Is Gozo safe?
Very safe. Crime is low, villages are calm and traffic is lighter than Malta; the main risks are cliffs, sea conditions and summer heat.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 5/5, very safe.
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2026-07-08.
- Homicide rate in Malta: 0.6 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Malta: 4.1 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: All emergencies 112.
Safety in Gozo at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Crime | Rare petty theft from cars and beach bags; violent crime against visitors is very rare. |
| At night | Villages are quiet after dark; Marsalforn has the most lively bars. Taxis and buses are limited late, so plan a ride. |
| Solo women | Very comfortable for solo women, including walking in villages at night. Normal care on remote cliff paths alone. |
| Other risks | Strong swell and currents at exposed coves; Cliff edges and rough footing; Summer heat above 35°C |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Boat-trip touts quoting inflated prices at the ports
Take care
- Cliff-edge paths and unfenced rock platforms
- Swimming at exposed coves in strong winds or swell
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Adults may possess a little cannabis privately, but using it in public is illegal and fined.
How Gozo compares in Malta
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Valletta | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Sliema | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Gozo | 5/5 · Very safe |
| St. Julian's | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
Quick answers
Is Gozo safe for solo female travelers?
Very comfortable for solo women, including walking in villages at night. Normal care on remote cliff paths alone.
Is Gozo safe at night?
Villages are quiet after dark; Marsalforn has the most lively bars. Taxis and buses are limited late, so plan a ride.
What is the crime rate in Gozo?
Rare petty theft from cars and beach bags; violent crime against visitors is very rare. Nationally, Malta records 0.6 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Gozo?
All emergencies 112.
More about Gozo
Going to Gozo solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Gozo Channel
- Malta Public Transport
- Visit Gozo
- Malta International Airport
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.