Beaches in Gozo

There are beaches of red sand like Ramla il-Hamra, literally “Red Sands” where turtles once bred and where a Roman mini-potentate long ago built a summer villa, and San Blas, white sands like Dahlet Qorrot, magnificent deep water inlets that wind their way through the cliffs, like Xlendi and Mgarr ix-Xini, or coves of pebbles, like the romantically named Hondoq ir-Rummien, “Pomegranate cove”. Xlendi is where Phoenician galleys sought shelter and where, on storm days, they were wrecked on a treacherous reef, leaving amphorae lying in stillness in the depths of azure waters.

Then there are the wild imposing cliffs, where the breeze carries the scent of wild thyme and the brilliant turquoise waters of Comino, the tiny island across the way, sparkle in the sunlight. The Maltese Falcon, which gave its name to a Humphrey Bogart film, once bred on these cliffs. But sadly, it does so no longer – though some say that its cry still echoes in the wind.

Ir-Ramla il-Hamra

(easily accessible by car through Nadur or Xaghra) is the largest, the best and still the most unspoilt haven of the island of Gozo. The whole beach is a spread of red sand. The sea is shallow and perfect for children, except on windy days. On the right seaward, a path leads up to Taht l-Irdum where the water is deeper.

San Blas

(reached through Triq San Blas, Nadur) is a delightful little secluded beach of red sand. The path to the sea is rather steep but the sandy beach is of exceptional charm and worthy of a visit. This quaint idyllic beach is never crowded.

Dahlet Qorrot

(accessible by car though the road is steep, through Nadur). The beach is tiny but one can swim off the rocks on both sides in crystal clear water. Fishermen use this tranquil bay as a base, and colourful boats dance silently on the waters during the summer months.

Hondoq ir-Rummien

(easily accessible by car through Qala) is a small sandy beach with crystalline water and there is ample space for sunbathing. Snacks are available from a Gabbana (Kiosk). This beach is also a good diving site, especially for beginners and night dives. Hondoq ir-Rummien is very popular with locals and can be crowded during weekends. It is a favoured spot for summer evening barbecues.

Ix-Xatt l-Ahmar

(on the Mgarr – Rabat road, to the left just after reaching Ghajnsielem) is another secluded bay with ample space for diving. The wreck of the “Xlendi”, a ferry boat that until recently plied between Malta and Gozo lies in the depths of this location, thus enhancing the attractions of this excellent dive site.

Mgarr ix-Xini

(easily accessible by car either through Sannat or Xewkija) is a fjord-looking cleft with sheer cliffs rising from a pebbly beach and intriguing caves. This secluded spot is ideal for swimming and another quaint and attractive dive site, especially for night diving. This peaceful bay is never crowded.

Xlendi

(easily reached by car either through Fontana or from Munxar) is together with Ramla l-Hamra and Marsalforn, one of the three major resorts of Gozo. It is possible to swim in a small sandy beach or paddle and snorkel off the rocks surrounding this beach. One can also swim off the rocks beneath the watchtower that stands guard at the mouth of Xlendi Bay.

Id-Dwejra

(easily accessible by car through San Lawrenz) is partly enclosed by the Hagret il-General. The water here is very deep and the occasional swell may be dangerous. It is however a haven for the strong swimmer. It is also possible to swim in the Inland Sea, where the sea has cut into the cliffs to form a shallow, sheltered salt-water pool with pebbly crystal clear water.

Wied il-Ghasri

(reached through Ghasri and Marsalforn) is a fjord-looking tiny beach wedged between high cliffs and can be reached ideally by boat. The fantastic cover and airlock are the main attractions at this dive site.

Ix-Xwejni and Il-Qbajjar

(easily reached through Marsalforn or Zebbug) are two shallow beaches with pebbly corners and rocky stretches very close to each other and are ideal for swimming. They are popular dive sites, especially for beginners. A couple of bars and restaurants line the seafront.

Marsalforn

(easily reached through Rabat, Xaghra or Zebbug) is the most popular summer resort on the island. Here there is a good choice of diving spots off the rocks and on a pebbly beach. Just behind the menqa (harbour), one finds the deep clear waters of Ghar Qawqla where swimming off the rocks is a delight. Marsalforn offers the widest variety of bars and restaurants, most of them al fresco.

Comino

(reached by frequent boat trips from various points in Gozo) has three secluded beach havens with clear turquoise-blue water. Santa Marija Bay, San Niklaw Bay and Bejn il-Kmiemen (between Comino and the islet of coming to) also known as the Blue Lagoon. The beauty and attraction of Comino islet as a swimming paradise are matched by its underwater caves and reefs which attract experienced divers.