Trip code: W07GO 4.6 (133 reviews)
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
18.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Gozo is the second largest of the Maltese islands, yet at only 14km by 7km at its widest point, nowhere in Gozo is too far away, making it the ideal choice for a walking holiday. The slow pace of life along with the air of tranquillity also makes Gozo the perfect place to relax. Rich in history and culture you must visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ggantija Tombs at Xaghra, the oldest freestanding temples in the world dating back to 3500BC, and the Ta' Pinu sanctuary.
The walks guide you around the island's impressive coastline and through the cobbled streets of the traditional towns and villages and you'll have plenty of time for exploring, swimming and just soaking up Gozo's tranquil atmosphere. Its rugged landscape ensures spectacular views including Fungus Rock, a natural stone outcrop in the centre of Dwejra Bay, and the Inland Sea. Between autumn and late spring, the countryside bursts into life, revealing an incredible wealth of flora and fauna, with colourful wild flowers and scented herbs.
You stay at the wonderfully secluded Hotel Ta'Cenc, set in 400 acres of private grounds and built on one level to blend in sensitively with the natural surroundings. The hotel offers complete serenity and a friendly atmosphere just a short taxi ride from the island's capital of Victoria. There are swimming pools, a hydro-massage Jacuzzi, a fitness centre and tennis courts. You stay in tastefully furnished, air-conditioned single storey stone buildings, each with its own terrace. Breakfast is a delicious hot and cold buffet, and evening meals offer a mouth-watering selection of Gozitan and Italian specialities, served al fresco on the patio under a 200-year-old carob tree.
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 to the coast and the occasional rough, stony section. Otherwise the walking is essentially 1-boot level.
Read more about this holiday in The Telegraph and The Telegraph.
Our taxi meets you in Malta and takes you to the ferry for the 25-minute trip across to Gozo. Below is a suggested itinerary for the week but you are free to pick and choose when and where you walk each day.
You stay at Hotel Ta'Cenc.
Hotel Ta'Cenc, Sannat
The Hotel Ta'Cenc has an inimitable setting, scattered across the Ta'Cenc cliffs, just near the town of Sannat. This is the highest point on the island, and the views from the hotel's 400 acres of ground sweep across the entire island to the sea, even taking in Malta and Comino.
The hotel offers two enormous outdoor swimming pools and a heated indoor/outdoor pool in the spa area where treatments can be booked (payable locally). The hotel also offers a fitness centre and has tranquil gardens and the bar terrace overlooks the pool and surrounding countryside. The building itself has been built on one level to blend in sensitively with the natural surroundings, and guests are accommodated in air-conditioned single-storey stone buildings, each with its own terrace or small garden.
The standard double or twin rooms are spacious and have a private terrace or patio. The standard double rooms have a Super King size bed (75'' width) and the twin rooms have 2 x single beds (37'' width). Both are equipped with satellite television, minibar, safety deposit box, air conditioning/ heating, tea and coffee making facilities, a trouser press and en-suite bathrooms with hairdryers. Meals are usually served al fresco on the patio under a 200-year old carob tree or in the main restaurant.
Room upgrades: Trullo Room, Deluxe Junior Suite or Suite.
Trullo rooms: Super King size (75' width) bed and are larger and round in shape with a beehive style roof. They have an additional seating area and a patio area. Deluxe Junior Suites: larger with a contemporary feel and a King size (69' width) four poster bed. They have a seating area and an outdoor terrace and offer tea and coffee making facilities, satellite TV, Ipod dock, hairdrier, safety deposit box, air conditioning/heating, modern bathrooms including a jacuzzi bath and a separate double shower. Suites: larger than standard rooms with a Super King size (75' width) bed and an additional seating area with a private patio or terrace. Suites also offer tea and coffee making facilities.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Mgarr is Gozo's port, full of traditional and colourful luzzu fishing boats, and dominated by the 18th century Fort Chambray, built by the Knights of St John. The path from here hugs the coast as far as the narrow creek of Mgarr ix-Xini where Turkish raiders landed in 1551 - the perfect place for a picnic and swim. From here, you follow an old mule track up through the hotel's rocky grounds with fine views across to Malta, stopping to explore the remains of a copper age temple and Neolithic dolmen.
The north western corner of the island is only accessible on foot, along easy to navigate farm tracks. First stop is the remarkable neo-Romanesque basilica Ta' Pinu, a huge national shrine built on the site of a miracle in 1923. Your route then leads through unique ravine-like wieds (streams) to Gharb with a stunning Baroque church dating from 1699 and traditional stone houses. The final stretch takes you along the striking cliffs of the north coast where you are rewarded with fantastic views across Gozo's famous salt pans.
The cliffs near Sannat are the highest and most dramatic cliffs on Gozo and in late spring are alive with Mediterranean shearwaters. The route includes breathtaking views to Comino and Malta as it winds down through tamarisk trees to the gorgeous Xlendi Bay. Then it's up through the terraced fields, bright with poppies and gladioli cultivated in rows like Provencal lavender.
Today you could take a ride on one of Gozo's quirky buses to Xaghra and head towards the Ggantija Tombs, a massive freestanding temple of 6 metre high monoliths, and Calypso's Cave. Have lunch on Ramla Bay, undeniably the best beach on the island, then perhaps head on to the lively capital, Victoria, for the afternoon. The bustling market square, used as a meeting place since Roman times, is dominated by the medieval citadel with spectacular views over the whole island. However, the real charm lies in the maze of tiny back streets clustered around the Basilica, with carved stone balconies, flower-decked doorways and statuettes of the Madonna in street-corner niches.
To the west coast and the fascinating Punic burial site at Wardija Point. There's a mythical feeling here, like being on the edge of the world. Narrow stone-walled lanes lead down to bamboo groves and to Fungus Rock (named after the 'magic' plant which grew there), the former site of the Azure Window and the Inland Sea.
Beginning at Qala, it's an easy stroll to Dahlet Qorrot, a tiny harbour with gaily coloured boat houses. Then it's on through fragrant lemon groves and vineyards and past fig and peach trees to San Blas Bay, a hidden beach with gorgeous ochre-coloured sand. Your final stop is Nadur where the spectacular views at the end of the day are a great finale to your week.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from $531.
These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from $531.
Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Malta Luqa airport at 15:35, and back to Malta Luqa airport at 11:15.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
18.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App