Towns and Beaches

There are many beaches in Gozo but the most famous of them all is Ramla Bay, known as Ramla l’hamra (red sand) it has no tourist developments close by – apart from a snack bar and kiosk, which serve much needed cold drinks and snacks. It has a well photographed land mark in the form of

a white statue of the Virgin Mary, which has appeared in several Holywood films. The lack of touristic development means the area provides breath taking walks for the spring, autumn and winter seasons.

On the approach to Ramla Bay is Odysseus Cave, where he lived for 7 years seduced and enchanted by Calypso. below the cave are the remains of a Roman Villa, both of which can be visited.

Ramla Bay lies below the Village of Xaghra, which means `plateau`.

Marsalforn is a fishing village on the north coast which is Gozo’s most popular and developed sea resort. Although being the most developed it is still small in size and has retained a village like charm. In summer months Gozitans flock here on weekend evenings for their stroll along the promenade. Gozo Farmhouses Penthouse is situated in this seaside town, and commands spectacular views of the bay and sea!

On the right of Marsalforn is the village of Zebbug which means ‘Olives’ ..and this village was once famous for its abundance of olive trees which were harvested here and then taken for pressing into oil at the adjacent village down the hill, on route to Victoria which is called Ghasri (meaning the ”pressing place” ) Zebbug is an old hilltop village with exotic views and some lovely often deserted rocky beaches at Qbajjar within walking distance of Gozo Farmhouses.

Just round the corner from Qbajjar are the salt pans, carved out of the rocks centuries ago, for the collection and production of Salt, they remain in use today.

Ghasri village home to Gozo farmhouse Dar ta’ Tonina and Razzett Ghasri is a beautiful unique village. A walk down the picturesque valley leads down to the sea, where a small fjord, often deserted, enjoys a small sandy beach with crystal clear water. Ghasri has retained its 18th century charm and its magnificent views from Ghammar (where two other of Gozo Farmhouses are located Ghammar & Tal Patri) enjoying unspoilt views of Ta’ Gordan It is Gozo’s most northern point and home to a century’s old ta’ Gordan lighthouse, still in operation today.

On the west side of the island is one of Gozo s prettiest and most charming Village Gharb. It is also where three of Gozo Farmhouses are located, Dar ta’ Betta 1 and Dar ta’ Betta 2 which provide some of the best farmhouse accommodation in all of Gozo and Dar ta’ Vitorin. This village is known for the fine architecture of its houses and the stone balconies, many of them centuries old and finely carved.

The centre of the village is dominanted by the baroque Church of the Immaculate conception, whith a concave facade, floral decoration and sculptures of Faith, Hope and Charity, is truly impressive. Two famous characters of Gharb are venerated in minute and quaint museums : Frenc tal-Gharb, Gozo`s best known faith healer: and Carmela Grima who heard the miraculous voices at Ta Pinu – the shrine dedicated to Our Lady.

Qala is another quiet rural village lying east of Nadur with breathtaking views overlooking the blue lagoon and comino, it is most cetainly a place to have an aperitf whilst watching the sun set.

The massive Xewkija rotunda, along with Victoria’s Citadel, is the most conspicuous landmark in Gozo. The dome is one of the biggest in the world! Another of Gozo Farmhouses is found in this charming village, Dar ta’ Gerit.

Xlendi, is a popular village, lying on the waters edge, it has developed into a small tourist resort, with many excellent restuarants situated directly in front of the enormous cave that sits gaping in the side of the cliff.

Victoria or Rabat is Gozo’s Capital City, and as all roads lead from and to Victoria well worth visiting! On most weekdays and especially at the weekend it has an open air market in the main square. Adjoining Victoria is the Citadel (the old capital) a fortified town that protected Gozo’s inhabitants for many centuries from pirates and corsairs that used Gozo’s small harbors for shelter, while they raided the island in search of fresh produce and water. They often took Gozo’s inhabitants captives in order to sell them as slaves. To save themselves and their families from this terrifying fate, the inhabitants would rush to the citadel and await the departure of the invaders. Attacked several times and almost completely destroyed by the ottoman invasion of 1565 the Citadel is as impressive today as ever.

San Lawrenz is a cliff top farming village, on the far west side of the island, from where a spectacular road descends through arid Countryside to Dwejra Point. and the famous inland sea. There is a Roman Tomb at Dwejra Bay which popular with bathers, derives its fame from a singular rock that shelters it. Few rocks can claim the historical prominence of this 65 meter high megalith known as Gebla tal -General( General’s rock) or Fungus Rock. The importance comes from a minute plant that has been mistaken for fungus. Botanically known as Cynomorium Coccineum, the mysterious red plant with tiny flowers was once believed to have great healing powers. It was applied to cure various sicknesses, diseases and internal injury symptoms.

Gozo is much greener than Malta and gives a sort of holiday within a holiday atmosphere!