Coastal walk Malta-Gozo: stage 3

From a logistics point of view, the third stage of the long-distance hike is a bit more demanding than the other stages, since you have to rely on the bus and the ferry. But since the buses run about every 20 minutes and the ferry leaves every 45 minutes even at night, this is less complicated than it sounds. Stage 3 is divided as follows:

1. If you have stayed in "St Paul's Bay" as recommended, you first need a bus ride back to "Golden Bay" (see Goal of stage 2). Google Maps knows all departure times reliably.
2. Hike along the Maltese cliff landscape via "Popey Village" to the through road on the beach of Għadira (approx. 7 km).
3. About the ferry pier: The section between Għadira and the ferry pier is one of the less spectacular parts of the long-distance hike (6 km). Depending on the weather, condition and stage destination, a shortcut by bus may be useful or even necessary, as the total hiking distance to Sannat on Gozo is 21 km and the transfer time by ferry must also be included.
4. Ferry from Malta to Gozo: current departure times at www.gozochannel.com.
5. Hike from the ferry dock on Gozo to Sannat (8 km)

Stage 3 can also be varied to include an overnight stay near the ferry pier - either on Malta or on the more tranquil Gozo.

In the map included above and in the downloadable GPX files, we have drawn the following waypoints for better orientation:

• Waypoint 1: start of stage 3 (Bus stop)
• Waypoint 2: A small path leads behind the hotel
• Waypoint 3: From here along the road for about 1,5 km.
• Halfway between waypoints 3 and 4 there is a promising route variant (rediscovered in 2023): a path to the left of the road leads back to the road in an arc with a great view. The small detour is worth it!
• Waypoint 4: Popeye Village (theme park) with restaurant
• Waypoint 5: Fresh vegetables straight from the garden, selling water, wine and honey.
• Waypoint 6: bus stop - shortcut to the ferry is recommended
• Waypoint 7: Tickets for the ferry cost around € 5 (there and back), departure usually every 45 minutes, information at www.gozochannel.com
• Waypoint 8: Access to the Gozo coastal path
• Waypoint 9: The official Gozo Coastal Path leads here on the paved road. Better alternative: turn left
• Waypoint 10: detour to a beautiful viewpoint
• Waypoint 11: Finish stage 3 / overnight stay in Sannat (Gozo)