Mġarr. The Ultimate Guide.
Mġarr s the main port and harbout in Gozo. Search accommodation, attractions, experiences, restaurants, bars and more.
Victoria is the beating heart of Gozo. A bustling hub where history, culture and daily island life all converge. From the winding streets of its old town to the towering Cittadella and the vibrant markets, cafés and shops that shape its rhythm, Victoria offers an energetic mix of tradition and modern island living. This guide takes you through its essential spots and hidden corners, helping you experience Gozo’s capital with ease and depth.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 speciality such as rabbit stew.
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!
Victoria offers plenty of character-filled bars, from hidden gems tucked into the Cittadella’s quiet corners to rooftop spots where vinyl plays softly over views of the old town. You’ll also find laid-back wine bars, lively foodie hubs and delis serving drinks alongside local bites, giving you plenty of ways to enjoy an evening in Gozo’s capital.
Coffee lovers are spoilt for choice in Victoria, with cafés that take their brews seriously. Buna is a favourite for speciality coffee, while Victoria Central roasts its own blends on-site and serves them in a relaxed, welcoming space. Whether you’re after a quiet morning cup or an afternoon pick-me-up, the capital has plenty to explore.
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.
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.
Browse the centre’s collection of boutiques and market stalls, selling local produce, artisanal gifts, jewellery, souvenirs and clothes. There are countless shops down cobbled winding 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 local-made ice cream.
Mġarr s the main port and harbout in Gozo. Search accommodation, attractions, experiences, restaurants, bars and more.
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