Surrounded by azure Mediterranean waters, diminutive Gozo lies just 5km from its lively sister island of Malta. In contrast, the pace of life on Gozo however is one from an era gone by, even a short visit will lull you into its relaxed rhythms. This tranquility, combined with the island’s size, makes Gozo perfect for gentle exploration on two wheels - each day offers a montage of stunning coastal tracks, secluded swimming coves and hidden hilltop hamlets - and short distances mean that you can explore at your own pace. An evocative silence pervades the island; as you pedal along the only sound is the soothing peel of church bells, the sea softly lapping the shore or the rhythmical clopping of horses’ hooves.
Your journey starts at Ta Cenc, the island’s most panoramic spot with views sweeping as far as Malta and Comino. Through verdant valleys and colorful fishing bays you reach Xaghra; locals gather every afternoon here in its beautiful piazza to catch up on the daily gossip! You then travel west past a string of colorful fishing harbors and striking salt pans to the luxurious Kempinski Hotel in San Lawrenz. Your last section takes you inland to honey-hued Victoria with its tangle of alleys and ancient citadel, before taking in azure sea views again as you return to Ta Cenc.
The superb hotels offer a highlight to your holiday too; a favorite is the romantically secluded five-star Ta Cenc where in fine weather you dine under a 400-year old carob tree. In Xaghra you stay in a former Gozitan farmhouse, now renovated into a cozy hotel, and your hotel in San Lawrenz boasts one of Europe’s best spas. All have sparkling outdoor pools (as well as indoor heated ones at two hotels!) and offer delicious al fresco dining in warm weather, as well as plenty of opportunity to sample Gozo’s excellent wine.
Tour Details
Duration
7 Days/6 Nights
Location
Gozo, Malta
Season
Selected Dates Year Round
Tour Type
Road Touring
Nearest City
Malta
Physical Condition Required
Fair
Destination(s)
Malta
Distance Traveled
9km/5mi to 18km/11mi Per Day
Fully Guided
No
Bike Rentals Available
Yes
Accommodations
Four and five-star accommodations.
Dining
Buffet breakfast and evening meals.
Rates
$2,016.00 - $2,598.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
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Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Ta Cenc You are met at Malta airport and transferred via ferry (25 minutes) to the exclusive Hotel Ta Cenc (ten minutes).
Day 2: Ta Cenc to Xaghra 5km/14mi A panoramic swoosh takes you to the limpid waters of Mgarr ix-Xini, a shingle inlet perfect for swimming. Views of Malta and Comino create a breathtaking backdrop as you pedal onwards through lush valleys to Xewkija, a tiny village boasting Europe’s third biggest dome, from where you can drink in views of the entire island and beyond. Cycling through a string of tranquil villages dotted with windmills and impressive Baroque churches, you reach the rich red sands of Ramla Bay – the island’s best beach. A final gentle climb through vines takes you to your fabulous farmhouse hotel in pretty Xaghra.
Day 3: In Xaghra There’s plenty to explore in Xaghra’s tangle of butter colored streets. Perhaps visit the megalithic temples of Ggantija, an archaeological wonder. Or enjoy a panoramic cycle to Calypso’s Cave with its magnificent views towards Sicily - it is said that the nymph Calypso kept Odysseus captive here for seven years. Xaghra’s piazza with its church is at the center of village life – do as the locals do and relax in one of the cafes and watch the world go by. Your hotel has two lovely pools in a geranium decked courtyard!
Day 4: Xaghra to San Lawrenz 18km/11mi Farmers tend their crops in the verdant terraced fields as you descend to Marsalforn, where rugged fishermen mend their nets in the harbor, their brightly painted luzzu boats bobbing lazily in the turquoise waters. A wild and beautiful stretch of coast takes you past a patchwork of salt pans and onto Wied il-Ghasri, a narrow inlet with a beautiful secluded bay – a perfect picnic spot. Time to visit the remarkable neo-Romanesque basilica at Ta Pinu before reaching your luxurious hotel in time for a swim before dinner.
Day 5: In San Lawrenz Perhaps cycle to Dwerja Point, where you’ll find spectacular coastal scenery and some of Gozo’s most recognizable sights such as the Inland Sea, the stunning Azure Window (where the blue sea and sky is framed by a honey-colored stone archway) and Fungus Rock. Your five-star hotel has several pools as well as one of Europe’s best spas, so there’s no excuse not to soothe any aching muscles!
Day 6: San Lawrenz to Ta Cenc 9km/5mi or 15km/9mi In fine weather maybe follow one of the island’s most attractive trails along the western coast, featuring fields bright with tiny yellow flowers and the air fragrant with Mediterranean garrigue. Otherwise its a gentle pedal towards the northwest, where the terraces are dotted with Gozo’s succulent tomatoes. Then onto the capital, Victoria, with its tangled maze of flower scented streets – the medeival citadel boasts spectacular views across the whole island - before a coast to your hotel. Time to explore Ta Cenc’s archaeological treasures before your final candlelit dinner beneath the ancient carob tree.
Day 7: Leave Gozo You return by ferry to Malta in time for your flight home. Or perhaps relax at the Ta Cenc for a few extra nights?
Beautiful secluded bays and stunning turquoise seas.
Trip Rating: Longest day 12-18 miles/20-30 km, and hardly any hills. Easy cycling for everyone. Longer route options available for the energetic.
Independent Tours: Independent tours allow you to follow any route you choose using maps and detailed notes. Breakaway Adventures suggests routes using quiet country lanes, and going by the places they think are most interesting. There are route options for avoiding hills, and suggestions for detours and off-road explorations.
"Independent" doesn't mean unsupported, though. Local staff will greet you at the train station and take you by mini-van to the first hotel. You'll attend a briefing session, where your Breakaway Adventures representative will fit you with your bike, tell you all about the things to see and do, and help you map out a route if you have a special side trip you'd like to make. During the briefing session, you'll also have a chance to meet any other travelers who are booked on the tour. Although the tours are not intended as a group experience, people often make friends on these independent tours and enjoy the opportunity to meet others - but if you’re not so inclined you're free to travel at your own pace. There are rarely more than six or eight people on any independent cycling tour, so you can be as sociable, or otherwise, as you choose.
On independent tours, you move on between hotels every two days: your luggage is transported for you, so you don't need to carry a lot in your panniers (provided). In-between days are an opportunity for exploring locally, with the help of detailed maps and notes. You can cycle on the off days, or just opt for relaxation!
On independent tours Breakaway Adventure’s staff clean and carefully check every bike before it goes out, so don't expect many problems. If anything does go wrong, your rep come out to your hotel and put it right. And your Breakaway Adventure reps are only a phone call away if you have any problems! They’ll also give you a puncture repair kit. Due to hygiene and safety concerns, cycling helmets are not provided. However, it is strongly recommended that you bring your own cycling helmet.
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