Last Updated on 31 January 2026 by Cycloscope
Gozo is easily accessible from Malta thanks to a short ferry journey, and with the new SIBIT cycle route, it’s never been easier to take in what the island has to offer.
One could be forgiven for not instantly thinking of bike touring when considering a visit to the Maltese islands in the southern Mediterranean, with their sandy beaches and picturesque coastal towns.
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This may now be changing thanks to the EU initiative known as SIBIT, or the Sustainable Interregional Bike Tourism project.
Thanks to this organisation’s investment, the Maltese islands are home to three new long-distance cycle routes. Of the three, two are on the mainland of Malta, and the third, which we’re looking at in detail today, is a new circular coastal route around the second largest Maltese island, Gozo.
Like Malta, Gozo has a fascinating history and culture that dates back to remote antiquity, and it is home to beautiful scenery and several vibrant hillside and coastal towns.
Gozo is easily accessible from Malta thanks to a short ferry journey, and with the new SIBIT cycle route, it’s never been easier to take in what the island has to offer.
Għajnsielem
The route begins in the town of Għajnsielem, right by the Mġarr Harbour that receives incoming ferries from the Maltese mainland.
This small settlement lies on the southeastern edge of Gozo. Its name translates as “peaceful spring”, a reference to the public baths built in the region during the 1700s.
Qala
From Għajnsielem, the cycle route then snakes its way around the coast in a westerly, anticlockwise direction, up into some rocky hillsides where the village of Qala is situated.
The major attraction of Qala is the region of coastline below the village, known as Ħondoq ir-Rummien.
It is home to deep-water caves with clear water, very popular with scuba divers and snorkelers.
Nadur
From Qala, the route heads northwards to a high eastern plateau, on which is situated the small city of Nadur, the second-largest settlement on Gozo.
Nadur is known for its many bakeries, which offer a wide range of pastries, cakes, and Maltese delicacies.
Xagħra
The trail then begins to move westward along the north coast of Gozo, where you will reach the next stop, Xagħra.
This village’s principal claim to fame is as the home of some awe-inspiring prehistoric sites, the Ggantija temples.
These are situated inland from the route by about 2km and, along with Malta’s Tarxien, Hagar Qim, and Mnajdra sites, form the world-famous Maltese temple complex, all of which were constructed before the great pyramids of Egypt.
Marsalforn
From Xagħra, the trail heads further westward to the town of Marsalforn, a popular holiday destination with a nice selection of beaches and hotels, as well as a bustling nightlife thanks to its numerous bars and restaurants.
Żebbuġ
The route then begins to climb once more to the settlement of Żebbuġ, a name that translates as ‘Olive Trees’.
In the past, this region had a reputation for its olive groves, though much of the industry has now left Gozo.
What remains, however, is an enduring tradition of artisanal lacework, with skilled workers crafting these intricate textiles for sale in the tourist trade.
Għasri
Next stop is the small village of Għasri on the western coast of the island. It is home to the Giordan Lighthouse, a 180-meter-tall lighthouse that was completed in 1853.
The top of this lighthouse offers spectacular views of Gozo, as well as the Maltese archipelago in the distance.
Għarb
From Għasri, the route heads to its westernmost point, the village of Għarb, a Maltese word meaning “West” that denotes its geographical location.
Għarb is well regarded for its beautiful plaza, home to a museum of Gozitan folklore. In addition, the region is home to the island’s highest point, Ta’ Dbieġi, a hill rising to 194 meters above sea level.
San Lawrenz
Now on the way to the village of San Lawrenz, the route begins to head due south as we make our way back to Gozo’s southern coast.
With a population of about 700, San Lawrenz is one of the smallest settlements on the Maltese archipelago and has retained much of its traditional culture and way of life.
San Lawrenz also adjoins the Dwejra nature reserve, which is home to numerous impressive coastal rock formations – a real must for every tourist itinerary in Malta.
Kerċem
We then head inland a short way to the village of Kerċem, nestled in the Lunzjata Valley.
Kerċem is one of the oldest continuously settled regions on Gozo, with archaeological evidence pointing to human habitation in the valley dating back almost 7000 years.
Further excavations also indicate the presence of Roman structures, including catacombs and former bathhouses.
Rabat
The next stop is the capital city of Gozo, known alternately as Rabat or Victoria. This latter name was given to the city during the British occupation in the late 19th century.
Despite this, locals predominantly refer to the city as Rabat. As the capital of Gozo, Rabat serves as the nexus for the island’s cultural life and activities.
It is home to several beautiful churches and other attractions, including the Villa Rundle Gardens.
Sannat
From Rabat, we return to the southern coastline and the village of Sannat, a particular area of natural beauty on Gozo with a wide variety of plant and animal life.
Sannat is also home to high cliffs from which you can take in beautiful views over the sea towards Malta.
Xewkija
The trail concludes not far from where we started, near Għajnsielem in the southern village of Xewkija. This settlement is vibrant because it is nestled between the port of Għajnsielem and the capital, Rabat.
Its major claim to fame is its church, the Rotunda of Xewkija, otherwise known as The Church of Saint John the Baptist. It serves as the spiritual seat of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, a catholic religious order descending from the Medieval Knights Hospitaller.