If you think you have to rent a car to enjoy a holiday on Gozo, think again! There are plenty of ways to explore Gozo without having to get behind the wheel.
Walking and cycling on Gozo is a safe and enjoyable way to really see the island. And there are public and tourist buses as well as some more unusual options such as Tuk-Tuks and Segways. There are also affordable taxi services from Bolt and Uber.
And for those travellers who are either retired or not constrained by school terms, being able to holiday on Gozo in the off-peak season brings many benefits. First, you avoid the sizzling heat and crowds of summer. Second, Gozo’s attractions and restaurants are open all year round and we have a lively annual calendar of cultural events so there’s always something to see or do.
Another tempting benefit of booking an off-peak holiday on Gozo is the Maltese Government’s extended stay scheme for winter 23/24. Guests can take advantage of booking holidays on Gozo of 10 days or more and receive 30% off the cost of accommodation.
In this blog, we list a few ways to help you make the most of a no-car, off-peak stay on Gozo.
Direct transfer from the airport to your Baron Holiday Home
To get to Gozo you first need to fly to Malta International Airport and then get the ferry across to Gozo. Full information can be found on our Getting To Gozo webpage.
If you don’t want to hire a car or take the bus to the ferry terminal then why not get your Gozo holiday off to a hassle-free start with our airport transfer service? You can easily get a quote for this via our website.
You will be greeted at the arrivals lounge at Malta Airport by one of our friendly drivers who will then take you and your luggage onto the ferry. Then, on arrival at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo, you will be driven to your Baron Holiday Home.
Hillock Apartments Gozo in Marsalforn
Hillock apartments, Gozo by Baron Holiday Homes
Our Hillock Apartments complex is located close to the popular seaside town of Marsalforn and makes a great base for a drive-free Gozo holiday. This purpose-built complex comprises eight blocks of well-equipped 2-3 bedroom apartments which are heated in the winter months.
In all, Baron Holiday Homes offers 37 apartments to rent at Hillock. Those on the ground floor have rear courtyards, while to mid-level apartments have balconies and our penthouses have great views of the surrounding countryside sea in the distance.
All guests at Hillock Apartments have access to a communal pool and can take advantage of the in-house extra services which we provide – ranging from a private chef to yoga classes. We are also happy to book a variety of things to do in Gozo with our many trusted local partners – from cooking classes and wine tasting to relaxing massage treatments.
And, you can simply walk into Marsalforn to eat at one of the many bars, cafes and restaurants or simply enjoy a stroll along the harbour promenade and take a look at the fishing boats.
Things to do in and around Marsalforn
Marsalforn, Gozo, at night. Photo Baron Holiday Homes
In the summer months Marsalforn’s beach of sand and pebbles is hugely popular with visitors. The sheltered bay offers safe swimming and snorkelling and lots of opportunities for boating and other water sports. In the off-season, it’s a great place to catch some sea air and enjoy the view with a coffee or glass of wine at a seafront cafe.
Walks and cycle paths
Exploring Gozo’s coast by foot. Photo: Baron Holiday Homes
Walking and cycling are some of the best ways to explore Gozo’s amazing coastline, countryside and culture. Baron Holiday Homes can organise guided hikes with a trusted partner if required.
If you prefer to head off under your own steam, then from Marsalforn you can follow a scenic coastal path to neighbouring Ramla Bay and enjoy the view from Tal-Mixta Cave. And there are plenty of other walking routes to try as Gozo has a 55km Coastal Walk which circumnavigates the island.
We described walk 3 of the Coastal Walk – from San Lawrenz to Marsalforn – in a previous blog post here. The walk takes in Gozo’s wild northern coast, the ancient salt pans at Xwenji, and the lovely Weid il-Ghasri gorge.
Alternatively, cycling enthusiasts can hire mountain bikes and enjoy some of Gozo’s wilder tracks. One of Baron Holiday Homes’ managers – a keen mountain-biker – describes three here. We can even help you hire bikes and e-bikes and get them delivered to your Baron Holiday Home.
From Buses to Tuk-Tuks
A TukTuk – a fun way to tour Gozo
Gozo has a decent bus service with all 15 routes passing though Gozo’s capital Victoria. The 310 bus takes you to and from Marsalforn. In winter the service is reduced slightly but you can check timetables. You can buy tickets with cash or card from the driver but you can also purchase Tallinja cards if you know you’ll be using the bus system for a few days.
Alternatively you can consider spending a day touring Gozo via the Hop on-Hop off tourist bus. This service takes in 14 different locations around Gozo including Marsalforn and runs all year (except Christmas Day).
But you can also opt for a more unusual and fun way to tour Gozo by Segway, Tuk-Tuk or on horseback. Talk to our representatives to find out more.
Day trip to car-free Comino
The Blue Lagoon in Comino. Photo: Baron Holiday Homes
For a change of scene – why not consider a day trip to our little sister island of Comino – home of the famous Blue Lagoon? This tiny island is situated between Malta and Gozo and can only be reached by boat or ferry.
To get there, you can either get a bus to Mġarr harbour, or book an Uber or Bolt. Then simply catch one of the regular ferry trips over to Comino. In winter a slightly reduced service operates but you can visit the website and check/book your trip.
Alternatively, you could consider a private boat hire to get over to Comino. No cars are allowed on Comino so it is a peaceful place especially in winter when the weather is perfect for a gentle walk around the island to take in the Blue Lagoon and the stunning views of Gozo and Malta.
Celebrate Christmas & Carnival Gozo style
Carnival in Gozo. Photo: VisitGozo.com
We’ve talked before about why Christmas in Gozo is so special – and this year the festivities begin on Saturday 25 November and end on Sunday 7 January 2024. Throughout that period if you’re lucky enough to be having a holiday on Gozo you’ll have an amazing experience. From carol concerts to Christmas markets and nativity scenes in every home and shop window. For full details on the events planned for this Christmas on Gozo see the online booklet here.
And before the Easter festivities kick in, Gozo comes alive in February every year when it’s Carnival time. You can get an idea of what to expect in our blog post here. This is another great time to visit our island.
For 2024, the Gozo Carnival will be held in daylight hours between Friday 9 February and Shrove Tuesday, 13 February. Gozo’s Victoria bursts with colour, music, imaginative floats, costumes, food and marching bands. There are also traditional races and games. And after dark, in the village of Nadur, don’t forget to experience the world-renowned Nadur Spontaneous Carnival, where people hide behind satirical disguises.
So – why not escape the worst of winter with an extended no-drive stay with us on Gozo?
The Baron Experience
Baron Holiday Homes offers more than 90 fabulous rental properties on Gozo to choose from, including apartments, villas and farmhouses, many with private pools. We’ve made our booking process really easy and we have a flexible booking policy with a low booking deposit – you only pay the balance 15 days before arrival.
What’s more, our guests can book with confidence as we offer a grace period. Our money-back guarantee means that if you have up to 24 hours to cancel a booking (at least two days prior to the arrival date) and will get a full refund with no extra fees.
We have been operating high quality holiday homes in Gozo for nearly 30 years. And we offer a great range of extra services and activities to make your holiday even more special. Our staff are all local and are happy to share their recommendations.
Posted in activity, Baron Experience, Carnival, Christmas, Cycling, Fun, Getting to Gozo, In-house services, Properties, Relaxation, Segway, Things to do, Walk, What to see in Gozo, Winter
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