REVIEW · GOZO
Private Buggy Safari in Island of Gozo
Book on Viator →Operated by Barbarossa Excursions · Bookable on Viator
Six hours of Gozo, neatly stitched together. This private buggy safari gives you an efficient route across the island, mixing ancient sites, sea views, and classic Gozo stops with a driver-guide who keeps things moving. It’s also booked often (about 34 days ahead on average), so planning early helps if you want specific dates.
What I like most is the organized flow—you’re not left figuring out how to bounce between sites—and the private setup for your group, which usually means more attention from the guide. In the feedback, people singled out guides like George and Nick for being friendly, flexible, and full of local context while still keeping the day practical.
The one real consideration: this is a full day and you’ll do some walking and stairs (especially later near a sea rock viewpoint). Also, several key experiences are ticketed separately (like Ggantija and the Inland Sea), and lunch isn’t listed as included.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll feel right away
- Why a private Gozo buggy safari makes sense
- Price and value: what $325.83 buys you
- Getting started at Mgarr Harbour (and planning around the 8:00am start)
- Ggantija Archaeological Park: Gozo’s oldest big-name temples
- Calypso Cave and Ramla views: a short stop with a strong payoff
- The Citadel (Cittadella) in Victoria: ancient layers in a compact visit
- Inland Sea boat ride: the one paid add-on you should plan for
- Xewkija Rotunda (Church of St. John the Baptist): a quick cultural reset
- Marsalforn, the window-like rock viewpoint, and coastal breathing room
- Qala belvedere, Ramla Bay red sands, and Xlendi Bay
- Dwejra and Fungus Rock: the limestone showpiece at the edge of the sea
- Xwejni Salt Pans and Ta’ Pinu: craft, faith, and a final perspective
- What to expect from the pacing (and what might slow you down)
- Tickets, lunch, and the few charges to budget for
- Who this Gozo safari is best for
- Should you book this private buggy safari?
- FAQ
- How long is the Private Buggy Safari in Gozo?
- Where does the tour start and end?
- Is this tour private?
- What language is the tour offered in?
- What’s included in the price?
- Which entrance fees are not included?
- Is there a boat ride during the day?
- Is lunch included?
- Is there any requirement for physical fitness or children?
- What if the weather is bad or plans change?
Key highlights you’ll feel right away

- Private buggy-style pacing: you cover a lot of Gozo without the stress of solo logistics.
- Ggantija time on site: a focused stop at Gozo’s oldest major temples.
- Citadel + Victoria views: quick, high-impact views with minimal fuss.
- Inland Sea boat ride option: one clear paid add-on if you want to go out on the water.
- Sea stops with variety: Ramla red sands, Xlendi, Dwejra/Fungus Rock, plus Marsalforn breaks.
- Salt pans + Ta’ Pinu: you get both a working-craft stop and a famous shrine.
Why a private Gozo buggy safari makes sense

Gozo rewards people who can see several parts of the island in one day. If you try to DIY it with buses, timing can get messy, and parking can be a gamble. This kind of private safari-style route solves the biggest problem: getting you from coast to inland to historic sites in a sensible order.
I also like the human part of it. A driver-guide can explain why each place matters, not just point at it. And because it’s private, you’re not trying to herd a crowd through stops—your guide can slow down when something grabs your attention, and speed up when you’re just trying to beat the midday sun.
Price and value: what $325.83 buys you
You’re paying $325.83 per group (listed for up to 1), with a tour duration of about 6 hours. That’s not cheap, but you’re also buying time and coordination: a driver-guide plus a route that hits major anchors across Gozo.
Here’s the practical value equation: you’ll spend less time figuring out ferries and logistics, and more time actually seeing places like Ggantija, the Citadel, Inland Sea, and the coast around Ramla, Xlendi, and Dwejra. Where value can swing for you is in add-ons. Ggantija and the Inland Sea have separate per-person fees, and lunch isn’t included. So if you’re the kind of traveler who wants to pay for some extras on the day, the cost is easier to justify.
Getting started at Mgarr Harbour (and planning around the 8:00am start)

The day starts at 8:00am at Mgarr Harbour, Malta, and you end back at the same meeting point. That early start matters in Gozo because you’ll get better light for views and fewer crowds at the most popular photo spots.
Also, keep in mind the schedule is built around multiple short stops—most are 15 to 45 minutes. That means you should treat the day like a guided highlights run: show up hydrated, wear decent walking shoes, and use the short windows to take in each place rather than trying to “camp out” for long periods.
Ggantija Archaeological Park: Gozo’s oldest big-name temples
First stop is Ggantija Archaeological Park, with about 45 minutes on site. This is where you see some of the island’s most important early temple architecture—one of those stops that instantly makes Gozo feel older than you expect.
Admission is not included (listed at €10.00 per person), so factor that into your budget. The time is long enough to read signs and absorb the scale without feeling rushed. If you like history, this is one of the best payoff stops in the whole itinerary.
Calypso Cave and Ramla views: a short stop with a strong payoff
Next is Calypso Cave for about 30 minutes. Admission is listed as free, and the big reason to stop here is the views toward Ramla.
This is the kind of stop that works even if you’re not on a long walking mood. You get a coastal perspective and a quick change of scenery. Just remember: it’s short by design, so have your camera ready if you like golden-hour photos.
The Citadel (Cittadella) in Victoria: ancient layers in a compact visit
You’ll then head to The Citadel (Cittadella/Castello) in Victoria for about 30 minutes. Admission is listed as free, which is always a win when you’re paying out separately for other sites.
This is one of those places where a short visit still feels worthwhile because it sits on a historically layered site, with habitation dating back to the Bronze Age, and later associations with the Punic-Roman city of Gaulos/Glauconis Civitas. In practical terms: you can walk in, get the viewpoint, and feel like you just stepped into a long timeline.
Inland Sea boat ride: the one paid add-on you should plan for
Inland Sea is next, with about 30 minutes. Admission is not included, and the listed fee is €5.00 per person.
This stop is built around the idea of a boat ride through to the sea from the Inland Sea. If you only do one paid add-on that’s part of the route, this is the one. It turns “looking at water” into actually being on it, which is a big change of pace mid-day.
If you’re the type who hates waiting around, keep in mind it’s a short total stop—so you’ll want to be ready to move when your guide calls it.
Xewkija Rotunda (Church of St. John the Baptist): a quick cultural reset
At Church of St. John the Baptist (often called the Rotunda of Xewkija), you’ll get about 15 minutes. Admission is listed as free.
Fifteen minutes isn’t enough for a deep church study session, but it’s long enough to appreciate the building and reset your brain after the more outdoorsy viewpoints. It also breaks up the day, so the route doesn’t feel like a nonstop photo sprint.
Marsalforn, the window-like rock viewpoint, and coastal breathing room
You’ll also pass through Marsalforn and the surrounding seaside area. The itinerary notes the town area along with a seaside rock formation resembling a window, reachable via a long stairway with a handrail.
This is the stop where your physical comfort matters most. If stairs are an issue for you, be ready to adjust your pace and take breaks. The good news: the reward is a distinctive sea view angle that feels very “Gozo,” not generic.
Qala belvedere, Ramla Bay red sands, and Xlendi Bay
After the Marsalforn and window-rock views, you’ll head to Qala (about 15 minutes, admission free). Qala’s belvedere is famous for broad views over the Maltese islands including Malta, Comino, Cominotto, and Gozo. The Blue Lagoon channel is also something you can spot from here.
Then the day continues with two of Gozo’s best-known seaside areas:
- Ramla Bay (red sands), on the north-east coast between Marsalforn and San Blas.
- Xlendi Bay, on the south-west with a small beach that many people consider one of the island’s best coastal stops.
These aren’t just sightseeing stops. They’re also good for a pause where you can feel the temperature shift, watch the boats, and decide whether you want to wander a little or just relax for a moment.
Dwejra and Fungus Rock: the limestone showpiece at the edge of the sea
The itinerary includes Fungus Rock (also known as Mushroom Rock, Il-Ġebla tal-Ġeneral) at Dwejra. It’s described as a limestone islet shaped like a mushroom at the entrance to an almost circular black lagoon.
Even in a short stop, places like this work because the geology does the talking. You’re seeing a distinctive coastline formation that looks dramatic from multiple angles, and it pairs well with the earlier “Red sands and bays” theme—you get texture and tone changes across the island.
Xwejni Salt Pans and Ta’ Pinu: craft, faith, and a final perspective
Near the end of the route you’ll visit Xwejni Salt Pans on Gozo’s northerly coast, just up from Marsalforn. The stop is about 30 minutes and admission is free. This is one of those meaningful places where you can connect a working tradition to what you’re seeing now—salt harvesting is still part of Gozo’s identity.
Finally, the day includes The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu, located about 700 metres from Għarb. Admission is listed as free (based on the stop notes), and this is a major spiritual landmark in Gozo.
What to expect from the pacing (and what might slow you down)
Because many stops are 15–45 minutes, you’ll need to keep an easy rhythm. This is not a “stroll all day” format. It’s a “see a lot with guidance” format.
Your biggest slow-down risk will be:
- stairs near the window-like rock viewpoint
- wanting to linger at Ramla, Xlendi, or Dwejra
- needing extra time to take photos from Qala and the Citadel
If you keep your expectations realistic—short visits, multiple highlights—you’ll enjoy it more. If you try to turn every stop into a long hike, the schedule will start to feel tight.
Tickets, lunch, and the few charges to budget for
Here’s what’s clearly listed as separate from the base price:
- Ggantija Archaeological Park: €10.00 per person (not included)
- Inland Sea: €5.00 per person (not included), tied to the boat ride portion
- Lunch: not included
Also noted: Ferry tickets are listed at €4.85 per person, while other parts of the day are described as organized for you. Because those details can vary by booking setup, I’d treat ferry costs and any meals as the two things to confirm for your exact departure plan.
Who this Gozo safari is best for
This tour is a strong fit if you:
- want a private day on Gozo without stress
- like mixing ancient sites with sea views
- prefer a guide who can explain what you’re seeing (George and Nick are specifically praised for friendliness and flexibility)
It’s also a good match for couples or small groups who don’t want a crowded bus rhythm. If you’re traveling with kids, note that children must be accompanied by an adult, and the day includes stairs.
If you’re someone who hates paying separate site fees and prefers fully all-in packages, you might want to think twice because Ggantija and the Inland Sea have set charges.
Should you book this private buggy safari?
I’d book it if you want a high-coverage Gozo day with a guide and a route that hits the island’s main pillars: temples, citadel views, the Inland Sea boat ride option, red sands at Ramla, Xlendi, Dwejra/Fungus Rock, salt pans, and Ta’ Pinu.
I’d hesitate if you:
- have limited comfort with stairs or lots of short walks
- don’t want to manage separate entrance fees (Ggantija and Inland Sea)
- are hoping for a long beach day without moving
One smart move: plan to eat on your own terms since lunch isn’t included, but keep your schedule tight around the guided stops so you don’t lose time to hunger.
If you want a guided Gozo day that feels full but still organized, this private buggy safari is a very sensible choice.
FAQ
How long is the Private Buggy Safari in Gozo?
It runs for about 6 hours (approx.).
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Mgarr Harbour, Malta at 8:00am and ends back at the meeting point.
Is this tour private?
Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.
What language is the tour offered in?
The tour is offered in English.
What’s included in the price?
A driver-guide is included. Ferry tickets and some entrance fees are listed separately, and lunch is not included.
Which entrance fees are not included?
Inland Sea entrance is listed at €5.00 per person, and Ggantija Archaeological Park is listed at €10.00 per person. Other stops are listed as free in the itinerary.
Is there a boat ride during the day?
Yes. At the Inland Sea, there’s a boat ride through to the sea.
Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included.
Is there any requirement for physical fitness or children?
The tour indicates moderate physical fitness is recommended. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
What if the weather is bad or plans change?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.






