Mġarr, Gozo City
Agricultural village in Malta noted for rural landscape
A low-lying harbour and sleepy lanes define Mġarr on Gozo; travelers land by ferry, rent scooters to reach Ramla Bay and Ġgantija, and linger at farm stalls for honey and local gbejna cheese.
Mġarr, Gozo at a Glance#
Costs: Daily tourist budget: $60-110 - small port town with budget guesthouses and seafood eateries.
Safety: Very safe island port town - low crime and relaxed atmosphere, safe both day and night.
Best Time: Best time: April-October - ideal for ferry travel to Gozo, swimming, and hill walks.
Why Visit Mġarr, Gozo?#
On Gozo’s south coast, Mġarr is known for its working harbour and quiet fishing lanes that lead to small cafés and boat trips. Local specialties such as Gozitan ftira and gbejna cheese appear in village bakeries and family tables. Ramla Bay is a short drive away, while diving sites and countryside walks highlight the island’s rural charms. Weekly village festas offer colorful processions and band music.
Best Things to Do in Mġarr, Gozo#
Mġarr, Gozo Bucket List#
Mġarr Harbour - Arrive at Mġarr Harbour and watch fishing boats, ferries and Gozo’s coastal activity.
Mġarr ix-Xini bay - Swim at Mġarr ix-Xini, a sheltered bay with clear water and cliffside walks.
Ta’ Pinu Basilica (Gozo) - Visit nearby Ta’ Pinu Basilica, a pilgrimage church with quiet gardens and chapels.
Xlendi Bay coastal walk - Walk the coastal trail to Xlendi Bay for cliffs, cafes and tranquil swimming coves.
Ggantija Temples (nearby) - See the Ggantija megalithic temples, among the world’s oldest freestanding structures.
Local fishing harbours - Explore small fishing harbours near Mġarr for fresh seafood stalls and quiet sea views.
Victoria (Rabat, Gozo) and the Citadel - Take a short trip to Victoria to explore the Citadel, markets and museums.
Comino and the Blue Lagoon - Catch a boat to Comino’s Blue Lagoon for turquoise waters, snorkeling and sunbathing.
Best Time to Visit Mġarr, Gozo#
Mġarr (Gozo) is at its best in late spring and early autumn when seas are calm and hiking is pleasant. Summer brings peak beach crowds and high temperatures; winters remain mild but wetter.
November - March
12 to 18°C (54 to 64°F)
Mild, rainy winters suit cultural visits and off-season pricing; some sea days remain possible but expect unsettled weather and fewer sunbathing opportunities.
April - May & October
17 to 24°C (63 to 75°F)
Warm, breezy and pleasant - perfect for swimming, exploring limestone villages and walking coastal promenades without the peak summer crowds or intense heat.
June - September
24 to 33°C (75 to 91°F)
Hot, very dry summers filled with beach days, late sunsets and packed waterfronts - expect high humidity, crowded popular spots, and lively nightlife into the small hours.
Mġarr, Gozo's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 10°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (517 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain.
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 27°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 100 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Mġarr, Gozo#
Mġarr is the main ferry port for Gozo; visitors arrive by flying into Malta (MLA) then transferring north to Cirkewwa and taking the Gozo Channel ferry to Mġarr. There are no trains on Malta or Gozo-buses and taxis are the primary public options on both islands.
Malta International Airport (MLA): To get to Mġarr (Gozo) first reach Malta’s main island by landing at MLA. From the airport take a bus or taxi to Cirkewwa ferry terminal (northern tip of Malta) - the trip is typically 45-60 minutes by public bus and around 35-45 minutes by taxi depending on traffic. From Cirkewwa board the Gozo Channel ferry to Mġarr, Gozo (see below).
Train: There is no train system on Malta or Gozo.
Bus: Public buses link Malta Airport and Valletta with the Cirkewwa ferry terminal; expect roughly 45-60 minutes by bus from the airport to Cirkewwa. Once in Gozo, local buses run from Mġarr ferry terminal to other Gozo towns-journeys are short (typically 15-30 minutes) and bus fares on Gozo are in line with Malta Public Transport pricing.
How to Get Around Mġarr, Gozo#
Getting to Gozo requires a ferry from Cirkewwa to Mġarr; public buses link the ferry terminal with the rest of Gozo. For flexibility, especially with luggage or remote sites, use taxis or hire a car on arrival.
- Ferry (Gozo Channel) (Free (foot); €4-€5 (vehicles)) - The Gozo Channel ferry runs between Cirkewwa (Malta) and Mġarr (Gozo). Foot passengers currently travel free and vehicle fares apply (roughly €4-€5 one‑way for a car); crossing time is about 25 minutes and ferries run frequently throughout the day year‑round.
- Bus (Tallinja / Gozo buses) (€2 (approx.)) - Buses connect Mġarr with Victoria (Rabat) and other Gozo villages; Malta Public Transport operates routes that include the ferry terminal. Expect short transit times on Gozo (generally 10-30 minutes depending on destination) and single fares aligned with the Tallinja pricing system (€2 on Malta main network - check Gozo bus details locally).
- Taxi / Local transfer (€6-€25) - Taxis and private transfers meet ferries at Mġarr and are useful if you have luggage or are arriving late. On‑island fares are modest but higher than bus prices; agree a fare or use the island’s licensed taxis.
- Car hire (€25-€60/day) - If you plan to explore Gozo’s countryside and more remote sites, hire a car on Gozo; rentals can be picked up near the Mġarr terminal. Expect rates from around €25-€50/day depending on season and vehicle type.
- Walking - Many Gozo towns, including Mġarr’s nearby villages and the capital Victoria, are compact and pleasant to explore on foot once you’ve arrived by bus or car.
Where to Stay in Mġarr, Gozo#
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Where to Eat in Mġarr, Gozo#
Mġarr and Gozo showcase island-grown produce, local cheeses and seafood in relaxed village restaurants.
- Ta’ Frenc - Well-regarded Gozo fine-dining restaurant.
- Ta’ Rikardu (Victoria) - Traditional Gozo cooking in the citadel.
Small cafés and harbourfront spots serve light bites, fresh fish and Maltese pastries.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Mġarr, Gozo’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Mġarr, Gozo#
Shopping in Mġarr is minimal - small grocery shops, a few local vendors and services for residents and visitors. For larger shopping needs, head to Victoria (Rabat) in Gozo.
Nightlife in Mġarr, Gozo#
Nightlife is very limited - a few local bars and restaurants only. Evenings are quiet and best suited to relaxed dining rather than late-night entertainment.