Malta's beach rules are strict and important to know: dogs are NOT allowed on sandy beaches at any time of year, and they are banned from Blue Flag beaches in summer altogether. The good news is that dogs are welcome on rocky beaches year-round, and Gozo has two officially designated dog-friendly bays, Qbajjar Bay and Ras il-Hobz. That keeps Gozo's famous red-sand Ramla Bay off the list, so plan around the rocky bays instead.
One of Gozo's two officially designated dog-friendly beaches, a shallow bay of small pebbly and rocky stretches next to the Xwejni salt pans. The clear, calm water makes it an excellent swimming spot for dogs.
Rules: Officially dog-friendly. Keep dogs leashed when not in the water and clean up after them.
Gozo's other officially designated dog-friendly beach, a rocky dive and swim spot between Xatt l-Ahmar and Mgarr ix-Xini, popular with dog walkers and divers. Entry is over rock into deep, clear water.
Rules: Officially dog-friendly rocky beach. Leash on the access path; supervise dogs on the rock entry.
A popular bay with a small sandy patch that is Blue Flag and off-limits to dogs in summer, but dogs may use the surrounding rocky areas and you can walk a dog around the bay in high season. Out of season it is far quieter.
Rules: No dogs on the sandy Blue Flag beach in summer. Use the rocky stretches and keep dogs leashed.
Our top-rated pet-friendly hotels, handpicked and verified.
Grotto's Paradise B&B
★★★ · 9.5/10
€75/night
MJ Farmhouse B&B
★★★ · 9.5/10
€100/night
Hotel Ben Marsalforn, Affiliated by Meliá
★★★ · 9.1/10
€90/night
Looking for a place to stay elsewhere? These destinations near Gozo also welcome your dog.
