dossier

Highlights of Gozo Cycling

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 5km/14mi

A panoramic swoosh takes you to the limpid waters of Mgarr ix-Xini, a shingle inlet perfect for swimming. Views of Malta and Comino create a breathtaking backdrop as you pedal onwards through lush valleys to Xewkija, a tiny village boasting Europe’s third biggest dome, from where you can drink in views of the entire island and beyond. Cycling through a string of tranquil villages dotted with windmills and impressive Baroque churches, you reach the rich red sands of Ramla Bay – the island’s best beach. A final gentle climb through vines takes you to your fabulous farmhouse hotel in pretty Xaghra.

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. Or it’s a panoramic cycle to Calypso’s Cave with its magnificent views towards Sicily; it’s said that the nymph Calypso kept Odysseus captive here for seven years. Xaghra’s piazzawith 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. Our hotel has two lovely pools in its geranium decked courtyard!

Day 4 - Xaghra to San Lawrenz 18km/11mi

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 luzzuboats 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 bay – a perfect picnic spot. Time to visit the remarkable neo-Romanesque basilica at Ta Pinu before reaching your luxurious hotel in time for a swim before dinner.

Day 5 - In San Lawrenz

Perhaps cycle to Dwerja Point, 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 honey-colored 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 mediaeval citadel boasts spectacular views across the whole island - before a coast to your hotel. 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?

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