Current as of: April 16, 2024 - 08:39
Walking on Gozo - Calypso's Isle Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
- Destination: Malta
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
- 8 Days: Flight Inclusive
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 12+
- Trip Code: W07GO
Trip Overview
Enjoy self-guided walking on the island of Gozo
Blessed with a rugged landscape and spectacular coastline, the island of Gozo is tranquil and verdant. Sleepy towns lay brimming with baroque architecture, gardens and churches, and only the occasional farmhouse punctuates the countryside. Such is the beauty here, that Gozo is thought to be the legendary Calypso’s Isle of Homer’s Odyssey – a peaceful, mystical backwater. From our base at one of the island’s top hotels, our self-guided walks will unveil the island’s charm.
At a Glance
- 7 nights 5-star Hotel Ta’Cenc, all rooms en suite
- 5 days centre-based walking
- Walk as little or as much as you like
- Low altitude throughout
- Self-guided holiday. Min age 12 yrs
Highlights
- Unspoilt Mediterranean island, temperate year round climate, perfect for exploring on foot
- Secluded 5 star hotel: private rocky cove, swimming pools, tranquil gardens
- Magnificent coastal paths, breathtaking views, colourful fishing villages
- Exotic Mediterranean flora: lemons, figs, peaches, poppies
Is This Trip for You?
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.
You may find our Fitness Training Guide a useful reference: http://www.exodus.co.uk/assets/pdf/Exodus_WT_Fitness_Training_Guide.pdf
Group
Although the minimum age of clients on this trip is 12 years, younger children may also be accepted on request; please enquire for details and child prices.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader.
Adult min age: 12
Min group size: 2
Max group size: 6
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Gozo
- End City: Gozo
Flight Inclusive
- Start City: London
- End City: London
Land Only Itinerary
Start Gozo
Arrive at your hotel in Sannat. The evening is at your leisure to settle in, unpack and enjoy your first dinner.
Coastal walk from Mgarr port to the narrow creek of Mgarr ix-Xini
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.
Walk to Ta'Pinu and Gharb
The north-western corner of the island is only accessible on foot, along easy farm tracks. The first stop is the remarkable neo-Romanesque Basilica at Ta’ Pinu, a huge national shrine built on the site of a miracle in 1923. Your route then leads through unique ravine-like wieds (wadis) to Gharb with its stunning Baroque church (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.
Two walking options: 3.5hr, distance 12km/7.5mi or 4hr, distance 14km/9mi.
Hike to Xlendi Bay
The cliffs near Sannat are the highest and most dramatic cliffs on Gozo and in late spring they are alive with Mediterranean shearwaters. The route takes you past breathtaking views towards Comino and Malta and down through tamarisk trees to the gorgeous Xlendi Bay. Then it’s up through the terraced fields, bright with poppies and fields of gladioli cultivated in rows like Provencal lavender.
Two walking options: 2.5hr, distance 9km/5.5mi or 3hr, distance 10km/6mi.
Free day; optional visit to Victoria or Ramla Beach
Today you could perhaps take a ride on one of Gozo’s quirky buses to Xaghra to start your morning, as you head towards the Ggantija Tombs, a massive free-standing temple of 6m-high monoliths, and Calypso’s Cave. Lunch on Ramla Bay, undeniably the best beach on the island, then perhaps head on to the lively capital of Victoria for the afternoon. The bustling market square, used as a meeting place since Roman times, is dominated by the mediaeval citadel, with spectacular views over the whole island. But 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.
Punic burial site and the Inland Sea
The walk today takes you 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.
Qala to Nadur via Dahlet Qorrot harbour and the hidden beach at San Blas Bay.
Starting from 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, 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.
End Gozo
The tour ends in Gozo after breakfast.
Accommodation
Hotel Ta'Cenc - 5 Star
Set in 400 acres of private grounds and built in harmony with the natural surroundings, the Ta’Cenc offers complete tranquility, a friendly atmosphere and delicious Maltese cuisine. Guests stay in tastefully furnished, air-conditioned single-storey stone buildings, each with its own terrace. There are two enormous swimming pools, a hydro-massage Jacuzzi, a fitness centre, tennis courts and a private (rocky) swimming cove. Beauty treatments are also available, as well as WiFi in public spaces. All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory single room supplement for sole occupancy of a twin/double room for the tour duration.
Single supplement from £ 354
Food & Drink
All buffet breakfasts and 7 dinners are included.
Meals are usually served in the restaurant or al fresco on the patio under a 200-year-old carob tree. Breakfast is an enormous hot and cold buffet and dinner is a 4-course affair offering a mouth watering selection of Gozitan and Italian specialities.
Please be aware that, as Gozo has no rivers, lakes or reservoirs, the majority of drinking water is produced via reverse osmosis – essentially, the desalination and filtration of sea water. Tap water is perfectly safe and drinkable, although you may notice it has a very slightly salty aftertaste which can vary between hotels, restaurants and cafes depending whether they have additional filtration systems in place. If you still have concerns, or are put off by the taste, bottled water is widely available although please consider the environmental impact of buying and disposing of plastic bottles.
Transport
The hotel provides a regular shuttle service (complimentary) to the island’s capital of Victoria, but nowhere on the island is far to walk.
Weather & Seasonality
Malta and Gozo are blessed with a subtropical Mediterranean climate; summers are generally hot and dry, winters mild, and autumns warm and sporadically wet. Malta’s average annual temperature of 18-19°C is amongst the highest in Europe, and significant temperature fluctuations are rare. Being islands however, they can face strong winds coming off the sea, particularly in the springtime, which can make it feel a little chilly.
Weather Charts
Joining Instructions
Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Gozo on the evening of Day 1 of the itinerary. Arrival and departure transfers are included in the price of the tour for flight inclusive bookings from Malta Luqa Airport to the hotel in Gozo (including the 25 minute ferry journey), and vice versa for the return. Transfers and ferry journeys can also be arranged for land only bookings for a supplement. Please ask your Sales Consultant for further details.
Flights:
Flights can be arranged from most UK airports, with connecting transfers as required, prices and details on request. The above prices include our standard flights/transfers: Air Malta London Heathrow to Malta Luqa 11:25/15:35, then ferry to Gozo 18:00/18:25. (Transfer to hotel, 10 mins, provided). Return: Ferry to Malta 12:00/12:25 then Malta Luqa to Heathrow 16:55/19:25.*
* Please note that the standard flights and ferry times may occasionally change throughout the season so please enquire for up-to-date details.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Gozo
Location end: Gozo
Transfer Details
When flights are arranged through us, transfers are included from Malta Luqa airport at 15:35 to Gozo (including ferry) and back to Malta Luqa airport at 11:15. For Land Only bookings, transfers can be arranged for a supplement.
What To Take
Essential Equipment
Light walking boots (good walking trainers will suffice)
Small daypack for camera, guidebook, etc.
Water bottle to use when walking and sightseeing (2 litres)
Sun cream Hat
Sunglasses
Waterproofs
Warm clothes
Optional Equipment
Walking poles
Swimwear
Practical Information
Visa
Malta
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Malta. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/malta
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/malta
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/malta/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Malta.html
Vaccinations and Health
Malta
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies (bat lyssavirus). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
Electricity
Voltage: 240V, Frequency: 50Hz
Money
Malta's currency: Euro (EUR)
ATM Availability
Banking facilities on Gozo include the Bank Of Valletta, HSBC, APS Bank, and Bnaif Bank. All of these have ATM machines; opening hours do vary, and are usually displayed outside. Credit cards are widely accepted, but if you are unsure then just ask. There is a 24 hour, seven days per week service available at Malta International Airport.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Lunch is not included in the itinerary, please allow some spending money for this. We recommend approximately €5-15 per lunch.
Responsible Travel
At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.
Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.