This Hidden Mediterranean Gem is Booming with Brits – Discover the 'Bucket List Beach' and 300 Days of Sunshine!

MOST Brits would have heard of Malta, famous for its fortified city and having hundreds of days of sunshine a year, but most wouldn’t have heard of its neighbour, Gozo.

However this might be the year that – the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago – appears on your radar as it’s a trending destination that is topping the travel charts.

Gozo is just a short ferry ride away from the well-known MaltaCredit: Alamy Gozo is home to ‘Malta’s finest beach’ – Ramla BeachCredit: Alamy

Research by TravelSupermarket revealed that interest in Gozo has increased by 1,703 per cent.

One explanation for its surge in popularity could be that are looking for a quieter alternative to – where was recently filmed.

Chris Webber, head of and Deals at TravelSupermarket said: “The Gladiator II effect on Gozo has been remarkable.

“We’re seeing holidaymakers actively searching for this quieter island that offers ancient , dramatic landscapes, and a more authentic Mediterranean experience.

“Malta itself is also performing strongly with a 95 per cent increase, but Gozo’s explosion in interest shows that British travellers are increasingly seeking out lesser-known destinations with genuine cultural depth.”

Gozo’s capital is Victoria and it’s famous for its impressive fort citadel which has museums and the Gozo Cathedral.

In more modern parts, you’ll find , bars, boutiques and .

When it comes to beaches, is considered ‘Malta’s finest beach’ with red toned sand and calm waters.

One visitor wrote on : “Absolutely the most beautiful beach in the Maltese archipelago.”

Another dubbed it a ‘bucket list’ beach – and there’s a great viewpoint above it called Mixta Cave.

Visitors can hop on a short boat ride to the Blue LagoonCredit: Alamy Another popular site is the previously used salt basinsCredit: Alamy

It’s not all beaches – there’s even a lagoon of seawater, which is literally called Inland Sea and it’s linked to the Sea through a narrow archway.

On the northern coast of Gozo are the salt basins of Xwejni which were used for centuries to harvest sea salt and now are one of the island’s main attractions.

There’s also the Ta’ Pinu Basilica which is perched on a hill in the countryside and is a popular stop for hikers.

Another popular attraction near Gozo is Blue Lagoon.

It’s a stunningly clear, shallow bay with bright blue water, between the islands of Comino and Cominotto where visitors can swim or snorkel.

The Ta Pinu sits in Gozo countryside and is a popular stop for hikersCredit: Alamy

, she said: “Gozo has much of what makes Malta so special — stunning citadels, mind-blowing food, budget-friendly prices, and glittering turquoise sea — though it has noticeably fewer tourists, giving it a more relaxed, off-the-beaten-track feel.

“Its vibrant capital, Victoria, is another must-visit, and on a clear day you can even see from the ramparts of the city.

“There is plenty to do beyond sightseeing.

“At Il-Wileg restaurant, you can try your hand at making the authentic Gozitan cheese, which is served all over Malta, under the watchful eye of a local chef — or you can take an idyllic tuk-tuk ride around the island.”

Just like Malta, Gozo basks in over 300 days of sunshine each year and long days can have up to 14 hours of sun.

The months for the warmest temperatures are from June until October where it sits between 25C and 32C.

When it comes to getting to Gozo, British travellers will have to fly to Malta first – flights from as as low as £18 in January with .

From there, you can hop onboard ferry from the ports at either Cirkewwa or which take around 45 minutes.

The fee for a one-way trip is around €6 (£5.20).

For more on islands, here are some of the UK’s best that look more like the Caribbean and Maldives .

And here are .

Gozo is the top trending island for 2026 according to TravelSupermarketCredit: Alamy