Gozo Full Day visiting Ggantija Temples, Salt Pans, Dwejra

An Honest Look at the Gozo Full Day Tour: Temples, Salt Pans, and More

Taking a day trip to Gozo from Malta sounds like a wonderful way to see a different side of the Maltese archipelago. This particular tour, priced at around $83 per person, promises a full schedule filled with visits to UNESCO-listed Ggantija Temples, scenic train rides along the coast, and a delicious dinner in Rabat. While it’s packed with sights and activity, opinions are mixed on whether it truly hits the mark for value and experience.

What we genuinely like about this tour is how it combines various highlights—especially the Ggantija Temples, which are over 5,500 years old, making them older than the Egyptian pyramids. The inclusion of a train ride on the Salt Pans and the chance to explore Victoria and Rabat provide a taste of Gozo’s diverse appeal. Plus, with hotel pickup and round-trip ferries, it’s a convenient all-in-one package.

However, some travelers find the day overly long and certain stops a little underwhelming, especially given the long hours involved. The tour’s structure and organization seem to sometimes fall short, with reviews mentioning delays and less-than-ideal meal options. This tour might suit those who enjoy a full schedule and don’t mind the possibility of a hectic day. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or specific sights, this might not be ideal.

Key Points

• Value for money: The tour includes transportation, ferry, guide, and dinner, making it a decent package for a full day.
• Early start, long day: Be prepared for an 8-hour itinerary, which can feel a bit exhaustive, especially with lengthy stops at less engaging spots.
• Rich history and scenery: The Ggantija Temples provide a fascinating glimpse into ancient civilization, definitely a highlight.
• Mixed organization: Some reviews note late pickups and delays, which can affect your overall experience.
• Authentic experiences: The salt pans and coastal views add a scenic touch, though some found the train ride quick and not very stopping-friendly.
• Guide quality varies: Some travelers praise their guides’ knowledge and enthusiasm, while others found the commentary hard to understand or felt the day could be more focused.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting the Day: Hotel Pickup and Ferry Crossing

The tour kicks off early with hotel pickup—a convenience for most, although some reviews mention difficulty in getting picked up near certain Valletta hotels. The group then transfers to the ferry port for a 30-minute cruise across the Mediterranean. This crossing is smooth, offering glimpses of Malta’s coast and the surrounding waters, setting a relaxed tone for the day.

Visiting Ggantija Temples: A Treasured UNESCO Site

The Ggantija Temples are undeniably the star attraction. As we learned from the guide, these megalithic structures are the second-oldest religious temples in the world. They were built during the Neolithic period, over 5,550 years ago, which makes them older than the Pyramids or Stonehenge.

Visitors will appreciate the chance to walk around these impressive stone circles, marveling at how ancient peoples managed such precise construction without modern tools. One reviewer noted, “The temples were interesting enough, and it was a highlight of the trip,” reinforcing their significance. The included admission ticket means you can explore without extra hassle, but note that some travelers found the site somewhat underwhelming if expecting a museum or detailed exhibits—most of the attraction is the standing stones and the story behind them.

Scenic Coastal Ride and Salt Pans

From Ggantija, the tour moves to Marsalforn Bay, where you’ll jump aboard a trackless train for a 45-minute coastal ride. This part gets mixed reviews: many appreciated the magnificent views of Marsalforn Bay, Qbajjar Bay, and Xwejni Bay, but some found the experience rushed. The train ride is quick, and some reviewers felt it lacked stops for photos or longer exploration.

One of the more scenic spots is the Salt Pans, which, despite their beauty, are subject to weather conditions. The train ride doesn’t stop for photos, so be ready to enjoy the views from the window. Reviewers mention that the salt flats are a “quick glimpse,” but if you love coastal scenery and salt works, it’s a worthwhile, authentic stop.

Exploring Victoria and the Cittadella

Next, the tour heads to Victoria, the capital city of Gozo. There’s a short guided walk through the Cittadella, where you’ll see the fortifications and enjoy sweeping views of the island. The Gozo Cathedral and the narrow streets offer a taste of local life, with plenty of opportunity for independent exploring or shopping.

One traveler described this part as “a chance to soak in local charm,” but others found the one-hour exploration rushed, especially if they wanted to linger in the shops or visit specific sites like the Citadel further.

Lunch in Rabat and Final Stops

The day concludes with a buffet dinner in Rabat, providing a hearty, local meal. Several reviews praise the quality of the meal, calling it the best on the island or “tasty and plentiful.” This sit-down meal helps break up the long day, although some found the timing frustrating, with lunch scheduled late at 4 pm—especially considering the full itinerary and the inevitable fatigue setting in.

After dinner, the group makes their way back to the ferry port, with some mentioning delays or logistical hiccups at the end of the day. A few reviewers noted that ferry logistics could have been better coordinated, with some groups left waiting longer than necessary.

The Practical Side: What You Need to Know

Transportation and Logistics

The tour offers hotel pickup, which is a convenience, but some reviews mention difficulty in getting picked up from certain Valletta hotels. The round-trip ferry is included, and the crossing is smooth, but the coach used on Gozo has received mixed comments. Some found it comfortable, while others noted the coach was old and lacked space, with one reviewer describing the seat as “rocking,” making the ride a bit less comfortable.

Duration and Pacing

The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, starting at 9:30 am. It’s a long day, and while the itinerary covers many highlights, some travelers felt it was too lengthy with too many stops that felt like filler rather than meaningful experiences. The long wait times at shops (sometimes up to 45 minutes) and the late lunch at 4 pm contribute to a feeling that the day could be more streamlined.

Cost and Value

At $82.69, including transportation, guides, ferry, and dinner, this tour represents good value if you’re looking for a rundown of Gozo. However, some reviews suggest that the overly long schedule and some disappointing stops might make it less cost-effective if you prefer quality over quantity.

Guides and Organization

Guide quality varies. Some reviewers praised guides like Rita and Rachel for their knowledge and enthusiasm, while others felt the commentary was difficult to understand or that the day was chaotic, with delays and organizational issues. The tour length, combined with timing issues, could impact your overall enjoyment.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is best suited for those eager to see many highlights in one day and comfortable with a fast-paced schedule. If you enjoy learning about ancient sites like the Ggantija Temples and appreciate scenic coastal views, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. It’s also a good pick if you prefer inclusive packages that handle all logistics, freeing you from planning.

However, if you value a relaxed pace, or want to explore Victoria or the temples more extensively, you might find this tour rushed and potentially disappointing. The long hours and some organizational hiccups could be a deterrent for travelers who prefer more flexibility.

Final Thoughts

This Gozo full-day tour offers a solid introduction to the island’s most prominent sights, blending history, scenery, and some local flavor. For those who don’t mind a busy day and appreciate value-packed deals, the inclusion of ferry rides, guide services, and dinner makes it a convenient choice.

That said, organization and pacing seem to be the main sticking points. If you’re okay with some chaos and want to see the highlights without fuss, this could be a good option. But if you’re seeking a more in-depth or leisurely experience, consider tailoring your plans or exploring other options, perhaps with more flexible timings.

In summary, this tour best suits adventurous travelers willing to tolerate some logistical quirks for the chance to tick off major Gozo sights in one day. It’s a practical, budget-friendly way to get a taste of Malta’s nearby island, but manage your expectations around pacing and organization.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your hotel or the nearest point, but availability can vary depending on your location.

How long is the ferry ride?
The ferry crossing from Malta to Gozo takes about 30 minutes each way.

What are the main highlights of the tour?
The Ggantija Temples, Salt Pans, coastal train ride, and time in Victoria are the key attractions.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is at a buffet dinner in Rabat, which many reviewers found tasty, but the timing can be late, around 4 pm.

Are the sites crowded?
It depends on the day, but the long itinerary means some stops can feel rushed or crowded, especially during peak times.

What kind of transportation is used on Gozo?
A coach is used, which some find comfortable, but others mention it’s quite old and cramped.

How long does the entire tour last?
Approximately 7 to 8 hours, starting at 9:30 am and ending in the evening.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?
It’s suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness, but the long day and some walking may be tiring for very young children or seniors.

Can I customize or shorten the tour?
This tour is fixed in schedule, so customization isn’t available. It’s best for those comfortable with a structured day.

What is the overall rating?
It averages around 3.0 out of 5, with some travelers loving the sights and guides, and others citing organization issues and long waits as drawbacks.

Final note

If you’re excited to see Gozo’s iconic temples, scenic salt pans, and historic sites in one day, and don’t mind a busy schedule, this tour offers good value and convenience. Just keep your expectations in check regarding pacing and organization, and you’ll likely enjoy a full, memorable day exploring this charming Maltese island.