Hiking on Gozo and Comino on the picturesque coasts of Malta

For many decades, Guide John has offered about a dozen walking tours on the green island of Gozo and Comino. John like the hiking together and is an excellent connoisseur of Gozo and Comino.

Unknown water reservoirs,
Hidden caves,
Old air raid shelters,
Grain mills run by donkeys in the past….

Nothing has been hidden from John on these magnificent islands. Get an overview of what hiking and climbing tours John offers on Gozo and Comino. 12 different hikes are offered. Three of them, with probably the friendliest donkeys on Gozo (as of 9/2022).

12 fantastic hikes on Gozo and Comino

In the spring months, Gozo is greener than Malta. This is because Gozo has several underground water sources. Thus, the spring from Easter time is perfect for exploring Gozo and Comino. The coasts of Gozo and Comino offer many coastal hiking trails and trekking tours.

Gozo Hiking Route 1 – Mgarr Ix-Xini Valley Floor

Discover the fantastic landscape and the beautiful world of the Mgarr Ix-Xini Valley. On this guided tour, you will explore this exciting and unique area at a leisurely pace. Visit the pumping station from the 19th century, as well as the sanctuary from the Phoenician period. Be impressed by the hidden caves, like the “Cave of the Bells”. It is considered the largest cave in Gozo. John will bring you back safely from the winding valley after 3 hours.WoM Difficulty level 2

Gozo Hike Route 2 – Shelf Above Mistra Rocks

Start from near San Blas Bay and admire the breathtaking panoramas on the Mistra Rocks hike. Discover the secret passages and water channels. On some days, it is possible to visit one of the most beautifully located farms in Gozo.WoM Difficulty level 2

Gozo Hike Route 3 – The Split Below Ta’ Sopu Tower

This exciting hike is an unforgettable excursion. You will climb through different chambers, between rock walls and the adjacent rock plateau. The Ta Sopu Watchtower built in 1667 by the Knights of St. John, you have a view over the north of Gozo. The Isopu Tower called Nadur Tower or Torre Nuova too. Isopu Tower resembles the three other defensive towers in Gozo, the Mġarr ix-Xini Tower, Xlendi Tower and Dwejra Tower.WoM Difficulty level 3

Gozo Hike Route 4 – The Route Through Mistra Rocks

The route goes through the Mistra rocks. Some boulders are as big as churches. On the way to a picturesque farm hidden in the rocks, you will discover Malta’s magnificent wild flowers and plants.WoM Difficulty level 3

Gozo Hiking Route 5 – The Magical Mistra Tour

Mistra Rocks is quite simply the most beautiful part of Gozo. This hike takes you on a great, freshly groomed and truly exciting trail through the wildest parts of the rocks. This developed thousands of years ago. These will not find these unique rocks on any of the Mistra Rock tours.WoM Difficulty level 3

Gozo Walking Tour Route 6 – The Island of Comino

Discover the beautiful island of Comino from a whole new side. On this guided tour North and East Comino you will see several “azure windows”. Another highlight is probably the most exciting cave of the entire Maltese archipelago. From the southern side of Santa Maria Bay, you have a magnificent view of Gozo. Nearby is the Chapel of our Ladyś.WoM Difficulty level 2

Gozo Hiking Route 7 – Amazing Secrets of Dwejra

Dwejra region is a wonderful part of Gozo and offers spectacular viewpoints in addition to water sources. Discover forgotten valleys and the remarkably contrasting parts of this stunning area.WoM Difficulty level 2

Gozo Hiking Route 8 – Hidden Highlights of Hondoq

This is a guided hike at a leisurely pace to the charming and little known places around Hondoq. Start at the magnificent Paris Church in the center of Qala. Experience an amazing variety of terrains:

a forgotten green wilderness,
some exciting clay slopes,
beautiful pebble beaches,
natural stone bridges over the sea,
hidden caves,

terraced fields with the most magnificent sea views in the whole of Gozo. On the beaches and bays you will have some opportunities for a short swim. It is difficult to put into adequate words all the joys of this hike.WoM Difficulty level 2

Gozo Hike Route 9 – The Other Side of Comino

Started at Blue Lagoon, passing World War 2 bunkers (shelter) to the old quarantine hospital (Abandoned Isolation Hospital). Continue along the coast to Saint Mary’s Tower, famous from the Count of Monte Cristo. If a festivity is taking place, you can have a look inside. Continue south to Saint Mary’s Battery with its two historic cannons. On the way back, you will visit the former pig farm. Huge water cisterns along the way lead to a small green oasis with a small pond in the middle of Comino. Discover breathtaking caves, amazing coastlines, grand panoramas over the sea and little known glimpses of the palazzo.WoM Difficulty level 2

Guided donkey tours in Gozo

Join two of Gozo’s sweetest and prettiest donkeys. The tour starts with a visit to the donkey paddock at Simar Farmhouse’ in Qala. There, the two donkeys will welcome you joyfully. Because they know since 2020, now it goes out into the freedom.

Gozo donkey hike route 1

The circular walk takes about 2 hours, including a snack break. The starting and ending point is the Church of the Conception on the road from Qala to Hondoq.Difficulty level 1

WoM-Donkey-Tour-view-landscape-and-comino-Qala 8.2021

WoM-Donkey-Tour-view-landscape-and-sea-Qala 8.2022

Donkey-Tour-Group-Qala 8.2022_Quelle_Meetup

Gozo Donkey Hike Route 2

We have not been able to participate in this tour in Qala to Hondoq. The report will follow.

Gozo donkey hike route 3

The circular walk takes about 2 hours, including a snack break. The starting and ending point is the Church of the Conception on the road from Qala to Hondoq, which is well worth seeing.Difficulty level 1

Difficulty levels hiking in Gozo

Hiking in Malta is more than just walking, with subjective and objective difficulty levels. There are no objective classifications on Malta, like from a hiking or alpine club. We will give you a little orientation in consultation with guide John.

WoM Difficulty level 1 - easy hikes

Hikes with a walking time of up to 2 hours
Minor ascents and descents up to 100 meters in altitude
The hiking route is on flat paths or wide hiking trails
No steep ascents
No potentially dangerous and unprotected (exposed) places
Oriented to alpine and hiking clubs, a blue or T1 hike.

WoM Difficulty level 2 - easy until medium difficulty hikes

Hikes with a walking time of up to 3.5 hours
Ascents and descents up to 200 meters in altitude
The hiking route is on good hiking trails, with scree areas and cliffs
Steep terrain possible
Oriented to alpine and hiking clubs, a blue or T2 hike

WoM Difficulty level 3 - medium difficulty hikes

Hikes with a walking time up to 4 hours
Ascents and descents up to 200 meters in altitude
The hiking route is on footpaths, with scree areas and cliffs
Steep terrain with climbing possible
For regular and trained hikers
Sure-footedness is necessary and hiking or trekking shoes are recommended
Oriented to alpine and hiking clubs, a red or T3 hike

FAQ - Do you have questions about hiking in Gozo and Comino? We give you the answers!

Where can you sign up for Gozo and Comino hike?

In addition to some commercial travel providers, Meet Up offers a free membership. There you join the group Gozo Meet Up. Now you book current walks via the search.

What equipment and shoes are needed for hiking in Gozo and Comino?

For the hike on Gozo and Comino, the guide recommends boots, shoes with a good grip or sneakers. On the few days with wind as well as rain, a sweatshirt, jumper, sweater or sports jacket.

Is there any snacks and drinks during the hike?

There is rarely an opportunity to buy provisions or drinks on the hiking routes. Please bring snacks and refreshments with you.

What is the cost of participating in a walking tour in Gozo and Comino?

This event and hikes are free of charge. Donations will be gratefully accepted. This is common in Malta because:Malta’s government has a focus on business first. Conservation of nature and cultural projects usually receive no or low government funding. The development of these walks and the maintenance of the trails takes a lot of time and is organized privately. We suggest a donation starting at 5 euros.