Gozo is a treasure trove for travelers seeking authentic Mediterranean charm. Its unchanged villages, spectacular coastal views, and rich cultural sites make it an ideal place for exploring via city tours. We particularly like the Gozo: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour for its flexible schedule and easy access to top sights, and the City Sightseeing Gozo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour for its personalized itineraries that let you choose what interests you most. For a broad experience of both Malta and Gozo, the combined Malta: City Sightseeing HOHO Bus Tour & Optional Boat Tour offers an insightful look into Malta’s historic sites along with stunning sea views. This guide compares these options to help you pick the perfect way to see these beautiful islands.
1. Gozo: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
At number 1, the Gozo: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour gives you a flexible way to discover the island’s main attractions in just one day. This 1-day pass covers 15 stops along a 2.5-hour route starting from Mgarr Harbor, making it perfect for a quick yet rundown. What sets this tour apart is its ability to hop off and explore at your own pace, whether you want to visit the Rundle Gardens, Il-Mall, or Fort Chambray.
Reviews consistently praise the value for money and the friendly staff, with one noting how the bus frequency allows for unhurried visits to places like Dwejra Bay or Ramla Beach. The open-top buses offer great panoramic views—a simple, stress-free way to feel like you’re traveling with locals rather than just ticking boxes. The tour’s affordability ($25 per person) makes it accessible for most travelers, especially those short on time. It’s ideal if you enjoy independent exploration but want a guided framework.
Bottom Line: Perfect for your first trip to Gozo, this hop-on hop-off route is a straightforward, economical way to see the highlights without missing the details.
2. Malta: City Sightseeing HOHO Bus Tour & Optional Boat Tour
Number 2 on our list is the Malta: City Sightseeing HOHO Bus Tour & Optional Boat Tour. For around $32, you get a 1- to 2-day ticket covering Malta’s key sites, with the bonus of a stunning boat cruise over the Mediterranean. This tour is a great option for travelers wanting a rundown of Malta’s historic towns, including Mdina, the Three Cities, and the Blue Grotto Caves.
While the reviews mention that organization could improve, most find this tour a relaxing way to see Malta’s diverse landscapes. The guided commentary adds context to sites like the Mosta Dome and Marsaxlokk fishing village. The buses run every hour, giving you flexibility, but some recommend planning ahead to maximize your time. The boat option is especially popular, offering stunning sea views and a different perspective on Malta’s coast.
This tour works best for those interested in combining land and sea experiences or travelers who want to see a lot in a short time. It’s slightly more expensive, but the inclusion of a boat ride makes it a compelling choice.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for travelers who want a “big picture” tour with added sea views, but be prepared for some logistical planning.
$32 per person
3. City Sightseeing Gozo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
At number 3, the City Sightseeing Gozo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour offers a flexible 1-hour 30-minute ride designed for those who prefer to customize their day. This $26.11 ticket allows you to hop on at any of the stops and explore at your own pace, focusing on top landmarks like Xewkija, Ggantija Temples, and Ramla Beach.
What makes this tour distinctive is the choice of two routes and audio commentary available in 11 languages—helpful for travelers eager to deepen their understanding of Gozo’s culture and history. The smaller group size and freedom to hop on and off at nearly any stop mean you can tailor your day. Reviewers appreciate how easy it is to combine a quick visit to Mgarr Harbour and Victoria, with plenty of time to relax and take photos.
While some find the overall rating of 3.0/5 a bit modest, many still praise the value and the opportunity to see key sites comfortably. This tour is perfect if you want flexibility without committing to a lengthy tour or guided group.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who prefer to plan their own route and focus on specific attractions, with the ability to hop on and off as they wish.
$26.11 per person
How to Choose the Right City Tour in Gozo and Malta
Choosing between these options depends on your budget, time available, and interest level. If you want a cost-effective, guided experience with maximum flexibility, the Gozo hop-on hop-off bus is perfect. For a comprehensive Malta experience, including sea views and historic sites, the Malta HOHO + boat tour offers a broader perspective. And if you’re looking to customize your visit and explore at your own pace, the Gozo hop-on hop-off tour with personalized stops fits the bill.
Consider booking early during peak seasons, especially for the Malta tour, which can get busy with cruise ship arrivals. Think about your fitness level and interests—those seeking cultural depth might prefer guided tours, while explorers who love independence will find the hop-on hop-off routes ideal.
Final Thoughts
All three tours offer a unique way to see Malta and Gozo, each tailored to different traveler preferences. The Gozo hop-on hop-off provides a quick, affordable overview, perfect for those on a tight schedule. The Malta tour combines land and sea for a richer experience, suited for travelers who want to cover a lot in a limited time. Lastly, the personalized Gozo tour allows you to craft your own day, ideal for those who crave independence and specific interests.
Whichever you choose, these tours can help turn your visit into an immersive adventure. Remember to book early, plan your stops, and enjoy discovering the beauty and charm of these Mediterranean islands.