How to Make the Most of a Day in Mgarr, Malta: Shore Excursions, Food, and Essential Tips

Mgarr is the main harbour village on the island of Gozo, Malta’s quieter, greener sister island, and it makes for one of the most rewarding cruise port calls in the entire Mediterranean. Compact but full of character, it offers a seamless gateway into a landscape shaped by ancient temples, dramatic coastlines, and a pace of life that feels genuinely unhurried. Whether you have four hours or a full day, Mgarr punches well above its weight.

Arriving by Ship

Cruise ships calling at Malta typically dock at Valletta’s Grand Harbour on the main island, and Mgarr is reached from there by a short ferry crossing from Ċirkewwa — a scenic 25-minute ride that itself feels like part of the experience. Smaller expedition-style vessels occasionally anchor directly off Gozo, tendering passengers into Mgarr Harbour. The harbour itself is instantly welcoming: a semi-circle of colourful luzzu fishing boats, a cluster of waterfront restaurants, and the distinctive neo-Gothic Church of Our Lady of Lourdes gazing down from the hillside above. Taxis and hop-on tour vehicles are readily available at the quayside, so getting further afield is straightforward from the moment you step ashore.

Things to Do

Gozo is a small island — roughly 14 kilometres across — which means you can pack an impressive amount into a single shore excursion. The most popular experience is a broad sweep of the island’s highlights: the Azure Window may be gone, but Dwejra Bay still stuns, and the inland Sea and Fungus Rock remain extraordinary. A guided tour covering these alongside Victoria’s medieval Citadel and the island’s famous salt pans makes for an excellent full day. 🎟 Book: The essential of Gozo: Azure Window Island Tour from Cruise Port

If you’re calling at the main Maltese island and want to maximise your time, the prehistoric temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra — among the oldest free-standing structures on Earth — are unmissable. 🎟 Book: Prehistoric Temples and Highlights of the South Full-Day Tour Closer to Mgarr on the main island, the Blue Grotto’s electric-blue sea caves are best seen by boat in the morning light, often combined with a visit to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk. 🎟 Book: Half Day Tour in Marsaxlokk Village, Market, Blue Grotto & Qrendi

For something more contemplative, the Buskett Woodlands near Dingli Cliffs offer a rare chance to walk through Malta’s only woodland and stand at the island’s highest point overlooking the sea. 🎟 Book: Buskett Woodlands and Dingli Cliffs Nature Walking Private Tour History lovers should note that the Limestone Heritage Park traces Malta’s relationship with its signature golden building material through fascinating open-air exhibits. 🎟 Book: Entry Ticket for The Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens

Local Food

Mgarr’s waterfront restaurants are genuinely good, not just convenient. Order ftira, the local bread boat stuffed with tuna, capers, olives, and tomatoes — it’s cheap, filling, and delicious. Gozo is particularly famous for its ġbejniet, small rounds of sheep’s milk cheese served fresh, peppered, or sun-dried, and you’ll find them on almost every menu. Rabbit braised in red wine (fenkata) is the island’s unofficial national dish and worth ordering if you’re staying for a sit-down lunch. Wash it all down with a glass of local Gellewża red wine, which is produced in small quantities but widely available across Gozo’s restaurants.

Shopping

The quayside area in Mgarr has a handful of small shops selling lace, glassware, and local honey, but for more serious browsing, head up to Victoria (Rabat), Gozo’s compact capital. The covered market there sells handmade Gozitan lace — a tradition dating back centuries — alongside jars of sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, and local wines that make ideal gifts. Malta’s distinctive silverfiligree jewellery is another fine souvenir and available throughout the island at reasonable prices. Avoid buying anything at the very first stall you see; a five-minute walk usually reveals better quality at better prices.

Practical Tips

• Currency: Malta uses the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small vendors and ferries.
• Weather: Summers are hot and dry (30°C+), so bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. Spring and autumn are ideal for walking.
• Getting around: Taxis from Mgarr are metered and reliable; agree on a price before setting off for longer journeys. A hired car or scooter gives you maximum freedom if time allows.
• Ferry connection: The Ċirkewwa–Mgarr ferry runs roughly every 45 minutes and takes about 25 minutes. Check return times before heading too far inland.
• Good Friday: If your cruise falls around Easter, the processions across Malta are among the most moving in the Mediterranean. 🎟 Book: Malta: Good Friday Afternoon Procession Including Transport

Cruises That Visit Mgarr, Malta

Malta — and by extension Gozo’s Mgarr harbour — appears on itineraries operated by many of the major cruise lines. MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Costa Cruises all include Valletta as a regular port of call on their Western and Eastern Mediterranean circuits, with Gozo accessible as a natural extension. P&O Cruises UK also features Malta frequently on its Mediterranean sailings departing from Southampton, typically on 14-night itineraries running through spring, summer, and autumn.

Most sailings that include Malta range from 7 to 14 nights and commonly depart from Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome), Venice, or Piraeus (Athens). Repositioning cruises in April and October often include Malta as a cornerstone port. Luxury lines including Silversea, Scenic, and Seabourn occasionally call at Mgarr directly with smaller vessels during shoulder season.

The best months to visit are April through June and September through October, when temperatures are pleasant, crowds are manageable, and the sea is calm. July and August are busy and very hot, though the festivals and late sunsets have their own appeal.

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🚢 Cruises That Stop at Mgarr Malta

Mgarr may be a small harbour, but it opens the door to one of the Mediterranean’s most layered and rewarding destinations. Whether you spend your day wandering Gozo’s windswept cliffs or exploring Malta’s prehistoric past, you’re unlikely to return to the ship disappointed.

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🎟️ Things to Book in Advance

These highly-rated experiences fill up fast — book before you arrive to avoid missing out.

This page contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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📍 Getting to Mgarr Malta

Use the interactive map below to explore the port area and plan your route from the terminal.