Every November the quiet village square of Għarb, on the western tip of Gozo, turns into a small celebration of the plants that grow wild around it. The Herbs Festival is back on Sunday 22 November 2026, and it is one of the gentlest, most local days out you can have on the island.
What is the Herbs Festival?
Għarb has a long link with herbal knowledge. The countryside around the village, especially the paths towards Ta’ Pinu and the cliffs at Wied il-Mielaħ, is rich in wild thyme, fennel, rosemary and other plants that Gozitan families have used for generations in cooking and home remedies. The festival brings that knowledge into the square for one day.
What to expect
- Stalls with aromatic and medicinal herbs, dried blends and plants to take home
- Natural soaps, oils and cosmetics made by small local producers
- Live cooking demonstrations using local herbs, with traditional dishes often cooked in a giant pan
- Tastings, short talks and demonstrations of old remedies
- Handmade crafts and activities for children and families
Entry is free. Listings give slightly different hours (some say 08:00 to 17:00, others run into the evening until about 20:00), so plan to arrive in the late morning, when the stalls and demos are in full swing.
Tips for visitors
- Bring cash for small stalls, as not every producer takes cards.
- Late November evenings get cool in Gozo, so pack a light jacket if you stay after sunset.
- Combine the visit with Ta’ Pinu Basilica, a few minutes away, or a short walk in the Għarb countryside.
- If you are building a full weekend, our guide to things to do in Gozo has ideas for every part of the island.
How to get there
Take the Gozo Channel ferry from Ċirkewwa to Mġarr, then drive or take a bus to Victoria. From the Victoria bus terminus, regular local buses run to Għarb in around 15 minutes. By car, follow the signs west from Victoria towards Għarb and San Lawrenz; parking near the square will be tight, so leave the car on the edge of the village and walk in.
Għarb hosts other open-air events through the year too, such as the Gozo Kite and Wind Festival. And if you are on the island earlier in the month, do not miss the Sweet Tooth Festival at Villa Rundle.