Although Gozo is a small island, roughly 14 km long and 7.25 km wide, it has miles and miles of amazing and diverse coastline. From dramatic limestone cliffs and inlets to secluded bays and, of course, the gorgeous red sand beach at Ramla Bay, there is sure to be a perfect spot for everyone.
Exploring our lovely coastline is a must-do if you decide to take a holiday on Gozo and you may be surprised to hear that there are still places to visit that are a bit off the beaten track. Most visitors to Gozo will already be familiar with Ramla beach and the resorts at Marsalforn and Xlendi. But Gozo also has lots of secluded coves and inlets where the locals go to swim and fish.
We spoke to Brian Meilak, Managing Director of Baron Holiday Homes, to get some recommendations on some of these ‘hidden gems’ that Gozo has to offer. Brian is a native Gozitan and has an insider’s knowledge of the island.
This blog post presents a mini guided tour of some of Brian’s favourite coastal spots to help you make the most of your holiday on Gozo. These special places can be enjoyed at any time of the year. You can swim, snorkel or sunbathe in the summer and autumn, or make them a picnic destination following a coastal hike in the cooler months.
Daħlet Qorrot
The road leading to Daħlet Qorrot. Photo: VisitGozo.com
This lovely bay lies on the north east side of Gozo between the villages of Nadur and Qala. Brian said: “When I was a child, Daħlet Qorrot was mainly used by local fishermen and it’s only in the last five years or so that visitors have discovered how lovely a place it is.”
You can see the fishermen’s boathouses cut into the cliffs with colourful doors and usually there will be a few boats anchored just off the small part sand, part pebble beach. The bay is ideal for families as it is fairly safe – although the sea gets deep quite quickly. Amenities include public toilets as well as the Loose Caboose kiosk which sells food and drink. Daħlet Qorrot is also very easy to get to by car and there is some car parking.
San Phillip (San Filep) Bay
An aerial shot of St. Philip's Bay. Photo: Testa Films
To the left of Daħlet Quorrot going north you’ll find another hidden gem – San Filep Bay. Although there is no beach as such, there are plenty of large rocks you can sit on and dive from. “You can swim to San Filep from Daħlet Quorrot but most people get there by boat as it is difficult to reach on foot,” said Brian. “There is some really nice snorkelling here.”
Ta’ Bamberin Inlet
Ta' Bamberin Inlet. Photo: VisitGozo.com
Another little-known spot just a few hundred metres further around the coast, past the popular beach at Ħondoq Bay, is Ta’ Bamberin. This rocky inlet has a small cave at the very end and is very popular with diving enthusiasts. Brian says you can walk here from Ħondoq but many people prefer to arrive by boat. “Ta’ Bamberin is totally unspoilt and the waters here are crystal clear so it’s a wonderful place to go swimming and even diving.”
Ix-Xatt l-Aħmar
Ix-Xatt l-Aħmar in Għajnsielem. Photo: VisitGozo.com
Another fabulous place to go diving and swimming on Gozo’s southern coast is Ix-Xatt l-Aħmar just to the west of Mġarr Harbour. This is one of Gozo’s real hidden gems and ideal for families. It has a small pebbly beach lapped by azure water and surrounded by lovely cliffs. Fort Chambray is also close by.
“Access was made available a few years back through a "rough" road but it has now been properly fixed to make it more accessible,” said Brian. “It’s very popular with scuba divers as you can explore three deep wrecks nearby, which have a host of marine life living on them.”
Wied il-Mielaħ
Love is in the air at Wied il-Mielaħ, Gozo. Photo: Baron Holiday Homes
Going further west and not too far from Għarb, you will find Weid il-Mielaħ, a deep-cut valley that ends at the coast with a natural limestone arch. “This area has become more popular since the Azure Window was lost in 2017,” said Brian. “The arch has become the island’s ‘new window’ and you can easily reach it on foot after parking nearby. There is no beach but this area is well worth exploring and to take some great photos.”
Wied il-Għasri
Aerial shot of the beautiful Wied l-Għasri. Photo: Baron Holiday Homes
Proceeding to Gozo’s northern coast there’s another special place to explore called Wied il-Għasri,- a small beach wedged between impressive cliffs. According to Brian, Wied il-Għasri is similar to Mġarr ix-Xini on the south coast but isn’t as well known. “It’s a great place to go for swimming and snorkelling. You can hike into the inlet but remember to take a picnic with you, as there are no amenities – just beautiful peace and quiet.”
Għajn Barrani
A bird's eye view of Gozo's Għajn Barrani. Photo: LovingMalta Facebook Page_Muscaat90
Between the rich red sands of Ramla Bay and the resort at Marsalforn lies another of Brian’s favourite coastal places – Għajn Barrani. Experienced hikers can walk from Ramla to this secluded spot and enjoy amazing views along the way. This is a very special place and is a Site of Ecological and Scientific Importance so be sure to check out the rich Mediterranean vegetation.
“Locals tend to visit Għajn Barrani by boat and anchor in the quiet bay for a swim or snorkel,” said Brian. “There are no amenities but that’s what is so special about this place – it’s so quiet and secluded.”
So, have we tempted you to explore some of Gozo’s coastal treasures?
Ask us for help
Baron Holiday Homes is happy to organise car hire, tours of Gozo, and special activities for our guests. Just get in touch and we'll tell you all you need to know about walks near to your rental property, special events in villages nearby, and other local information.
Posted in Activity, Adventure, Beach, Diving, Family, Local, Things to do, Walk, What to see in Gozo
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