Malta: Gozo Full Day Buggy Tour with lunch and Boat Trip

Planning a trip to Malta and wondering what to do beyond the usual? This full-day buggy tour of Gozo is a fantastic way to see the island’s highlights in a single, adventure-filled day. It combines scenic drives, cultural stops, and natural wonders, all wrapped up in a fun and flexible package. From panoramic lookout points to ancient temples, you’ll get a taste of what makes Gozo unique—all while cruising around in a trusty buggy.

What we really love about this experience is how it balances adventure and comfort. The buggies are a great way to explore areas that larger buses can’t access, and the guides keep things informative without overloading you with facts. Plus, the included lunch at Mariblu Guest House and the chance to add a boat trip at Dwejra make for a well-rounded day.

Of course, some travelers might find the bumpy roads or the midday heat a challenge, especially if you prefer a more relaxed style of touring. This tour best suits those who enjoy a bit of outdoor activity, scenic views, and an authentic glimpse into Gozitan life. If you’re after a lively, engaging, and memorable way to explore Malta’s sister island, this could be just what you’re looking for.

Key Points

• Balanced mix of adventure and sightseeing: Explore Gozo in a fun way that combines scenic drives, cultural stops, and natural attractions.
• In-depth itinerary: Stops at iconic sites like Ggantija Temples, Calypso Cave, and the Citadel offer meaningful insights into Gozo’s heritage.
• Great value for the price: At around $98, you get a full day of experiences, including a delicious lunch and optional boat trip, with many opportunities for stunning photo moments.
• Knowledgeable guides: Reviewers note guides like George and Marco as attentive, energetic, and well-informed—making the trip more engaging.
• Authentic local feel: Passing through villages like Nadur and Xwejni Salt Pans provides a glimpse into everyday Gozitan life.
• Flexible and convenient: Pickup options and mobile tickets make planning easier, and free wine and water during lunch add a nice touch.

In-Depth Review of the Gozo Buggy Tour

Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure kicks off early at 8:00 am from Valletta, with pickup options available—an appreciated feature that saves you the hassle of finding your way. The tour lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours, giving plenty of time to see highlights without feeling rushed. The group size is capped at 60 travelers, but from reviews, it seems most tours operate with a friendly, manageable number, ensuring everyone gets attention.

The transportation is in an air-conditioned vehicle, making the long driving segments comfortable. The tour includes a mobile ticket, so no worries about paper slips or last-minute delays.

The Buggies

The main attraction is, of course, the buggy experience. These open-air vehicles allow you to zip around the island, with stops for photos and sightseeing. Reviewers like Dessislava_K praised how well the tour was organized and appreciated the attentiveness of the guides, which adds to the enjoyment, especially when navigating the slightly bumpy roads. Marco, in particular, was highlighted for his energy and enthusiasm, helping turn what could be a bumpy ride into a fun adventure.

Scenic Lookouts and Cultural Highlights

Your first stop at Qala Belvedere offers panoramic views over the Maltese archipelago, including Comino and Malta. It’s a perfect spot for breathtaking photos—something many travelers, like hmyang31, treasured, describing the views as “incredibly beautiful.” The drive through Nadur also offers glimpses of local life, with small streets and friendly neighborhoods.

Ancient Temples and Mythical Caves

The Ggantija Temples are a must-see, being UNESCO World Heritage sites built in the prehistoric era. While the entrance fee (€10) isn’t included, the temple complex itself is impressive enough to justify the visit. Reviewers note that the guide’s commentary helps appreciate the significance of these megalithic structures.

Next, the Calypso Cave provides a quick photo stop and a chance to see the legendary site associated with Homer’s myth—plus, nearby is a charming red sandy beach, perfect for a quick snapshot.

Fortresses and Historic Towns

The Citadel in Victoria is a highlight, offering a glimpse into Gozitan history as a defensive fortress used in battles against Ottoman forces. The views from the top are spectacular, and the walk through the ancient streets provides a real sense of the island’s medieval past. It’s a free stop but packed with story and scenery.

Lunch and Local Flavour

A highlight of the tour is a relaxing one-hour stop at Mariblu Guest House for a light buffet lunch, with complimentary wine and water. The reviewers loved this part—Dessislava_K called it “well appreciated” and a good chance to refuel. It’s a simple, local-style meal that gives you a taste of Gozitan hospitality.

Natural Wonders and Coastal Beauty

Post-lunch, the tour heads to Dwejra Bay, famous for its dramatic cliffs and geological formations. Free to explore, you can enjoy the views or opt for an optional boat trip at extra cost. Many travelers like Shamusideen_A appreciated the scenery despite less-than-perfect weather, emphasizing the guide’s effort to keep everyone engaged.

The Wied il-Mielah Window offers another natural photo opportunity—this limestone arch is a lesser-known but equally stunning feature compared to the famous Azure Window.

Salt Pans and Beach Breaks

A visit to Xwejni Salt Pans provides insight into traditional salt harvesting, a practice that has been going on for centuries. It’s a quick stop but memorable for its authentic feel. Finally, a swim at Xwejni Bay is the perfect way to cool off after a day of exploration, with reviewers noting the small, relaxing beach ideal for a refreshing dip.

End of Day and Return

The tour wraps up back at Mgarr Harbour, with plenty of time to reflect on the day’s adventures. Reviewers found the entire experience well-paced and enjoyable, emphasizing the value of hitting all these key sites in one day.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

This Gozo buggy tour offers a fantastic blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. It is ideal for travelers who want a lively, engaging way to explore, with the added benefit of local insights from guides like George and Marco. The inclusion of a traditional lunch, scenic stops, and optional boat trip makes it a comprehensive package suitable for families, couples, or groups of friends.

However, it’s worth considering that the roads can be bumpy, and the open-air buggies mean you should be comfortable with some exposure to the elements, especially on hotter days. If you prefer a more relaxed, less physically active sightseeing experience, some parts of the trip might feel a bit intense.

This tour offers exceptional value for the price, delivering a memorable day packed with stunning views, cultural highlights, and fun travel moments.

FAQs

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup options are offered, making it convenient to start your day without hassle.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours, including travel time and sightseeing.

What is the cost of the tour?
The tour is priced at around $98.33 per person, which includes lunch, guide, and transportation.

Are drinks included during lunch?
Yes, complimentary wine and water are provided during the lunch at Mariblu Guest House.

Do I need to pay extra for the Ggantija Temples?
Yes, the entrance fee for the Ggantija Temples (€10) is not included in the tour price.

Can I add a boat trip?
Yes, a boat trip at Dwejra Bay is available at an additional cost, if you want to extend your experience.

What kind of vehicle will I be riding in?
You’ll be in open-air buggies, which are fun but expose you to the elements.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the bumpy roads and outdoor nature if you’re bringing younger children.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
The tour runs year-round, but check the weather forecast as it’s an outdoor activity and can be affected by rain or heat.

Are there any significant costs I should be aware of?
Apart from the optional Ggantija entrance fee and boat trip, no hidden costs are mentioned.

Final Thoughts

This full-day buggy tour of Gozo offers a lively, authentic, and visually stunning way to explore this charming island. It’s perfect for those eager to see a mix of ancient ruins, scenic coastlines, and local life—all in a single adventure-packed day. The knowledgeable guides and well-paced itinerary provide peace of mind, while the inclusion of lunch and optional extras make it a flexible and value-packed choice.

If you’re someone who loves a bit of outdoor activity combined with cultural discovery, this tour will likely hit the right notes. It’s best suited for curious explorers who don’t mind a bit of bumpy riding and heat, and who appreciate a good mix of guide-led insights and free time for spontaneous photos.

For travelers seeking an energetic, comprehensive, and authentic Gozo experience, this tour comes highly recommended.