Public transport in Gozo is inexpensive and efficient and runs several scheduled routes to and from Victoria, Gozo’s main town. Bus routes in Gozo can take you to all of the island’s villages and seaside resorts, main beaches, and the Mgarr Harbour where you get off/board the Gozo ferry. There are also plenty of taxis and car hire garages as well as bicycles and boats. If you’d like a guide with your vehicle, you can always take a tour. All of these transportation choices will help you get the most out of your green trip to Gozo.
Eggental
A year-round natural refugium for nature lovers and bon vivants in the Italian Dolomites.
Why visit Eggental
The Eggental valley is known for its wealth of natural, cultural and historic landmarks. And of coruse for the two mountain massifs, Rosengarten and Latemar, which are part of the Dolomites UNESCO world heritage. Depending on the season mountain lovers can choose between 500 km hiking and 200 km biking trails and 4 “via ferrata” climbing routes in the summer months. In the colder period of the year our offer includes two Dolomiti Superski areas with a total of 90 km of slopes, 80 km of cross-country ski trails, 160 km of groomed winter hiking trails, 150 km of snowshoeing and 3 toboggan runs. Since many years Eggental Tourism and many other stakeholders, like the mountain resorts, our star villagges and our municipalities, are very engaged in the matter of sustainability: free public transport for guests, direct collaborations between farmers and hoteliers, plastic free properties, climate neutral skiing, workshops to raise awareness for many different topics and much more.
Destination’s sustainability performance
Discover the best of Malta in Gozo, a scenic 25-minute ferry ride to an authentic island experience. Gozo is your best island destination.
While the excitement and bustle of summer may seem to have ebbed away, autumn gives Gozo a fresh new look as the first rains breathe life into the countryside and the warm weather generally persists.
Culture & Local Life
Until 1860, when the road through the Eggental “canyon” has been build, the valley has been kind of a sleeping beauty, accessible only via tiny and dangerous paths. Until today the Eggental valley was able to keep its charm and wilderness. The landscape is characterized by large forests and the Dolomites mountains, more than 70 % of the valley is covered by trees. and mountain farmers have carved out an existence in rough terrain. Today Eggental has a flourishing economy and was able to guide tourism in the right direction.
History notes: After the First World War the victors ceded the southern part of Tyrol, which belonged to Austria, to Italy. A struggle for self-determination and minority rights began. In the year 1972, 137 measurements to protect the German and Ladin speaking minorities has been recognized by the Italian State. Since then, the region continued to develop in a prosperous way.
Sustainability
Whether hiking in the fresh air or collecting rubbish; Kneipp therapy in a stream or looking for water sources; fresh salads straight from the garden or the precious work done by bees – with lectures, tastings, hikes or a combination of all three, we promise that the Eggental valley will bring you a whole lot closer to Mother Nature! All those looking for a better understanding of environmental protection issues will find fertile ground here – and are heartily welcome.
Good Practice Story
The Eggental in the Dolomites is a mountain destination in South Tyrol in the very north of Italy.
With the mountains Rosengarten and Latemar and the Lake Carezza it is a unique insider tip in the
South Tyrolean Dolomites with natural mountain experiences in the immediate vicinity of the provincial capital of Bolzano. It is also part of the UNESCO world heritage and the area is mostly famous for skiing in winter and hiking and biking during summertime and its hospitality
Health & Safety
Many COVID-19 restrictions have been relaxed in light of the decreasing amount of active cases on the island. Restaurants and bars have now re-opened, with the facility of serving their customers both indoors and outdoors. Indoors, the distance from the back of a chair to the back of another chair behind it shall be 2 metres apart while the distance is down to 1 metre for outdoor seating. Groups of 6 people or less can all enjoy a dining experience.
The Malta Tourism Authority has also issued a compliance badge and is awarding it to all establishments that are compliant with COVID-19 protocols. This means that the establishment has reached the highest levels of cleanliness and safety. This gives clients peace of mind that the establishment is safe. Many accommodations are also open and ensuring maximum safety for their clients by disinfecting properties in-between stays.
GOOD BUSINESSES
Discover accommodations, restaurants, shops and attractions that are commited to responsible development
Obereggen Latemar
Obereggen Latemar has been doing it for some time now: eco-friendly electricity powers the ski lifts, a wood-chip fuelled district heating system supplies the entire village community with heat, heat recovery systems, geothermal heating in a ski hut located at 2,096 metres above sea level – and an environmental management system certified to ISO 14001 standards, which has been in operation since 2004.
PROMO CODE:
Carezza Dolomites
In 2019 the Carezza Dolomites consortium was the first and only privately-run ski lift company to join the Climate Neutrality Alliance 2025: it has now set itself the goal of becoming climate neutral by 2022. A major undertaking – if it was not for the fact that Carezza has since 2011 been one of the Alpine “climate skiing areas”: for years the lift company has been involved in climate and environmental protection, using 100% green energy, optimising and monitoring the snowmaking and piste preparation processes, thus reducing its CO2 footprint, i.e. emissions of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide and its equivalents.
Hotel Pfösl
Sustainability has become an inner attitude, a way of life for us at the Hotel Pfösl. We always try to be mindful to the nature, all people and our environment. Since 2013 we have been awarded the Eco Label certificate and over the years we have also received various awards for our efforts on the subject of sustainability. In May 2022 we obtained the GSTC certification, an international standard that aims to concretely promote the development of sustainable tourism in all its aspects
Biohotel Steineggerhof
The Biohotel & Bikehotel Steineggerhof is located in the middle of the Eggental holiday region and not far away from Bolzano, the capital of South Tyrol. You live with us in an absolutely quiet location at the edge of the forest and enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the Dolomites, Schlern and Rosengarten.
Charmehotel Friedrich
Charmehotel Friedrich is a member of the Climate Neutrality Alliance 2025 and a commitment to eco-friendly hospitality. With a focus on sustainability, the hotel provides a unique and responsible travel experience. Come to rest, find inner balance and devote yourself entirely to being. It works particularly well here
Hotel Erica
Hotel Erica is part of the Climate Neutrality Alliance 2025 and dedicated to promoting sustainable hospitality. Hotel Erica will turn your vacation into enjoyable, relaxing and relaxing moments. The generous Wellness oasis with a panoramic view as well as our in Alpine-style rooms & suites ensure extraordinary moments of well-being.
Berghaus Rosengarten
Berghaus Rosengarten is a Climate Neutrality Alliance 2025 member with a commitment to eco-friendly hospitality. The hotel offers a one-of-a-kind and responsible travel experience, with a focus on sustainability. The small hotel with 13 rooms is your base camp, to which you return home in the evening. It’s where a warm “Welcome back!”, a mountain-fresh dinner, a cosy room and the view of the sun setting on the Rosengarten massif all await you.
Zischghof
Countless hikes and mountain bike tours start right outside hotel door. Come along on a guided hike or grab a mountain bike and start your discoveries of the fascinating Dolomites in front of Zischghofhotel in Obereggen. If you wish, we are happy to help you plan your individual hikes, mountain biking or climbing tours. In winter you find the valley station of the buzzy Obereggen ski resort at only hundred metres distance. The free hotel’s own ski shuttle takes you directly to the lifts, in a matter of minutes!
Nature & Wildlife
Our Dolomites mountains massifs, namely Rosengarten and Latemar, are part of the UNESCO world heritage and offer a vast range of hiking, biking, climbing, skiing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing tours. You don’t always have to reach the summit, either, as a circular hike over the pastures has a charm of its own – in culinary, scenic and exercise terms. And, while a walk among meadow flowers or winter forests is good for the muscles, it is above all good for the soul.
Getting there
Start planning your green trip to Gozo by booking ahead your choice of transportation. Many international airlines operate regular scheduled flights to and from Malta. Once at the Malta International Airport, you can make use of the public bus service from the airport to Cirkewwa, the northernmost point of Malta. A bus ride to Cirkewwa will take you approximately one hour. Alternatively, you can also make use of a taxi or cab service. At Cirkewwa, you can board the Gozo ferry for a scenic 25-minute crossing to Gozo’s Mġarr Harbour. The ferry service runs every 30 minutes during daytime and regularly during night-time and carries passengers and cars.
Getting around
GOOD PLACES TO STAY
We recommend these places because they are committed to responsible tourism, checked and certified by independent auditors and ecolabel programs such as one from Malta Tourism Authority.
Travel tips from our editors
Spend more than one day in Gozo
Gozo is a unique island to discover and delight in, with charming bays and beaches, astounding architecture, impassioned people, rich culture, sensational cuisine and more importantly a relaxed and laid-back vibe which positively influences all who stay here. The island is also home to world-renowned dive sites, a Neolithic temple older than Egypt’s Pyramids, a medieval city, and transfixing dark skies attracting stargazers from far and wide.
Visit outside the peak season
While every season is a good reason to visit Gozo, the island is quieter, and naturally more beautiful outside the peak season. Between autumn and late spring, Gozo’s countryside bursts into life revealing an incredible wealth of flora and fauna – particularly colourful wild flowers and scented herbs. With a temperate Mediterranean climate where sun and warmth are the norm even in winter, Gozo is perfect for an out-of-season holiday. Oh, and Gozo’s mild climate allows you to swim, snorkel, and dive in Gozo’s waters well outside the summer season.
Go for a walk
Gozo is a small island with marvellous landscape and a rich history providing many wonderful experiences for the rambler. From peaceful country and hill walks to rambles along cliff-tops with panoramic views; from coastal paths past extraordinary natural features to heritage trails through the alleyways of the Knights of St John or the unique prehistoric landscape, there is something for everyone.
Just dive in
The water is a crystal clear azure and warm for most of the year – perfect for swimming, snorkelling, diving or just splashing about. Indeed, Gozo is also home to some of the best diving in the Mediterranean. There are dive spots suitable for all levels of experience, from beginners to practiced divers looking for a new challenge. The underwater landscape here is spectacular, the visibility excellent.
Enjoy a sunset
Perhaps one of the biggest treats of being on a small island like Gozo is the sheer amount of opportunities to enjoy a sunset over the horizon. Places like Sanap Cliffs, Xlendi, Xwejni, and, especially, Dwejra, are amazing spots to enjoy a beautiful sunset. Every evening, you’ll catch dozens of people flocking to these spots to watch the glowing golden sun dip down into the Mediterranean Sea. Gozo is the stage for some veritable shows of inspiring sunsets.
Experience a cultural event
It’s always a good timing to go on your green trip to Gozo because Gozo has an incredibly active year-round cultural life, quite remarkable for such a small place. Gozo’s vibrant calendar of annual events includes its own distinct carnival, an opera festival and numerous summer festas, as well as whole-hearted celebration of the larger religious festivals. Every year also sees an eclectic blend of one-off local and international events, performances and exhibitions.
Sustainability Recognitions & Certifications
CERTIFICATION
GSTC Recognized Destination
RECOGNITION
Eggental was selected in the 2022
Sustainable Destinations Top 100
Carlos Bernardes |Mayor of Torres Vedras
“Torres Vedras does not have any doubts that it has to make its way towards a sustainable future. For example, we initiated a program of small vegetable gardens in schools; decided to join the Paris “Pact for Impact”; and developed the Santa Cruz Declaration on Climate Change.”
What does it mean?
- They have shown at least 60% compliance with the Green Destinations Core Criteria.
- They have submitted a story that was selected to the list for its innovative, effective and / or transferable good management practice.
Torroella de Montgrí-l’Estartit Good Practice Story
Torroella de Montgrí-l’Estartit submitted a Good Practice Story. It was about combining various tactics sustainability became the departure point for tourism development. Read the full story here.
Gozo Good Practice Story
Gozo submitted Good Practice Story’s. It was about a restoration project of a windmill undertaken by the Ministry of Gozo benefiting all stakeholders. Read the full story here.
Measures have been taken by the Government of Malta to make the island of Gozo an attractive destination all year round. Eco-friendlier activities are being promoted to encourage people to visit Gozo outside of the peak season. This would ensure a healthy flow of tourists to the island all year round rather than risking overcrowding during the summer season. Traditions of communities are not just being protected, but also incentivised to be brought to the fore so everyone can experience the island’s and its communities’ unique charms. Gozitans, as people from Gozo are called, are genuinely friendly and very hospitable and will go the extra mile to make visitors feel welcome. The island is very safe and human rights are very well respected.
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