View from the Barbaggan Rocks looking towards Mgarr Harbour with clear blue water. — View from the Barbaggan Rocks

We were looking for a hike off the tourist crowds in August and discovered this short coastal walk from Mgarr Harbour to Hondoq Bay.

Eventually we walked it all alone and did not meet a single person other than the people kayaking near the Barbaggan Rocks.

Iz-Zewwieqa Bay

The route runs along a little coastal path that keeps the sea on your right most of the way. Leaving Mgarr Harbour, we first got to Iz-Zewwieqa Bay.

The rocks here seemed to have all sorts of colours from dark brown to yellow and a couple of sailing boats have put out their anchors right infront of us.

The Gozo Channel Ferry crossing between islands, viewed from the coastal path. — Incoming ferry from Malta

The channel between Gozo and Comino was busy with boats. We even saw some speedboats towing people on giant inflatable mattresses, the kind you hold on to while bouncing over the waves.

At one point we could see the Blue Lagoon, St. Mary’s Tower and the Red Tower located between Mellieha and Cirkewwa. At 11am it was already pretty hot and there were no trees or buildings that could give us shade.

Ta’ Bamberin

Our first stop was Ta’ Bamberin, a narrow little bay with calm and clear water. You could easily swim here if you wanted to. There is a ladder fixed to the rocks, but for us it was enough to take in the view and we kept going.

Barbaggan Rocks

A little further we passed by the Barbaggan Rocks. These cliffs are immense and accessing the bay seemed dangerous, so we decided not to climb down. We stayed at the top and watched two kayaks paddling out of the bay.

From here the trail keeps going along the coast with the kind of uninterrupted sea view to Comino Island that makes you stop for just “one more” photo every few minutes.

Hondoq Bay

Families and children enjoying the beach day at Hondoq ir-Rummien Bay in Gozo. — Children at Hondoq Bay

Eventually, the path led us to Hondoq ir-Rummien Bay which was much busier than anywhere else on our walk. The beach is mostly stones, but we managed to set up our umbrella by squeezing the pole between a few rocks which worked perfectly. You will really want to lie in shade here, especially on a July midday.

A child jumping into the sea from the concrete diving platform at Hondoq Bay. — Child jumping from a platform

There are concrete platforms where you can jump straight into the sea. It was mostly children who deepdived here and we joined in for a few jumps ourselves.

Route

Facilities and Transport

Hondoq Bay directions indication fixed at limestone wall. — Hondoq Bay, one of Gozo’s top spots for snorkelers and families

Hondoq Bay has public toilets nearby so you can get changed before heading home. There is a foodtruck in case you did not bring snacks with you.

We ordered a Bolt from there, but it took quite a while to arrive (which isn’t surprising for a busy summer Saturday though). If you don’t have a car or want to go by Bolt, you can also catch a bus from the village above. But reaching the stop means a steep uphill walk in the sun.

The best time to walk from Mgarr Harbour to Hondoq Bay is early morning or late afternoon. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and an umbrella and wear comfortable shoes for the short but uneven rocky path.

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Walking from Mgarr Harbour to Hondoq Bay