Complete Gozo
Fondly known as Malta’s little sister, rural and peaceful Gozo is the second-largest of the three islands that make up the Maltese archipelago. Complete with lovely beaches, pretty villages, interesting archaeological sites, and reliably good weather, life here is gloriously slow-paced. This holiday will be spent exploring the island’s coastal paths leading to secluded coves and rocky headlands backed by the glittering Mediterranean Sea.
What you’ll love
- Admiring the stunning interiors at Victoria's cathedral
- Stopping for a coffee at Mgarr-ix-Xini
- Taking a boat ride through the caves to the open sea
- Sampling island-grown produce
- Enjoying a mid-walk swim at San Blas Bay
- Discovering the 17th-century Dwerjra Tower
What’s included
- Full programme of guided walks led by local HF Holidays Leaders
- HF Holidays Tour Manager
- Comfortable accommodation
- Half-board (breakfast and evening meal)
- All sightseeing and entrance fees (as per itinerary)
- Air-conditioned transport
- Return flights from the UK including hold baggage and airport transfers
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Welcome to Grand Hotel. Unpack and settle in.
Today we explore the coastal area along the south coast of Gozo. Here you’ll find precipitous cliffs and deep-cut fjords, rocky headlands and little urbanisation.
Option 1 - Along the coast to Xlendi
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 600 feet (180m)
In summary: Following the coast path, we take in dramatic views of the cliffs. We continue along the coastline passing Xlendi Tower, the oldest freestanding watchtower on Gozo.
Highlight: Beautiful fossil embedded limestone formations and Xlendi Tower perched magnificently on a cliff top.
Option 2 - The Southern Coast to Xlendi
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Total ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)
In summary: We walk from our hotel and cross scenic countryside towards the inlet of Mgarr-ix-Xini. We then walk along the coastal path through one of Gozo's most remote areas taking in spectacular clifftop views.
Highlight: Mgarr-ix-Xini is the perfect location for a picturesque coffee stop.
The Church of Pilgrimage at Ta Pinu starts the day. From here the north coast offers some spectacular cliff scenery. Heading eastwards there are some beautiful ‘wind sculptures’ to admire as well as quaint fishermen’s storerooms, formed in the softer rock of the higher cliffs, on our way to Marsalforn or Victoria
Option 1 - Ta Pinu, Scultped cliffs & Marsalforn
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Ascent: 150 feet (40m)
Descent: 450 feet (140m)
In summary: Our day begins at the sanctuary church of Ta Pinu with time to explore. We'll then head to the coast via the village of Ghasri. On reaching the coast we'll see the beautiful inlet of Ghar il Qamh, fascinating saltpans and weather-sculpted cliffs. We finish at Marsalforn with refreshments.
Highlight: Don't miss the fishermen's sheds cut into the cliff face.
Option 2 - Marsalforn via Hekka Point
Distance: 7½ miles (12.5km)
Ascent: 300 feet (90m)
Descent: 600 feet (190m)
In summary: We too start with a visit to Ta Pinu, but then begin walking uphill to Ta Ghammer with its stations of the cross. We then head for Hekka Point via the village of Gharb. We'll then follow the other party to Marsalforn via the saltpans and cliffs.
Highlight: The village of Gharb has a spectacular basilica built between the 17th and 18th centuries.
Both walks follow quiet countryside roads to Marsalforn and the scenic northern coastline taking in Ramla Beach, the longest sandy beach on Gozo and the spectacular viewpoint from Tal-Mixta Cave.
Option 1 - Ta'Pinu to Ramla
Distance : 6.5 miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 650 feet (200m)
Descent: 750 feet (220m)
In summary: Our walk starts from Ta Pinu Church, we then head for the coast at Marsalforn. We follow the spectacular rugged northern coastline to Ramla beach, the longest sandy beach on Gozo.
Highlight: The sanctuary church of Ta Pinu is well worth a visit.
Option 2 - Ta Pinu to San Blas
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)
In summary: We begin walking towards the coast at Marsalforn, from here we follow the rugged northern coastline past Ramla Bay and the iconic viewpoint at Tal-Mixta cave. We then continue past San Blas beach and the beautiful San Blas gardens to finish at Nadur Observatory.
Highlight: Stunning views from Tal-Mixta cave, high up on the headland above Ramla.
Today there are no organised walks, allowing you time to explore the local area or relax in the Hotel or at the beach.
Ta’Mena Estate
The Ta‟Mena estate, which the Spiteri family owns, is situated in the picturesque Marsalforn Valley between Victoria and Marsalforn Bay. The estate includes a fruit garden, an olive grove with about 1500 olive trees, an orange grove, and over ten hectares of vineyards. It enjoys the panoramic views of the Gozo Citadel and the surrounding hills and villages. They cultivate vines, olives, lemons, oranges, various fruit trees, strawberries, tomatoes, melons, watermelons and other vegetables. They produce their own wine. There is also an opportunity to buy. HF Holidays groups have visited in previous years and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Malta Trip
There is an excellent scheduled ferry service between Gozo and Malta and the crossing takes approximately 25 minutes. The ferry leaves Gozo from Mgarr and arrives on Malta at Cirkewwa. The ferry timetable is available from www.gozochannel.com
A combination of man’s burrowing and gigantic sea erosion has shaped the landscape of today’s walks. On the Harder Walk, we’ll descend by cliff paths to Xlendi before a spectacular ascent of the cliffs to the west leads to Dwerja Point. Both walks visit Dwerja Point where once stood the dramatic sea-arch known as the Azure Window. Sadly, due to a combination of sea erosion and high winds, the Azure Window collapsed in March 2017. If time and weather permit, a boat trip can be taken from the Inland Sea through a tunnel in the rock out to view the nearby cliffs and Fungus Rock. Both walks continue on into Victoria, the island’s capital, for well-earned refreshments
Option 1 - Fungus Rock & the Inland Sea
Distance: 6 miles (9½km)
Ascent: 550 feet (180m)
Descent: 700 feet (220m)
In summary: The day starts with a gradual descent to see Fungus Rock - prominently guarding the entrance to Dwerjra Bay and onto Dwerjra Point where we can see the site of the collapsed Azure Window sea arch. We then circle the Inland Sea before heading for some sightseeing in Victoria.
Highlight: There's opportunity to take a boat ride through the caves into the open sea.
Option 2 - Xlendi Cliffs & Dwejra Bay
Distance: 9 miles (14½km)
Total ascent: 1,200 feet (380m)
In summary: Our walk starts at the village of Munxar and follows a dramatic coast path to the resort of Xlendi. After a spectacular ascent to the cliff tops we'll walk on to Wardija Point and then follow the route of the other party all the way to Victoria.
Highlight: Take a look inside the 17th Century Dwerjra Tower - one of only four surviving coastal watchtowers on Gozo.
Today’s walks offer extensive views over the straits to Comino and Malta. Our groups traverse a delightful flat rock shore and then enjoy charming coves, verdant gardens and wonderful wild flowers. Both walks visit the beautiful Dahlet Qorrot beach with the opportunity for a dip. Continuing, both groups make their way through the outskirts of Nadur, arriving at one of the most stunning viewpoints on Gozo.
Option 1 - Qala, Dahlet Qorrot and Nadur
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Total ascent: 800 feet (240m)
In summary: We start our day at Qala for great views of the strait to Comino and Malta. We then walk through open countryside to the small harbour of Dahlet Qorrot, before taking lunch at the lovely San Blas Gardens. We finish by walking through a fertile valley to Nadur, and back to our hotel.
Highlight: We'll look out for beautiful wildflowers and verdant gardens as well as glorious coastal views.
Option 2 - Strait, Strands and Coves
Distance: 9 miles (16km)
Total ascent: 1,000 feet (420m)
In summary: We walk in the remote north-east corner of the island, walking the coastline for fantastic views of Comino and Malta. We'll visit St Anthony's gun battery, then Dahlet Qorrot Beach, before picking up the route back to the hotel via Nadur.
Highlight: Dahlet Qorrot is a beautiful little secluded bay. The bay is perfect for a rest stop or maybe a mid-walk swim.
We hope to see you again soon.
Grand Hotel - Gozo
The charming 4-star Grand Hotel with its comfortable accommodation, and friendly efficient service, occupies a commanding location overlooking Mgarr harbour and has views across the straits to Comino and Malta. Winner of three HF Hotel Awards in 2018 based on outstanding guest feedback. The hotel features indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a well equipped bar and two restaurants.
Rooms
The hotel has 93 en-suite bedrooms, many of which have a balcony with either sea views over Mgarr Harbour or the open countryside.
All bedrooms have:
- En-suite bathroom with bath with shower
- Air conditioning
- TV
- Telephone
- Mini-bar
- Hairdryer
- Free Wi-Fi
About your stay
The hotel has a range of facilities to enjoy after a day's walking, including a:
- Lounge bar
- Games room
- Mini cinema
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Sauna
- Jacuzzi
- Gymnasium
- Indoor pool
Food & drink
Our holidays at the Grand Hotel are on a half-board basis and include breakfast and evening meal.
Breakfast
There is an extensive selection of hot and cold options for breakfast from a self-select buffet.
Lunch (payable locally)
You can buy picnic lunches from the hotel (order the evening before). Alternatively you can buy ingredients from the supermarket in the village or eat in a café during the walks; your leaders will advise you of all the options.
Evening meal
The Grand Hotel has a buffet dinner, comprising a choice of soup, antipasti/salad dishes, plus hot pasta. Main courses always include a choice of meat or fish, plus hot vegetables. The sweet course is usually fresh fruit/fruit salad or gateau. There will be a vegetarian option if requested; we recommend that you discuss any special dietary requirements with the restaurant manager or chef.
Drinks
The hotel has a well-stocked bar serving beer, wine and spirits.
Your evenings
The friendly atmosphere of our holidays continues into the evening.
Enjoy a glass of wine or local beer before hearing about the next day's walks.
On most evenings there will be some kind of entertainment: watch a film in the hotel's own cinema: relax in the hotel with a drink and chat with your fellow guests.
Your leader will inform you of what options are available.
Getting to Grand Hotel - Gozo
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationEssential information
It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Insulated jacket/top
- Walking clothing
- Walking socks (plus spares)
- Sunhat
- Gloves/mitts and warm hat
- Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)
- Headtorch
- High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
- Sunglasses with a dark lens
- Rucksack (15-30 litres)
- Mobile phone
- Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.)
- Passport
- Visa (if applicable)
- Copy of your travel insurance policy
- UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC)
Recommended
- Collapsible walking poles
- Swimwear and travel towel
- Snacks
- Dry bags
- Rubbish bags
- Insect repellent
Optional extras
- Camera
- Sit mat
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- GPS device
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
All packages that include flights are ATOL protected. Advertised prices listed below show the lowest economy flight price option for that departure. On holidays where we offer local UK airports, details will appear in the “Important Information” section below and available alternative flight options will be offered when you book. Seating upgrades may be available on request and at an additional charge, please call 020 3974 8865 for a quote.
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||||||||
|
15 Feb - 22 Feb 2024 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire | Trip Notes | ||||
|
29 Feb - 07 Mar 2024 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport Single from £1,496 Double from £1,349 pp |
from £1,349 pp |
from £1,496 |
Trip Notes | Book Now | |||
|
14 Mar - 21 Mar 2024 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport Single from £1,496 Double from £1,349 pp |
from £1,349 pp |
from £1,496 |
Trip Notes | Book Now | |||
|
28 Mar - 04 Apr 2024 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport Single from £1,546 Double from £1,399 pp |
from £1,399 pp |
from £1,546 |
Trip Notes | Book Now | |||
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||||||||
|
15 Feb - 22 Feb 2024 7 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire | Trip Notes | ||||
|
29 Feb - 07 Mar 2024 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,346 Double from £1,199 pp |
from £1,199 pp |
from £1,346 |
Trip Notes | Book Now | |||
|
14 Mar - 21 Mar 2024 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,346 Double from £1,199 pp |
from £1,199 pp |
from £1,346 |
Trip Notes | Book Now | |||
|
28 Mar - 04 Apr 2024 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,396 Double from £1,249 pp |
from £1,249 pp |
from £1,396 |
Trip Notes | Book Now | |||
Important information
- With flights holidays: Price includes return flights to Malta Airport, hold baggage and airport transfers
- Our airport taxi service operates at this resort – price available on request
- Independent travellers can join our transfer from Malta airport: £28.50pp one way
7 nights
from
£1,349pp
with flights
Winter sun
or call 020 3974 8865
For group bookings of 10+ guests click here
