Things to do in Gozo 2026
Gozo is Malta's smaller, greener sister island — a 25-minute ferry from the main island, with the medieval Cittadella fortress above Victoria (Rabat), dramatic coastline and a busy cultural calendar of its own.
Quick answer
Gozo is Malta's smaller, greener sister island — a 25-minute ferry from the main island, with the medieval Cittadella fortress above Victoria (Rabat), dramatic coastline and a busy cultural calendar of its own.
The 2026 programme is one of the richest outside Valletta: the Aurora International Folk Festival and the Fireworks & Gastronomy Festival in Victoria, the great village feast of St John the Baptist in Xewkija (home to one of the largest church domes in Europe), and a season of chamber-music recitals — the Cordia Quartet, the Pro Arte Trio Prague and clarinet-and-piano evenings.
Top Gozo events in 2026
- Aurora International Folk Festival (from 25 Jun) — international folk in Victoria.
- Fireworks & Gastronomy Festival (26 Jun) — food and pyrotechnics in Victoria.
- Feast of St John the Baptist, Xewkija (late June) — one of Gozo's biggest village feasts at the Rotunda.
- Chamber music season — Cordia Quartet, Pro Arte Trio Prague, Clarinet & Pianoforte recitals.
Why visit Gozo
Gozo trades Malta's bustle for a slower pace: the Ġgantija megalithic temples (older than the pyramids), the Cittadella citadel and museums above Victoria, the inland sea and diving at Dwejra, and Ramla l-Ħamra's red-sand beach. Summer brings a string of village festas with brass bands, street food and fireworks.
Reach Gozo by the 25-minute car ferry from Ċirkewwa at the north of Malta, or the fast passenger ferry from Valletta. Victoria (Rabat) is the central town and the hub for most events.
FAQ
- What is there to do in Gozo in 2026?
- Gozo's 2026 events include the Aurora International Folk Festival and Fireworks & Gastronomy Festival in Victoria, the Feast of St John the Baptist in Xewkija, and a chamber-music season. Year-round: the Cittadella, Ġgantija temples, Dwejra and Ramla beach.
- How do I get to Gozo?
- Take the 25-minute Gozo Channel car ferry from Ċirkewwa (north Malta) to Mġarr, or the fast passenger ferry from Valletta. Victoria, the central town, is a short bus ride from the ferry terminal.
- When is the Aurora Folk Festival in Gozo?
- The Aurora International Folk Festival takes place in Victoria (Gozo) from late June 2026, alongside the Fireworks & Gastronomy Festival in the same week.
