Description

This is a lovely ride which starts at one of Gozo's best known beaches and finishes at a peaceful village nestled in the island's peaceful northern region. Grab a coffee in Xlendi and then begin the tough climb out of the village up towards Victoria.

Just before reaching the Tuta bus stop, turn left and follow an extremely steep concrete track up to the village of Kercem.

All but the strongest of riders will need to get off and push on the climb to Kercem, and even ebikers might have to push, such is the incline! When you do finally make it up the climb, roll into Kercem and then follow quiet roads to a jeep track which winds around to St Lawrenz.

Get back on the road and pass through the lovely village square then begin the long, fast and fun descent to the famous Inland Sea.

A pretty unique feature, the Inland Sea is a shallow and contained body of sea water which is fed a narrow channel of water through a cave.

Adventurous swimmers might consider swimming out through the cave and into the the open sea, which is a serious undertaking but does take you to the foot of some staggering vertical cliffs.

Most people content themselves with a much more relaxed option - going for a float in the Inland Sea and having an ice cream. When you've had your swim, take a stroll to the viewpoint which used to afford a great view of the Azure Window, a beautiful rock arch which sadly collapsed during a storm in 2017.

If you've got a snorkel with you then it's possible to snorkel out to where the arch used to be and you'll see the remains of it on the sea bed. Eventually all good things come to an end and you'll have to leave the Inland Sea behind and make the long climb back up to St Lawrenz.

Turn left in the village square and head north-west up a quiet road which offers huge views across the cliffs near the Inland Sea.

Just when this road turns into a jeep track, turn right and follow a rutted track which leads to another road.

Turn right on this and follow it easily into Gharb - a charming village with a peaceful little square in its centre.

Park up the bikes and grab a bite to eat or carry on to another part of Gozo.