Exploring Gozo and Malta's Timeless Charms

This month, our Travel Consultant, Aoife, travelled to Malta on a destination training trip with Ireland's Travel Trade Network (ITTN) to learn more about the Malta and Gozo islands. Here's what she learned!

"The purpose of the trip was to show that Gozo and Malta are all-year-round destinations and from speaking to local guides and residents of both islands, I can honestly say that it is. From tranquil beaches to historic ruins, and a buzzing nightlife, there is sure to be something for all.

Exploring Gozo and Malta Timeless Charms, Picture of Aoife Travel Consultant of Barters Travelnet - Blog Post Barters Travelnet

Best Time To Visit

The temperatures can peak at 35 degrees during the July and August months, and according to the locals, the best time to visit Malta is actually September, October and even November. In these months it is still moderately warm (high teens/low 20s depending on the month) whilst the water temperatures remain in the mid-thirties/mid-twenties.

Exploring Gozo and Malta Timeless Charms, Picture of a boat - Blog Post Barters Travelnet

Getting Around

There are regular ferries between Malta and Gozo which takes 25-minutes and costs less than €5 for a return ticket – travelling from the Northern point of Malta. It departs Cirkewwa and sails to Mgarr in Gozo. This service operates up to 31 times a day and is pretty much 24/7. There are also ferries from Valletta to Gozo which take 45 minutes and tickets cost €7.50. This sailing operates up to 10 times per day.

Where to Stay in Malta and Gozo

For families I would strongly recommend Gozo as an option for them or St. George's Bay/St. Paul's Bay as they are much more relaxed, with still lovely restaurants, bars, and activities to do.
For young adults, St. Julian's would be the best option for them. It is very lively with loads of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants to choose from. It is also great for shopping as there is a large shopping centre just opposite Hugo's Boutique Hotel. There is a beach close by as well.
For city breaks I would highly recommend Valetta. With its rich history and culture, it would be hard not to fall in love with this city. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to explore and beautiful hidden gems like the Barrakka Gardens.

Key Areas to Visit

Gozo

Citadel in Victoria
Ramla Bay
Ta' Pinu Church

Malta

Three Cities
Valetta
St. George's Bay

The Comino Island and Blue Lagoon - via boat tours

Exploring Gozo and Malta Timeless Charms, Aerial View of the Malta Marine - Blog Post Barters Travelnet

Where to Eat in Malta and Gozo

Verbena - Lovely winebar close to Mgarr Village in mainland Malta
Maldonado Bistro - highly recommend - on the Island of Gozo (Beautiful food and atmosphere, the owner is very passionate about using local ingredients and you could tell there was a huge about of love put into his menus/dishes)
T'mun - on the Island of Gozo – Michelin-star restaurant, stunning dishes and staff were very friendly.
OKA's at the village - St. George's Bay part of the Marriott hotel - stunning location as we ate on the terrace overlooking the bay. The Menu was lovely as there was something for everyone and the portion sizes were good.
Don Berto - Italian on the harbour of the three cities. Affordable Italian and the portions were huge! Really tasty food".