Gozo Cruise Ship Stop: The Best Way to Explore via Hop-On Bus

Gozo may be a small island, but it packs a punch with stunning landscapes, historical sites, and a laid-back Mediterranean vibe. With only 12 hours to explore, we needed a plan that balanced efficiency and enjoyment. The hop-on-hop-off bus was the perfect choice, allowing us to visit the top attractions at our own pace without worrying about transportation. If you’re looking for a way to experience Gozo without wasting time, this is it.

The hop-on bus is one of the easiest ways to see Gozo, especially when you’re short on time. It covers major attractions, runs on a fixed schedule, and lets you hop off at any stop that catches your interest. Plus, you get audio guides that give insights into Gozo’s history and culture.

The best part? No need to worry about renting a car or navigating unfamiliar roads. We just hopped on and let the bus take us where we needed.

If you want to book your hop-on bus tour in Gozo, click here. 

We left our cruise ship by 8:30 AM and immediately hopped on the bus at the port. Our first stop was Calypso’s Cave, which we reached in about 20 minutes. Legend has it that this is where the nymph Calypso held Odysseus captive for seven years. While the cave is currently inaccessible for safety reasons, the viewpoint overlooking Ramla Bay is breathtaking. If you’re a fan of Greek mythology, this is a must-see. We spent about 20 minutes here, soaking in the views and snapping photos.

From there, we took a short 5-minute ride down to Ramla Bay, Gozo’s most famous beach. The sand has a distinct reddish-golden hue, making it one of the most unique beaches in the Mediterranean. We had about 45 minutes here, just enough time for a quick swim and a walk along the shore. If you have more time, you can also explore the remnants of ancient Roman villas nearby.

By 11:00 AM, we were back on the bus and heading toward Victoria, the capital of Gozo. It took around 20 minutes to get there, and we went straight to the Cittadella, a medieval fortress that offers panoramic views of the island. The fortified walls, old stone streets, and historical museums make this stop feel like stepping back in time.

Inside, we explored the Gozo Archaeology Museum, showcasing ancient artifacts from the island. We spent about an hour wandering through the narrow alleys and taking in the sights. You might want to spend even longer if you’re a history buff.

For lunch, we found a small local café just outside the Cittadella walls, where we tried Ftira Gozitana, a traditional Maltese pizza-like bread topped with tomatoes, olives, and anchovies. It was simple yet flavorful and a dish you should try.

Read this blog here for all the things you need to know before your Gozo Cruise  Ship Stop Trip.

After lunch, we caught the bus again around 1:30 PM and headed to Dwejra Bay, a 15-minute ride from Victoria. This area was once home to the famous Azure Window, a natural limestone arch that sadly collapsed in 2017. Even without it, the area remains stunning.

We took a boat tour through the Inland Sea, a small lagoon connected to the open sea via a narrow tunnel. The ride lasted about 20 minutes and took us through rock formations and caves, giving us a different perspective of Gozo’s rugged coastline. If you love nature and photography, this stop is a must.

By 3:00 PM, we were going to Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary, about 10 minutes from Dwejra Bay. This church is one of Malta’s most important religious sites, known for its stunning architecture and miraculous history. Pilgrims come here to leave offerings and prayers, believing the site to be a place of healing. Even if you’re not religious, the peaceful atmosphere and intricate interior are worth experiencing. We spent about 30 minutes here before hopping back on the bus.

We decided to head to Xlendi Bay, a 15-minute ride from Ta’ Pinu for our final stop. This coastal village is a great place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing. The cliffs surrounding the bay make it a perfect sunset spot. We grabbed a seat at a waterfront café, ordered a glass of local wine, and enjoyed the view. If you have more time, you can also hike up to Xlendi Tower for an even better vantage point.

Heading Back to the Ship

By 6:30 PM, we were back on the bus, making our way to the port. The entire ride took about 25 minutes, and we arrived just in time for the last boarding call at 7:00 PM.

If you want to read more of Malta and all the stunning places you can visit, read our blogs here!

Absolutely. The hop-on-hop-off bus made it easy to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. It allowed us to experience Gozo’s history, nature, and culture without the stress of planning transportation. If you’re stopping in Gozo for just a day, this is hands down the best way to see the island.

If you’re planning a trip, make sure to check the bus schedule ahead of time and prioritize the stops that interest you the most. And don’t forget to bring a swimsuit, comfortable shoes, and an appetite for local food. Gozo may be small, but it’s packed with adventure, and a single day here is enough to leave you wanting more.

 As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Angie xoxo