Malta: Gozo Buggy Tour with Lunch, Boat Cruise and Transfers

Taking a guided tour of Gozo in a buggy sounds adventurous—and it is—yet it’s also surprisingly accessible and packed with sights that just beg to be discovered. From the moment you hop into your vehicle at Mgarr Harbour to the final views back at the ferry, this experience offers a mix of scenic beauty, cultural landmarks, and relaxed coastal stops that make for a memorable day.

What makes this tour stand out? We love the variety of sights packed into just one day, the knowledgeable guides who bring the history alive, and the delicious local lunch that hits just the right note after a morning of exploring. One thing to keep in mind: the buggies are not electric, so engine noise and heat are part of the experience, which might matter if you’re sensitive to that.

This tour suits those who want a comprehensive, active way to see Gozo’s highlights—whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or just looking for a fun day out with a bit of everything. Families, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate a well-organized itinerary will find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Authentic Exploration: Discover the real Gozitan countryside, historic temples, and coastal cliffs in a single day.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Tony and Charlie provide engaging commentary and local insights.
• Comfort & Convenience: Roundtrip transfers, ferry tickets, and optional activities make logistics seamless.
• Cultural & Natural Highlights: From UNESCO-listed temples to natural limestone arches and salt pans.
• Taste of Local Cuisine: Enjoy a buffet lunch with local cold cuts and even local wine.
• Ideal for Active Travelers: The buggy ride offers a fun way to cover a lot of ground, but expect some engine noise.

This tour is designed to showcase the highlights of Gozo in a way that’s both fun and educational. It kicks off with a pickup from one of 45 locations across Malta—meaning your hotel or nearby meeting point is likely included. Once you’re on the boat or minivan to Gozo, the adventure begins.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The First Stops: Scenic Lookouts and Historic Sites

Your first stop at Mgarr Harbour sets the tone—imagine parking your buggy with views of the sea, ready to take in the fresh air and scenic vistas. From there, the Qala Belvedere offers panoramic views over the islands, perfect for photos and soaking in the beauty of the Maltese archipelago. Reviewers like Sandra mention that guides like Tony are full of helpful, local knowledge, making each stop more meaningful.

Driving through Simar Valley offers a taste of rural Gozitan life with terraced fields and farmhouses—serene and photogenic, perfect for those who love nature. The highlight for many is the legendary Calypso Cave, believed to be the one mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey, where you can imagine Odysseus’s long wait while gazing at the sea below.

Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Ggantija Temples

No trip to Gozo is complete without seeing the Ggantija Temples—among the world’s oldest free-standing monuments, dating back to around 3600-3200 BC. Here, the guided tour (which lasts around 30 minutes) helps bring the ancient stones to life with stories of their purpose and construction. Reviewers like Stefan describe it as a “really nice tour” that adds a layer of historical weight to the day, especially with the guide’s commentary.

The Capital: Victoria and the Citadel

Next, you’ll visit Victoria, the island’s vibrant capital, where the Cittadella offers stunning views from its ramparts. Inside, historic buildings and museums give a sense of Gozitan history and culture. This stop is relaxed but packed with photo opportunities and the chance to wander through narrow streets that are full of character.

Lunch Break at Mariblu Guest House

Midday, the tour slows for a well-deserved buffet lunch at Mariblu Guest House. You’ll enjoy a spread of cold cuts, pasta, salads, and local wines—perfect for recharging. Reviewers like Sandra and Sagar praise the organization and quality of the meal, noting that it’s simple but very tasty, with extras like marble cake slices adding a charming touch.

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Coastal Beauty and Natural Formations

Post-lunch, the tour continues with spectacular coastal stops. The Xlendi Cliffs provide breathtaking views of the sheer drops into the sea—an ideal spot for photos. Then, the Dwejra area impresses with natural formations like the Inland Sea, where boat trips (available as an optional activity) take you into a dramatic limestone cove. Even though the Azure Window no longer stands, the area’s rugged beauty remains compelling, as noted by visitors who say Dwejra is “a striking natural site.”

Ta Pinu Sanctuary is next—a tranquil, architecturally stunning pilgrimage site that travelers find worth visiting, especially for its peaceful atmosphere and impressive views.

The Salt Pans & Swim Stop at Xwejni Bay

You’ll pass by salt pans, which have been used for centuries, offering an authentic glimpse into local salt production. Then, the tour rounds off with a swim stop at Xwejni Bay, where reviewers often comment on the crystal-clear waters—perfect for cooling off after a day of sightseeing.

Returning and Optional Activities

The day’s last leg involves a boat trip passing by Comino’s Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Sea Caves, weather permitting. This scenic cruise, alongside the ferry back to Malta, offers a chance to unwind and admire the views one last time. Many mention how efficient and smooth the transfers are, with comfortable minivans taking guests to and from their hotels.

The overall 8-hour duration strikes a nice balance—enough time to see the highlights without feeling rushed. Starting times vary, so it’s essential to check availability when booking, especially during peak seasons.

The buggy experience is central—vehicles are not electric, so expect some engine noise and warmth, but they’re easy to handle for most drivers. Guides like Charlie and Nick are praised for their friendly demeanor and wealth of local knowledge, often sharing little tidbits that bring the spots to life—like the story behind the Qala Parish Church or how salt is harvested in traditional pans.

Transport logistics are smooth, with hotel pickups from numerous locations in Malta, including major hotels and resorts. The ferry is included when necessary, making the entire day largely hassle-free. The boat cruise is weather-dependent but considered a highlight by many, especially for its scenic views and the chance to see Comino’s famous sea caves.

Cost and Value

At a glance, this tour offers a lot: multiple scenic stops, historical sites, a buffet lunch, a boat cruise, and transfer logistics—all packed into an 8-hour experience. Compared to booking separate activities or transportation, this package provides convenience and a rundown of Gozo on a budget-friendly basis.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

If you’re eager to cover a wide range of highlights without the stress of planning each detail, this tour is a strong choice. It’s especially suited for active travelers who don’t mind driving a buggy and want a mix of history, nature, and coastal scenery. Families, couples, or solo explorers looking for a well-organized, authentic experience will find plenty to love here.

This buggy tour offers a fantastic way to experience Gozo’s diversity in a single day. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, outdoor activity, and cultural discovery. The knowledgeable guides and well-planned stops ensure you get both informative and scenic moments, making it a great value for the price.

While the engine noise might be a minor inconvenience for sensitive ears, it’s a small trade-off for the fun of driving through such stunning landscapes. If you’re after a relaxed, yet engaging way to see the island, this tour delivers in every sense.

Perfect for history lovers, adventure seekers, or anyone wanting to see the “must-visit” spots without the hassle of self-driving or piecing together a day’s itinerary. Just bring your camera, some sunscreen, and an appetite for local flavors.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from numerous Malta locations, as well as ferry tickets when needed and a boat cruise, making logistics simple.

How long is the buggy experience?
You will be driving or riding in the buggy for most of the day, with stops that range from 15 to 45 minutes. The total active driving time is designed to be manageable and enjoyable.

What should I bring?
Comfortable outdoor clothes, sunscreen, a camera, water, and a swimsuit if you plan to swim at Xwejni Bay.

Are the buggies electric?
No, they are not electric. Expect some engine noise and warmth during the drive.

What’s included in the lunch?
A buffet of cold cuts, pasta, salads, local wine, and mineral water—simple but tasty and well-organized.

Can I visit the Ggantija Temples?
Yes, the entrance fee is not included, but the guided tour at the temples is part of the experience, offering insights into their age and significance.

Is the boat trip weather-dependent?
Yes, the boat cruise passing by Comino’s sea caves and Blue Lagoon depends on weather conditions but is generally considered a highlight.

This full-day Gozo adventure balances scenic beauty, history, and fun that will appeal to many types of travelers. It’s a fantastic way to make the most of a visit to Malta’s sister island without missing out on its most iconic sights.

You can check availability for your dates here: