Experience Gozo like a local. Learn everything you need to know about Victoria, Gozo.
Getting to Victoria
Victoria (formerly known as ‘Rabat’ ) is Gozo’s capital and the largest town on the island. From the Gozo Ferry Terminal, it takes just 15 minutes to reach the centre by car, where there are options for free and paid parking. Victoria is well connected by bus to all other localities and most bus routes pass through the centre every hour. If you are traveling to Victoria by bus from the ferry, you take routes 301, 303 or 323.
Staying In Victoria
In Gozo, most roads lead into Victoria, the island’s picturesque capital and hub of cultural activity which fuses days gone by with modern life. Staying in the capital makes sense if you are excited about walking the city’s cobbled streets, and visiting the cultural attractions, such as The Citadel and the Cathedral. The evening comes alive with bars and restaurants and the city centre is also well-equipped with banks, local shops, and supermarkets. The centre will feel busy from 8 am until 12.30 pm when the crowds disperse and you are free to explore the maze of photogenic backstreets.
The Backstreets
While away the hours and escape the mid-day heat in the charming back streets of Victoria. Start at St. George’s Square and admire the beautiful architecture in the labyrinth of what is the real Rabat. Enjoy the stillness and opportunities and get creative with your camera, remembering to look up at the quaint wooden balcony and the many statues adorning the street corners. Along these streets, you will also find several art galleries
The Squares
Independence Square (or It-Tokk) is situated in front of the City Hall and has several open-air cafes and market stalls selling local produce and souvenirs (open Monday- Saturday mornings). St. George’s Square is in the older part of town and is the gateway to the labyrinth of quaint alleyways, dotted with colourful wooden balconies, statues, and numerous boutiques and art galleries. Both squares are brimming with al fresco eateries with views of baroque masterpieces. Recently renovated, St. Francis Square is positioned behind the bus terminus. Here you can eat and drink like a local for a very reasonable price. , Dine in the surrounding restaurants or pitch up on one of these charming squares to watch the world go by.
Beaches
As Victoria is the central town in Gozo, once you have decided which direction you wish to travel in, a beach will be no more than 10 minutes away by car. Discover the ultimate list of Gozo’s beaches here.
Santa Marija Feast
The Feast of the Assumption, also known as ‘Santa Maria’, is celebrated every year on the 15th of August and is also a public holiday. It marks the ascent into heaven by the Virgin Mary, the mid-summer heat, and gives the shops and businesses a chance to shut up shop as temps continue to sizzle.
Victoria Gallery
The Best Of Victoria
Check out accommodations, cool places to eat and drink, plus must-see sights in Victoria. Bookmark this page if you’re visiting us soon as we update it often – and get in touch if you would like us to curate your island experience.
Eat In Victoria (Rabat)
Breakfast
Kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast from Aurora Bistro Cafe located on the main street in Victoria. Choose from fresh bagels, eggs benedict, french toast, or traditional Maltese ftira. A beautiful, light, and airy building with an ornately painted ceiling – one for Insta!
Lunch
For a memorable dining experience, settle down for a leisurely lunch at Grapes Wine Bar in St. George’s Piazza with views of the Basilica. Graze on meat, seafood, or a vegetarian sharing platter of regional produce, or try a local specialty such as rabbit stew.
Dinner
Trishna brings authentic Indian vibes to Victoria, with lush décor, and an all-Indian kitchen. Graze on their delightful menu with fresh, zingy flavours and true regional dishes. Soak up the atmosphere, escape the heat, and let that Indian aroma send you into a heavenly spin!
Drink In Victoria (Rabat)
Boozey
Experience traditional authentic Gozo at Ta’ Rikardu Restaurant. This hidden gem is tucked away in a wonderfully rustic old building within the Cittadella walls and boasts a rooftop with spectacular views. Sample homemade cheeses and wines produced from Rikardu’s local vineyard and farm so can you truly taste the Med.
Non-Boozey
Coffee lovers are spoilt for choice at 7ten! As well as the usual coffee suspects they offer gourmet beverages; how does a double espresso with pistachio cream, a turmeric latte, or matcha tea sound? They also serve a variety of sweet and savoury items and cater for vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. Sit in or grab a takeaway and explore.
Things To See In Victoria (Rabat)
The Cittadella
Transport yourself to centuries ago as you wander the narrow alleys of this magnificent fortress city. There is a plethora of museums, gift shops, cafes, and an interactive visitors centre to enjoy. From the top, the 360 views of the Gozitan terraced hilltops are priceless, especially at sunset, a more peaceful time to visit and enjoy a sundowner. Discover more top tips for exploring the Cittadella here.
Villa Rundle
An oasis in the heart of Victoria, the Villa Rundle Gardens provide a tranquil space with shaded benches and beautifully maintained gardens to escape the crowds. During the key festivals, the gardens come alive with vibrant decorations, fairy lights, and pop-up artisan markets selling local produce. Keep an eye on our events calendar to see what’s happening whilst you are in Gozo.
Shop Local
Browse the centre’s collection of lovely boutiques selling local produce, artisanal gifts, jewelry, and clothes. You will find odd shops down cobbled streets, spilling out from the main squares, so be prepared to wander. Not to worry though – there will always be somewhere you can rest, take a drink, some food or perhaps a cheeky ice cream.
Accommodation In Victoria (Rabat)
And Lastly…
Dont miss these things to see and do in Victoria
- Pick up a freshly baked Pastizzi (traditional savory pastry snack) from one of the vendors on Triq Taht Putirjal.
- Visit the Cittadella in the evening to watch a magical moonrise.
- Buy a piece of Gozo treasure from Pio’s Antique Shop in Salvina Square.
- Join in the festivities. Victoria is a hub of activity during the summer with Festas, Carnival, Art Exhibitions, Live Music, Street Dancing, Operas, and Musical Theatre. Check our events calendar to see what’s happening.
- Tuck into juicy local fruit from the stands dotted around the main car park, think peaches, figs, and cooling watermelon, perfect for those sizzling summer days!
- Book a relaxing float at the Stress Free Center for a couple of hours of pure bliss.
- Book an Osteopathic session and realign your skeletal system with Gozo Osteopathy.
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