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Malta + Gozo

Walking on Glorious Gozo – Short Break

Trip code: W04GZ

Average customer rating 5.0 / 5(3 verified reviews)

Self-Guided Walking
4 nights single centre
Leisurely
CO₂ rating 1/5
Headwater Navigation app

Trip highlights

Unspoilt Mediterranean island,
temperate year-round climate, perfect
for exploring on foot

Boutique Hotel situated right in the heart of Victoria

Magnificent coastal paths, breathtaking
views, colourful fishing villages

Masses of walking choices, route notes
give maximum flexibility

Option to extend your stay with
extra nights in Malta

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Trip details

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.

What's included

Included

  • 4 nights in 4-star equivalent accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Headwater navigation app

Not included

  • Flights
  • Local taxes/fees
  • Travel insurance

Travel options

Our travel specialists can arrange flights, rail and transfers to this holiday from wherever you are. Call us to plan your journey. +44 1606 720099

Itinerary

Route map, with each night's stop marked
The full route, night by night. Select the map to view it full screen.

Day 1 · —Arrival in Malta/Transfer to Gozo

Arrival in Malta/Transfer to Gozo

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 The Duke Hotel

Cittadella sunset from terrace
Image 1 of 8
equivalent

The Duke Hotel

Victoria

  • Air conditioning
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Tea & coffee
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

Nestled within the Duke Complex, the 38-room Duke Boutique Hotel is an ideal base from which to explore the entire island of Gozo. Centrally positioned in Victoria, the capital of Gozo, the hotel boasts magnificent views of the Citadel and Villa Rudle Gardens. Located on Victoria’s main thoroughfare, lined with a variety of shops, banks, theatres, restaurants and markets. The main bus terminal and several bus stops are just a stone’s throw away, ensuring easy and efficient travel across the island by bus. This central location not only offers convenience but also immerses you in the vibrant heart of Gozo.

Originally established in the mid-1880s when a Maltese entrepreneur transformed a significant residential building into a high-quality hotel. The hotel was later acquired by a pro-British Gozitan businessman who renamed it the ‘Duke of Edinburgh Hotel”. A notable event in its history was the visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1951. Although the original building was demolished, in 2017 the Duke Boutique Hotel opened under the management of Jason and Sharon Galea.

Since 2018, the hotel has been Eco Certified, adhering to the stringent standards of the Malta Tourism Authority. This was achieved through improvements such as the installation of a rooms management system (REMS) with sensors to switch off air conditioning units and lights when no one is present in the room and the implementation of a food waste policy that includes education, food waste prevention, reduction, recycling, and disposal. The Duke Boutique Hotel is also actively engaged in the local community, supporting various foundations and providing educational training and career exposure opportunities for school children.

The buffet breakfast is a selection of freshly prepared hot and cold options served in the breakfast room, lounge and weather permitting on the 4th floor of the hotel with stunning views all around. Other services include a variety of In-Room Treatments so you can relax and be pampered in the comfort of your own room.

All 38 rooms have a classic contemporary design. The Garden View Room features a balcony overlooking the Villa Rudle Gardens. Each room has a unique layout and is equipped with either a twin or king-sized bed. Amenities include air conditioning and heating with individually controlled room temperatures, minibar, telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, TV, hairdryer, safe with electrical outlet, international wall sockets, USB ports and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Bathrooms feature rain shower heads, shower or bath.

Room upgrades: Terrace Room with Jacuzzi Hot Tub or Citadel Spa Room with Terrace and Sauna
All Terrace Rooms feature a private terrace with a Jacuzzi Hot Tub, offering views of Victoria’s skyline. Each room has a unique layout and is equipped with a twin or king-sized bed. Amenities include air conditioning and heating with individually controlled room temperatures, minibar, telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, TV, hairdryer, safe with electrical outlet, international wall sockets, USB ports and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Bathrooms feature rain shower heads, shower or bath. Private terraces are equipped with sunbeds, pergola sunshades and pool towels. Jacuzzi hot tub may be heated up to 40C (32C recommended in winter).

Citadel Spa Rooms offer a luxury experience featuring a private terrace with Jacuzzi Hot Tub and stunning views of the Citadel. Designed for ultimate relaxation, rooms include a private Sauna, while the bathroom is equipped with a Jacuzzi Hammam. The Hammam offers a Turkish bath experience for extra pampering. Each room has a unique layout and is equipped with either a twin or king-sized bed. Amenities include air conditioning and heating with individually controlled room temperatures, minibar, telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, coffee machine, TV, hairdryer, safe with electrical outlet, international wall sockets, USB ports and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Private terraces are equipped with sunbeds, pergola sunshades and pool towels. Jacuzzi hot tub may be heated up to 40C (32C recommended in winter).

Day 2 · 8km/5.0miMgarr and the Raiders' Cove

Mgarr and the Raiders' Cove

Take a bus to the start of todays walk. 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 Ta Cenc’s rocky grounds with fine views across to Malta, stopping to explore the remains of a copper age temple and Neolithic dolmen. Return to Victoria by bus.

Elevation

Mgarr and the Raiders' Cove elevation profile

You stay at The Duke Hotel

Cittadella sunset from terrace
Image 1 of 8
equivalent

The Duke Hotel

Victoria

  • Air conditioning
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Tea & coffee
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

Nestled within the Duke Complex, the 38-room Duke Boutique Hotel is an ideal base from which to explore the entire island of Gozo. Centrally positioned in Victoria, the capital of Gozo, the hotel boasts magnificent views of the Citadel and Villa Rudle Gardens. Located on Victoria’s main thoroughfare, lined with a variety of shops, banks, theatres, restaurants and markets. The main bus terminal and several bus stops are just a stone’s throw away, ensuring easy and efficient travel across the island by bus. This central location not only offers convenience but also immerses you in the vibrant heart of Gozo.

Originally established in the mid-1880s when a Maltese entrepreneur transformed a significant residential building into a high-quality hotel. The hotel was later acquired by a pro-British Gozitan businessman who renamed it the ‘Duke of Edinburgh Hotel”. A notable event in its history was the visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1951. Although the original building was demolished, in 2017 the Duke Boutique Hotel opened under the management of Jason and Sharon Galea.

Since 2018, the hotel has been Eco Certified, adhering to the stringent standards of the Malta Tourism Authority. This was achieved through improvements such as the installation of a rooms management system (REMS) with sensors to switch off air conditioning units and lights when no one is present in the room and the implementation of a food waste policy that includes education, food waste prevention, reduction, recycling, and disposal. The Duke Boutique Hotel is also actively engaged in the local community, supporting various foundations and providing educational training and career exposure opportunities for school children.

The buffet breakfast is a selection of freshly prepared hot and cold options served in the breakfast room, lounge and weather permitting on the 4th floor of the hotel with stunning views all around. Other services include a variety of In-Room Treatments so you can relax and be pampered in the comfort of your own room.

All 38 rooms have a classic contemporary design. The Garden View Room features a balcony overlooking the Villa Rudle Gardens. Each room has a unique layout and is equipped with either a twin or king-sized bed. Amenities include air conditioning and heating with individually controlled room temperatures, minibar, telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, TV, hairdryer, safe with electrical outlet, international wall sockets, USB ports and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Bathrooms feature rain shower heads, shower or bath.

Room upgrades: Terrace Room with Jacuzzi Hot Tub or Citadel Spa Room with Terrace and Sauna
All Terrace Rooms feature a private terrace with a Jacuzzi Hot Tub, offering views of Victoria’s skyline. Each room has a unique layout and is equipped with a twin or king-sized bed. Amenities include air conditioning and heating with individually controlled room temperatures, minibar, telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, TV, hairdryer, safe with electrical outlet, international wall sockets, USB ports and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Bathrooms feature rain shower heads, shower or bath. Private terraces are equipped with sunbeds, pergola sunshades and pool towels. Jacuzzi hot tub may be heated up to 40C (32C recommended in winter).

Citadel Spa Rooms offer a luxury experience featuring a private terrace with Jacuzzi Hot Tub and stunning views of the Citadel. Designed for ultimate relaxation, rooms include a private Sauna, while the bathroom is equipped with a Jacuzzi Hammam. The Hammam offers a Turkish bath experience for extra pampering. Each room has a unique layout and is equipped with either a twin or king-sized bed. Amenities include air conditioning and heating with individually controlled room temperatures, minibar, telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, coffee machine, TV, hairdryer, safe with electrical outlet, international wall sockets, USB ports and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Private terraces are equipped with sunbeds, pergola sunshades and pool towels. Jacuzzi hot tub may be heated up to 40C (32C recommended in winter).

Day 3 · 15km/9.3miTa'Pinu and Gharb

Ta'Pinu and Gharb

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.

Elevation

Ta'Pinu and Gharb elevation profile

You stay at The Duke Hotel

Cittadella sunset from terrace
Image 1 of 8
equivalent

The Duke Hotel

Victoria

  • Air conditioning
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Tea & coffee
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

Nestled within the Duke Complex, the 38-room Duke Boutique Hotel is an ideal base from which to explore the entire island of Gozo. Centrally positioned in Victoria, the capital of Gozo, the hotel boasts magnificent views of the Citadel and Villa Rudle Gardens. Located on Victoria’s main thoroughfare, lined with a variety of shops, banks, theatres, restaurants and markets. The main bus terminal and several bus stops are just a stone’s throw away, ensuring easy and efficient travel across the island by bus. This central location not only offers convenience but also immerses you in the vibrant heart of Gozo.

Originally established in the mid-1880s when a Maltese entrepreneur transformed a significant residential building into a high-quality hotel. The hotel was later acquired by a pro-British Gozitan businessman who renamed it the ‘Duke of Edinburgh Hotel”. A notable event in its history was the visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1951. Although the original building was demolished, in 2017 the Duke Boutique Hotel opened under the management of Jason and Sharon Galea.

Since 2018, the hotel has been Eco Certified, adhering to the stringent standards of the Malta Tourism Authority. This was achieved through improvements such as the installation of a rooms management system (REMS) with sensors to switch off air conditioning units and lights when no one is present in the room and the implementation of a food waste policy that includes education, food waste prevention, reduction, recycling, and disposal. The Duke Boutique Hotel is also actively engaged in the local community, supporting various foundations and providing educational training and career exposure opportunities for school children.

The buffet breakfast is a selection of freshly prepared hot and cold options served in the breakfast room, lounge and weather permitting on the 4th floor of the hotel with stunning views all around. Other services include a variety of In-Room Treatments so you can relax and be pampered in the comfort of your own room.

All 38 rooms have a classic contemporary design. The Garden View Room features a balcony overlooking the Villa Rudle Gardens. Each room has a unique layout and is equipped with either a twin or king-sized bed. Amenities include air conditioning and heating with individually controlled room temperatures, minibar, telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, TV, hairdryer, safe with electrical outlet, international wall sockets, USB ports and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Bathrooms feature rain shower heads, shower or bath.

Room upgrades: Terrace Room with Jacuzzi Hot Tub or Citadel Spa Room with Terrace and Sauna
All Terrace Rooms feature a private terrace with a Jacuzzi Hot Tub, offering views of Victoria’s skyline. Each room has a unique layout and is equipped with a twin or king-sized bed. Amenities include air conditioning and heating with individually controlled room temperatures, minibar, telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, TV, hairdryer, safe with electrical outlet, international wall sockets, USB ports and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Bathrooms feature rain shower heads, shower or bath. Private terraces are equipped with sunbeds, pergola sunshades and pool towels. Jacuzzi hot tub may be heated up to 40C (32C recommended in winter).

Citadel Spa Rooms offer a luxury experience featuring a private terrace with Jacuzzi Hot Tub and stunning views of the Citadel. Designed for ultimate relaxation, rooms include a private Sauna, while the bathroom is equipped with a Jacuzzi Hammam. The Hammam offers a Turkish bath experience for extra pampering. Each room has a unique layout and is equipped with either a twin or king-sized bed. Amenities include air conditioning and heating with individually controlled room temperatures, minibar, telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, coffee machine, TV, hairdryer, safe with electrical outlet, international wall sockets, USB ports and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Private terraces are equipped with sunbeds, pergola sunshades and pool towels. Jacuzzi hot tub may be heated up to 40C (32C recommended in winter).

Day 4 · 13km/8.1miFungus Rock and the Inland Sea

Fungus Rock and the Inland Sea

Take a bus to Santa Lucija. Today’s walk 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), the former site of the Azure Window and the Inland Sea.

Elevation

Fungus Rock and the Inland Sea elevation profile

You stay at The Duke Hotel

Cittadella sunset from terrace
Image 1 of 8
equivalent

The Duke Hotel

Victoria

  • Air conditioning
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Tea & coffee
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

Nestled within the Duke Complex, the 38-room Duke Boutique Hotel is an ideal base from which to explore the entire island of Gozo. Centrally positioned in Victoria, the capital of Gozo, the hotel boasts magnificent views of the Citadel and Villa Rudle Gardens. Located on Victoria’s main thoroughfare, lined with a variety of shops, banks, theatres, restaurants and markets. The main bus terminal and several bus stops are just a stone’s throw away, ensuring easy and efficient travel across the island by bus. This central location not only offers convenience but also immerses you in the vibrant heart of Gozo.

Originally established in the mid-1880s when a Maltese entrepreneur transformed a significant residential building into a high-quality hotel. The hotel was later acquired by a pro-British Gozitan businessman who renamed it the ‘Duke of Edinburgh Hotel”. A notable event in its history was the visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1951. Although the original building was demolished, in 2017 the Duke Boutique Hotel opened under the management of Jason and Sharon Galea.

Since 2018, the hotel has been Eco Certified, adhering to the stringent standards of the Malta Tourism Authority. This was achieved through improvements such as the installation of a rooms management system (REMS) with sensors to switch off air conditioning units and lights when no one is present in the room and the implementation of a food waste policy that includes education, food waste prevention, reduction, recycling, and disposal. The Duke Boutique Hotel is also actively engaged in the local community, supporting various foundations and providing educational training and career exposure opportunities for school children.

The buffet breakfast is a selection of freshly prepared hot and cold options served in the breakfast room, lounge and weather permitting on the 4th floor of the hotel with stunning views all around. Other services include a variety of In-Room Treatments so you can relax and be pampered in the comfort of your own room.

All 38 rooms have a classic contemporary design. The Garden View Room features a balcony overlooking the Villa Rudle Gardens. Each room has a unique layout and is equipped with either a twin or king-sized bed. Amenities include air conditioning and heating with individually controlled room temperatures, minibar, telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, TV, hairdryer, safe with electrical outlet, international wall sockets, USB ports and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Bathrooms feature rain shower heads, shower or bath.

Room upgrades: Terrace Room with Jacuzzi Hot Tub or Citadel Spa Room with Terrace and Sauna
All Terrace Rooms feature a private terrace with a Jacuzzi Hot Tub, offering views of Victoria’s skyline. Each room has a unique layout and is equipped with a twin or king-sized bed. Amenities include air conditioning and heating with individually controlled room temperatures, minibar, telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, TV, hairdryer, safe with electrical outlet, international wall sockets, USB ports and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Bathrooms feature rain shower heads, shower or bath. Private terraces are equipped with sunbeds, pergola sunshades and pool towels. Jacuzzi hot tub may be heated up to 40C (32C recommended in winter).

Citadel Spa Rooms offer a luxury experience featuring a private terrace with Jacuzzi Hot Tub and stunning views of the Citadel. Designed for ultimate relaxation, rooms include a private Sauna, while the bathroom is equipped with a Jacuzzi Hammam. The Hammam offers a Turkish bath experience for extra pampering. Each room has a unique layout and is equipped with either a twin or king-sized bed. Amenities include air conditioning and heating with individually controlled room temperatures, minibar, telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, coffee machine, TV, hairdryer, safe with electrical outlet, international wall sockets, USB ports and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Private terraces are equipped with sunbeds, pergola sunshades and pool towels. Jacuzzi hot tub may be heated up to 40C (32C recommended in winter).

Day 5 · —Leave Gozo

Leave Gozo

Extending your holiday

Hotel Holm rooftop pool
Image 1 of 2
equivalent

Hotel Holm

St Julians

  • Air conditioning
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Swimming pool
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

Hotel Holm is a modern and contemporary boutique hotel and spa with design driven décor. Tucked away in a quiet narrow alley just 350m from Balluta Bay it offers an excellent location to explore Malta and nearby Valletta. You stay in the Superior rooms on a B&B basis with plenty of options for dinner nearby. Valletta is also just a short taxi ride away should you wish to spend an evening in the capital.

The hotel has Wi-Fi throughout, a 24 hour bar service, a rooftop infinity pool and and the heated indoor pool and spa facilities (treatments payable locally) are excellent.

Hotel Verdi Malta - Deluxe Room
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Hotel Verdi

Gzira

  • Air conditioning
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Shops
  • Swimming pool
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

Situated right on the waterfront, the Hotel Verdi has a great location, right on the popular promenade and with shops, trendy cafés, restaurants and bars, swimming spots, and even a beach club on its doorstep. You are just a short walk or taxi from the main areas of Valetta, so whether you are interested in the shopping in Sliema, or the cultural and historical delights of the old town, you won’t be disappointed. This is a great place to stay for your walking holiday in Malta.

The hotel has many features including a well-equipped gym, Scandi-style sauna, and a bijou roof-top pool. There is 24/7 reception, room service, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a delightful on-site restaurant and lobby bar.

What our travellers say

The app worked well, the staff were professional and knowledgeable.

Mr Boughton

Well organised and lovely walks and hotels

Mrs Elliott

Great holiday, excellent hotel and very good and enjoyable walks

Mrs Kendell
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Positive impact

Carbon score for this trip

9.0

Kg CO₂e

per person, per night

Relative to other Headwater trips

We measure emissions from the parts of the holiday we organise — including accommodation, in-trip transport, meals and activities — and express them as CO₂e per person, per night. Our label doesn’t include your travel to and from the start of the trip. As a Certified B Corp, Headwater is committed to reducing this figure and to positively impacting local communities, the local environment and our staff. Learn more

From£569per person