Mini-CTA to map 👉 On the map above, if you want a small seaside place in Gozo, zoom into Xlendi Bay and the waterfront; for more space and quieter options, check the streets behind.

Mġarr & ferry area

Best For Ferry Access

Mġarr is Gozo’s harbour village. It is the first place you see when you land on Gozo from Malta - a working port with harbour views, a few bars and restaurants, and accommodation nearby.

Stay Here If You: This area is for travellers who prefer harbour views and easy ferry access. For example, short stays, early or late crossings, or regular day trips to Malta or Comino.

Pros & cons:

• ✅ Great for Gozo-Malta ferries and Comino/Blue Lagoon boat trips.
• ✅ Beautiful views of Fort Chambray, the harbour, and the hills.
• ✅ An ideal base if you are arriving late, or early, or splitting time between Malta and Gozo. 
• ❌ As a working port, the harbour does not offer swimming.
• ❌ Accommodation is mostly up the hill in Għajnsielem and at Fort Chambray.

What the Mġarr & ferry area feels like

• The harbour is constantly busy with fishing boats, Gozo-Malta ferries, and tour boats.
• Waterfront restaurants and bars with a relaxed buzz, livelier on weekends.
• Stunning views over the channel and harbour from steep roads and terraces towards Għajnsielem and Fort Chambray.
• Ideally located for ferry and boat trips, rather than classic beach resorts.

Where To Stay around Mġarr

• Harbour-view hotels and apartments on the slopes above the port (e.g. in Għajnsielem / Mgarr Heights / Fort Chambray)
• Self-catering apartments and small guesthouses within a short drive or walk of the ferry
• Good to combine as a night at the start or end of a longer stay elsewhere on Gozo

💡 Local tip: If you have heavy luggage or mobility issues, check how far your accommodation is from the ferry and whether there’s easy access or a lift – some properties are up a fairly steep hill.

Mini-CTA to map 👉 On the map above, look for harbour-view accommodation within easy reach of the Gozo ferry terminal by zooming into Mġarr Harbour (Għajnsielem / Fort Chambray).

Staying in Gozo’s Village Farmhouses

Quiet Countryside Stays With Pools and Views

If you imagine stone village farmhouses in places like Nadur, Xagħra, Gharb, Qala, San Lawrenz and Għasri offer private pools, countryside and quiet village life, and character B&Bs with much more space than a hotel.

Great Choice For: Ideal for families, groups of friends, or couples looking for a quieter base, with the option of exploring Gozo during the day and coming "home" at night to relax together.

Pros & cons:

• ✅ Character properties in golden limestone with beams, arches and courtyards.
• ✅ Many have private pools and terraces, perfect for a relaxing day at home.
• ✅ Locations in quiet villages, often with easy country walking access.
• ❌ There are few buses and not all beaches or restaurants are walkable.
• ❌ It's not suited for people seeking nightlife or a classic resort vibe in the evenings.

What It’s Like to Stay in Gozo's Villages

• The sound of distant roosters, church bells, and open countryside rather than traffic.
• Taking a dip in your own pool or relaxing on a sun terrace between day trips.
• You can stroll to a small village shop or bar, then drive to Victoria or down the coast for more options.
• The long, peaceful evenings under the stars are especially popular in Gharb, Gasri and San Lawrenz.

Where To Stay in Village Farmhouses

• Converted farmhouses with pools in Nadur, Xagħra, Gharb, Qala, Ghasri and San Lawrenz
• Villas and townhouses with private pools on the edge of villages
• A mix of simple rustic homes and more modern, stylish conversions – often booked early for summer and school holidays

💡 Local tip: If you’re staying in a farmhouse, it is advisable to do your shopping from a big supermarket in Victoria on your way. Villages have minimarkets which have a smaller selection and shorter opening hours.

Mini-CTA to map 👉 On the map above, zoom in where you will find villas and farmhouses with pools and countryside views in villages.

FAQ - where to stay in Gozo