The island of Gozo is known for having some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean while offering a less crowded environment than the neighbouring island of Malta. The weather is temperate most of the year and the waters are usually calm and clear, so it’s a perfect destination for swimming, snorkeling, watersports, photography, sunbathing, and sheer relaxation. Of course, being an island that’s literally surrounded by beaches makes choosing which spots you’re going to see first a rather tricky process, especially if you don’t want to miss anything good! Luckily, you don’t have to waste your time separating the average from the spectacular because below is a quick guide to the top 10 beaches worth seeing on Gozo:
1. Ramla Bay
Ramla Bay is considered by many to be one of the best beaches in Gozo due to its soft and smooth red sand, along with the fact that the area surrounding the beach is still undeveloped. However, there are a few cafes and shops, so visitors still have plenty of food and drink options. There’s also a lush green valley that leads to the beach, as well as the neighbouring villages of Xagħra and Nadur, so once you’re done soaking up some fun in the sun you can take in some of the islands best views from the nearby high grounds. The beach is also steeped in interesting history, with the remains of Romans said to be buried beneath the sand.
2. San Blas
San Blas is easily worthy of the number two spot on this list, despite being a bit more difficult to access and not as large as Ramla Bay. However, the small size and ruggedness of the surrounding terrain also make it less frequented by other tourists, so it’s usually fairly private at any time of the year. The only way to reach the beach is via a narrow road from Nadur, but the end of the road is closed to vehicle traffic because it is too steep. Still, even with the challenges of getting there, once you’re there you’ll find that it can easily compete with Ramla Bay in terms of scenic beauty.
3. The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon in Comino is world-famous and has been featured in many different major films over the years due to the picturesque settings, shallow clear waters, and soft white sand. It really is a perfect natural pool, which is why it’s frequently the site of various watersports, snorkeling, and swimming. The shore of the beach itself is relatively small and set along a rocky slope, but the entire lagoon is very shallow so once you’re in the water there’s plenty of room to move about.
4. Ix-Xatt I-Aħmar
This is certainly one of Gozo’s hidden gems that often goes overlooked by foreign tourists but is regularly enjoyed by the locals. Bordering a surreal backdrop of multi-coloured hills and rock formations, the beach isn’t extremely difficult to access, but to get there you’ll have to travel down a winding road from Għajnsielem. Overall, this is an excellent swimming and diving destination, where a scuttled ship lying at the bottom of sea makes the diving location a favorite among those who enjoy wreck diving. The beach also enjoys privacy all year-round. In fact, many times you’ll find that there is literally no one else there, so if you want to feel like you have a massive stretch of beach to yourself, Ix-Xatt I-Aħmar is probably the best place for that on Gozo.
5. Ħondoq ir-Rummien
Although this beach has more rocks and shells than some of the aforementioned red beaches, the water is just as nice and there’s a cool staircase carved out of the rocks that leads right into the sea. The scenery bordering this beach isn’t dramatic, but there are high grounds that are good for catching superb views of the Mediterranean. Fewer crowds make this a good spot for photographers or people who prefer more secluded beaches.
6. Marsalforn Bay
This is one of the more densely populated beaches in Gozo, serving as the base for many divers and boats with a plethora of resorts and hospitality accommodations. A long promenade provides the perfect place for a long seaside stroll while the shallow waters make for great snorkelling fun. The abundance of dive sites and diving schools in the area make Marsalforn Bay the ideal spot for beginner divers that do not want to be too far away from the convenience of the city.
7. Xlendi Bay
This small beach is somewhat rocky, but it does have a bit of sand as well and the shallow waters are great for swimming and snorkelling. There’s an interesting staircase that takes you right down to the beach, which usually isn’t crowded at most times of the year. Xlendi Bay is bordered by a small fishing village and can be accessed via vehicle from the villages of il-Munxar and il-Fontana. There are plenty of top-rated bars, restaurants, and hotels nearby as well. The fact that it is situated on the far west side of the island makes it one of the best places for catching marvellous sunsets.
8. Daħlet Qorrot
This beach is mostly used by fisherman who can often be seen doing their work in the distance. The landscape is rocky and hilly, but there’s a small section of pebble beach as well, and these are some of the brightest blue waters in the Mediterranean. It’s a great spot for diving and photography, as the waters are very deep in many parts and the surrounding countryside is a sight to remember.
9. Dwejra Bay
Dwejra Bay is home to some of Gozo’s most impressive seaside rock formations, with natural tunnels, shallow waters, and deep-sea diving opportunities providing memorable scenery and activities for everyone. It was previously best known for the Azure Windows – a large sea arch that was one of Malta’s top tourist destinations until it collapsed into the sea in 2017. However, the collapsed portion of the arch is now a popular diving destination, alongside the nearby Blue Hole. Another interesting fact to note is that the bay is home to a strange-looking plant that was thought to be fungus and was renowned for its healing powers during the 1600s, to such an extent that the rock where it grows most – General’s Rock – was heavily guarded at all times to prevent people from stealing it.
10. Għajn Barrani
The lush green shores of Għajn Barrani offer a stunning contrast to the sandy and rocky beaches found elsewhere on this list, with an abundance of flora bordering the sloping hills and cliffs. The area is home to a number of freshwater springs, making it remarkably fertile and an ideal environment for the wild patches of olives, pomegranates, and other local plant varieties.
Summer for Tourism, Winter for Photography
The warm temperatures of summer are ideal for anyone who wants to get the most enjoyment out of their holiday in Gozo. On the other hand, people who are coming for the photography and/or peace of mind may find the island to be more appealing during the winter months, when there are fewer people to get in the way of photos or spoil the serenity that is an important part of what makes Gozo a favourite Mediterranean holiday destination.
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