Going on holiday to Gozo? Find out which locations and towns are the best, cheapest and most practical for accommodation on Gozo.
Where to stay in Gozo
Gozo is such a small island that it doesn't make much difference where you stay, especially if you're travelling by hire car.
However, if you are planning to travel around the island and move around exclusively by bus, the best option is to stay directly in Victoria (Rabat). This is where the main bus station is located, from which you can easily reach every corner of the island.
If you plan to travel by bus but prefer to stay by the sea, choose a village in the west of the island (Xlendi) or a small town in the northeast - Marsalforn. From both of these towns, you can reach Victoria within ten minutes, and then continue on from there.
Victoria (Rabat)
Victoria is a strategic choice that reveals the possibility of travelling comfortably around the island. Here you will find larger supermarkets, a large number of restaurants, even fast food chains. Moreover, strolling around the historic centre in the evening is truly magical.
Marsalforn
This fishing town on the east coast has excellent bus links to Victoria. The town is well equipped with shops and restaurants, plus it offers lovely walks along the coast to the famous salt pans.
Xlendi
Xlendi is one of the most popular locations to stay. It is here that you may also come across smaller hotels if this is the type of accommodation you are looking for. In Xlendi you will love the local restaurants and the beautiful surroundings that the town is surrounded by.
Gharb
If you want a taste of something traditional, Gharb is a great choice. This is a traditional village near the Ta'Pinu Basilica.
As far as accommodation is concerned, you'll come across mainly modernised rooms in traditional houses, which will provide an authentic experience but also the necessary comfort.
Xagħra
Xagħra is a great choice if you want to be close to the island's most beautiful beach, Ramla Bay.
The ancient Ġgantija complex is also in close proximity. The town itself provides traditional accommodation, often in original houses, and there are several restaurants in the centre.
Typical accommodation and prices
There are not many traditional hotel complexes in Gozo, such as in neighbouring Malta. Rather, you can stay in smaller hotels or modern apartments in traditional houses.
The most interesting option is to stay in traditional houses that are several hundred years old. They have been renovated to provide you with plenty of comfort, but at the same time retain the hallmark of tradition.
There are usually only a few rooms in the houses, so you will have plenty of privacy. These traditional buildings, which are found in practically all villages in Gozo, usually include swimming pools shared by the whole house or several houses.
You can often find these accommodation units on accommodation servers under the name townhouse, farmhouse, boutique hotel, guesthouse, B&B, villa.
Most of these units are managed by local people. Prices vary, with off-season prices ranging roughly from 60 eur to 100 eur. To give you an idea, traditional, modern-style accommodations with excellent ratings look like this:
As for hotels, most are in Xlendi, Marsalforn and Victoria.
The top hotel in Gozo is the popular Kempinski Hotel in San Lawrenz.