Gozo Coastal Walk #1 from Mediterranea Seaviews

Coastal walks from Mediterranea Seaviews Gozo Holiday Home

 

One of the most popular Gozo coastal walks with our guests at Mediterranea Seaviews boutique self-catering accommodation is certainly to Hondoq bay via Mgarr fishing hamlet.  Pictures were mostly taken on January 11, 2018.

As soon as you leave the Mgarr Marina and the breakwater, you’ll find Zewwieqa bay, a perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling.

The coastal walk actually starts from here.

There is a coastal path from Zewwieqa bay in the fields and on the rock area side between Mgarr and Hondoq bay. The coastal walk itself should not take more than one hour, of course depending if you do not stop very often to take pictures! 🙂

Coastal walks Malta Gozo

Looking back… lovely panorama half way from the harbour towards Hondoq bay.

Coastal walks from Mediterranea Seaviews Gozo Holiday Home

The coastal area is covered in very small shrubs, typically Mediterranean.  Being so exposed to the natural elements, plants and shrubs tend to grow very short, but certainly are very well rooted in the natural rock formations.

Walking holidays on Gozo

Would we get lost? No, definitely. It is an easy to medium level walk and the Gozo coastal trail is clear most of the way towards Hondoq beach. Very important to use the appropriate walking shoes, take enough water to drink and take care especially where the path is very close to the cliff edge.

Walking holidays Malta Gozo

Great view of the little rock formation jutting out from the rest of mainland Gozo.  One of our favourite spots for snorkeling!

Gozo walks Mgarr

Rock erosion due to natural elements. This is actually the erosion of the globigerina limestone, the sand stone quarried here and used in Malta and Gozo for building practically all dwelling structures, churches, palaces, schools, etc.

Gozo walks rock formation

Another close up of the little rock formation and the rich flora diversity in this beautiful natural park on Gozo.

Walking holidays on gozo from Mediterranea Seaviews

While doing this coastal walk, you’ll also find some farm land especially to your left side.  Please kindly respect all farming signs.

Gozo walks Malta

A typical picture of Gozo right now – Gozo in winter time.  Fields covered in yellow Cape Sorrel flowers locally known as l-Ingliza.  This non-native plant was introduced about 500 years ago and gradually became part of the Maltese natural environment.

Gozo walks

During our walk, we met some lovely curious pigeons who kept following us for a while… and this is their selfie! 🙂

Gozo walks birds

Getting closer to Hondoq bay, the environmental habitat changes even more. Less shrubs, less greenery and more wilderness with hard rock formations.

Coastal walks Gozo Malta wilderness

The wilderness area is covered with a number of very low growing shrubs, some of which flower in winter and spring time. The one below is the Mediterranean Heath, locally called the Erika.

Coastal walks Gozo Malta flowers

Certainly, you cannot miss the aromatic wild Mediterranean Thyme.  It grows only around the cliffs and this wilderness area near the coast on Gozo. It normally flowers in June.

Coastal walks Gozo Malta flora

Just about 300 metres from Hondoq bay, you’ll see Ta’ Bamberin cave, a little lovely secluded inlet beach.

Coastal walks Gozo Malta caves

and finally you arrive at one of the most beautiful and popular beaches on Gozo – Hondoq Bay!

Coastal walk Mgarr Hondoq bay

Amazing crystal clear waters at Hondoq Bay.  In fact this beach is rated as Excellent in terms of Quality of Water for public interest.

Hondoq bay Gozo

Enjoy your walking holidays on Gozo!

 

 

 

Top 10 Reasons I live on Gozo

Gozo holidays

 

1. My Family

Certainly my family is definitely my top reason why I live on the island of Gozo.  I was born here, grew up here, went to university and enjoy the brilliant healthy lifestyle and the slower pace of life on Gozo.  Looking back… so many wonderful memories of friendly people, places and performances on Gozo.  Nostalgia!

Dwejra bay Azure window
Unforgettable moments since teenage time swimming at the Azure Window site on Gozo!

 

2. The Climate

The weather is truly lovely.  The Maltese Islands are perfectly located in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, between Europe and Africa.  The weather in Malta and Gozo rarely gets very cold in winter and very warm in summer.  In winter, day temperature varies between 14 to 20 degrees Celsius and maybe goes down at night about 8 or 9 degrees Celsius a couple of times only.  In summer, temperatures range between 30 to 36 degrees Celsius.  But again, being in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, the gentle sea breeze does cool down the heat during the day and night.  Fantastic!

Does it rain a lot?

I actually enjoy it because it does not rain a lot!  I hardly remember when I really got wet!  The nice thing about it is that we can plan ahead to do any outdoor activity with family or friends such as a BBQ by the sea or go kayaking in winter.  Here you can definitely plan ahead.

Gozo holidays Malta
Family holidays on Gozo on December 13th, 2014.

 

3. The Sea

This is one of my soft spots.  I swim on a daily basis.  I call it my vitamin C (Sea)!  Have my favourite beach spots and hidden gems where I kayak.  Crystal clear waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking and any other water sports.  Absolutely gorgeous beaches – rocky, sandy, dotted with small white, brown and yellow pebbles, secluded or not – the choice is yours.  What else can you ask for?

Gozo beaches
One of our favourite places by the sea to unwind on Gozo.

 

4. The Views

The more I live on Gozo, the more I discover the hidden beauty spots of the island.  Whether while I am coastal walking around the valleys or the South high cliffs or else sea kayaking around caves and inlets, the views remain spectacular.  Two of my favourites are definitely the sunrise views on the Gozo channel and sunset on Xlendi and Dwejra bay.  Just magical!

sunset over mgarr harbour
Time to return home… sunset view over Mgarr and the Gozo channel

 

5. Simple and Relaxed Lifestyle

Informal and relaxed way of life is an essential part of Gozo – part of its natural identity.  Summer is my favourite season and practically wear summer clothes in Gozo all year round with the exception of few days or weeks in winter.  T-shirt, jeans or shorts if I am doing some outdoor activity.  Fantastic!  Besides, how peaceful and relaxing it is spending every evening and night having a family and friends chat over a BBQ by the sea in summer and early autumn time.

Tranquil Gozo life
Gozo has its own slow pace of life… perfect for a healthy, relaxing lifestyle.

 

6. Food

Daily baked crispy bread and pastries from log ovens just round the corner, fresh Mediterranean fruits, vegetables and wild herbs just picked in the morning from the nearby valley terraced fields, daily fresh local milk products, quality red meat and certified poultry and certainly the unique fresh catch of the day – absolutely recommended!

Gozo sea food
Gently frying the local tender squids and grilling the red snapper at home.

 

7. The Perfect size island!

One thing I really like and do miss when I travel abroad are the short distances on Gozo.  Wherever you are, it is just 5 to 10 minutes drive or 20 minutes walk to the nearest beach. Very few traffic lights, hardly any traffic jams except of course when the ferry arrives or in the main streets of capital Victoria only at certain hours of the day.  If you are visiting Gozo, you will see a lot!

 

8. History, Art and Culture

Though a very small island, Gozo is surprisingly very rich in history and prehistory heritage. The world famous Ggantija Temples built over 5600 years ago are found here. That’s not all. If you like art in all its forms, old and contemporary in various mediums and shapes, you’ll find it certainly here.  Festivals, historical re-enactments, exhibitions, concerts, musicals, operas, ballet performance and numerous sports events fill the Gozo’s cultural diary of events inside out. In a nutshell, there is always something going on here…

Megalithic temples of Malta Gozo Ggantija temples
Did you know that the Gozo temples were built eight centuries before the pyramids in Egypt?

 

9. Cost of Living

Generally speaking, compared to other places around Europe, it is cheaper.  Everything you get in other places, you get them here basically at a better price.

Gozo seafood restaurants
On Gozo, the ratio of quality / price is excellent. Great value for money.

 

10. Local Hospitality

Luckily enough, Maltese people still have a strong sense of community.  This is most evident during the annual feast celebrations across Spring and Summer time. The majority of families still embrace the values of commitment, dedication and solidarity.  In fact, if there is one common element in all the guests’ reviews at our Gozo boutique self-catering accommodation  certainly is how friendly the local people had been.  So, if you’re visiting Gozo, do not hesitate to ask. You have the added advantage that all locals speak English, but they’ll even go the extra mile to help you.

Gozo bakery Ghajnsielem
Very helpful people whether you’re on holiday or living for good on Gozo.

 

Shop from your doorstep!

Gozo fruit and vegetables hawker at Mediterranea Seaviews Gozo holiday home

Gozo fruit and vegetables hawker at Mediterranea Seaviews Gozo holiday home

Real travel is meeting real local people, enjoy local food and certainly live like locals do. One of these moments will definitely be when you shop from your doorstep and eat like locals do!

Gozo fruit and vegetables hawker at Mediterranea Seaviews Gozo holiday home

On the island of Gozo, fresh daily fruits, vegetables, bread, pastries and local groceries on delivered each day just right to your doorstep!

Gozo fruit and vegetables hawker at Mediterranea Seaviews Gozo holiday home

At Mediterranea Seaviews Gozo Holiday Home, daily fresh fruits and vegetables and local groceries are available every day Monday to Saturday between 11.30am and 12.00 (Frank’s white van – pictured below this morning) and Toni’s green van between 13.30 and 14.00hrs.

Gozo fruit and vegetables hawker at Mediterranea Seaviews Gozo holiday home
You’ll hear the beep beep!! sound for sure and that means the mobile fruit and vegetables and groceries store is just in front of you door!

Gozo fruit and vegetables hawker at Mediterranea Seaviews Gozo holiday home
For all our guests at Gozo Holiday Home, if you’re not at home, please leave a note and either Frank or Toni will leave you in a bag inside the porch (away from the sun 🙂 with you requested fruit and veg. list.

Gozo fruit and vegetables hawker at Mediterranea Seaviews Gozo holiday home
Travel local. Eat local. Stay healthy.

Gozo fruit and vegetables hawker at Mediterranea Seaviews Gozo holiday home

Gozo walks from HolidaysOnGozo.com

Walks in Gozo, Malta

Gozo is the perfect island for some amazing coastal and country walks. Today we are uploading some pictures we’ve taken this afternoon during one of the walks from HolidaysOnGozo.com accommodation at Mediterranea Seaviews Gozo Holiday Home in the village-by-the-sea of Ghajnsielem, Gozo.

Just few days before the official beginning of Spring, Gozo is a verdant carpet full of flowers wherever you look.  Tranquil and off the beaten track walks are the perfect outdoor activity for any age group visiting the island of Gozo.  Perfect Gozo weather at around 19 degrees Celsius makes the island the best option for incredibly relaxing Gozo walking holidays.

Gozo walks pdf

Gozo country walks

Walks in Gozo

Best walks in Gozo

Gozo walking holidays

Country walks in Gozo

Walks in Gozo

Walks in Gozo, Malta

Gozo walking map

Ramla Bay Gozo