For some time, Gozo has been on the map of the cycling community. Ever since the SIBIT Gozo cycling routes were established, the island has been a marvellous destination for the bike community. Even if you cannot stretch a whole week of holiday on the island of Gozo, a weekend squeeze of cycling in Gozo, away from your busy office in mainland Europe will be the ideal micro-adventure in Gozo.
Gozo is a tiny island, with an approximate 55 kilometres of coastal perimeter. Do not be put off by its miniature scale as riders can find an interesting variety of Gozo cycling routes. The island provides diverse landscapes from fishermen’s harbours and villages to desolate sandy beaches, rocky inlets, and sheer cliffs. In between, there is a myriad of villages located on hilltops and valley slopes.
Here we’re looking at coast-to-coast cycle routes on Gozo with spinoffs along the way.
The Northern Side
You can start this coast-to-coast route right off the jetty in Mġarr Harbour and cycle uphill to the village of Għajnsielem. From here, you can follow the slope up to the village of Qala, from where you can take the serpentine route that ends up at Ħondoq ir-Rummien beach. Heading northwards, you will end up in one of the larger villages in Gozo. Nadur’s coast offers the perks of challenging mini routes leading to two beaches which are somewhat off the beaten tracks – San Filep Bay and San Blas Bay. Another wayside route is the track that leads you to Mixta Cave. Any adventure in Gozo cannot be complete without gazing out on this view – possibly one of the most suggestive in the islands.
Once you’ve exhausted the Nadur routes, you can pedal off to Xagħra, a very charming village and one which is home to the Ġgantija temples. The next leg of the route will lead to Marsalforn. This popular seaside resort will allow you to follow the coastal route onto Qbajjar and Xwejni. Here the coast is inlaid with saltpans. Beyond Qbajjar lies the village of Żebbuġ, and this once again is an uphill challenge that leads to another hilltop village. From Żebbuġ there are various detours that you can undertake. Cycling through the village of Għasri will inevitably lead you to Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary but you can also follow the route that leads to the lighthouse on Ta’ Ġordan hill. Another track that lies close by is the one that leads to Wied il-Mielaħ.
Unto the Western Plane
By now you’d be on the western side of the island where the village of Għarb lies. The open countryside follows a route that winds through the fields passing by the lonesome legendary chapel of San Dimitri. The village of Għarb is one of the older villages in Gozo and once you’re cycling in the area you can also stop for a visit at the folklore museum located in the square. From here, the cycle route will take you to a smaller village, San Lawrenz. Be sure to visit Dwejra. Dwejra is a magnificent geological treasure and a location that has been a favourite with international filmmakers.
If you cycle onwards to the village of Kerċem you can take the route through the open Gozitan countryside on the southwestern side of Gozo. On this lap, you will be able to see the Gozo limestone quarries, from where Gozo’s industry gets the honey-coloured globigerina limestone. Before you get to Kerċem you will cycle through Santa Luċija, the smallest hamlet on the island. In Kerċem make sure to take a break at Lunzjata valley, a green oasis of peace, before you reach the town of Rabat.
The Southern Side
Various cycling routes can be hatched when exploring the southern side of the island. You can cycle to the village of Munxar. From here you can check out the various off-shooting routes that lead you to the cliff edges in the area that trails from Xlendi to Mġarr ix-Xini. The coastal cliff edge route is not for everyone. Adrenalin-chasing extreme sports riders who love the grit of mixed terrain will be bowled over by the majestic views and ambience. For those for whom adventure in Gozo is more about comfortable exploration and easy rides, keeping to the main routes will be ideal and they can still enjoy Ta’ Ċenċ plateau and the grandeur of the cliffs. Another tricky annexed jaunt while in the zone is a trip to Mġarr ix-Xini. Gozo is home to some very steep routes and this is one of them.
After the village of Sannat, one can follow the main route again and end up in Xewkija, home of the Rotunda, a landmark that one cannot miss because of its sheer size. Beyond Xewkija, lies Għajsielem and in this way, one will be back to the starting point.
Planning your Cycling Holiday in Gozo
Naturally, the above route needs to be tackled according to one’s cycling stamina. It can be split up into chunks of riding experiences and spread over a series of days. In this way, there is more time to ride the extra mile which in Gozo means ending up in places that are more than worth the extra effort.
Similarly planning a cycling trip must involve careful consideration of the bike type being used and physical abilities. All main areas are accessible via good roads, but once you’re off the beaten track you’re onto mixed terrain and all the adventures that are usually involved. Moreover, certain stretches are only advisable for extreme sports enthusiasts and even then, safety should be kept a priority. Equipping yourself for a cycling holiday in Gozo means ensuring a good bike according to the terrain that you will be tackling. Gozo bike rental or hire is an easy task as there are several bike hire shops on the island.
Gozo’s coast-to-coast on bike is a terrific adventure. When cycling in Gozo, you will not need to plan for nightly campouts as you’re never far from the accommodation. This also means that you can wind down in the evening and enjoy a lighter side of Gozo.
Maybe the best thing about cycling holidays in Gozo is that it’s good to get lost. Finding your way again is never difficult as you cycle around Gozo as it usually leads to delightful discoveries and more adventures in between lanes.
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