- Location
- In the middle of the island
- Name
- Rabat in Maltese
- Population
- 7,491 (July 2024)
- Good for
- A first visit and holidays without a car
What makes Victoria
Victoria is the largest town and the administrative centre of Gozo. In Maltese the town is called Rabat; the British government gave it the name Victoria on 10 June 1887 for Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. In July 2024 it had 7,491 residents. Because the town sits in the middle of the island, many roads and bus routes meet here.
The Citadel
Above the town rises the Citadel: ramparts, lanes, the cathedral with its painted dome and a view over the whole island. About 90 minutes are enough for the outside, two to three hours with the museums. History, tickets and tips are on the separate Citadel page.
Stay and tours
Compare places to stay in Victoria or book a tour of the island.
You see the live price and availability with the provider. Many offers can be cancelled for free – check this in the offer itself.
Old town, squares and churches
Below the Citadel lies the old town with narrow lanes, small shops and stalls with fabrics and lace. A central square is Pjazza Indipendenza. St George's Basilica, one of the town's major parish churches, is also worth a look. Allow an hour without a fixed plan after the Citadel; our photos show two routes through the centre.
Without a car: Victoria as the bus hub
If you travel without a rental car, Victoria is the right place. The town is the hub of Gozo's buses, and from here you reach the beaches, Dwejra and the temples. Timetables are on Malta Public Transport, tips for getting around in Gozo without a car.
Staying in Victoria
For a first visit Victoria is our recommendation: central, with buses in every direction and places to eat in the evening. If you want the sea on your doorstep, stay in quieter Marsalforn or Xlendi. All areas are compared on Where to stay on Gozo.
Combining well
Victoria fits almost any day plan: the Citadel in the morning, Dwejra in the west or the Ġgantija Temples in Xagħra in the afternoon. For dinner afterwards, see Food on Gozo. The 3-day plan shows one possible order for the whole island.
Updated: 4 October 2026. Prices, times and rules change, please check with the operator.
Sources: Malta Public Transport
