Hi, I’m Kim, born and raised in Malta, and I’ve started a series where I try local tours to share whether they are really worth your time and money. In this Gozo UTV Tour review, I’m sharing my experience of exploring Gozo in one day and whether this tour is actually worth it.
Gozo is a place everyone should visit when coming to Malta, but it honestly hurts me to see how many people experience it the wrong way. Most visitors come on a Comino boat trip with just a quick two hour stop in Gozo, usually at the Citadel in Victoria. They leave thinking they have seen the island, but they have completely missed what makes Gozo special!
For us locals, Gozo is a retreat. It is greener, calmer, and more authentic, with quiet villages and a slower pace of life. It is beautiful all year round, even outside of summer when the countryside is lush.
I always recommend staying at least one night, but I understand that not everyone has the time and many travellers want to see as much as possible in a day.
Having visited Gozo countless times, I know the real beauty is not on the main roads. It is hidden in villages like Qala, San Lawrenz, and Nadur. So before choosing this experience, I spent time researching the different day tour options from Malta to find one that actually shows the real Gozo, and led by locals who can truly share the island’s story.
Comparing Gozo Tour Options
A few popular options:
Boat tours with a short Gozo stop
These usually include a quick two-hour visit alongside Comino. Personally, this was a no-go for me. Two hours in Victoria doesn’t even scratch the surface of what Gozo has to offer.
Hop-on Hop-off bus
While flexible in theory, buses run every 45 minutes; meaning you’re stuck waiting or rushing. Some locations don’t need that much time, while others deserve more. At €22 (excluding transport and ferry), it also requires a lot of planning.
Tuk-tuk tours
These have become popular, but Gozo is very hilly, and these vehicles aren’t the most powerful. They also look quite cramped, and you won’t cover as much ground. At around €85 per person (including transport and lunch), I didn’t feel it was the best option.
Quad bikes vs UTV tours
In my opinion, the best way to explore Gozo is either by quad bike (if you’re adventurous) or a UTV (if you want the same experience with more comfort and safety). A UTV is a powerful 4WD vehicle that can carry multiple passengers and is driven by a guide.
Why I Chose This UTV Tour
Having tried quad bikes before, I wanted something that still felt adventurous but a bit more relaxed, and the UTV tour was exactly that balance.
I joined this exact tour with a local company, Gozo Pride, which has been operating for over 20 years. What really stood out to me was how hassle-free everything was:
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Private boat transfer between Malta and Gozo
- Full-day guided tour
- Lunch included
All of this for €80.
The Experience
Pick-Up & Journey to Gozo
My pick-up was scheduled for 8:15am in Gzira, and right on time, we were off.
The 16-seater minivan was comfortable, and I was pleasantly surprised by how efficient the pick-ups were; only 3 other stops in Sliema, St. Julian’s, and Mellieha. Everything was well-organised, with no unnecessary detours.
We arrived at Cirkewwa around 9:20am and boarded a private boat at 9:30am. There were about 30 of us in total, split between UTV, quad, and ryker tours with the same company.
Meeting Our Guide & The UTV
Once in Gozo, we met our guide, Conny, a local with amazing energy and a warm personality, who truly made the whole experience what it was.
There were five of us in the UTV plus the driver. Compared to the old jeeps, these felt like a huge upgrade; smoother, faster, and much safer, with seatbelts for everyone. The ride itself was part of the adventure!
Highlights of the Tour
This is where the tour really stood out.
Qala Belvedere
One of my favourite views in Gozo; overlooking Comino, Cominotto, and Malta. I’d even say it’s better than the Citadel views!
Ramla Valley & Ramla Bay
Gozo’s most famous beach, known locally as ir-Ramla l-Ħamra for its red sand. Absolutely stunning.
Marsalforn, Qbajjar & Xwejni
Instead of just the busy Marsalforn promenade, we explored quieter coastal spots loved by locals; even spotting people swimming (in March)!
Salt Pans
A highlight for me. These 350-year-old salt pans stretch along the coast and are still used today. Our guide explained the traditional process of harvesting sea salt; something deeply rooted in Gozitan culture.
Ta’ Pinu Basilica
An important pilgrimage site, known for its spiritual significance and stories of miracles.
Dwejra & Inland Sea
We took a short €5 boat ride (cash only) through caves and out into the open sea; an unforgettable experience, especially knowing this is where the Azure Window once stood.
Lunch in Xewkija
By 1pm, we were all ready for food. Lunch was at a local café in Xewkija’s main square, and it was simple, traditional, and full of flavour.
We had:
- Pastizzi
- Maltese bragioli (beef olives in rich sauce)
- Roast potatoes
- Wine and water
- Ice cream
No fancy presentation; just wholesome food.
Afternoon Stops
After lunch, we visited:
Rotunda of Xewkija
Gozo’s largest church and one of its most recognisable landmarks. What makes it even more impressive is that it houses the third largest unsupported dome in the world, which you would never expect on such a small island.
Xlendi Bay
A favourite seaside spot among locals and a second home for many Maltese. We took a short walk along the towering cliffs with stunning views over the bay and open sea. Just look at that view!
The Citadel in Victoria
The most iconic landmark in Gozo and, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful. Walking through its narrow streets feels like stepping back in time, and once at the top, you’re rewarded with magnificent panoramic views across the entire island.
Return via Comino
On the way back, we passed through the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon; something you don’t normally experience unless you’re on a boat trip.
We arrived back in Malta around 4:40pm, and I was dropped off at 5:50pm, exactly where I started.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
The tour was extremely well organised, which is something I really value. It covered a wide range of Gozo’s highlights, included local food, and even added a scenic Comino experience.
At €80, it might not seem cheap at first but when you consider everything included (transport, ferry, lunch, guided tour), it’s actually very good value for money.
If you were to plan this day yourself, you’d likely spend the same, if not more, and it would require a lot more effort.
For me, the biggest advantage was the local guide and curated route, which made the whole experience seamless and far more meaningful.
Out of all the day tour options I researched, this is the one I would recommend the most!
If you’re planning a trip to Malta, don’t miss my complete Malta itinerary to see all the highlights, the only Comino tour I truly recommend, and one of my favourite experiences, a Maltese tile painting workshop. Each link will take you to a full guide so you can plan your trip with ease.
Happy Travels! x
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