9 Spectacular Swimming Spots and Beaches in Gozo, Malta

Visiting Gozo Island in Malta and looking for the best beaches in Gozo? Keep reading to find our favourite beaches in Gozo as well as swimming spots around the idyllic island.

Gozo Island in Malta is full of incredible scenery, ancient villages and stunning bays. Being surrounded by water you can certainly bet Gozo has its fair share of excellent beaches for relaxing, swimming and even snorkelling and diving.

What makes Gozo’s beaches truly special is their untouched beauty. Here, you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and find a serene haven. Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot to relax away from the crowds or just a large, sandy beach, you’ll find it in Gozo.

After spending a good few weeks in Gozo, I concluded that the best beach in Gozo is Ramla Bay Beach. It’s one of the only large Gozo sandy beaches on the island with warm, calm waters lapping at its shores. It’s a popular beach in Gozo and certainly not off the beaten path.

For those looking for something a little more secluded, our favourite beaches in Gozo are Hondoq ir-Rummien and Daħlet Qorrot Beach. Both these beaches, or shall I say, rocky inlets are fairly small, away from the crowds (outside high season) and the water here is simply breathtakingly blue.

However, these aren’t the only beaches on Gozo worth checking out. Keep reading to find six other spectacular beaches in Gozo Island, that are worth visiting and relaxing on during your trip to Gozo.

There are many more swimming spots and coves in Gozo but if you only have a few days on the island, the Gozo beaches in this post are the ones that stick out. They are the ones to prioritise.

*This ‘gozo best beaches’ post might contain affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top quality content for free.

Must-Note – Gozo, just like Malta, is a very rocky island and the coastal areas are predominantly steep, sea cliffs and rocky inlets. Due to the geography, there are very few large, sandy beaches in Gozo, yet the island is heaven for pristine, rocky swimming spots.

Best Gozo Beaches Map

Feel free the save the below Gozo beaches map onto your Google Maps for easy access when in Gozo.

9 Best Beaches in Gozo and Swimming Spots

Mgarr ix-Xini

Mgarr ix-Xini is a small rocky inlet located in the south of Gozo Island. This secluded cove, encased by steep cliffs and lush greenery, boasts crystal-clear azure waters that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling and diving.

The beach is small, just a pebbly area to the left of the inlet, which leads into a calm sea, making it ideal for a refreshing dip or a relaxed day by the water.

Mgarr ix-Xini served as a harbor during the times of the Knights of Malta and has retained its unspoiled charm. You’ll also find a restaurant here too – a decent yet overpriced spot serving fresh and fried seafood so no need to bring food with you.

If you plan on spending the day here, on one of the best beaches on Gozo, I’d highly recommend coming early to grab a good spot. After all, there’s only a small stone beach and a few rocky paths to choose from.

When visiting Mgarr ix-Xini, it’s also an idea to spend the afternoon on the beach and then hike over to Ta Cenc cliffs nearby for sunset. There’s a hiking path starting just to the right of the beach area that’ll take you all the way around to Ta Cenc cliffs.

This spectacular hiking path has some of the best views in all Gozo. You can see the entire island of Comino, as well as Malta from this path.

Ramla Beach

Ramla Bay Beach is probably the biggest, best and most popular beach in Gozo. Famous for its unique red-colored sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s a picturesque destination for sandy beach lovers.

The beach is spacious and family-friendly, offering ample space for sunbathing, building sandcastles, or indulging in a leisurely swim. The water here is also very shallow and calm, allowing for perfect swimming conditions.

Getting to Ramla Beach is easy too. You can drive and you’ll find plenty of parking on the road leading to the beach. Otherwise, bus numbers 302 and 322 also stop nearby.

When spending the day on Ramla Beach make sure to also hike up to Calypso’s Cave if it’s open (closed at the time of writing) as well as the famous, Tal-Mixta Cave, which can be reached via a steep hiking path at the end of the beach.

The views of Ramla Beach from Tal-Mixta Cave are really impressive so it’s worth the hike.

Hondoq ir- Rummien

Hondoq ir- Rummien was probably my best beach in Gozo for its secludedness and mesmerising water. This charming bay, known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and breathtaking views of Comino and Malta, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

The beach here is a mix of coarse sand and small pebbles, leading into shallow waters that are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The marine life in this area is vibrant and diverse, making it a paradise for those who prefer to spend their beach days in the water.

While the beach itself is small and can get quite crowded in summer, you can easily escape the crowds by relaxing further along the rocky inlet where the water is just as clear.

If you get bored, there are plenty of coastal hikes in this area too.

San Blas Beach

If you’re looking for a more hard-to-reach, secluded beach to spend the day on in Gozo, San Blas Bay, Gozo is one of the best options. Its not-so-easy to reach location keeps summer crowds at bay, while there’s still quite a bit of space to spread out and enjoy the area.

While the water here isn’t as clear as in some other areas, it is calm and perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

Access to San Blas beach is via a steep, narrow but paved road that would just about fit one car. If you’ve rented a car, I wouldn’t recommend driving right to the beach because the road is narrow and parking at the bottom is limited. It’s best to leave your car in San Blas village and then walk down to the beach.

You can also get to San Blas beach by 303 bus and then walk down to the beach from the village.

Xlendi

Xlendi rarely features on other popular guides on Gozo beaches but we discovered the small, dreamy resort town to have a handful of lovely swimming spots.

Xlendi is actually a village, located right on the south coast of Gozo island. Here you’ll find a charming blend of natural beauty and bustling activity, making it a must-visit destination. The heart of Xlendi is its beach, a delightful cove flanked by rugged cliffs and a bustling promenade full of waterside restaurants.

The tiny, beach is a mix of sand and pebbles, leading into clear, shallow waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. A waterside promenade leads from the beach around Xlendi Bay which also has some incredible swim spots worth noting.

Keep walking along Xlendi Bay and you’ll find a rustic, stone diving platform as well as many other rocky swimming areas from which you can jump and dive straight into the cool, clear water.

Not only does Xlendi have some superior swimming spots, but the town in the evening is a magical spot for an al-fresco dinner on a warm summer’s night.

Dahlet Qorrot Beach

Dahlet Qorrot Beach is one of my favorite swimming spots in Gozo. This quaint fisherman’s inlet is flanked by ochre colored hills and rustic fishermen’s houses which makes it a perfect, off the beaten path swimming destination in Gozo.

Nestled in a narrow cove surrounded by high cliffs and lush greenery, Dahlet Qorrot offers a serene atmosphere for relaxation and the perfect beach day.

Dahlet Qorrot Beach is charming, authentic and popular with locals. You’ll see small boats carefully tied to the rustic stone piers, and locals fishing on the warm evenings. It’s also a favored spot for snorkeling and swimming.

Dahlet Qorrot Beach is the perfect spot for an afternoon of lazing around, enjoying the warm water and grabbing a cold beer as the sun goes down on another day.

Dwejra Bay and the Inland Sea

Dwejra Bay is one of the largest bays in Gozo with plenty of swimming spots and rocky inlets to take advantage of. Located just downhill from the village of San Lawrenz, Dwerja Bay is a large U-shaped bay with steep cliffs on one side and a rocky coast on the other. The whole bay is also littered with caves to explore on a calm day.

While there aren’t any beaches on Dwerja Bay, it’s possible to descend to the water, by the way of a hiking path and stairs leading downwards. From here you’ll be able to access the water and dive right into one of the most magnificent Gozo bays, as well as relax on the surrounding rocks.

For easier access to the water, the nearby Inland Sea is another gorgeous swimming spot. There is a bit of a pebble beach here where you can lay down a towel and relax for the afternoon as well as swim in the calm and clear waters.

The Inland Sea is also great for diving and snorkelling but whatever you decide to do you’ll need to watch out for the boats that come in and out when the waters are calm. If you want to explore the area by boat it’s also possible to do so from here.

Wied il-Ghasri

Wied il-Ghasri is a famous gorge in the northwest of the island of Gozo. At the bottom of the steep-sided gorge is a small, snaking inlet of crystal clear, milky-blue water and a small, stone beach.

Wied il-Ghasri isn’t easy to get to but it’s the perfect option for those with a more adventurous side exploring this side of Gozo, wanting a beautiful swimming spot to dive into.

Given its tiny size, it fills up fast so make sure to get here early. Access to the small beach at the bottom of Wied il-Ghasri is via a steep stone staircase located at the end of an off-road path (accessible by 4×4 only). It’s not the best option for those with reduced mobility.

If you’re arriving by car, it’s best to park on the side of Triq Is-Saghtrija, the main road coming down from Zebbug and snaking around the coast. If you have an ATV or a larger vehicle, you’ll be able to come much closer (right above the gorge itself).

It’s also possible to visit by public transport like we did. Take bus 309 to Zebbug and walk the rest of the way.

There are no restaurants or food kiosks at Wied il-Ghasri so make sure to bring your own water and snacks.

Bonus: Blue Lagoon, Comino Island

It’s difficult to compile the best Gozo beaches guide and not mention the Blue Lagoon. Sure, the Blue Lagoon is located on the island of Comino, but it’s so easily reached from Gozo that it makes sense to visit while exploring Gozo.

The Blue Lagoon is a slice of paradise. Renowned for its surreal, crystal-clear turquoise waters and powdery white sand, the lagoon is a stunning natural wonder. The shallow waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, revealing a vibrant underwater world that captivates with its beauty and diversity.

There are few places in Europe where the water is this clear and blue, with images of the Maldives springing to mind.

There aren’t too many sandy beaches at the Blue Lagoon, with most places to relax being low rocky outcrops with easy access to the water.

The Blue Lagoon is easily one of the best swimming spots in Malta and definitely the one with the clearest water.

Given that it’s one of the most popular attractions in Malta, however, the crowds in summer can be overwhelming. I’d highly recommend visiting in the off-season to make the most of your day here.

Visiting the Blue Lagoon can only be done by boat. If you have a rental car you’ll need to park it in Mgarr or on Malta for the day. Boats leave Mgarr Harbor throughout the morning and early afternoon and take about 15 minutes to reach the Blue Lagoon.

The same boat will come back to pick you up in the afternoon- just be aware of the boat times so you don’t miss the last service.

Tickets can be bought on the spot at Mgarr Harbour, there is no need to book in advance.

If you prefer to take a tour of the Blue Lagoon, this Private Comino Charter Boat tour is an ideal option.

Must-Read Tips for Visiting the Beaches in Gozo

↠ Download Maps.me when visiting the beaches and not Google Maps. Maps.me tends to show you all the hiking trails while Google Maps doesn’t always. For Gozo, we found Maps.me extremely useful in general, but especially when trying to descend and access some of the more off the beaten path beaches.

↠ On the secluded beaches where there aren’t many facilities I recommend bringing water, drinks and snacks for your time there. Packing up a beach picnic is also a fantastic idea.

↠ In general, however, on most beaches, you’ll find a snack kiosk or two and even a restaurant generally specialising in seafood.

↠ Bring cash with you. Many of the kiosk vendors and restaurants at the beach don’t take cards so you’ll need cash with you to buy drinks, lunch etc.

↠ It’s best to visit the beaches in Gozo during the shoulder season, so May, June, September, October, and November. As you can see, Gozo beaches are small and they can get crowded in the summer months. It’s also incredibly hot in Gozo in the summer.

↠ If you’re visiting Gozo in the summer, it helps to arrive at the beach early to beat the crowds and the heat.

So which best beaches in Gozo will you visit? Let me know all your questions and comments below. I’d be happy to answer them.

Now more than ever, make sure not to leave home without travel insurance. For the last few years, I’ve been using Safetywing Nomad Insurance for all my individual trips and digital nomad lifestyle and there’s no better company for all my insurance needs. Cover starts from as little as $42 per month. Get your quote below now.

FOUND THIS POST USEFUL? PIN IT AND SHARE