gozo countryside hiking

Top Hiking Trails In Gozo

  • Nov 7, 2020

Re-ignite your passion for hiking!

Malta’s sister island – Gozo – is blessed with excellent year-round weather, unspoilt countryside and a myriad of hiking trails. All of these attributes mean that you can pack that old pair of hiking boots in your suitcase, and head to Gozo for some much-needed peace and quiet.

If you’re thinking about visiting Gozo this autumn, here are 4 excellent hiking trails that will re-ignite your passion for hiking. 

Nadur Valley and Ramla Bay

Time: 1.5-2 hours

Distance: 7 KM

Start from Nadur’s quaint centre and head west until you reach the main road that leads to the countryside. Follow the main road and feast your eyes on the stunning views of Gozo’s immaculate countryside. The road will eventually lead you to a valley. Once you’re at the bottom of this valley, make sure that you head north towards the sea. You should be able to reach the reddish sands of Ramla Bay in no time. 

It’s important to mention that once you’re in Ramla Bay, there are a couple of other trails that lead to spectacular viewpoints overlooking the beach, which are definitely worth a visit while you’re there.  

Gebel Ben Borg Cliffs and Dwejra Bay

Time: 3-4 hours

Distance: 14 KM

This trail’s starting point is the capital city of Victoria. Head out west and make your way through the villages of Kercem and Santa Lucija. Soon enough, you’ll find that you’ve reached the countryside. Follow the road until you reach San Raflu Lake. If you’d like to visit the Gebel Ben Gorg Cliffs, opt for the cliff trail that’s roughly 150 metres away from San Raflu Lake. As you’re following this trail, you’ll notice the ancient Wardija Punic Temple. Follow the track that’s connected to the main road. While you’re walking along the roadside, look carefully for a minor road that leads to a stone quarry. At the first guard hut, opt for the northern trail that provides the route to Dwejra Bay. 

Xlendi to Ta’ Cenc

Time: 2-3 hours

Distance: 10 KM

This trail also requires you to set out from Victoria. Head southwest, walk along the signposted roadside, and you should reach Xlendi in around 40 to 50 minutes. A quick break in Xlendi is always recommended. Treat yourself to a gelato from Gelateria Granola before making your way to Ta’ Cenc Cliffs. Walk past the restaurants to the southern cliffs along the pedestrian path that leads to Xlendi Tower – a traditional watchtower blessed with fantastic views overlooking the bay.

Take the southeastern trail, and you’ll soon find yourself at the edge of the Sanap Cliffs. Follow the cliff trail, and once it flattens out, you’ll be well on your way to Ta’ Cenc Cliffs. 

You can easily go back to Victoria from here. Continue walking along these cliffs, and you’ll soon reach a country lane that will lead you to the nearby village of Sannat. From there, you just need to follow the road back to the city.

Zebbug to Wied il-Ghasri

Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

Distance: 7 KM

This trail starts from the seaside town of Marsalforn. From Marsalform, follow the country road that’s situated just west out of town. Turn right into a minor road that leads to a valley, and cross the bridge that’s right at the bottom of this same valley. When you reach the other side of the valley, you’ll soon notice that you’ve just arrived in the picturesque Gozitan town of Zebbug. 

Once you’re in Zebbug, follow the main road that leads to the coast. Once you reach the coastal area, you can take the small country lane that’s just off the main road. This byway provides the route to Wied il-Ghasri’s scenic gorge. As you make your way back to Marsalforn via the main road, you can witness the Xwejni Coast’s immense natural beauty and the traditional Xwejni Salt Pans that characterise this coastal area.