dossier

Highlights of Gozo Cycling

HIGHLIGHTS OF GOZO CYCLING | WHERE YOU STAY

Hotel Ta Cenc  *****
Sannat  Days 1+6

The Hotel Ta Cenc has an inimitable setting, scattered across the Ta Cenc cliffs, just near the town of SANNAT. This is the highest point on the island, and the views from the hotel’s 400 acres of ground sweep across the entire island to the sea, even taking in Malta and Comino. Walkers spend 7 nights at the Ta Cenc and it is the base hotel for cyclists. The hotel is sensitively built on one level with the accommodation being in separate bungalows, scattered thoughtfully around a scented Mediterranean garden. The rooms are spacious and all are equipped with satellite television, minibar, safety deposit box, air conditioning/ heating, direct dial telephones, a trouser press and en-suite bathrooms with hairdryers. All rooms have their own terrace.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 1 Arrive at Ta Cenc

We meet you at Malta airport and transfer you via ferry (25 mins) to the exclusive Hotel Ta Cenc (10 mins).

Day 2 Ta Cenc to Xaghra 14km/9mi

A panoramic swoosh takes you to Xewkija, a tiny village boasting Europe’s third largest dome, from where you can drink in views of the entire island and beyond. Cycling through gently swaying vineyards you reach Calypso’s Cave with its magnificent views to Sicily; it’s said that the nymph Calypso kept Odysseus captive here for seven years. Maybe descend by foot to the rich red sands of Ramla Bay – the island’s best beach – before pedalling on towards Xaghra and your fabulous farmhouse hotel.

Hotel Comucopia  ****
Xaghra  Days 2+3

The Hotel Cornucopia is a traditional Gozitan farmhouse that has been sympathetically renovated into a unique hotel. The 50 rooms are almost all accessed from open corridors which overlook the pleasant courtyard or the beautiful surrounding countryside. The bedrooms are spacious and simply furnished in a traditional farmhouse style with exposed brickwork and pine furniture. All have minibar, air conditioning, telephones, satellite tv and en-suite facilities with hairdryer.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 3 In Xaghra

There’s plenty to explore in Xaghra’s tangle of butter coloured streets. Perhaps visit the megalithic temples of Ggantija, an archaeological wonder dating back to 3500BC or Xerri and Ninu’s grottos, two caves full of stalagmites and stalactites strangely located within their owners’ houses! Xaghra’s piazza with its church is at the centre of village life – do as the locals do and relax in one of the cafes and watch the world go by. Or, our hotel has two lovely pools in its geranium decked courtyard.

Day 4 Xaghra to San Lawrenz 15km/9mi

Farmers tend their crops in the verdant terraced fields as you descend to Marsalforn, where rugged fishermen mend their nets in the harbour , their brightly painted luzzu boats bobbing lazily in the turquoise waters. A wild and beautiful stretch of coast takes you past a patchwork of salt pans and onto Wied il-Ghasri, a narrow inlet with a beautiful secluded cove – a perfect picnic spot. Time to visit the remarkable neo-Romanesque basilica at Ta Pinu before reaching the luxurious Kempinski Hotel in time for a swim before dinner .

Kempinski San Lawrenz  *****
San Lawrenz  Days 4+5

The Kempinski is a 5* luxury hotel located on the edge of the lovely village of San Lawrenz, near to Dwerja and the Inland sea. The hotel is modern in style but retains some local features such as Gozitan wood panelling. The rooms are very spacious with tiled floors, neutral furnishings and are well-equipped with tea and coffee making facilities, minibar, air conditioning, direct dial telephone and an iron, folding ironing board and hairdryer in every room. The bathrooms are all fitted with a bathtub and overhead shower. Headwater clients will be allocated deluxe rooms which have balconies and overlook the pool area. The hotel has WIFI for guests to use free of charge- Please note this is subject to availability at the time of booking.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 5 In San Lawrenz

Perhaps visit Dwerja Point (there’s a free shuttle from your hotel), where you’ll find spectacular coastal scenery and some of Gozo’s most recognisable sights such as the Inland Sea, the stunning Azure Window (where the blue sea and sky is framed by a honey-coloured stone archway) and Fungus Rock. Our ***** hotel has several pools as well as one of Europe’s best spas, so there’s no excuse not to soothe any aching muscles!

Day 6 San Lawrenz to Ta Cenc 9km/5mi or 15km/9mi

In fine weather maybe follow one of the island’s most attractive trails along the western coast, fields bright with tiny yellow flowers and the air fragrant with Mediterranean garrigue. Otherwise it’s a gentle pedal towards the north-west, where the terraces are dotted with Gozo’s succulent tomatoes. Then onto the capital, Victoria, with its tangled maze of flower-scented streets – the medieval citadel boasts spectacular views across the whole island. Time to explore Ta Cenc’s archaeological treasures before your final candlelit dinner beneath the ancient carob tree.

Day 7 Leave Gozo

You return by ferry to Malta in time for your flight home. Or perhaps relax at the Ta Cenc for a few extra nights?

For extra nights we recommend Gozo orMalta.