My guide to Victoria, Gozo’s hilltop capital, with my favourite walks, views, streets and easy ways to explore.

Victoria is the place in Gozo I return to time and time again.  

I love that it feels small enough to explore on foot, yet lively enough to give me cafés, markets, churches and the Citadel all in one place. 

Set on higher ground in the middle of the island, it is a practical place to visit, with routes and buses radiating out across Gozo.

Visit Victoria in Gozo

Victoria (also known as Rabat) is my favourite place to stay in Gozo because it feels like the island in miniature.

It is the capital and main town, but it still feels personal, with old, winding streets, locals enjoying coffee and pastizzi at pavement café tables, church squares and a skyline shaped by the Citadel above it.

Victoria's charm

What I like most is the mix of everyday life and history.

One minute I am walking through narrow streets near St George’s Basilica, and the next I am up at the Citadel looking across the countryside from one of Gozo’s best viewpoints.

The air is filled with the sound of church bells, scooter engines weaving through the alleys, chatter from patrons at the many, many outdoor cafes and cheeps from the birds that fly above the buildings. 

Victoria is not huge, which is part of its charm.

It covers about 2.9 square kilometres and has a population of roughly 7,000, so it feels busy enough to have energy but never overwhelming.

During the summer months, the fiestas light the sky with fireworks and music, and traditional processions.

Getting around Victoria

Victoria is generally flat, making for easy walking around. However there are some inclines, so if you're unsteady on your feet, plan your route to stay on the flatter areas.  

The town rises toward the Citadel, which sits on a naturally fortified hill above the surrounding countryside, so there are a few uphill stretches, but they are part of the appeal because the views open up quickly.

My favourite walks and things to do

My favourite simple walk is from the centre up to the Citadel, then around its quiet streets, museum spaces and viewpoints.

Victoria is a good starting point for longer walks, especially the 13km Dwejra Walk and the 12km Saltpans Walk, both of which begin and end here.

If I want an easy town day, I wander around It-Tokk at the It-Tokk Open Air Market, stop near St George’s Basilica, and spend time in the lush Villa Rundle Gardens.

If I want a more active day, Victoria makes it easy to head out into valleys, bays and countryside trails.

Victoria gives me the best of Gozo in one place: local life below, big views above, and a walk worth taking in every direction.

How to get to Victoria in Gozo

One of the best things about Victoria is how easy it is to get around.

Victoria Bus Terminal is Gozo’s main transport hub, with routes connecting the town to destinations across the island, so it works brilliantly as a base or place to visit, even without a car.

Victoria suits me because it feels central, walkable and full of character.

For a short stay or a longer Gozo holiday, it is the place I would choose to visit for atmosphere, convenience and I will never tire of those Citadel views.

"Victoria gives me the best of Gozo in one place: local life below, big views above, and a walk worth taking in every direction."