Groups of people swimming or standing in the sea, close to a sandy shore.

An Honest Guide to Gozo’s Best Beaches: Our Top 5 Swim Spots

By Kerry Gaffney | Last Updated 09/02/2026

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When I first told some people that I was moving to Malta, one of the responses was “You do know it has no beaches?”, which was both a little strange and completely wrong. It’s an island, it either has beaches or its edges are sheer cliffs, there are not many other choices for how land borders the sea.

What they meant was that Malta had no sandy beaches. They were wrong about that too. Admittedly, it doesn’t have many sandy beaches, but as a beach is defined as ‘a narrow strip of land separating a body of water from inland areas’. A beach that is made of rock is just as much a beach as one made of sand, though far harder to build castles on.

Anyway, this is our guide to the best beaches on Gozo. Some are sandy, some are pebbly, some are slabs of rock. All of them have their own unique charm, and to be honest, challenges. For example, San Blas and Daħlet Qorrot are beautiful and worth visiting but getting to them, and back, can be difficult. We’ll give you everything you need to know to plan your Gozo beach trips.

Top 5 Places to Swim On Gozo

The water around Gozo is magical, thanks to the limestone nature of the island. The waters are clear and generally quite shallow for a good distance from the shore. It is also warm enough to swim all year around. The lowest average sea surface temperature is 16°C, which is about as warm as it gets around the coast of the UK. So if you grew up being encouraged to have a refreshing dip in the North or Irish Sea while on holiday, swimming in winter on Gozo is absolutely do-able.

Ramla Bay

Known as Ramla il-Ħamra locally, which means the Red Sandy Beach, Ramla is the biggest sand beach on Gozo and probably the most popular.

What’s It Like: It is a beautiful, wide Blue Flag beach with distinctive red‑gold sand, and it works well for beach lovers of all ages. The shoreline is quite rocky and pebbly in places, so we recommend wearing water shoes. The bay stays shallow for quite a distance, which means that in summer the water can feel like getting into a warm bath. There is no natural shade on the sand, so bring your own umbrella or some cash to rent one when you arrive.

Getting There: Ramla is one of the easiest beaches on Gozo to reach. There is a bus stop about 450 metres from the beach, and both the 302 and 322 stop there, although they are not especially frequent. The 302 runs from Victoria and now serves Ramla on all its trips, while the 322 travels between Mġarr Harbour and Marsalforn via Ramla.

The red sands of Ramla beach as viewed from the Xaghra side of the bay.

There are plenty of parking spaces along the approach road, but as this is the most popular beach on Gozo you will need to come early in the morning or later in the afternoon to be confident of a space. Parking on the road is free, and there is also a private car park close to the beach that usually charges a couple of euros; prices may change for the 2026 summer season.

You can also book a taxi with Uber, eCabs or Bolt. If you are ordering a taxi back after your swim, make sure you have changed into dry clothes, as some drivers will not take passengers who are still in wet swimwear.

Facilities: As you might expect, Ramla has plenty of facilities. There are public toilets and changing areas, and in season you will usually find showers as well. There are three restaurants at the entrance to the beach, plus a kiosk near the bus stop and several food trucks in the parking area, so you can get drinks, snacks, ice creams and full-on meals. You can hire sunbeds and parasols, and there is a watersports concession renting kayaks, pedalos and paddle boards, as well as offering towable “sofa” rides.

During the main summer season, usually from June until mid‑September, lifeguards are stationed on the beach and safety flags mark the designated swimming zones. Please pay attention to the flags and follow any instructions from the lifeguards.

Outside the summer season you should not expect kiosks to be open or anything to be available to rent, but the upside is that you will almost always find parking.

Good to Know: Ramla is popular, and it will be busy at peak times in the summer season. It is also the main beach on Gozo where loggerhead turtles occasionally nest. In recent years several nests have been recorded here in a single summer. If there is a nest, you will see a small shelter or gazebo and a circle of sand that has been fenced or netted off. This area is monitored by volunteers who are happy to explain what is happening.

One final piece of advice: the sand can get incredibly hot in high summer. In August, people have burned their feet badly enough to need medical attention after walking barefoot on the beach, so check the sand with your hand before you take off your flip‑flops.

San Blas Bay

San Blas Bay sits on Gozo’s north‑east coast below Nadur and is often described as Ramla’s smaller, more secluded red‑sand cousin. It is beautiful and peaceful, but the effort to get there (and back) is part of the deal.

What’s It Like: San Blas is a much smaller bay than Ramla, with the same reddish sand, clear water and a very natural feel. The beach has shrunk over the years because of erosion and can feel quite narrow at high tide, so it fills up quickly on busy days. The seabed is mostly sand with some rocks, and the water is usually calm and great for swimming and snorkelling when conditions are settled. There is very little shade on the sand, so bring an umbrella or be prepared to rent one.

Getting There: This is where San Blas becomes a bit of an adventure. You will drive or take the bus to the top of the valley, then tackle a very steep single‑track road down to the beach.

  • If you are driving, you must park at the top where the tarmac ends; do not attempt to drive all the way down, as the slope is extremely steep and can be unsafe.

  • From the parking area it is roughly a 10–15 minute walk down, and a much tougher walk back up, especially in the midday heat.

You can catch the bus to San Blas, the nearest stop is Weraq, which is served by the 303. This route does not go to San Blas on every trip, so make sure to check with the driver when you get on.

In summer there is often a local 4×4 or jeep shuttle waiting near the bottom of the hill to take people back up for a small fee (usually a few euros per person). If you are visiting with young children, buggies, mobility issues or lots of beach gear, it is worth thinking carefully about the climb.

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Facilities: San Blas has very limited facilities compared with Ramla. Expect:

  • A small beach shack / kiosk in season selling cold drinks and simple snacks.

  • Sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, usually controlled by the same kiosk.

  • No permanent toilets or changing rooms; depending on the season there may be a basic portable toilet, but do not rely on it.

There are no showers, no lifeguards and no formal swimming zones marked out, so you are very much responsible for your own safety here. Outside the main summer months the kiosk may be closed, so bring your own water and snacks.

Good to Know: San Blas is one of the loveliest spots on Gozo if you enjoy quieter, more natural beaches, but it does come with a few challenges:

  • The hill is genuinely steep; the walk back up can feel brutal in July and August, so avoid the hottest part of the day and carry plenty of water.

  • The sandy area is small and can feel crowded when a few families set up for the day.

  • After storms there have been reports of litter and even sewage issues in the water, so if it looks or smells off, skip the swim and try another day.​

If you are happy with a bit of a hike and light facilities, San Blas rewards you with a quieter, red‑sand bay that feels wonderfully cut off from the rest of the island. We’d also recommend taking a brief detour when you reach the parking area to check out the nearby Sopu Tower, which is one of only four surviving watchtowers from the era of the Knights of St John.

Ħondoq ir‑Rummien (Hondoq Bay)

Ħondoq ir‑Rummien, which means Pomegranate Valley or Pomegranate Moat, sits just below Qala on Gozo’s south‑east coast, looking straight across to Comino and the Blue Lagoon. It’s split into two areas, the beach and the concrete parking area and jetty, where you’ll find the watersports hire.

What’s It Like: The bay has a small area of coarse sand with pebbles, plus plenty of flat rocks and ladders into the sea, so it works for both families on the sand and confident swimmers who like deeper water. The water here is usually crystal‑clear and a beautiful turquoise, with good visibility for snorkelling along the rocks and out towards the headland. There is some shade under a few trees set back from the main sandy patch, but most of the beach is exposed to the sun.

Getting There: The easiest way to reach Hondoq is by car, following the road down from Qala; there is a spacious free parking area right by the beach, although on peak summer days it can still fill up and divers sometimes occupy a lot of space.

By bus, take route 303A and get off at the stop called Kuncizzjoni, then walk about 1.2 km (around 15–20 minutes) downhill to the bay. The walk back up is steady rather than brutally steep, but it is still a climb in the heat. Fortunately, the view across to Comino and Malta is beautiful, so no one will blame you for stopping a few times on the way back up to admire it and get your breath back. Taxis with Uber, eCabs, Bolt or local white taxis can also drop you at the beach and pick you up again later.

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Facilities: For a relatively small bay, Hondoq is very well set up. There are a couple of kiosks and a small bar serving drinks, ice creams, snacks and simple hot food. You’ll find toilets and showers available at the back of the beach near the kiosks. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be hired to use on the sand or nearby rocks. There is also a watersports centre that offers kayaks, paddle boards, self‑drive boat hire (no licence needed), and various boat or fishing trips, as well as jet skis and other activities in season.

In summer there are usually designated swimming zones roped off away from the boat traffic, and the bay’s Blue Flag status reflects its generally clean water and good basic infrastructure.

Good to know: Hondoq is one of the best places on Gozo for a mix of swimming, snorkelling and relaxing with a cold drink, but there are a few things to bear in mind:

  • It can get busy with locals and visitors, especially on summer afternoons and weekends; go early or towards sunset for a calmer feel.


  • On some days there may be currents outside the protected swimming area, so it is wise to stay within the marked zone unless you are confident and conditions are clearly calm.

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  • Although there is a small sandy section, bring water shoes if you have tender feet, as much of the shoreline is rocky or pebbly.

On a still day, Hondoq is hard to beat if you want clear turquoise water, handy facilities and those classic views across to Comino. It’s also a great location if you want to venture out further on to the water.

Mġarr ix-Xini

Pronounced “Mm-jar ish-Sheen‑ee” and Maltese for “the galley’s landing place”, is a narrow rocky inlet tucked into a steep‑sided valley between Xewkija and Sannat. It leapt to fame when Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt filmed much of their 2015 movie By the Sea here, using the bay to stand in for a 1970s French Riviera cove.

What’s It Like: There is only a very small pebbly/rocky shore and a concrete slipway, so most people lay towels on the rocks rather than on sand. The water gets deep quite quickly, which makes it excellent for swimming and snorkelling along the sides of the inlet, with lots of fish and interesting rock formations. The cliffs on either side give some shade at different times of day, and the whole place feels quiet and enclosed compared with Gozo’s open bays.

Getting there: Mġarr ix‑Xini is best reached by car or scooter. A narrow road winds down from the main road between Xewkija and Sannat; it is paved but single‑track in places, with passing points. There is limited parking right by the water, and it can fill quickly on summer weekends or in the late afternoon.

There is no direct bus to the bay. The closest bus stop is Cenc, Sannat, which is served by route 305. You will need to walk past the Ta’ Cenc Resort and Spa and then downhill to the bay. It’s beautiful and scenic, but steep. This spot is not ideal if you are relying solely on public transport or have mobility issues. Taxis can drop you at the bottom, but you may need to allow extra time for a pick‑up because of the remote location.

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Facilities: For such a tucked‑away place, Mġarr ix‑Xini has just enough to keep you comfortable for a few hours:

  • There is a small seasonal restaurant right by the water serving fresh fish and seafood, with a lovely view down the inlet; it is an idyllic spot for a meal. Be aware though, it has mixed reviews.

  • There is also a kiosk where you can get drinks, snacks and ice creams. Sunbeds and parasols can also be hired.

  • A toilet block was installed a couple of years ago, along with fresh water showers for a post-swim rinse.

  • You will not find a full watersports centre here, but it is a popular launch point for kayaks and for guided kayak or boat tours exploring the coastline.

There are no lifeguards, no roped‑off swim zones and boat traffic coming in and out of the inlet, so you need to keep an eye out while swimming.

Good to know
Mġarr ix‑Xini is one of the most picturesque swim spots on Gozo, but it will not suit everyone.

  • The shore is rocky and uneven, so water shoes are very helpful, and it is not the easiest place for small children to play at the water’s edge.

  • It can feel busy when there are a few boats moored in the inlet or a dive group using the bay, even though the place is physically small.

Xwejni Bay

Xwejni Bay (pronounced “Shway‑nee Bay”, meaning “little galleon” or “small boat”) sits on Gozo’s north coast near the village of Żebbuġ, just beyond the famous Marsalforn salt pans. The name recalls the bay’s maritime past, when pirates and small boats once anchored here to raid nearby villages. It’s one of my favourite places to swim on Gozo. Easy to get to, beautiful water and a couple of very nice kiosks nearby for post-dip refreshments.

What’s It Like: There is no sand – it is a small pebbly beach with flat rock platforms and ladders into the water, making it comfortable for sunbathing and easy entry for swimmers. The water is shallow and usually clear, great for snorkelling and spotting fish around the rocks; it is sheltered from strong winds most days. There is some shade from overhanging rocks, and the backdrop of salt pans adds a unique, photogenic charm.

Getting there: Xwejni is easy to reach by car, with free roadside parking along the approach road near the salt pans (spaces can be limited on busy days).

By bus, take route 310 from Victoria to Marsalforn and get off at the Xwejni stop, which is a short walk (under 5 minutes) to the bay. Taxis are straightforward too. The path down to the beach is a flight of steps, so it is not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs.

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Facilities: Basic but sufficient for a half‑day visit and you’re not too far away from Marsalforn.

  • The toilet block is across the road from the beach, so factor in a five-minute walk if you need to use them.

  • There are two kiosks nearby serving drinks, snacks and lunches, both with bay views.

  • Sunbeds and umbrellas are sometimes available to hire from the cafés.

  • No formal watersports rentals on site, but it is a popular spot for snorkelling and nearby dive centres use it as a base.

  • There are no lifeguards or marked swim zones, so swim confidently. However, the bay is quite shallow.

Good to know: Xwejni is a local favourite rather than a tourist hotspot, which is part of its appeal:

  • The pebbles mean water shoes are wise for comfort, especially if you explore the rocks.

  • It can attract dive groups, but stays quieter than bigger beaches; perfect for a calm swim by the salt pans.

  • Nearby Xwejni Salt Pans are worth a stroll – active in summer, photogenic year‑round.

Xwejni Bay gives you clear water, a peaceful vibe and that authentic Gozo feel without the crowds. The kiosk nearest to the water, the Crab Shell holds a regular jam session on Wednesdays and hosts other live music sessions too.

More Gozo Beach Recommendations

If the beaches described above don’t quite fit what you’re after, here are four more that deserve a spot on your Gozo beach list.

Blue Lagoon (Comino)

Possibly the most famous location in Malta. You’ll find the Blue Lagoon on Comino, which is the small island that lies between Gozo and Malta. It’s turquoise waters are iconic but it does get very busy.

What’s It Like: There is a very small sand beach, and the rest of the terrain is quite rocky and steep. It is stunning for swimming and snorkelling but expect a lot of boats to line up in the Lagoon. The path from the landing area to the main lagoon is lined with food trucks playing loud music. You’ll also see a lot of pineapples.

Getting there: You can catch a ferry from Gozo 15 mins from Ħondoq ir‑Rummien (€10–15 return, book ahead peak season) or Mġarr Harbour; multiple daily trips available with several companies

Facilities: There is a toilet block with showers, plenty of kiosks selling snacks and drinks, including the popular fruit bar that sells cocktails in Pineapples. There are plenty of sunbeds and parasols to hire, and there is no shade.

Good to Know: You must book a landing slot, which is free, in advance of travelling to Comino. In attempt to reduce harm to this Natura 2000 Reserve, visitor numbers have been limited. There are three slots available, morning, afternoon and evening, and you only need to book if you are visiting the Blue Lagoon.

Even with the restricted numbers, it will still be busy. We recommend going early (8–10am) or late (after 4pm).

Take a look at our full guide to the Comino and the Blue Lagoon to plan your perfect trip.

Idyllic scene of swimmers and boats at Malta's Blue Lagoon on a sunny summer day.

Xlendi Bay

Xlendi Bay (pronounced “Shlen‑dee”) is one of Gozo’s two main resort bays, the other being Marsalforn on the north coast. Xlendi, on the south‑west coast, has a small but lively promenade of cafés set around a classic horseshoe‑shaped bay.

What’s It Like: The beach is a small strip of coarse sand and pebbles, but you can also access the water from the extensive rock platforms and ladders. The water is clear and ideal for swimming and snorkelling. If you’re feeling brave, there are a few spots to jump into the water – just be sure to check the depth first. The bay is west‑facing, so it is a great spot to catch the sunset.

Getting there: Getting there: Xlendi is served by three bus routes (301, 302 and 323), which all stop in the parking areas behind the bay. There is also plenty of parking, but do expect it to be busy in peak season.

Facilities: There are toilets and showers by the beach and plenty of cafés, restaurants and bars to keep you refreshed. The beach itself is a little small for sunbeds, so they are not available. There is a place to hire kayaks, jet skis and other equipment, and you can even try a scuba-diving taster sessionsession. You will find lifeguards on patrol in the summer season.

Good to Know: Xlendi is very family‑friendly but does get very busy in peak season, both in and out of the water, so be careful to stick to the defined swimming zones. It’s a perfect spot for a late‑afternoon swim followed by dinner right next to the sea.

Aerial shot of Xlendia Bay.

Daħlet Qorrot

Daħlet Qorrot (“Dah‑let Kor‑rot”, “little inlet of pebbles”) is a tucked‑away pebbly cove near Nadur, loved by locals – including me. I love a summer trip to this picturesque little cove, surrounded by boathouses carved into the rock with brightly painted doors. It feels like you’ve stepped back in time.

What’s It Like: There is a small pebbly beach and the bay is usually full of fishing boats. The water gets deep quite quickly and it is wonderful for snorkelling. The vibe is very relaxed.

Getting there:  It’s another bay at the end of a steep, narrow road and the nearest bus stop, Qorrot (route 303), is about a 25‑minute walk away. It is possible to drive down to the bay, and there are plenty of parking spaces, but it does get very busy.

It is possible to get a taxi, but make sure to book your return journey in advance as it is difficult to get a reliable mobile signal in the cove. The kiosk does have free wi‑fi, but it is not open all year round.

Facilities: There is a seasonal kiosk, the wonderfully named Loose Caboose, which serves drinks, snacks and basic meals. There are public toilets but no sunbed or watersports hire.

Good to Know: A visit to Daħlet Qorrot means going off‑grid, unless the kiosk is open and their wi‑fi is working – and for me, and for the locals who love it down there, that’s a huge part of its charm.

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Dog Friendly Beaches and Walks

Gozo has a small number of official dog bathing beaches, where dogs are allowed to swim. It is often only a specific part of a bay that is designated as dog friendly, so always check the signage when you arrive.

While dogs are not allowed on any Blue Flag beach during the summer, or any sandy beach on Gozo (fines range from €232 to €4,658 for a first offence, and up to €11,646 for repeat offences).
Dogs can swim anywhere that is a not a designated bathing area, unless a specific local council by-law prohibits it.

Official Dog Bathing Beaches

  • Xwejni (Horizon Bay, under Horizon Restaurant)
    The most accessible official dog beach on Gozo, specifically the stretch under the Horizon Restaurant (not the whole bay).
  • Ras il-Ħobz (Għajnsielem)
    Remote coastal spot along the route to Mġarr ix‑Xini.​
  • Ta’ Għorġun Bay (Mġarr)
    Designated dog bathing area near Mġarr Harbour.​
  • Dwejra Bay (San Lawrenz)
    West coast official spot in the dramatic Dwejra area.​

Tips: When they are out of the water, dogs must be on a leash in all public spaces. You are required to carry poo bags and to clean up after your pet. Check Maltese Canine Federation for more information.

Gozo Beach Day Essentials

You’ve got your beach all picked out, know how to get there and what to expect. Here’s our final recommendations to make sure you have a great trip.

Must-Haves

  • Water Shoes: Even the sandy beaches have rocks and that sand gets brutally hot – trust us.

  • Water: It’s vital to stay hydrated, Gozo gets hot.

  • Sunscreen: The UV Index in Gozo can hit 11+ during the summer, make sure to protect your skin. Also, don’t apply it and then hit the water immediately, that will just wash it off.

  • Cash: Most places accept cards or payment by phone but not all of them, so be prepared.

  • Snorkel Gear: The water is so beautifully clear, it begs to be snorkelled in.

Know Before You Go

  • Jellyfish: Gozo can get hit by jellyfish during the summer, which can ruin your plans. Check the Recommended Bays on Maltese Islands Weather before you head out.

  • Bus times: Download the Tallinja app so you can find the nearest bus stop and track arrivals in real-time.
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  • Peak crowds: 11am–3pm July/Aug; early bird or golden hour best.

  • Off‑season bonus: Parking easy, water still swimmable (16°C+ winter).

  • Sea safety: Be smart and careful. Even if there are lifeguards present, check the flags, be cautious and take it easy on the alcohol until after you’ve finished enjoying the sea.

Time to grab your towel – Gozo’s beautiful beaches and bays await!

Still got questions? Drop us a message!

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