DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAMME

DAY 1: Arrive in Malta, where on reaching the arrivals hall you will be met by your chauffeur who will transfer you from the airport to the ferry for the short 20 minute crossing to the island of Gozo. On disembarking from the ferry you will be met and transferred to your accommodation the “San Andrea” hotel on the waterfront at Xlendi.

DAY 2: After a short introduction to Gozo from your walk leader, we leave the hotel and walk upwards through terraced fields to the Sanap and Saguna cliffs which are the highest and most dramatic cliffs on Gozo, giving you stunning views of Malta and Comino. We then walk through the small village of Sannat and into Victoria, the island’s capital, where we stop for lunch.

Following lunch we walk towards Kercem and the Lunzjata valley where we see a small chapel dating back to the 1500’s. We then walk on the outskirts of the village, passing a wash-house built by the Knights of St. John, before we join the main road for the short walk back to Xlendi.
(Easy walk approx. 6 3⁄4 miles)

DAY 3: Today we start the walk at Mgarr harbour. This is Gozo’s main harbour and is overlooked by the 18th century Fort Chambrai built by the Knights of St. John. Here we will see the local decorated fishing boats called “Luzzu”, as well as many modern craft. From here we walk east along the marina before finding the path, which will take us along the cliff edge towards the picturesque bay of Hondoq Ir-Rummien where we stop for lunch. Afterwards we walk up the hill out of the bay, passing a small chapel perched on the edge of the cliff, and eventually to another ancient church dedicated to the “Immaculate Conception”. We leave the road here and walk across cliff tops to Qala Point the most easterly point of the island giving views over to Malta. We retrace our steps to the road and continue uphill walking via country roads with beautiful sea views to the village of Qala. Here we see an ancient stone monolith and then continue to the village square dominated by the Church of St. Joseph. We then walk through the village and down the hill back to the harbour and the starting point of the walk.
(Easy walk- 8 1⁄2 miles)

DAY 4: Today’s walk starts at the small village of Ghasri.We then walk out of the village to the main road to Zeebug, before we cross over and continue down the valley through a patchwork of terraced fields to the seaside resort of Marsalforn. Here we will have time to explore this small resort before walking around the coast to the bay of Qbajjar where we stop for lunch.

After lunch we walk by the side of Xwieni Bay and along the ancient saltpans cut into the rock, where the locals still harvest sea salt. We continue along the salt pans towards Forna Point where we then turn away from the coast and continue to Wied-l-Ghasri where we see a set of steps cut into the rock leading to some old fisherman’s houses.

From here we continue to walk through the outskirts of the village, passing an ancient chapel and village cross before returning to the start of our walk.
(Easy walk – 8 3⁄4 miles)

DAY 5: Free Day. Perhaps explore the ancient citadel and the capital Victoria, or take a chauffeur driven tour of Malta, or a boat trip around the island.

DAY 6: Today’s walk starts at the church square in the small village of Ghajnsielem. From here we walk through some sleepy streets on the outskirts of the village before we descend to the coast at Mellieha Point. This gives us some fascinating views of the rear of Fort Chambrai with its impressive walls. Reaching the coast at some old boathouses, we turn west and walk towards the inlet at Mgarr ix-Xini where we see the old watchtower guarding the entrance to the inlet. The name means “ Harbour for Galleys” and this may have been the main harbour for the Knights of St. John. We walk down into the inlet and cross to the other side of the valley. From here we walk uphill until we turn onto a path that takes us around the Ta Cenc cliffs, giving brilliant views over Malta and Comino. We will have time here to explore the ancient cart ruts before having a lunch stop. We then continue through the outskirts of the villages of Sannat and Munxarr, before walking along the old road to Xlendi. This gives us excellent views of the terraced fields, and an insight into the methods of farming. We enjoy good views of Xlendi Bay while we descend into the resort and return to the hotel.
(Easy walk 8 3⁄4 miles)

DAY 7: Today’s walk starts in Victoria. From here we walk through the village of Kercem. Walking out of the village on the same road we pass terraced fields and head towards “Sarraflu Pond”. On the way there are some good views of the coast and the entrance to Xlendi Bay.
Passing “Sarraflu Pond” on the right we turn left and walk through fields to Wardija Point, an ancient historic site. Here we can see the remains of Wardija Tower, and cut into the rock a large chamber. This is said to be a Roman sanctuary. From here we walk North along the cliff edge until we reach Dwerja. All along this stretch are outstanding sea views.
At Dwerja Bay we can see the magnificent Azure Window, and also the Inland Sea, and Fungus Rock. After a stop for lunch we then walk out of the Bay and along country paths through “Wied Ilma”, and eventually to the village of Santa Lucija. From here we continue through the peaceful village square and follow the road back into Victoria.
(Medium Walk – 10 miles)

DAY 8: Departure day. You will be transferred from your hotel to the ferry for the short crossing to Malta where you will then be met by your chauffeur who will transfer you to Malta International Airport for your flight home.

The above programme is an indication of the walking that may be expected on our holidays. However, it is subject to change at any time, and the final decisions rest with the walk leader.