Gozo Coastal Walk

The following thoughts have been supplied by Emmet Mcmahon. THANK YOU, O PUBLIC SPIRITED ONE!

A recent initiative by the Ministry of Gozo has led to the identification of a walking route known as the Gozo Coastal Walk. This 55 km walk takes you around the entire island by a route that is as near to the coast as is practical. It is not a uniform path but a combination of earthen and limestone paths, town pavements and minor country roads and includes some short sections without a well defined path. It is hoped that the route will be further developed over the next few years with signage, information panels and improvements in path quality in certain area.

This wonderful coastal walk is geared towards those who subscribe to the view that the journey is the objective, not the destination, and it is recommended that it be undertaken in a relaxed manner. Gozitans and Maltese may decide to do the walk in short sections, spread over weeks or months. Foreign visitors will be attracted to undertaking the entire walk during a single visit to Gozo. The decision on what sections to undertake and over how many days will vary with personal circumstances.

You may start on this circular route at any point you like but it is suggested you begin and end at the ferry port of Mġarr as this suits arrival and departure from Gozo and has excellent bus connections to Rabat (Victoria), the capital of Gozo. From Rabat you may get a bus (every hour) to all the towns and main points of touristic interest on Gozo. The route goes as near to the coast as is practical and safe but must of necessity avoid coastal promontories, quarries or land in private ownership. Some parts of the route take you along cliffs, though (with just minor exceptions) rarely close to the cliff edge. At times you may have to use your own judgement about minor route details or suitable short cuts. You can always ask the locals for help: they are friendly and English is very widely spoken as a second language.

As there is so much to see, examine and enjoy along the 55 kilometre route it is recommended to visitors that the walk be spread over a minimum of five days, with some days in between for relaxation. For that reason the coastal walk is divided into the following five sections, each of which can be completed in a day. Importantly, the starting and end point of each section is accessible by public transport.

Mġarr to Xlendi

Xlendi to San Lawrenz

San Lawrenz to Marsalforn

Marsalforn to Nadur

Nadur to Mġarr

The individual walks take longer than their lengths (9-13 km) would suggest as the path can be slow and challenging in places, and because there is so much to see and admire. Each walk (with short breaks) will take between four and six hours but you should really allow a whole day for each section so as to get most pleasure from the experience.

The paths are generally along fairly level ground. While the highest point in Gozo is 195 m, the highest point on this walk is at the cliffs near Sannat, at around 130 m. There are a number of inclines where you rise up from sea level to a plateau or cliff top and although the height difference may seem modest, it may prove a little challenging for some. The main difficulty arises from rambling across rough terrain without paved paths or even no path, a situation you will encounter at a number of locations. Overall, this is a wonderful walk. The Coastal Trail is described in detail in a guidebook available (in electronic or paper format) on the website www.greatwalksmalta.com.

When best to go walking

The small island of Gozo enjoys a Mediterranean climate but this does not mean that every day, all year round, will be good for walking.

The summer months from July to mid-September are normally very hot, sometimes over 40 ⁰C. Most summer days are far too hot for a long walk. Short walks can be undertaken in the early morning or late evening. Sunburn and dehydration are common so do always carry water, and wear a hat and strong sunscreen.

The months of January and February are cool and sometimes rainy and windy. While you can walk in such weather it may not be so pleasant. Always bring a jacket with you and it is wiser to wear long trousers and good walking shoes when rain is around. Some portions of the route are on exposed soil that may become sticky and slippery. In bad weather it is preferable to walk along paved paths and, best of all, to visit the Citadel of Victoria with its wonderful castle and many museums.

The best months for walking are in spring (March to June) and autumn (mid-September to December). You may be unlucky and get some bad weather (too rainy or too hot) but in general you can expect many pleasant days for happy rambling.

Have a look at the dreaded TripAdvisor. You may get good, current views on this walk and Gozo.

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