Discover Munxar, Gozo: A Guide to Malta’s Hidden Gem

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Munxar, a hidden gem on Gozo’s southern coast, is the perfect blend of tranquility and adventure. Nestled between lush valleys and dramatic cliffs, this charming village offers breathtaking views, peaceful streets lined with traditional limestone houses, and easy access to the vibrant Xlendi Bay. Whether you’re exploring the stunning Sanap Cliffs, diving into local history at its Baroque parish church, or savouring fresh seafood by the water, Munxar has something special for everyone. Make it your base for an unforgettable Gozo escape—you won’t regret it!

• Where to stay in Munxar

• How to get to Munxar

• Where to eat in Munxar

• Things to do in Munxar

• How to get around Munxar

• When to visit Munxar

• Plan your trip to Munxar

Where to Stay in Munxar, Gozo

As mentioned, Munxar is one of the smaller villages on Gozo, which is definitely part of its charm! However, it does mean that there's not a huge range of accommodation types to chose from. That said, it has a great range of traditional Gozitan farmhouses, most of which usually come with a private pool! And as ever with Gozo, it's tiny, so there are still great options not too far away. For example, still within Munxar but not in the village centre, you'll find a great boutique hotel. If you want a larger hotel, and the accompanying amenities, then we recommend you look at Xlendi.

• Traditional Villas and Farmhouses: Experience authentic Gozitan hospitality by booking a charming guesthouse or self-catering apartment within the village.

• Cesca Boutique Hotel: For an upscale stay, consider Cesca Boutique Hotel located in Xlendi Valley. This stylish hotel offers elegant rooms, stunning valley views, and easy access to nearby attractions.

• Xlendi Bay Accommodation: Just minutes away from Munxar village centre, Xlendi Bay provides numerous hotels and apartments ideal for those seeking coastal views and proximity to restaurants and beaches

How to Get to Munxar

To get to Munxar, first you must travel to Gozo from Malta, as this is where the airport is. Once you've landed, you need to catch a ferry and you have two different routes to pick from. To help you decide which the best option is for you, read our helpful guide on how to get to Gozo, but in summary:

• Gozo Channel Ferry (Cirkewwa to Mgarr): 25-minute ride departing every 30-45 minutes. The only choice if you have a hired a car .

• Gozo Highspeed Ferry (Valletta to Mgarr): A 45-minute option for foot passengers only.

Both ferries will take you to the beautiful Mgarr Harbour. From there you can jump a taxi, hire a car or take a bus.

By Car: A 20-minute drive through scenic countryside. Cars can be hired from the Gozo Channel Ferry Terminal.

By Bus: Unfortunately, there is no direct bus route to Għarb. You will need to the 301 to Victoria, then transfer to Route 305 (40-50 minutes total). The bus is a great way to get around Gozo and there are several options that make it really cost-effective. We also recommend checking your options when you know what time of year you are visiting. As often there is a direct route put on between Mgarr and Xlendi during the summer season (June to September).

By Taxi or Bolt: White Taxis can be found outside the Ferry Terminal, we recommend agreeing the price before you start the ride. A more convenient option could be to order a Bolt or Uber for the 20-minute trip.

Where to Eat in Munxar

Dining options in the centre of the village are limited but it's a nice stroll down to Xlendi, which is packed with great options. Especially if you enjoy eating seafood next to the waters edge. There's also plenty of places to pick from in Victoria. If you do want to stay in the village, there is a great option available in the shape of Paulos Bar, which has a great selection of burgers and pizzas. We also recommend:

La Vallée Restaurant: Located at Cesca Boutique Hotel, La Vallée offers contemporary fine dining with seasonal menus and an extensive wine cellar. Enjoy stunning views of Xlendi Valley as you dine.

Da Manuel Restaurant: Possibly one of the best spots on the island to enjoy a sunset as you dine. Offering top notch service with beautifully prepared dishes, it truly is a hidden gem.

Ta' Karolina: Another place with a great location. At Ta Karolina you can sit next to the water and enjoy traditional Gozitan fare, including homemade ravioli, and rabbit.

Things to Do in Munxar

We have to be honest here, Munxar is not a hive of activity and if you are after a more vibrant vibe, it's probably not the village for you, and you should check out our village-by-village guide to find somewhere more suitable.

However, if you want to experience tranquil village life, with easy access to some good hiking and great restaurants within walking distance (though we'd recommend getting a taxi back), Munxar is a great location for your trip to Gozo.

How to Get Around Munxar

As you might have gathered, Munxar is quite small and it's very easy to explore on foot. When it comes to exploring the rest of Gozo, you have a few options available.

Bus: Munxar is served by one bus route, 305, that connects it to Victoria (Rabat) and other parts of Gozo.

Car rental: Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore Gozo at your own pace. Just remember that driving is on the left side of the road.

Taxi services: Apps like Bolt offer convenient ride-hailing services on Gozo.

Bicycle: For the more adventurous, renting a bike is a great way to explore Għarb and its beautiful surroundings.

Check out our guide on how to get around Gozo to work out the best options for you!

When to Visit Munxar

Gozo is delightful pretty much all year-round; however, timing your visit is key to getting the best out of your stay.

• Peak Season: July and August have the warmest weather, making it ideal for swimming & diving but it is the busiest time on the island

• Shoulder Seasons (Recommended): April-June & September-November. Usually very pleasant weather, there's fewer crowds and it's ideal for sightseeing & hiking. The sea is also still warm enough to swim in throughout September and October, even later for those used to colder waters.

• Quiet Season: December-March, while the temperatures are cooler, and there will be the odd storm. It's a wonderful time to explore the island.

Plan your trip to Munxar

Ready to explore this hidden gem on Gozo? Here's a quick checklist for planning your perfect getaway:

Book Your Accommodation Early: Use our map below for convenient accommodation options ranging from cozy apartments to boutique hotels.

Reserve Dining Experiences: Secure reservations at popular eateries like La Vallée Restaurant or seaside spots in nearby Xlendi.

Arrange Transportation: Decide between public transport convenience or rental car flexibility—both easily accessible upon arrival.

Pack Appropriately: Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring trails and alleyways; don’t forget swimwear if visiting during warmer months.

Explore Beyond Munxar: Consider day trips around Gozo—visit historical sites like Ggantija Temples, picturesque spots such as Għarb, Xlendi Bay and Nadur or find some unusual things to do on Gozo.

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