Best of Gozo & Comino

Experience the Best of Gozo & Comino in a Single Day

This full-day private tour offers an ideal way to see some of Malta’s most iconic spots in a relaxed pace. Priced at around $52, it covers Bugibba, the Cittadella in Victoria, a visit to the historic Santa Marija Tower in Comino, and plenty of time to relax at the Blue Lagoon. The tour begins at the Sliema Ferry port, making it accessible and convenient for most travelers, and lasts approximately 7.5 hours.

What we love about this experience is the flexibility it offers—since it’s a private tour, you can go at your own pace without rushing. Plus, the modern, air-conditioned vessels ensure a comfortable journey across the water, which is especially appreciated during warm months. Another highlight? The Blue Lagoon, with its crystal-clear waters, is always a crowd favorite—perfect for a swim or simply soaking in the scenery.

However, a key consideration is that this isn’t a guided tour in the traditional sense. If you’re expecting detailed narration and an in-depth exploration of every site, you might find the trip somewhat brisk or superficial. It’s more of a “see and enjoy” experience, which suits travelers who prefer to set their own pace rather than follow a strict schedule. This tour is best suited for those who want to see the highlights without the hassle of planning every detail themselves, and who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and relaxing by the water.

Key Points

• Flexible, private experience tailored to your pace
• Includes visits to Gozo’s Cittadella and Comino’s Blue Lagoon
• Comfortable air-conditioned vessels enhance the boat rides
• Plenty of swimming time at the Blue Lagoon
• Minimal guided narration, more about seeing and relaxing
• Suitable for travelers who value value-for-money and authentic sights

A Closer Look at the Experience

The itinerary is straightforward, but each stop offers something special. Starting in Bugibba, a lively seaside town, the tour then takes you to Victoria’s Cittadella, a fortress with roots going back to the Bronze Age. The Cittadella is a fascinating site, with its ancient streets and panoramic views over Gozo. One reviewer appreciated the 45-minute stop, noting that while it’s a quick visit, it’s enough to get a good sense of the town’s charm.

Next, the tour ventures to Santa Marija Tower in Comino, built in 1618, which historically served as part of Malta’s defensive system. It’s a quick stop, but one that adds a sense of the islands’ military past and strategic importance.

The highlight, however, is the Blue Lagoon — probably the most photographed spot on the tour. The two-hour window allows plenty of time to swim, relax on the boat, or explore the shallow, turquoise waters that make this lagoon so famous. Several reviewers describe the Blue Lagoon as “spectacular”, although some mention it gets crowded, which can take away from the experience. Walking further into Comino might offer quieter spots, but the tour’s main focus is on the iconic lagoon.

Boat Ride and Transportation

Traveling on the new, air-conditioned vessel is a major plus, especially since reviews praise its comfort and speed. The boat includes Wi-Fi, making it easy to share photos or stay connected during the journey. The boat ride itself is quick and smooth, providing a nice contrast to the sometimes hectic land stops.

The mini van in Gozo is a decent way to cover more ground, but some comments hint that it can be warm and cramped. The company is aware and working on improvements, such as replacing the mini bus with a larger, air-conditioned bus for future tours.

Flexibility and Customization

Since this is a private tour, you get the benefit of setting your own pace. You can linger at favorites, like Victoria’s alleyways, or skip over places that don’t appeal as much. The lack of strict guided narration means you can explore on your own, which some travelers find refreshing—though others felt that more explanations would improve the experience.

The Value Equation

At just over $50 per person, the tour offers good value, especially considering the small group/private format. You get to visit multiple islands and see diverse sites at a fraction of what private transfers would cost if booked separately. Plus, the included boat ride and swimming time make it a well-rounded day out. However, some reviews suggest that if you’re looking for a deep dive into each location, you might find the time a bit rushed.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Bugibba:
Starting point for most travelers, Bugibba is a lively seaside hub known for its bars, restaurants, and relaxed vibe. It’s a convenient pick-up spot and a great place to get a feel for Malta’s coastal life. The brief stop here means you might choose to arrive early or stay later—just a quick photo opportunity.

Cittadella in Victoria:
This ancient fortress has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and served as the hub of Gozitan life for centuries. The cobbled streets inside the Cittadella evoke old Malta, with panoramic views over the island. The 45-minute stop is enough to walk around, snap photos, and enjoy the scenery.

Santa Marija Tower, Comino:
Built in 1618, this tower forms part of Malta’s extensive defensive system. It’s a quick stop, but it adds historical context to your visit, connecting you to the maritime and military past of the islands.

Blue Lagoon:
This is the star attraction—an award-winning spot with shallow, turquoise waters perfect for swimming. You’ll have around two hours here, so pack your snorkeling gear or just float and sunbathe. Several reviewers mention the crowds, but it’s still worth visiting for the stunning scenery.

Authentic Experiences and Real Traveler Insights

Many reviews highlight the friendly staff and the modern vessels, making the boat rides one of the most enjoyable parts of the trip. One traveler, Fay_G, raved about the “fully air-conditioned vessel,” making the journey comfortable even during hot weather.

On land, some visitors appreciated the timed stops which let them explore independently, though others felt the limited time in Gozo meant missing deeper exploration. As Vanja_F pointed out, “It was just a waste of money,” if their goal was to explore caves, but the ride itself was enjoyable, and they liked the short visits to Victoria.

The Blue Lagoon gets mixed reviews—its beauty is undeniable, but overexposure and crowding can diminish the experience. For those seeking serenity, walking further into Comino might be better.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Day

• Book in advance: The tour is popular, often booked 15 days ahead.
• Bring swim gear: The Blue Lagoon is perfect for swimming, and snorkeling gear can enhance your experience.
• Arrive early at the Sliema Ferry port to ensure smooth boarding.
• Be prepared for some walking: The stops in Victoria involve cobbled streets and steep paths.
• Expect minimal guided commentary: If you want a detailed history, you might want to supplement this tour with a separate guide or self-guided exploration.
• Check the weather: The tour is weather-dependent—adverse conditions can lead to cancellations, with full refunds provided if that happens.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers wanting a quick, affordable way to see multiple sites without the hassle of organizing separate transport or guides. It suits those who enjoy independent exploration and snorkeling or swimming in beautiful locations. The private nature means you can customize your time, making it a good fit for families, couples, or small groups looking for a relaxed day with scenic highlights.

If you’re after detailed guided tours of each location or prefer fewer crowds, this may not be the perfect choice. But if you’re content with a well-organized, flexible day that balances sightseeing and leisure, this is a solid option.

FAQs

Is this tour guided?
It’s not a guided tour in the traditional sense. The vessel provides some commentary, but the main focus is on getting you to the sites and letting you explore at your own pace.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat ride to and from the islands is part of the experience, with comfortable, air-conditioned vessels. The exact duration isn’t specified, but the focus is on quick, efficient transportation.

Can I swim at the Blue Lagoon?
Yes, the tour includes around two hours at the Blue Lagoon, giving you plenty of time to swim, snorkel, or just lounge on the boat.

What if the weather is bad?
Adverse weather conditions can lead to cancellations for safety reasons, with full refunds given if the trip is canceled. Always check the forecast before booking.

Is it suitable for children?
Most travelers find the trip suitable, especially since it involves a boat ride and some walking. However, keep in mind the boat’s environment and the limited time at stops.

What’s included in the price?
For around $52, you get boat transportation, stops at key sites, and time for swimming and exploring. The vessel’s Wi-Fi is an added bonus.

Are there options to extend the tour or customize it?
Since it’s a private experience, you can discuss your preferences with the company, but the standard itinerary is fixed.

To sum it up, the Best of Gozo & Comino tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to tick off some of Malta’s most beautiful sights. It strikes a good balance between sightseeing and leisure, especially if you value a flexible schedule and comfortable transport. Perfect for those who want to see the highlights without the rigid schedules of group guided tours, it’s a budget-friendly option that delivers memorable moments—just be prepared for some crowds at the Blue Lagoon and a brisk exploration in each location.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning traveler, this tour provides a snapshot of Malta’s natural beauty and historic sites, all wrapped in a fun, relaxed package.