Find your perfect car hire at Gozo Ferry Port, Gozo
If you’re planning a trip to the sun-soaked island of Gozo, you’ll find booking an Avis hire car from Gozo Ferry Port is an easy way to explore this tranquil Mediterranean destination at your own pace.
Part of the Maltese archipelago and smaller than its popular neighbour Malta, travellers to Gozo will discover a spectacular rugged and rural getaway. This small paradise island hosts attracts relatively few annual visitors – while around 3.6million visitors a year flock to Malta, just half a million tourists make the trip to Gozo.
Steeped in myth and legend, Gozo is thought to be the setting for the fabled Calypso's Isle of Homer's Odyssey. The island overflows with historical sights and ancient points of interest, such as the Unesco World Heritage listed Ġgantija temples, the striking Fort Chambray and the Church of St. John the Baptist, a rotunda-shaped church in Xewkija.
Temperatures on Gozo Island are almost always mild and the pace of life is blissfully relaxed.
Although plans are in place for a small airport, currently the only way to get to this idyllic island by ferry to Gozo Ferry Port which has ferries with connections via public transport from Malta International Airport. There are direct daily crossings from two harbours on Malta, Valletta’s Grand Harbour and Ċirkewwa Harbour in the northwest of the island.
Whether you are travelling to Gozo for a day trip or longer stay, our friendly, efficient Avis team at Gozo Ferry Port is ready to provide the perfect rental car for your trip.
Book direct with Avis and you’ll benefit from flexible booking with free cancellation, a fleet of quality rental vehicles and speedy collection to get you on the road quickly plus we’ve a free loyalty programme with a host of travel benefits you’ll love.
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Where to find us
You’ll find our Avis counter at Gozo Ferry Port located right on the harbourside, just a short walk from the ferry terminal. As you leave the terminal entrance, cross the road to walk alongside the marina. Head up the slope from the port and you will see our Avis rental office on the left hand side. Our Avis rental car collection is conveniently located directly outside the office.
About Gozo Ferry Port, Gozo
Gozo Ferry Port is located on the south east of the island in the harbour town of Mġarr. From the port it’s just a short drive inland to the capital of Gozo, the centrally located town of Victoria.
Ferries have been crossing the Gozo Channel to and from its sister island of Malta for centuries – dating back as far as 1241 - but the first modern passenger service was launched in 1885. Today millions of Gozitans, Maltese and tourists make the crossing. There are regular ferry sailings to Gozo Ferry Port from two harbours on Malta, The Grand Harbour in Valetta and Ċirkewwa in the north of Malta. There are several services a day on the two routes and crossings take just 25min from Cirkewwa and 45min from Valetta. If you want to take a hire car from Malta to Gozo you can take the car ferry from Cirkewwa.
When you arrive in the port of Gozo you’ll immediately get a sense of the pace of life on the island as well as its rich history and architecture. Alongside the ferries and cruise liners making a stop off in Gozo, you’ll see fishing boats lining the bay with the daily catch being unloaded on the quay. Behind the port, you'll spot the imposing Fort Chambray and above it, the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes which dominates the skyline providing a spectacular introduction to the island.
Tips for driving in Gozo
If you are driving in Gozo for the first time, make sure you familiarise yourself with the Malta driving rules before picking up your car. While traffic on Malta can get busy at peak times around built up areas, you are unlikely to encounter a traffic jam on Gozo’s scenic roads. Some key road rules in Malta and Gozo include driving on the left, as in the UK and overtaking on the right. Dipped headlights must be always used. While hands-free mobile phone devices are allowed, they must be integrated with the car's controls and the driver must not touch the mobile device. It is forbidden to use the car horn in a built-up area between 11pm and 6am unless in danger.
Gozo car rental FAQs
What are the age requirements for renting a car in Gozo?
The minimum age to rent a car with Avis in Gozo is 21. Age restrictions also vary by vehicle and some selected car groups are not available to drivers under the age of 25.
There is currently no maximum age for hiring a rental car, so long as you have had a full, valid, licence for at least 1 year. Some additional steps may be required for those who are over the age of 75 on the date of the scheduled return. When you book, you’ll be told if there are any maximum age restrictions for the vehicle you request. If you’re not sure, please check your booking confirmation email – or call the reservations team.
What documents do I need to hire a car in Gozo?
To hire a car in Gozo, you just need to bring your:
- Driving licence
- The credit card used to make your booking (if it's a high value vehicle two payment cards must be provided, one of which needs to be a credit card),
- Proof of any discount (such as a frequent flyer or Avis Preferred card),
- Photo ID for international rentals (such as a passport or driving licence) taken in the last 10 years.
Can I pick up my rental car in Gozo and return it to another location?
One-way car rental with Avis makes it easy to go from A to B without driving full circle. That means you can collect your Avis hire car from Malta Airport and then return it to another Avis office in Malta or Gozo. Many of our Avis locations offer a 24-hour drop-off facility, which makes a one-way car hire hassle-free and very user-friendly. Simply check out our many available one-way journeys and start planning your route. When you are ready to book, just specify your destination in the booking panel and we will arrange it for you.
Is it worth hiring a car at Gozo Ferry Port?
Gozo Ferry Port is the gateway to the island making it the ideal place to begin your hire car journey on Gozo so you can save time and can head straight to your destination.
Renting a car at Gozo Ferry Port gives you the freedom of independent travel as well as the opportunity to plan a Gozo road trip.
The Avis team at Gozo Ferry Port are experts on Gozo and the surrounding area and can offer advice on the best routes to take and make your trip a smooth one from the moment you touch down.
What is parking like in Gozo?
Parking in Gozo and Malta includes a range of options including central car parks and on-street parking, which is chargeable. Parking on Gozo is easy to find with a large open air car park in Victoria and plenty of on-street parking. You can park where there are white lines at the side of the road, blue lines indicate residents or permit parking while in stretches where there are yellow and red lines, parking is not permitted and you may be fined.
How to get from Gozo Ferry Port to Victoria, capital of Gozo
From the Avis car park at Gozo Ferry Port to the centre of the island’s capital Victoria is a 6.5km drive of around 21-minute via Triq l-Imġarr and Triq L-Imġarr. Head northeast from the ferry terminal and on arrival at the outskirts take Triq Fortunato Mizzi following signs to the centre of the city.
Things to do in Mġarr, Gozo
Mġarr, the town where the Gozo ferry docks offers a plethora of charming seaside restaurants that specialise in freshly caught fish and seafood, offering seemingly no end of mouth-watering local cuisine.
Just eight minutes’ drive from the harbour, Nadar, the island’s largest village, sits atop a plateau with two watch towers. The Kelinu Grima Maritime Museum, which explores Malta’s history, is located here.
Recommended day trips by car from Gozo Ferry Port
From Gozo Ferry Port, discovering the delights of this tiny, serene Mediterranean island couldn’t be simpler. The white sand beaches, rugged coastline, and traditional Maltese way of life in Gozo, are all yours to explore with your Avis rental car.
Victoria
Situated in the island’s centre, Victoria is the heart of Gozo and just a 15-minute drive from the ferry port. With bustling markets and a number of other sights, including an archaeology museum and an old prison, this is the main hub of the island, and offers a wonderful insight into Gozo life. Climb the stunning medieval citadel, Il-Kastell, and enjoy the 360-degree views across the island. Soak up the sunshine at one of the outdoor cafes at Pjazza Indipendenza, the town’s main square.
Beaches of Gozo
Gozo’s main draw is its spectacular coastline and the breathtaking beaches that line its shores. From the golden sands of Ramla Bay to the tranquillity of Dahlet Qorrot and the sun worshippers’ haven of Hondoq ir-Rummien, there’s a beach paradise for every visitor.