Gozo is a quiet treasure in the Maltese archipelago, famous for its rugged landscapes, charming villages, and ancient landmarks. Unlike Malta’s busier spots, Gozo offers a more relaxed vibe that’s perfect for exploring by city tour. We love the Gozo: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour because of its easy access to highlights like Rundle Gardens and Fort Chambray and the chance to see the island from the open top of a double-decker bus. Plus, the flexible hop-on, hop-off format makes it ideal for travelers who want to tailor their day.
Along With Gozo-focused options, Malta’s City Sightseeing HOHO Bus Tour & Optional Boat Tour gives a broader Maltese experience, combining cultural sites like Mdina with a scenic boat ride of the Blue Grotto. For those who want a quick, budget-friendly taste of Gozo’s landscape, the City Sightseeing Gozo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour provides a smaller, more intimate experience. Today, we’ll compare these options so you can choose the best fit for your trip.
1. Gozo: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
At number one, the Gozo: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour scores a solid 4.3 out of 5 based on 850 reviews. For just $25 per person, you get a 1-day pass that lets you explore 15 stops across the island. The routes run from Mgarr Harbor, lasting about 2.5 hours, but the real advantage is the ability to hop on and off at your own pace.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on Gozo’s quiet villages and scenic spots. You’ll pass by the Bishop’s Chancery, Il-Mall, and Rundle Gardens—perfect for a relaxed stroll—and enjoy panoramic views from the open-top bus. It’s a great way to get a feel for the island’s untouched charm without the hassle of driving. Many reviews point out the friendly staff, especially Tanya, who went out of her way to help. Travelers appreciate the convenience, with one noting, “It’s a very good way of getting to know all the diversity offered by Gozo.”
This tour suits visitors who want a flexible, affordable introduction to Gozo’s key sights, especially if you prefer to set your own pace. Keep in mind, it’s ideal for a daytrip, and the 15 stops include beaches, gardens, and historical sites worth longer visits.
Bottom Line: A flexible, budget-friendly way to see Gozo’s highlights with the freedom to explore more or less as you wish.
2. Malta: City Sightseeing HOHO Bus Tour & Optional Boat Tour
The Malta: City Sightseeing HOHO Bus Tour & Optional Boat Tour offers a broader look at Malta’s most iconic sites, with the option to add a boat excursion. Priced at $32 per person, this tour is valid for 1 to 2 days, giving you more flexibility to explore at your own pace. It’s rated at 3.4 stars from 752 reviews, which suggests some room for improvement, particularly around the organization.
This tour covers famous fortified towns like Mdina and the Three Cities, with stops at the Blue Grotto Caves and Marsaxlokk fishing village. The boat tour option provides a chance to see Malta’s stunning coastlines and sea caves, making it a well-rounded experience for those wanting both land and sea. Reviewers mention that the buses are every hour, so planning ahead is essential, but the trip offers excellent value, especially if you’re also interested in boat rides and scenic views.
Ideal for travelers who want a rundown of Malta’s key attractions over a couple of days, with the added thrill of the sea. Be aware that some found the audio commentary limited and the starting points a bit confusing, so do your homework before starting your day.
Bottom Line: A good choice if you want to cover Malta’s highlights with the option to relax and take a boat trip, perfect for first-time visitors.
3. City Sightseeing Gozo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Our third pick is the City Sightseeing Gozo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. With a rating of 3.0 from 267 reviews and costing about $26.11 per person, this 1-hour 30-minute tour offers a compact, quick snapshot of Gozo. It’s designed for travelers who prefer a shorter, more structured experience, focusing on key landmarks like Xewkija, Ggantija Temples, and Ramla Beach.
This tour stands out by offering two routing options, allowing you to customize your sightseeing based on your interests. You can hop on and off at stops like Mgarr Harbour, Ta’ Dbiegi, and Xlendi, enjoying informative audio commentary in 11 languages. Reviewers appreciate the great views from the upper deck and mention how easy it is to explore at your own pace, especially if time is tight.
While some find the ride brief and the reviews suggest the overall experience is more of a quick overview than an in-depth journey, it’s perfect for travelers on a short schedule or those who want a taste of Gozo’s highlights without committing to a full-day tour.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those looking for a quick, flexible overview of Gozo’s top spots with the option to hop off and explore briefly.
How to Choose Your Ideal City Tour in Gozo
When picking your tour, think about your time availability, budget, and interests. If you want a full day of flexible sightseeing and enjoy panoramic views, the Gozo hop-on-hop-off offers excellent value. For a wider Maltese experience combined with a boat ride, the Malta tour provides a broader scope, especially if you’re interested in sea caves and historic towns. If your trip is short or you prefer a quick snapshot of Gozo, the shorter hop-on-hop-off is perfect.
Consider also your fitness level and how much walking you’re comfortable with. All tours involve some hopping on and off, but the bigger bus options let you relax and enjoy the scenery from the upper deck. Booking early, especially in peak season, is recommended to secure your preferred time slot.
Final Thoughts
In the end, your choice depends on how much time you have and what kind of experience you’re after. The Gozo hop-on-hop-off offers a relaxed way to see the island’s highlights and is ideal for those wanting flexibility. The Malta tour is better if you want an overview of multiple islands with scenic sea views, while the quick Gozo mini tour suits travelers on a tight schedule or those wanting a brief taste.
All three tours provide a different way to explore, so consider your travel style and priorities. Book early to ensure you get the time slot that suits you best, and enjoy discovering this charming island at your own pace.