Trip code: W04GO 4.8 (9 reviews)
Self-guided walking
4 nights,
single centre
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
18.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
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Gozo, the second largest of the Maltese islands, offers an ideal setting for a walking holiday. Despite its modest size of 14km by 7km at its widest point, the island's compact nature ensures that nowhere is too far away, making exploration convenient and enjoyable. You stay at the centrally positioned Duke Boutique Hotel in Victoria, an ideal base from which to explore the entire island of Gozo. The compact capital of Victoria is the epicentre of everyday life on the island, and harmoniously blends the bustling activity of its markets and shops during the day, with a relaxed, sociable atmosphere in the evenings. Perfect for enjoying a drink or meal at one of the open-air cafes and restaurants scattered around its main square. Dominated by its recently restored medieval citadel, enjoy spectacular views over the whole island from the towering city walls. However, the real charm of Victoria lies in the maze of tiny back streets clustered around the Basilica, revealing a treasure trove of carved stone balconies, flower-decked doorways and statuettes of the Madonna in street-corner niches.
Gozo's slow pace of life and tranquil atmosphere provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation. Rich in history and culture, Gozo boasts several must-visit sites. One of the most notable is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ggantija Tombs at Xaghra. These ancient structures, dating back to 3500 BC, are the oldest freestanding temples in the world, offering a fascinating glimpse into the island's prehistoric past. Additionally, the Ta' Pinu sanctuary is another significant landmark worth visiting. This revered site is known for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance, adding to the cultural richness of your Gozo experience.
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 wildflowers and scented herbs.
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.
Our taxi meets you in Malta and takes you to the ferry for the 25-minute trip across to Gozo.
You stay at Hotel Ta Cenc.
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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.
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.
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) and the Inland Sea.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Excelsior Grand Hotel Malta, Valletta; Hotel Phoenicia, Malta.
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Tea/coffee
The 5 star Excelsior Grand Hotel Malta has magnificent views overlooking Marsamxett Harbour and Fort Manoel and is ideally placed just 2 minutes away from the walled old town centre of the Maltese capital of Valletta. It is a relaxing haven in the bustling city and its facilities boast both an indoor and outdoor pool, (pool towels available), gym, hairdressing salon, relaxing bar area with beautiful views, restaurant and impressive spa facilities.
There are a variety of rooms on offer, including the sea front rooms with amazing views, all rooms have satellite television with international channels, tea and coffee making facilities, mini bar, large safe and air conditioning and free wifi is available throughout the hotel.
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The Hotel Phoenicia is a large, elegant hotel just outside the old city walls of Malta's capital, Valletta, and just 3 minutes walk from the city gate. It has retained its original architecture based on the grand style of the 1920's, with a luxurious classical decor and a blend of warm hospitality and old world service.
Unusually for a city hotel, it has extensive and quiet rear gardens with an open-air rotunda, mini golf course, gazebo, and outdoor swimming pool (heated in winter). A lovely place to stretch your legs or relax with a good book away from the hubbub of the city.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from $162.
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
4 nights,
single centre
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
18.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
