Malta & Gozo Hotels & Resorts

At just 17 miles long and nine miles wide, Malta is a dream destination for anyone who loves the freedom of exploring on two wheels. On this fun-filled adventure in the west of the island, you’ll have plenty of time to take in the area’s best-known sights as well as discover more off-the-beaten-track spots. You’ll visit the historic fortified city of Mdina with its dramatic hilltop setting - which is where you’ll be particularly grateful for your bicycle’s electric motor. You’ll experience the even sleepier charms of the neighbouring village of Rabat and of Buskett Gardens, the only woodland area in Malta, before pedalling along a lush valley to Dingli’s spectacular cliffs. From here, you’ll continue north through the quaint farming village of Mgarr down to the sea at Ghajn Tuffieha, a strip of reddish sand backed by hills draped in acacia and tamarisk trees. The last stop is Golden Bay, where you’ll have an opportunity to swim, relax on the celebrated sandy beach and linger over a well-earned picnic lunch.

• Departs on Monday
• Operates April to December
• Group experience

Good to know The trip of suitable for all levels of fitness.

Malta is actually an archipelago and its two smaller inhabited islands, Gozo and Comino, have distinctive personalities that are well worth discovering. See Gozo at its authentic self on a 4x4 safari that will take you to the heart of its unspoiled rural landscapes, along winding lanes and off-road tracks. The jam-packed itinerary includes visits to a host of sites, from architectural marvels such as the charming fortified capital, Victoria, to natural wonders including caves, salt pans and an inland sea. From here, you’ll take to the water for a sailing trip around diminutive Comino, whose natural landscapes make it a popular day-trip destination for the Maltese as well as foreign visitors. You’ll pause to swim and snorkel in the limpid waters of the famous Blue Lagoon, explore the caves and bays around the island, and fit in another swim-and-snorkel session before returning to the mainland.

• Departs on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
• Operates May to Oct only
• Group experience

Good to know
There’s a freshwater shower on board the boat, so you won’t have to sail home with salt-encrusted hair.

A tuk tuk may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Gozo, but these nippy little open-sided vehicles turn out to be perfect for exploring its enchanting landscapes and historic sights. You’ll spend a happy day zipping along quiet lanes, visiting a dizzying range of highlights. When it comes to natural wonders, there are rock formations created the same way as the now-vanished Azure Window, sweeps of red-sand beach and caves that inspired Homer - not to mention several viewpoints with panoramas to die for. As for the manmade attractions, there are historic churches of all sizes, signal towers and salt pans, plus the delightful capital, Victoria, an ancient fortified city perched on a rocky outcrop in the heart of the island. Many of the places on the itinerary are not accessible on mainstream tours or by public transport, so this is a fabulous way to get under the skin of this captivating island.

• Monday to Saturday departures
• Operates April to December
• Group experience

Good to know
Lunch is not included, but there’s a 45-minute stop at Marsalforn Bay where there are plenty of small restaurants and cafés.

Eco-friendly and cute in equal measure, Malta’s wonderfully named Rolling Geeks are a brilliant way to explore independently without getting lost. These little electric-powered buggies, which seat up to four adults (or two adults and two children), come with a pre-programmed GPS that shows you where to go and what you’re looking at when you get there. It’s a guided tour with a difference, where you can stop wherever you want along the way and stay there as long as you please, and even skip the bits that don’t appeal. The 17km itinerary guides you gently around the historic fortified Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, just across the Grand Harbour from Valletta, plus the sleepy villages just outside. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning harbour views, medieval streets lined with historic architecture and some tempting open-air cafés.

• Twice-daily departures • • Operates April to December
• Group experience

Good to know
Drivers must be aged between 21 and 75 and must show a valid driving licence. Child seats are available on request for a small additional fee. The cars are not suitable for pregnant women.