> Hike the full Gozo Coastal Trail in only one week
> Discover Malta’s hidden gem: Għawdex Island
> Spend each night in traditional coastal villages
Golden cliffs, crashing waves, and the scent of wild herbs in the air — that’s the Gozo vibe. This 7-day coastal trek takes you around the entire island of Gozo (locally known as Għawdex, pronounced “au-desh”), the quieter and greener sister of Malta. Starting and ending in Mġarr, you’ll circle the island on foot, exploring sea-view trails, timeless countryside, and charming villages along the way.
The Gozo Coastal Trail is ideal for intermediate hikers who love variety — one day you're walking high above turquoise coves, the next you’re weaving through terraced fields and limestone valleys. Expect exciting stages, with plenty of time to soak in the scenery. You’ll stay in local hotels and traditional guesthouses in villages like Nadur, Għarb, or Xlendi. We handle the logistics — you just walk and enjoy the rhythm of island life!
Note: To start your journey, take a ferry from Malta’s main island to Gozo. The trail begins in Mġarr, just steps from the harbor. We’ll send you all the details you need to get there smoothly.
Your journey begins with a scenic ferry ride from the main island of Malta to Gozo. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the nearby island of Comino, home to the famous Blue Lagoon.
As you arrive in Mġarr, you’ll be greeted by a picturesque harbour filled with colourful fishing boats, overlooked by a church perched on the cliffs. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs, grab a coffee, and soak in the relaxed island atmosphere before beginning your hiking adventure. Welcome to Gozo!
The Malta Trail begins in the lively harbour of Mġarr on Gozo Island. As you leave the port, follow the coastal path to see traditional Maltese boats and memorials to seafarers. The route hugs the rocky shoreline, offering stunning views of the remains of the Azure Window, Comino Island, and the bright blue waters of the Coral Lagoon. You can expect some short climbs and rock scrambling before descending to ĦondoqBay, an area of wild and rugged terrain.
Once you reach Ħondoq, you can relax on the small beach or enjoy a coffee at the local bar. Then, head inland and take a brief detour to visit the serene Il-Madonna tal-Blat (Saint Mary of the Rocks) chapel. Follow Triq il-Kalati Punici and the path will lead you back to the coast, descending gently to a secluded bay and the historic — albeit closed — San Anton Battery.
From here, the second ascent of the day begins, with the trail winding around the edge of Qala village. Turn right and head downhill towards the sea again, where you may encounter donkeys. Back on the coast, enjoy the spectacular views from the wild cliffs near Għajn Tuffieħa, then descend to the tiny fishing bay of Dahlet Qorrot. Keep an eye out for the traditional boathouses carved directly into the rock — a true island treasure. The final uphill section of the day takes you along a spectacular, albeit exposed, stretch of coastline and then inland to the village of In-Nadur, where you can enjoy a well-earned overnight stay.
Today, you will walk from Nadur to Marsalforn along a mostly flat route with some gentle undulations. Leave the village by retracing yesterday's final section, then turn left at the last houses. Pass through fragrant lemon and orange groves as you head towards the northern coastline of Gozo.
When you reach Ramla Bay, you will see the wide, sandy beach and the nearby ruins of the Roman villa and Belencourt battery. Further on lies the abandoned Calypso Cave Hotel, which used to be a restaurant. Calypso Cave itself has been closed for years due to the risk of collapse, but the viewpoint is still worth visiting. A short but steep path leads back to the main trail.
You will then leave the coast behind and hike inland, enjoying scenic views of the Maltese countryside. As you approach the final stretch, the sea reappears on the horizon. You will finish this peaceful day of hiking in the charming seaside town of Marsalforn, where you will spend the night.
Today, you will follow the mostly flat northern coastline of Gozo, with a gentle ascent towards the end of the route. Leave Marsalforn behind and follow the rocky shoreline past Qbajjar to the small beach at Xwejni Bay.
The highlight of the day will be the Marsalforn Salt Pans. These 350-year-old salt pans stretch for around three kilometres along the coast and are carved into the rock like a giant chessboard. They are still in use today, with locals harvesting salt by hand in summer and storing it in nearby caves. This is a great place to buy hand-harvested Gozo sea salt and observe this traditional craftsmanship.
Next, take a short detour to Dwejra Bay, home to Billinghurst Cave and the stunning Cathedral Cave diving site, which is illuminated by sunlight. Then continue along the coast to Wied il-Għasri Gorge, briefly leaving the seafront to loop inland around the iconic Ta' Pinu Basilica via a V-shaped dirt trail.
Return to the coast to enjoy views of Gozo’s cliffs and sea caves. Don't miss the short detour to Wied il-Mielaħ Window, also known as the 'New Blue Window' — a fantastic viewpoint at the edge of the island. The final stretch then leads gently inland to the traditional Birbuba houses. Once you reach Għarb, it's time to unwind!
Today, you will follow the dramatic south-western coast of Gozo, which has plenty of ups and downs. You will then begin to descend, enjoying views of the lighthouse in the distance past the San Lawrenz Parish Church and through the village, before tackling a fun, technical limestone descent.
You will then reach the lowest point of the day at the stunning Inland Sea of Dwejra, a saltwater lagoon connected to the Mediterranean Sea by a narrow natural arch. On calm days, traditional luzzuk boats glide through the tunnel. This area is a paradise for divers and geology enthusiasts. Nearby, you can visit the small Sant' Anna Chapel and enjoy the stunning clifftop views.
After a short inland loop past Dwejra Tower, a historic coastal watchtower, you will reach viewpoints overlooking the Blue Lagoon and Wied il-Mielaħ cliffs, which are renowned for their impressive limestone formations. The path then continues past the lesser-known Xlendi Cave Temples and ancient tombs, as well as the Ras il-Wardija Punic Sanctuary, which is perched on the island's south-western cape.
You will then head slightly inland again, hiking past the small L-Għadira ta’ Sarrafilu pond and enjoying open views over Xlendi Valley. After reaching Ta' Kerċem and its old stone washhouse, follow the road towards Xlendi. As you descend the final long, undulating stretch, you will arrive in the traditional fishing village of Xlendi, surrounded by cliffs and clear blue waters. Take a deep breath — you've made it!
Hike along Gozo's southern coastline, starting with rolling terrain that eventually levels out into a long descent towards Mġarr. Cross the small Xlendi Bridge, a great spot for photos with beautiful bay views. Further on, you will pass the iconic Xlendi Tower, Gozo’s oldest freestanding coastal watchtower. Built in 1650, it was used to guard against smugglers and pirates. The path then continues along dramatic cliffs, offering views of the Dwejra desert landscape, the Wied il-Mielaħ Window and the imposing Sanap Cliffs (106 m).
Take in the sweeping view of the Dingli Cliffs, then turn left inland at around the 4 km mark. Pass through the village of Sannat, where the impressive Xewkija Church can be seen on your left. This section takes you past the Ta' Cenc dolmen on the plateau and the ancient site of Borg l-Imramma, rich in archaeological remains and prehistoric cart ruts. From here, you will descend to the beautiful, secluded Mġarr ix-Xini Bay, home to a Knights' watchtower and crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming or snorkelling.
Continue along the coastline, passing a secluded swimming spot and a rare fougasse coastal defence site carved into the rocks. Enjoy the views of Fort Chambray, Mġarr Harbour and the salt pans along the way. Near the end of the route, you will reach the secluded, rocky beach of Gorgon Bay, which boasts stunning views of Comino and Malta — the perfect finale! You are almost at the ferry terminal in Mġarr. Well done! You have completed the Malta Trail via the Gozo Coastal Walk!
Once you have completed your trek around Gozo, you will depart from the picturesque harbour of Mġarr. With the sea breeze in your hair and memories in your heart, it’s time to board the ferry back to Malta. Take this peaceful moment to reflect on the highlights of your adventure. Safe travels!
