At a Glance
Immerse in a riveting 8-day self-guided walking adventure unveiling the riches of the unspoilt island of Malta’s northernmost island, Gozo, walking as little or as much as you like. Explore its dramatic trails and stunning coastlines, learn its fascinating history, and discover every little beautiful attribute dotted across this beautiful island nestled perfectly in the Mediterranean at your own pace.
Start your adventure right with a picturesque ferry cruise to breathtaking Gozo. Take a stroll along the coast to explore Mgarr Port, taking in the fabulous sights of its peaceful marina and sacred church perched on a hilltop overlooking the harbour. Follow the path to the narrow creek of Mgarr ix-Xini, where you can relax with a picnic and a refreshing swim. Walk along Sannat to be astounded by the majesty ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 7 nights accommodation in a 5-star hotel on a twin-share basis
- Meals: 7x breakfast, 7x dinner
- Route notes and maps
- 5 days centre-based walking
Itinerary
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Make your own way from Malta Luqa Airport followed by an easy transfer to Cirkewwa ferry terminal where you board a 25-minute ferry to Gozo, a tranquil and secluded island of the Maltese archipelago. Gozo is a perfect destination punctuated with rich history, azure water, rugged cliffs, and a sparse population ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and relaxed travellers like us to enjoy pure bliss on foot. Feel an instant sense of calm and tranquility as you traverse the island to arrive at your hotel in Sannat. Hotel Ta'Cenc, your luxury home throughout the week, is a refined, world-class hotel with modern suites that completely envelop you in luxury. Dive into one of two glittering pools to experience all the rejuvenation, pamper yourself in its hydro-massage Jacuzzi, sweat in the tennis courts or laze by a private (rocky) swimming cove. You have the evening to yourself to settle in, unpack, and take in your first dinner at any of the hotel's three restaurants, which serve enticing Gozitan cuisine prepared from fresh local ingredients and bold flavours. An exceptional experience that will have you eagerly anticipate for more. |
Hotel Ta'Cenc, Gozo
Dinner |
Approx. 7 km (4 miles), 2-3 hours walking Your first night's restful sleep puts you in the ideal frame of mind to begin your walking adventure. After a well-presented breakfast, set out to get a firsthand experience of Gozo's renowned natural beauty. You will be provided with a route note for the day, which contains a description of the walk, suggestions for lunch, and then detailed directions. The enchantment of Gozo begins the moment you set foot in Marr Harbour, with its serene marina and church perched on a mountain top overlooking the harbour. Discover Gozo's port by travelling along the coast tracks and ancient paths through the peaceful area. The harbour is full of colourful, traditional luzzu fishing boats and is dominated by the Knights of St. John's Fort Chambray, which was constructed in the 18th century. Indulge in an ideal picnic and a refreshing swim in azure waters as you trail the coastline to the small creek of Mgarr ix-Xini, where Turkish raiders first set foot in 1551. From here, follow an old mule path through the rocky grounds of the hotel brimming with fine views to cross to Malta, a historical haven in the Mediterranean Sea full of ancient temples and cities constructed by gallant knights. Have fun here discovering the remains of a Neolithic dolmen and a Copper Age temple. Afterward, return to your hotel, relax in the many luxury facilities available, and enjoy a delicious dinner with expertly prepared meals before retiring to your cosy room for the evening. |
Hotel Ta'Cenc, GozoBreakfast, Dinner |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Approx. 12 km (8 miles), 3 hours walking
Today, continue exploring the magnificent island of Gozo's natural treasures. You have two hiking options to explore the island's far northwestern region. Venture on a hike to the island's northwest corner, which can only be reached on foot along simple farm paths. Take in the stunning views of the lush vegetation and expansive highlands along the way before setting foot in the magnificent neo-Romanesque Basilica at Ta' Pinu, a massive national shrine that was constructed on the scene of a miracle in 1923. The next leg of your journey takes you past unusual ravine-like wieds (wadis) and ends at Gharb, home to a spectacular Baroque church built in 1699 and conventional stone homes. The last stretch today leads you along the impressive cliffs of the north shore, where you are rewarded with breathtaking views of Gozo's renowned salt pans. Finish the day with a spa treatment at the hotel (at own expense) before indulging in another delectable dinner affair. |
Hotel Ta'Cenc, Gozo Breakfast, Dinner |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Level 2, Approx. 9 km (6 miles), 2.5 hours walking
There are two walking options available to you today. After a filling breakfast, revise your route note as usual and proceed along the straightforward path that travels through distinctive terrain to the Sannat cliffs. The highest and most magnificent cliffs on Gozo lie in the vicinity of Sannat, and in the late spring, Mediterranean shearwaters can be seen nesting here. After passing through tamarisk trees and breathtaking vistas of Comino and Malta, the path then leads to the lovely Xlendi Bay. Next, it's up through the terraced fields, which are colourful with poppies and gladioli fields that are grown in rows similar to Provencal lavender. Off the beaten track on the cliffs of Gozo, escape to nature at the hotel where you can unwind and feel right at home. |
Hotel Ta'Cenc, GozoBreakfast, Dinner |
This morning after an early breakfast, the day is yours to do as little or as much as you please. You may start your morning by taking a trip on one of Gozo's peculiar buses to Xaghra before continuing to the Ggantija Tombs, a large free-standing temple made of 6m-tall monoliths, and Calypso's Cave. Take a break for lunch on the island's nicest beach, Ramla Bay, and then perhaps go on to Victoria for the afternoon. The mediaeval citadel, which commands the lively market square and has been a gathering point since Roman times, offers breathtaking views of the entire island. Yet, the maze of narrow back alleyways grouped around the Basilica, with their carved stone balconies, flower-decked doors, and Madonna statuettes in street corner niches, is where the Basilica's true charm lies. Be lost in the breathtaking scenery of this stunning landscape or explore further into the capital for more sightseeing and people-watching before retiring to your hotel to relish the rich memories of the day's adventure. |
Hotel Ta'Cenc, GozoBreakfast, Dinner |
Approx. 13 km (8 miles), 4 hours walking Today's stroll brings you to the west coast of the island and the mediaeval Punic temple at Wardija Point. This temple is thought to have been a sanctuary during the Punic and Early Roman eras. The sanctuary, which consists of many terraces that face the sea and is perched above a 120-metre-tall sea cliff, is bordered by the Xlendi harbour to the south and the Dwejra inlet to the west. It boasts a perfect location on the island where you can capture the mainland without losing the bright sky. Use this vantage point to get the ideal shots to add to your adventure memorabilia. You must be extremely cautious where you tread to avoid damaging the delicate surface since this place has a magical atmosphere that makes you feel as though you are on the edge of the world. From here, descend to the bamboo groves, Fungus Rock (called after the 'magic' plant that flourished there), and the Inland Sea, a stunning natural saltwater lagoon and dive spots on Gozo's west coast. |
Hotel Ta'Cenc, GozoBreakfast, Dinner |
Approx. 12 km (8 miles), 4.5 hours walking Awake this morning with all of your enthusiasm for your final day on route. Settle for a delicious breakfast and eat to your heart's content before taking the last stretch from Qala to Nadur via Dahlet Qorrot harbour and the secluded beach at San Blas Bay. From Qala, it is a short walk to Dahlet Qorrot, a little harbour with brightly painted boat houses that were carved out of soft limestone. Consider taking a break in this bay, which features a quayside, rocks on either side which lead directly into the deep, clear water, and a little pebbly beach to swim off of. From here, continue through vineyards, fragrant lemon gardens, peach and fig trees that open to San Blas Bay, a hidden beach with stunning ochre-coloured sand. Your final destination is Nadur, a fascinating village where the breathtaking vistas at sunset make a wonderful conclusion to your week. Retreat to your resort for one final indulgence of its many opulent amenities before joining a special farewell dinner at the restaurant in the evening. |
Hotel Ta'Cenc, GozoBreakfast, Dinner  |
Savour a relaxing breakfast, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible journey before you bid farewell and make your own arrangements for your onward travel. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfast Dates & Prices
Daily departure on request only. The published price is price guide. Please contact us for availability checking and quote. Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Gozo.
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Gozo. Malta International Airport, which is also known as Luqa Airport, is the international airport which is closest to Gozo. Located between Luqa and Gudja, Malta Airport is 5 kilometers southwest of Valletta which is the capital of Malta islands.
- Airport transfers are not included. Joining location starts in your accommodation in Gozo making your own arrangements there. From Malta Luqu Airport, you will need to transfer via a scenic 25 minutes ferry ride to your hotel in Gozo. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.
The walking level on this trip is rated Level 2 Leisurely/Moderate.
Level 1 Leisurely: Experience is not necessary; anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk will thrive. Walks are often optional. Trails are seldom flat, so expect a reasonable number of ascents and descents. You normally walk for two to five hours per day; daily ascents will likely be around 985ft to 1,640ft (300m to 500m), perhaps with the odd day around 1,970ft (600m).
Level 3 Moderate: Expect easy, medium-length walks or harder, shorter walks. Some experience is useful, but not essential. Good health and reasonable fitness are important. There will be walks at higher altitudes and some longer, harder days. Generally, though, the underfoot conditions will be fair. A walking day is normally five to seven hours; daily ascents will likely be around 1,640ft to 2,625ft (500m to 800m), perhaps with the odd day around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m).
Level 5 Challenging: Fitness is vital with extended walking in mountainous terrain. You might also experience high altitude, challenging climates and remote locations. Trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident in your physical condition. Walking days are usually between six and eight hours, although they may be longer for passes or peaks. Daily ascents can be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Level 7 Tough: Trekking experience is essential and preferably at altitude. You need complete confidence in your ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain. You may encounter extreme altitude and weather conditions and may need to use ice axes and crampons. Stamina is essential as walking days last six to nine hours (sometimes more on occasions). Daily ascents will likely be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Split and optional grades: Where a trip falls between two grades, an intermediate or ‘split’ grade is used. For example, Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). Occasionally there are optional ascents available; in this case, the grade will be highlighted.
This holiday offers leisurely walking with occasional short climbs and descents to sea level. The terrain is moderate with some small hills and the walking is often along ancient roads and old farm tracks. There are some steep descents down to the coast and the occasional rough, stony section. The walking is suitable for anyone who is reasonably fit and healthy, enjoys the occasional weekend walk and can walk 2-5 hrs per day.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. You are provided with route notes for each day, which begin with an overview of the walk and advice on lunch, followed by detailed instructions. The route notes contain a 24 hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotel is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
