Quad biking in Gozo: our experience and practical tips

I’m back with one of Gozo’s most memorable activities: quad biking on Gozo. Gozo is one of the main islands in the Maltese archipelago and a popular day-trip destination from Malta. What’s more, it is only 5 km north of Malta. After spending time on Malta, Gozo’s slower pace and more rural atmosphere feel especially refreshing. Many travelers visit only for the day. Spending several days there, however, reveals much more of the island.
If your time in Malta is limited but you still want to explore Gozo, a guided full-day quad tour is a practical option. You spend most of the day riding between viewpoints and stopping at several major sights.

For me, it was one of the best days of the trip. Before describing the tour, here is a little more context about the island. Besides its picturesque villages, Gozo has some very beautiful beaches (much quieter than Malta’s). If you want a stay surrounded by nature and tranquillity, Gozo is more than worth the detour! By the way, if you want to know more, I invite you to read our article on the things to see and do on Gozo.

For quad biking in the Maltese archipelago, I would choose Gozo over Malta’s main island. Gozo has lighter traffic, more open landscapes, and a network of small roads and tracks that suit this type of excursion. Its compact size also makes it easier to see a broad selection of places in one day. Malta’s main island is busier, with heavier traffic and more built-up areas. For a more scenic quad experience, Gozo is the stronger choice.

I hope this introduction has already made you curious about the experience. Here is what our guided quad day was actually like. We booked the outing through Manawa, a platform we have worked with for several years. If you don’t know them yet, it’s an activity‑booking site in many countries and, above all, 100 % reliable! The opinions shared here remain entirely our own.

Since we were staying on Malta at the start of our trip, the Gozo Pride Tours company picked us up just a few minutes’ walk from our hotel, in St Paul’s Bay. The pickup point had been confirmed with the provider after booking. The driver arrived slightly late because several hotel pickups were scheduled before ours.

Once on the road, we were taken to Ċirkewwa, in the north of the island; this is where most of the boats leave from. We crossed on a medium-sized private boat with roughly fifteen passengers. Sitting at the back gave us a good view during the short crossing.

On arrival in Gozo, our instructors, Mark and Rene, took us to the company’s base. Our group included several French-speaking participants, while the safety briefing itself was given in English. Drivers must present their valid driving license before the tour begins. When booking, you can choose between:

• take one quad each
• take one quad with driver + passenger, knowing that you can swap depending on the stops (45 minutes then another 45, etc.), provided you both have your licence.

Even if you submit your license details in advance, bring the physical document on the day. The provider checks it before allowing you to drive.

Once the paperwork is done (it only takes 5 minutes, don’t worry!), we are given hairnets (not very glamorous, I admit) and helmets. Mark and Rene then explain the controls and review the safety rules. The briefing is short, but there is time to ask questions.

Then the riding begins. We were the last quad in a convoy of fourteen. That position worked well for us. It gave us a little more room to adjust our speed without holding up the group. Three buggies followed behind us at a slightly slower pace. Of course, at the front Mark set the pace and Rene was at the back.

We set off at around 10:30 and soon reached Gozo’s coastal roads. As a passenger, I was initially cautious about taking out my phone for photos. It took a little time to get used to the movement and choose safe moments. Fortunately, the itinerary includes several photo stops.

Our first stop was near Nadur, one of Gozo’s main villages. The team took photos of us on the quad against a wide island view. We then continued toward Ramla Valley without descending all the way to Ramla Bay. We visited the beach later in the trip and found its red-gold sand especially beautiful.

At around 11:30, we stopped for lunch in Xewkija. The village has several local restaurants serving Maltese dishes. As for us, we ate in a taverna on the village’s main square, right in front of the Rotunda of Saint John the Baptist (it is one of the island’s most emblematic religious buildings). The church is impressive both inside and out. We even went back at the end of our stay.

Lunch included Maltese specialties, with a cheese-filled pastizz followed by bragioli, a traditional beef dish. Some participants may find the portions fairly light. For me, the portion was enough without feeling too heavy before the afternoon ride.

After a one‑hour lunch break, we get back on the quad, pass through several villages and small streets, heading west of the island: Xlendi Bay (this was where we had our accommodation on Gozo). Xlendi Bay appeared between the cliffs like a compact Mediterranean fjord. We parked the quads and used the short paths around the bay for photos. I’d say we stopped for about 15 minutes. That may seem short, but at the time I thought it was enough. It already gives a good overview!

Independent visitors can hike from Xlendi toward the Sanap Cliffs via Xlendi Tower. It will take you about 2 h 30, with coastal landscapes scrolling before your eyes. If you prefer a short walk, there are stairs on the other side of the bay that offer a direct view of Xlendi Tower and lead to the cave: Għar ta’ Karolina. Here, it will only be a 25‑minute round‑trip. I discovered these walks when I returned to Gozo independently. The guided tour does not allow time for these walks because the itinerary covers several parts of the island.

After this little pause at Xlendi Bay, we hit the road again towards Dwejra Bay. This time we’re not in the saddle for long as it’s only 20 minutes by quad. On the way, even though we’re going quite fast, I have time to snap Ta’ Pinu Basilica as best I can! It is truly magnificent! Unfortunately, we didn’t stop there during the guided quad excursion, but we came back later by ourselves. I consider it one of the most beautiful basilicas I have visited. It’s very well preserved!

We continue our journey and stop at a local shop offering wines, honey, coffee and small souvenirs. We sampled several local wines. The tasting was enjoyable, although wine preferences are naturally personal. For your information, there are many vineyards on Gozo, so even in restaurants you will always be offered local wines.

We then followed a series of descents toward Dwejra Bay. This was one of the most exciting riding sections of the day. Dwejra itself feels rugged and dramatic. The site combines clear water, cliffs, and the tunnel connecting the Inland Sea to the Mediterranean. I take the opportunity to take lots of photos and above all enjoy the calm of the place. It is a popular attraction, but it did not feel overcrowded during our visit. However, I can’t guarantee it’s the same in high season. For your information, this is where the famous Azure Window was, which collapsed in 2017 due to erosion. The site was even more visited before. Even without the Azure Window, the landscape remains spectacular.

We leave this place to go to the salt pans in Marsalforn. We pass through the villages of Għarb and Żebbuġ. These are two villages known for local crafts. We then arrive at the salt pans: there are plenty of rectangular pools where sea water is left to dry so that the salt can be collected. They are surrounded by stone and well organised. The repeated geometric patterns create a striking coastal landscape. Mark gave each of us a few large salt crystals to taste. He also explains the process to us: once the water has evaporated in the pools, the crystallised salt is harvested by hand by Gozo families, between May and September each year. The harvesting tradition has been passed down through local families for generations.

We ride another four minutes by quad to reach our last stop: Qbajjar Bay. Qbajjar Bay is a small beach with clear water that felt surprisingly warm that day. We were quite surprised that it was warm, considering that until then we had only been able to swim in water at 17–18 °C maximum! We stayed 35 minutes here: we had time to walk around the rocks for different viewpoints and to dip our feet (it was too tempting, haha). A longer stop would have allowed time for a proper swim. Even so, the stop was enjoyable. What struck us most was the calm of this spot. It’s mainly frequented by locals, and there were still more people swimming there compared with the other swimming spots we’d already seen.

Last stretch to return to Gozo Pride Tours’ centre in Ix‑Xewkija. We know it’s our last ride, so we make the most of it. By that point, we did not want the ride to end. We want to keep enjoying the sensations while travelling Gozo’s streets and roads. Once at the provider’s centre, we hand in all our equipment. Mark and Rene thank us for the day, and we do the same. The group atmosphere was friendly and international. Then we go back to Mġarr port to return to Malta by boat.

For transport you have the choice between the back of a jeep or a minibus. There are few places in the jeep: we weren’t quick enough, so we leave by minibus. Once at Mġarr, we take a medium‑sized boat, just like on the way out. The return crossing followed a different route. We make a little detour via Comino and the Blue Lagoon. The detour was a memorable way to finish the day. I had not realized beforehand that this was included. For us, it gave us a nice preview of our boat trip to the Blue Lagoon planned for the next day. And for those who had to catch a flight home the next day, the excursion was more than complete!

Back in Ċirkewwa, several buses are waiting for us: you just have to be careful to take the same one you took in the morning (the one that picked us up a few minutes from our hotel). For us it was quite easy: even if it wasn’t the same driver, our minibus was red. In the minibus, we debrief the day until we get dropped off.

That was the full itinerary. The day passed quickly and covered a broad selection of Gozo’s highlights.

As you have probably gathered, I was very satisfied with the guided quad tour. The logistics were well organized, leaving us free to enjoy the riding and scenery. The route offered plenty of variety. It included climbs, descents, bends, straighter sections, and changing speeds.

What’s more, as we were a whole convoy, the cars let us pass without any problem. And if there were sections where they didn’t, Rene, the instructor, made them wait. The convoy felt controlled and well supervised. If it tempts you, go for it without hesitation! I 100 % recommend the company Gozo Pride Tours. The itinerary also included many of the island’s major sights. For a first overview of Gozo, the tour works well.

One limitation became clearer after I later spent four independent days on Gozo. The tour route initially gave me the impression that Gozo had very little commercial activity. In reality, the island also has restaurants, shops, churches, and lively village centers. That difference is partly because the quad itinerary does not pass through Victoria.

That makes sense given the pedestrian traffic, cars, and buses in the capital. I think it’s complicated to manage a convoy of quads + buggies under those conditions. And then, we wouldn’t have been able to drive much in all that. Even so, Victoria and its Citadel remain essential places to visit separately.

To tell you a bit more about the provider Gozo Pride Tours, it is very well known for its excursions all over the island of Gozo. The company was founded more than 22 years ago! It offers jeep excursions, quad and buggy outings, and even private cruises around Gozo and Comino.

Its different itineraries typically combine island highlights with a local meal, product tastings, and private boat transfers. The package is designed to simplify the day for visitors. My experience matched the common themes in reviews: good organization, varied scenery, and a friendly atmosphere. However, it does not offer the possibility of renting a quad to explore on your own. Based on my experience, the company offers a well-run day in Gozo.

Here are the main practical points to know before booking a quad tour in Gozo.

To get to Gozo from Malta, you have two options:

• The simplest: take the ferry at Ċirkewwa (in the north of Malta), right opposite the island of Gozo. The crossing takes approximately 25 minutes. Vehicles can travel on this ferry.
• If you are in Valletta: if you have chosen the capital for your stay, know that you can take a ferry from there. The passenger ferry from Valletta takes longer than the Ċirkewwa crossing.

If you go with a provider for an excursion, transport from Malta to Gozo is generally included. You will just have to tell your provider where you are staying and, depending on that, they will send you a nearby meeting point. The exact arrangements depend on the provider and pickup area.

If you would like a bit more detail on how to get to Gozo, I advise you to read our dedicated article. You will find even more information there!

A guided quad day is an engaging way to explore several parts of Gozo in one outing. The currently listed Manawa tour starts at around €115, with the final price depending on the selected option and number of participants. The price is easier to understand once the included services are considered. To give you a better idea of everything included:

• the quad
• the equipment (helmet, hairnets)
• a local guide who knows the island inside out
• a Maltese lunch
• round‑trip transfers (private)
• the tour of Gozo’s must‑sees

Considering the transfers, equipment, guide, lunch, and full-day itinerary, the package offers reasonable value. It is a structured activity rather than a simple vehicle rental. I have very fond memories. I could focus on the scenery and riding without handling the logistics.

Several agencies also offer independent quad rentals for travelers who prefer to plan their own route. Rentals are usually available for half a day or a full day, with inclusions varying by agency. Rental prices vary according to the model, insurance, season, and rental duration, so compare current quotes directly. You just need to be at least 21 years old, have a driving licence and wear closed shoes (forget flip‑flops, haha).

Book in advance during the high season, when availability can be limited. Even after doing a guided quad excursion on Gozo, I think renting a quad in total freedom is still a good option, because there are quite a few dirt tracks on the island or narrow, rough roads that are difficult by car.

If you want to do a quad excursion on Gozo, know that it lasts a full day, from late morning to late afternoon (about 6–7 hours). Most outings start around 10 a.m. and end around 4:30 p.m. or 5 p.m., punctuated by the must‑sees: Ramla Valley, Xlendi Bay, Dwejra, Marsalforn, and so on!

If you have little time or don’t want to spend a whole day on a quad, there are providers who offer half‑day tours (between 3 and 4 hours). There are even short excursions to enjoy the sunset. The available formats depend on the provider and season. In any case, I’m sure you will enjoy good sensations while making plenty of discoveries!

Our guided route followed this general itinerary. It lets you discover the island in a loop while passing many must‑sees: Nadur, Ramla Valley (some providers go down to Ramla Bay), Xewkija, Xlendi Bay, Dwejra Bay, Marsalforn and Qbajjar Bay. It provides a broad overview of the island in one day. Seasonal variations may include additional stops such as the Sanap Cliffs. There are also other providers who choose to include the capital, Victoria. Whether you join a guided tour or rent independently, this route gives you an idea of how to connect several of Gozo’s main sights.

Otherwise, there is another itinerary that might interest you if you prefer to rent a quad on Gozo to be completely independent: you can leave from Mġarr, right in the south, next to the port of arrival on Gozo. From here, you go to Dwejra Bay via the Ta’ Pinu road. Along the way, I advise you to stop at the Xewkija Rotunda, then the famous Ta’ Pinu Basilica. You then arrive at Dwejra, where the Inland Sea and Fungus Rock await you.

Then you can go to Xlendi Bay while following the coast to the Sanap Cliffs. On the way, you can climb the Ras il‑Bajda stairs for beautiful viewpoints over Xlendi Bay and Xlendi Tower. Finally, to go from north to south, you can head to Marsalforn and the beach at Qbajjar Bay, passing the salt pans, the hidden cove of Wied il‑Għasri and the village of Żebbuġ. Then, you can continue on to Nadur for a snack or meal break, and finish with the island’s largest beach: Ramla Bay.

This is an ambitious route for an independent day, especially when allowing time for navigation and stops. Adjust it according to your pace, interests, and daylight.

That brings this account of our quad outing to a close. I hope our experience has helped you decide whether to go quad biking on Gozo independently or with a guide. Both options can offer a memorable way to explore the island.

If you plan to stay several days on the island, as another activity, I recommend snorkelling on Gozo. The island has several excellent snorkeling spots, all covered in our dedicated guide.

See you soon for more adventures,

Written by Laura CALLES

Thanks to Mélanie and Sylvain, I had the chance to explore the beautiful Maltese archipelago and share all the beauty of its islands with you. A little piece of paradise not to be missed!

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