Gozo Jeep Tour from Malta: Temples, Citadel & Local Lunch

Summary

Gozo’s ancient temples, salt pans and sea caves by jeep with lunch

You’ll journey by Jeep across Gozo with a local guide, seeing ancient temples like Ġgantija (entry extra), tasting fresh salt by Xwejni Pans, sharing lunch with local wine, and feeling sea spray as you return by boat past Comino’s caves. Expect real stories and warm moments you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed after we rolled off the ferry at Mġarr Harbour was the way the light hit those limestone cliffs — almost gold, but not quite. Our driver, Mario, waved us over to his Jeep with a grin and a “Bonġu!” that made me feel like we were about to visit his favorite cousin rather than just tour Gozo. The air smelled faintly salty and sweet, and I kept hearing church bells somewhere in the distance. It’s strange how quickly you forget you’re only a short hop from Malta.

We bounced along narrow roads past villages where old men sat outside cafés playing cards (one of them winked at us — not sure why). At Qala Belvedere, Mario pointed out Comino Island across the water; he told us about storms so rough that people once listened to mass shouted from shore. I tried saying “Il-Madonna Tal-Blat” and he laughed — apparently my Maltese is hopeless. Later at Daħlet Qorrot, fishermen were patching up their boats in little caves under the cliffs, chatting in low voices. The sea there was this impossible blue-green. We stopped for lunch somewhere near Xagħra — rabbit stew, local bread, wine that tasted like sunshine if that makes sense.

I didn’t expect to be so moved by Ġgantija Temples. You can wander around on your own if you pay the entrance (not included), and standing next to those stone blocks made me feel tiny — like someone else’s history was pressing right up against mine for a minute. There’s something heavy in the air there, or maybe it was just the heat. The Citadel in Victoria felt lighter somehow — families walking under arches, kids running ahead while their parents called after them in Maltese.

On our way back we passed salt pans shimmering in the late afternoon sun; one of the farmers let us taste a pinch straight from his hand (I still think about that). The boat ride home skirted Comino’s sea caves — spray on my face, everyone quiet for a second as we drifted past Blue Lagoon. I’m not sure if it was the wind or just being tired-happy but I wanted that day to last longer than it did.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day Gozo Jeep tour with sights

• Arrive at Mġarr Harbour
• Board Jeep with experienced driver
• Visit Parish Church of Our Lady of Loreto
• See views from Qala Belvedere and Il-Madonna Tal-Blat
• Pass by Daħlet Qorrot inlet
• Visit Calypso’s Cave at Ramla Bay
• Pass by Ramla Bay beach
• Pass by Ta’ Kola Windmill
• Visit Ġgantija Temples (optional visit)
• Pass by Rotunda of Xewkija church
• Visit The Citadel in Victoria
• Pass by 16th century public washhouses
• Pass by Xlendi coastal town
• Visit Dwejra Bay and Inland Sea
• Visit Basilica of Ta’ Pinu
• Pass by Ta' Ġordan Lighthouse
• Visit Xwejni Salt Pans
• Visit Wied il-Mielaħ Window natural arch
• Pass by Marsalforn Bay

Top questions

How long does the Gozo Jeep tour take?

The full day trip typically lasts around 8-9 hours including transfers from Malta.

Is hotel pickup included for this Gozo day trip?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from selected hotels or meeting points in Malta.

Do I need to buy tickets for Ġgantija Temples separately?

Yes, entry to Ġgantija Temples is not included; you’ll have free time to visit if you wish.

Is lunch provided on the Gozo Jeep tour?

Yes, lunch with local wine and mineral water is included during your day trip.

Are guides multilingual on this tour?

Yes, drivers provide commentary in English while multilingual storytellers are available at each stop.

Can I swim during this Gozo Jeep tour?

A swim stop at Comino Island is included during summer/shoulder season if weather allows—bring swimwear just in case.

Does this tour include a boat ride back to Malta?

Yes, return transfer is usually by boat passing Comino’s Blue Lagoon and sea caves (weather permitting).

Are infants or children allowed on this trip?

Infants can join using a pram or stroller; suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What should I bring for the Gozo Jeep tour?

Sunscreen, comfortable shoes, camera, swimwear (in summer), hat and some cash for optional extras like temple entry or Dwejra Bay boat ride.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Malta or meeting points, roundtrip ferry tickets when needed, an experienced driver-guide per Jeep with multilingual explanations at each stop, lunch with local wine and water, plus a boat transfer back via Comino’s Blue Lagoon if weather allows—just note temple entry fees and certain boat rides aren’t covered but you’ll have time for them if you want.