Gozo, one of the Maltese archipelago’s three major islands, is famous for its slow-paced culture, rural vibe, and breathtaking beauty. Gozo is not only lush and green, but it is also significantly less inhabited than Malta’s main island, making it a hiker’s and photographer’s dream. What truly makes the island a holiday paradise, though, are its beautiful beaches and coastline landscape, which are enhanced by the island’s hot weather, which averages between 23 and 27 degrees Celsius between June and September.
When do people start swimming in Gozo?
In the spring, the water is already delightfully warm. Local beaches and bays are seldom overcrowded, even during peak season, which is another advantage when compared to major tourist spots around the Mediterranean.
How do you pick a beach in Gozo?
Because Gozo is such a tiny island, if there is wind on one side of the island, you simply need to hop a few kilometers along the coast to reach another quiet and serene cove – therefore there is nearly always a beach to fulfill your purpose.
Another thing to remember is to check the suggested beach of the day in order to avoid beaches that may contain jelly fish depending on the wind direction.
Here are our top 5 picks for beaches in Gozo
- Mgarr ix-Xini
Mgarr ix-Xini bay near Xewkija, Gozo, is a tiny cove where a valley meets the sea and is one of the island’s most picturesque beaches. A lengthy, winding road leads to the pebbly beach, which is popular with divers and swimmers both. It is a hidden cove that offers peace, relaxation, and stunning views of the sea. Bring your goggles or snorkel, and you’ll discover a plethora of aquatic life beneath the waters. This is made considerably more pleasurable by the clean water.
To complement your stay, the Mgarr ix-Xini restaurant, positioned directly next to the sea, offers thirst-quenching beverages and delectable appetizers. I
n addition, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie filmed ‘By the Sea’ in this very spot! It was also named one of CNN’s “10 finest spots to see before they change forever” earlier this year.
- Wied il-Ghasri
It’s impossible to describe how amazing this little, pebbly beach near Marsalforn is. It’s one of Gozo’s most remote beaches. It’s reached through a winding stairway carved into the valley’s cliff walls, which also make for a beautiful setting for hikes or bike excursions in the countryside. A pebbly inlet offers sheltering locations behind rocks as well as plenty of room for sunbathing.
If you go on a quiet day, the swimming from the little inlet is excellent, and the views out to sea are much better. Swimming between the cliffs is a fantastic experience, and you may also encounter divers investigating the area’s many underwater caverns. If you like stunning views, peace and quiet, and tranquil seas, you’ll enjoy Wied il-Ghasri.
When you reach the location, you’ll immediately recognise it, as it’s one of the most instagrammable spots on the island.
- Ramla Bay
This red-gold strip is Gozo’s only large sandy beach and is ideal for burying your toes into. A few sun loungers and parasols are available for hire, and an ice cream truck is stationed at the entrance. There’s also a seaside café. The clear waters are ideal for swimming, however it can get crowded in the summer. Arrive early to avoid the afternoon crowds and then climb up to Calypso’s Cave, one of our favorite spots to visit in Gozo. Another option is to take a midnight dip under the stars, and enjoy the whole beach to yourself.
- Hondoq Ir-Rummien
This beach is famous among divers and residents and can be reached via the little settlement of il-Qala. The sea here is opposite Comino, so you can imagine how clear the water can be! It’s also one of the only locations you can get a ferry to Comino in Gozo.
The quiet, clear waters of Hondoq ir-Rummien, accessible only via ladders, are popular with snorkelers, who dip in and out of the little caves built into the beach. A little white-sand beach facing the island of Comino is shielded by a rocky peninsula, and surrounding salt pans are still used to extract salt in the summer.
While weekends are likely to be busy, with residents setting up BBQs for a night on the bay, Hondoq ir-Rummien provides an ideal hideaway for a weekday excursion.
- San Blas bay
San Blas Bay is located right near to Gozo’s famed Ramla l-Hamra Bay. This beach is less popular than its sister beach since it is more difficult to access. You can reach this bay by foot, or else take advantage of a jeep taxi service. Driving down on your own is not possible. If you want to go exploring, though, San Blas is a tranquil bay with red sand and clear seas. The beach’s kiosk and amenities are also surrounded by a beautiful backdrop of verdant hills.
Are you looking for a place to stay while exploring the beautiful beaches of Gozo? Have a look at our accommodation options in Qala, Gozo. An ideal base, surrounded by various beaches.
