Gozo Full Day visiting Ggantija Temples, Salt Pans, Dwejra

Discovering Gozo: A Practical Look at the Full-Day Tour from Malta

If you’re considering a day trip to Gozo during your Malta stay, this full-day tour offers a convenient way to see some of the island’s highlights without the hassle of planning. From the UNESCO-listed Ggantija Temples to scenic coastal stops like Dwejra Bay, it promises a packed itinerary. While it may not be perfect, it’s a solid option if you want a structured experience that covers key sights and offers some local flavor.

We appreciate that this tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip ferry tickets, and a buffet dinner—all features that add value and convenience. Plus, the guided tours help you understand the significance of each stop, which is especially helpful if you’re eager to learn about Gozo’s history and landscape. However, some travelers have expressed frustrations with the organization and the length of the day, so it’s worth weighing whether this kind of busy, full schedule works for your travel style.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy seeing multiple sights in a single day and don’t mind a longer itinerary filled with stops—some of which might be less engaging than others. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to spend more time at specific locations, you might find this tour a little overwhelming. Still, if you’re looking for an overview of Gozo with friendly guides and good overall value, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Convenience and Value: Includes ferry, guided tours, and dinner, making it easy to see Gozo without extra planning.
• Broad Coverage: Combines archaeological sites, coastal views, and cultural stops, ideal for first-timers.
• Guide Quality: Many reviews praise knowledgeable guides who provide useful insights.
• Long Day: The trip can stretch to 10 hours, which might be tiring, especially if you’re not used to full-day tours.
• Organization Concerns: Some travelers note issues with timing, pick-up delays, and unnecessary stops that can make the day feel chaotic.
• Worth the Interest: The temples, salt pans, and scenic views are genuinely interesting, and some visitors highlight the significance of these sites.

Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

Your day begins with a hotel pickup around 9:30 am, a helpful feature for those staying in Valletta or nearby. From there, you’re transferred to the port for your ferry ride. The ferry crossing itself takes about 30 minutes, offering a pleasant start with views of the Mediterranean. Several reviews mention that the ferry trip is a highlight, giving you a chance to see the islands from the water—a peaceful and scenic moment amidst a busy day.

Once on Gozo, you’ll switch to a bus that will take you around the island. The group size generally stays under 40 travelers, which helps keep things manageable and allows guides to better engage with everyone.

Ggantija Temples – A Highlight

The Ggantija Archaeological Park is the main star here. These megalithic structures are over 5,550 years old—older than the Egyptian pyramids and even Stonehenge. Seeing these ancient temples in person is quite the experience, especially considering their age and the impressive construction. The tour includes a guided visit, giving you context about the Neolithic builders and the importance of the site.

Reviewers like Lesley appreciated this stop, calling it “very good” and noting it offered “a little something for all.” However, others, like Anna, felt the site was somewhat disappointing—fewer exhibits and restricted access to the museum limited the experience. Still, it remains a significant archaeological wonder you won’t want to miss.

Dwejra Bay and Optional Boat Tour

Next, you head toward Dwejra Bay, famous for its scenic beauty and, historically, the Azure Window—though it has now collapsed. You’ll have some free time here, and at an extra cost, you might enjoy a boat tour through the caves, weather permitting. The scenery is stunning, and many find the natural formations worth the visit, though some reviews mention that the boat tour wasn’t available or that the stop was brief.

Salt Pans and Coastal Views

One of the more unique stops is a ride on a trackless train along Xwejni Bay, offering panoramic views of salt pans and the coast. The train ride lasts about 45 minutes and provides picturesque vistas of Marsalforn Bay, Qbajjar Bay, and Xwejni Bay. It’s a fun way to see the coastline without much walking, which many find enjoyable.

However, a few travelers, like Stuart, found the experience a little underwhelming. The train ride was described as quick, with limited stops for photos, and the wind made the plastic sides down, reducing the viewing clarity.

Cultural and Shopping Stops

The tour includes a visit to the Gozo Craft Centre, where you can browse local handicrafts and sample some Maltese food. Some reviews, like Alison’s, mention the stop as chaotic—others appreciated the chance to buy souvenirs and enjoy local flavors. This stop is somewhat hit-or-miss; if shopping isn’t your priority, you might find it a bit of a filler.

Victoria and the Citadella

A highlight for many is a visit to Victoria, the island’s capital. You’ll walk through the Cittadella, a historic fortress offering sweeping views of the island, and visit the Gozo Cathedral. The guide typically provides a short tour, and then you’re free to explore independently. Some reviewers, like Leslie, enjoyed wandering the streets and soaking in the local atmosphere, while others, like Annette, felt the schedule was rushed and that more time at each site would be ideal.

Rabat and Final Dinner

The tour concludes with a visit to Rabat, where you’ll enjoy a buffet dinner at a local restaurant. Many travelers praise the meal, calling it the best of their Malta trip, with good food and a relaxed setting. After dinner, you’ll return on the ferry back to Malta and be dropped off at your hotel.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Pricing and Value

At approximately $82.69 per person, this tour offers a fair deal considering it covers ferry rides, guided visits, and dinner. The reviews largely acknowledge the value, especially for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview. However, some felt the day stretched too long, and the schedule could have been more streamlined.

Duration and Pace

With a runtime of about 7 to 8 hours, expect a full day of sightseeing. A few reviews mention that it’s a long, tiring experience—some say it lasts closer to 10 hours—and that certain stops feel rushed. If you’re someone who prefers a more leisurely pace, consider whether you’re comfortable fitting in so many sites.

Group Size and Organization

Most reviews indicate a group of around 40 people, which keeps things manageable but can lead to some chaos, especially with late arrivals or delays. Some travelers experienced issues with timing, pick-up delays, or unnecessary stops at shops, which affected the overall flow. Being adaptable helps, but patience is key.

Guides and Communication

Many participants praise the guides for their knowledge and helpfulness. In particular, guides like Rita and Rachel received compliments for making the day interesting and engaging. That said, a few reviews mention miscommunications, such as the temples being closed on Dec 24 (which was noted only after the trip started), so double-checking site availability might be wise.

Flexibility and Extras

The boat tour at Dwejra is optional and weather-dependent, and the salt pans are a quick viewing stop. If you’re very interested in the caves or salt flats, you might want to budget extra time or money for those experiences.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This full-day tour fits travelers who want a structured, no-fuss way to see Gozo’s main attractions in one go. It’s best suited for those who don’t mind a long day, enjoy guided commentary, and are comfortable with a busy schedule. If you’re eager to explore at your own pace or focus on fewer sites, this might feel a bit rushed.

Those interested in ancient sites, scenic coastal views, and cultural stops will find plenty to love here. Plus, if you appreciate good-value packages that include ferry crossings and meals, it’s a practical choice.

However, if you’re a traveler who prefers more personalized experiences or more free time, consider alternative options like hop-on-hop-off tours or private excursions. The organization issues and the long duration might not be suitable for everyone, especially if you’re traveling with mobility considerations or looking for a more relaxed pace.

FAQ

Is food included in this tour?
No, meals are not included in the price, but the tour concludes with a buffet dinner at a local restaurant, which many find to be a highlight.

Does the tour cover the major sites in Gozo?
Yes, you’ll visit key highlights like the Ggantija Temples, Salt Pans, and Victoria’s Cittadella. Some stops, like Dwejra, offer optional boat tours for extra cost.

How long is the ferry ride?
The ferry crossing takes about 30 minutes each way, providing scenic water views and a relaxing start to the day.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
The tour requires moderate physical activity, including walking and some standing during guided tours. Make sure to communicate if you have mobility issues.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera are recommended. Since food isn’t included, you can bring snacks or purchase items at stops.

What’s the typical group size?
Most groups are up to 40 travelers, which helps with getting organized but can still feel busy during peak times.

In the end, this Gozo day trip offers a comprehensive introduction to Malta’s sister island. It’s a good pick if you want the convenience of guided visits, ferry crossings, and included meals, and if you’re prepared for a full, sometimes hectic, but ultimately rewarding day. Just remember, some reviews point out organizational hiccups and a long schedule, so pack patience and a sense of adventure.