8 of Gozo's best sand & pebble beaches

The beaches of Gozo, Malta's smaller sibling, are arguably some of the very best across the Maltese archipelago, offering a wide variety of beautiful swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing spots.

Gozo beaches, Ramla Bay © Mauro Ventura - Flickr Creative Commons
Gozo beaches, Ramla Bay © Mauro Ventura - Flickr Creative Commons

It's a rural and sparsely populated isle boasting a whole host of charming bays, pristine beaches and scenic coastlines that you should most definitely make room for on your holiday to Malta.

1. Mgarr ix-Xini

A pretty pebbly bay, Mgarr ix-Xini is famed for its crystal clear water, which makes it a prime beach for snorkelling and underwater photography. It's a narrow sliver which sits inland in a steep gorge with high rocky cliffs on either side.

2. Dwejra Bay

One of Gozo's more famous beaches is Dwejra, which often features in Game of Thrones. This was home to the renowned azure window, a natural limestone arch, however, this sadly collapsed into the sea during a storm in 2017.

The Azure Window, Dwejra © Jakub Olejniczak - Flickr Creative Commons
The Azure Window, Dwejra © Jakub Olejniczak - Flickr Creative Commons

Arguably the best dive site in the Maltese archipelago, Dwejra is also home to the Inland Sea, which kayaks and small boats can access through a narrow natural tunnel.

3. Ramla l-Hamra

The stretch of red sand that is Ramla l-Hamra proves very popular with locals and tourists alike, particularly families. It's a perfect spot for spending the day on the beach, with a shop and café for keeping sun worshippers fed and watered.

There is a large, almost misplaced, statue of the Virgin Mary in the centre of the beach but then, Gozo is home to 46 churches, so perhaps it's not that odd.

4. San Blas Bay

Another red sandy superstar is the beach of San Blas. More secluded than its neighbor Ramia I-Hamra, it is no less popular thanks to its stunning setting.

San Blas Bay, Gozo © Emanuela Zibordi - Flickr Creative Commons
San Blas Bay, Gozo © Emanuela Zibordi - Flickr Creative Commons

You do, however, have to work a little harder to get to this tranquil spot: the road that leads to the beach is incredibly steep, so much so that it has been closed to cars.

5. Marsalforn

Marsalforn is Gozo's most popular summer resort. It has the best variety of bars and restaurants plus safe swimming conditions for families. There is also a harbour nearby filled with traditional colourful Luzzu fishing boats.

Marsalforn Beach,Gozo © kattebelletje - Flickr Creative Commons
Marsalforn Beach,Gozo © kattebelletje - Flickr Creative Commons

6. Xlendi Bay

Xlendi Bay is a small but might beach, much-loved by visitors to the island. As well as the short ribbon of sand, swimmers can also dive into the sea from the surrounding rocks.

Xlendi Bay, Gozo © Anne Roberts - Flickr Creative Commons
Xlendi Bay, Gozo © Anne Roberts - Flickr Creative Commons

7. Dahlet Qorrot

A prime swimming and snorkelling spot is Dahlet Qorrot to the east of the island. You'll find rocks wrapped around a dinky white sandy beach that encircles the aquamarine water. Traditional fishing boats bob up and down in the bay to complete the tranquil picture.

Dahlet Qorrit Bay, Gozo © Michele Solmi - Flickr Creative Commons
Dahlet Qorrit Bay, Gozo © Michele Solmi - Flickr Creative Commons

8. Hondoq ir-Rummien

A favourite with diver's, especially beginners and those who love the thrill of a night dive, is Hondoq ir-Rummien. It's also where locals flock at weekends to swim, sunbathe and enjoy a BBQ. There's a kiosk selling snacks and drinks, and plenty of vantage points to take in the view across to Gozo's smaller sibling, Comino.

Hondoq ir-Rummien, Gozo © imagea.org - Flickr Creative Commons
Hondoq ir-Rummien, Gozo © imagea.org - Flickr Creative Commons

Fancy visiting these beaches in Gozo? Don't miss our Malta holidays page for more information and holiday deals. You can also visit our travel discounts section for the latest offers on everything from flights and car hire to hotels.

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Andrea Magrath

Andrea Magrath

Posted on Monday 27th April 2015 in: Beach Europe Nature

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