The Ultimate Guide To The Best Beaches And Swim Spots In Gozo

Beach Hopping In Gozo Is Made Easy With Our Handy Gozo Beach Guide. Listed By Area, With Tips, And A Handy Beach Map.

So you have arrived and settled into your Gozo accommodation now you are ready to take a dip into the azure blue sea – right? Wherever you are staying on the island, this guide to the best beaches and swim spots in Gozo should help you decide exactly where to start.

Gozo is surrounded by the sea and if you love to swim, you’ll be pleased to know there are countless places to dip around the island and in one way or another, they are all well worth visiting. Some are best for families and lazing on all day, others are for exploring, and the more confident swimmer. So whether you wish to be in the midst of the bustle or get away from the crowds, we have got you covered. Read on as we explain everything you need to know about each beach and swim spot on Gozo, and what makes them special. We’ve even included a handy interactive map so you know how to get there.

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The Best Beaches In Gozo

Ramla l-Hamra (Xagħra, Gozo) – Blue Flag Beach *

Also known as Ramla Bay Beach, this is the largest sandy beach on Gozo. The soft red sand is distinctive of this rustic island and the beach has plenty of space to relax and explore. If you are not one for laying down for too long, from here you can venture up the hill and visit the stunning Ta Mixta cave or hike along the cliffs for some of the best views. Alternatively, you can soak up the sun, grab a bite to eat in one of the beach bars, grab a fresh juice from the kiosk or get an inflatable and have some fun in the sea. You can touch the ground here for at least 10 meters, so it is perfect for little ones.

• Bar, Restaurant, Cafe: Yes
• Shops & Stalls: Yes
• Kiosk – Yes
• Toilets & Showers – Yes
• Watersports – Yes
• Beach Terrain – Sand
• Swimming Ability: Beginner – Advanced
• Child-Friendly: Yes
• Dog-Friendly: Low Season Only
• Waters Edge Seating – Yes

*Blue Flag status is awarded by Nature Trust on the basis of international standards including cleanliness, water quality, rescue services, first aid posts, services for people with disabilities and other facilities. 

Marsalforn Bay Beach (Marsalforn, Gozo). Blue Flag Beach

Marsalforn Bay is one of the most popular holiday spots on Gozo. Located north between Xaghra and Xwejni and just a 10-minute drive from Victoria, there is plenty to do here for days on end, whether it be lazing on the sandy beach, out on the ocean with a fun choice of watersports, or kicking your heels back in one of the local bars and restaurants that lace the water’s edge. At dusk the views are awesome. Watch the sky turn from blue to pink and grab a cocktail while the beach empties. This is also a great spot for a night swim. The water is crystal clear and safe to jump in wherever you are in the bay.

• Bar, Restaurant, Cafe: Yes
• Kiosk – Yes
• Shops & Stalls: Yes
• Toilets & Showers – Yes
• Watersports – Yes
• Beach Terrain – Sandy Beach + Rocks + Pavement
• Swimming Ability: Beginner – Advanced
• Child-Friendly: Yes
• Dog Friendly: You can walk your dog around the beach in high season and on the beach in the low season.
• Waters Edge Seating – Yes

TOP TIP: Grab yourself some swim shoes to avoid the Sea Urchins

Għar Qawqla (Marsalforn, Gozo)

Għar Qawqla is tucked away around the bend from Marsalforn Beach. If you follow the bay to the right, pass the fishing port and restaurants on the right, you will see another little pebble beach then to your right, follow the staircase up to the top and walk as far as you can to the left. You will come across a vast rocky area, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

• Bar, Restaurant, Cafe: No
• Stalls: No
• Kiosk – High Season only
• Toilets & Showers – No
• Watersports – No
• Beach Terrain – Rocky
• Loungers: Yes
• Swimming Ability: Advanced
• Child-Friendly: No
• Waters Edge Seating – Natural

Qbajjar Bay Beach (Marsalforn, Zebbug, Gozo)

You will find Qbajjar Bay (pronounced, ‘biyar’ ) approximately 15 minutes walk from Marsalforn Bay and a 5-minute walk from Xwejni Beach. Follow the sea along and you will find this little shallow beach that is popular for diving and the locals alike. There are two restaurants on this corner and one which serves the best pizza, so work up your appetite swimming then treat yourself to a takeaway on the beach.

• Bar, Restaurant, Cafe: Yes
• Kiosk – No
• Toilets & Showers – Yes
• Shops & Stalls: No
• Watersports – No
• Beach Terrain – Pebbles & Sand & Waters Edge Swimming
• Swimming Ability: Beginner – Advanced
• Child-Friendly: Yes
• Dog Friendly: Low Season.
• Waters Edge Seating – Yes

Xwejni Bay Beach (Marsalforn, Zebbug, Gozo)

Xwejni Bay beach is popular among locals in Gozo. Located on the edge of the famous Salt Pans, this rocky, pebble beach has a long walkway and a ladder into the sea so swimming is made easy. The bay is also quite shallow so perfect for young swimmers.

Throughout the summer months, the beach is equipped with seating and loungers for a fee. You will also find toilets, a great kiosk on the beach and also one up on the roadside, serving ice cream, drinks and snacks and providing some all-important shade. Try the pizza’s at the Crab Shack – they are good! And if you are there on a Wednesday be sure to stick around for the occasional live jam that happens from 8 pm. It’s a real treat to sit and listen to live music and watch the sun go down. Real holiday vibes.

• Bar, Restaurant, Cafe: Yes
• Shops & Stalls: No
• Kiosk – Yes
• Toilets & Showers – Toilets
• Watersports – No
• Beach Terrain – Pebbles & Rocks
• Swimming Ability: Beginner – Advanced
• Child-Friendly: Yes
• Dog-Friendly: Yes
• Waters Edge Seating – Yes

Xlendi Beach (Munxar, Gozo)

Xlendi is another popular destination on Gozo. Holiday-makers flock to this part of the island for the beach, the restaurants and the accommodation, not to mention the hiking trails. The little sandy beach is perfect if you have a young family in tow, plus there are lots of cool spots to swim from around the bay for the more confident swimmers. It’s equipped with a car park -that gets very busy in high season, but you can also park along the edge of the road when entering Munxar if there is no space.

There are plenty of walks around the beach in Xlendi too. Go left of the bay, with the car park behind you, and you will find the infamous diving board. Continue walking around the water’s edge towards the Xlendi Tower and you will come across a little walkway bridge that leads to the other side of the cliff. Continue hiking up and you will come to some knock out views of the island. If you decide to hike the right side of the bay, follow the winding steps which are viewable from the beach. This is another stunning walk to do in Gozo.

TOP TIP: Check out where else to hike in Gozo with our ultimate hiking guide.

• Bar, Restaurant, Cafe: Yes
• Shops & Stalls: Yes
• Kiosk – Yes
• Toilets & Showers – Toilets
• Watersports – Yes
• Beach Terrain – Sand & Rocks & waters edge swimming
• Swimming Ability: Beginner – Advanced
• Child-Friendly: Yes
• Dog-Friendly: Low Season
• Waters Edge Seating – Yes

Dwejra- The Inland Sea (San Lawrenz, Gozo)

Dwejra and is another place popular for swimming in Gozo. There is the option for swimming in deep sea, the super Inland Sea or in the Blue Hole, one of Gozo’s top diving locations.Dwerja can be found through the pretty town of San Lawrenz and was initially known for the Azure Window that collapsed in March 2017. Now people flock to this magical site to see the Fungus Rock, which was believed to behold unique healing plants back in the day. More information about that here.

• Bar, Restaurant, Cafe: Yes
• Kiosk – Yes
• Toilets & Showers – Toilets
• Shops & Stalls: Yes (High Season)
• Watersports – Boat Trips
• Beach Terrain – Pebbles & Sand & Waters Edge Swimming
• Swimming Ability: Beginner – Advanced
• Child-Friendly: Yes
• Dog Friendly: Yes
• Waters Edge Seating – Yes

Hondoq ir-Rummien Beach (Qala, Gozo) – Blue Flag Beach

Head to Qala and as you pass through this quaint village in Gozo, continue straight and you will hit the top of a winding zig-zag road that leads all the way down to Hondoq Bay Beach. Be sure to pause at the top if you are in a car, you will want to soak up the knockout view over the Comino and its crystal clear Blue Lagoon. In fact, the views over Comino and Malta are pretty special from this side of the island.

There is parking at the bottom but don’t hold your breath during the high season unless you get there before 7 am. You can, however, park along the road edge but avoid the yellow lines.

Food and drinks are well catered for at Hondoq. There is a kiosk on the beach selling just about everything you need plus a super-cool beach bar serving great food, soft and alcoholic drinks and ice-creams. Just in front of the bar you can hire Kayaks, SUPs, self-drive boats, jetski’s and take a trip to Comino straight from the water’s edge.

• Bar, Restaurant, Cafe: Yes
• Kiosk – Yes
• Shops & Stalls: No
• Toilets & Showers – Yes
• Watersports – Yes
• Beach Terrain – Rocks & Stones & Sand
• Swimming Ability: Beginner – Advanced
• Child-Friendly: Yes
• Dog Friendly: You can walk your dog around the beach in high season and on the beach in the low season.
• Waters Edge Seating – Yes

*Blue Flag status is awarded by Nature Trust on the basis of international standards including cleanliness, water quality, rescue services, first aid posts, services for people with disabilities and other facilities. 

San Blas Bay (Nadur, Gozo)

San Blas Bay can be reached from the main Nadur road. The actual beach is a lot rockier than it used to be due to big storms a few years ago, but it’s still a super cool place to visit and a great swim location and it has a local beer named after it! For those that want a little peace and quiet and a walk perhaps – this location is the perfect place to head to. If you love to walk or hike – check out the Watchtowers hike here and head to Sopu Tower.

• Bar, Restaurant, Cafe: No
• Kiosk – No
• Toilets & Showers – No
• Shops & Stalls: No
• Watersports – No
• Beach Terrain – Rocks & Stones & Sand
• Swimming Ability: Advanced
• Child-Friendly: 15+
• Dog-Friendly: Yes
• Waters Edge Seating – Natural

Daħlet Qorrot Beach (Nadur, Gozo)

North of Gozo you will find a little bay called Daħlet Qorrot, much quieter than the other larger beaches through the high season. It gets really busy on Sundays in the summer and is popular with locals who lace the edges of the bay with tables and chairs to meet with their families. On one side of the bay, there are little working boat houses created in the limestone, used by fishermen as storage, which adds to the typically Gozitan scenery.

In the low season, take a walk around the water’s edge for some stunning views, and if it’s windy, take care and try to avoid the ocean spray!

• Bar, Restaurant, Cafe: No
• Kiosk – Yes
• Toilets & Showers – Yes
• Shops & Stalls: No
• Watersports – No
• Beach Terrain – Rocks & Stones & Sand
• Swimming Ability: Beginner – Advanced
• Child-Friendly: Yes
• Dog Friendly: You can walk your dog around the beach in high season and on the beach in the low season.
• Waters Edge Seating – Yes

Mġarr ix-Xini (Għajnsielem, Gozo)

Mgarr ix-Xini beach is another small, but very pretty bay. The entrance to this stunning valley is reached by car or a hike from Mgarr, Sannat or Xewkija and is guarded by a tower built in 1661. If you drive, park the car way before the entrance as it is always busy. You wil take in beautiful views along the coast of Gozo. Similar to Xlendi, the beach is a pebble beach and it’s surrounded by rocks and cliffs on both sides of the bay. – perfect for rock climbing and the crystal clear water at Mgarr ix-Xini is perfect for diving and snorkelling.

• Bar, Restaurant, Cafe: Yes
• Kiosk – Yes
• Toilets & Showers – Yes
• Shops & Stalls: No
• Watersports – Boat Trips
• Beach Terrain – Pebbles & Sand & Waters Edge Swimming
• Swimming Ability: Beginner – Advanced
• Child-Friendly: Yes
• Dog Friendly: Yes
• Waters Edge Seating – Yes

Ix-Xatt l-Aħmar (Għajnsielem, Gozo)

Ix-Xatt l-Aħmar is a super popular diving site on the southeastern coast of Gozo Island. The beach is perfect for swimming, lazing in the sun and exploring but perhaps not so easy to find! Look for the long narrow road that winds down from the village of Għajnsielem. It will be well worth the effort!

• Bar, Restaurant, Cafe: No
• Kiosk – Yes (High Season)
• Toilets & Showers – Yes
• Shops & Stalls: No
• Watersports – No
• Beach Terrain – Rocks & Waters Edge Swimming
• Swimming Ability: Beginner – Advanced
• Child-Friendly: Yes
• Dog Friendly: Yes
• Waters Edge Seating – Yes

TOP TIP: Take a drink and some nuts with you. There are no shops nearby.

Super Cool Swim Spots In Gozo

Gorgun Beach (Mgarr)

Not many people would know about Gorgun beach unless they read up on where to swim on Gozo. Located just a couple of minutes away from the Gozo Ferry Terminal in Mgarr, it’s a gorgeous little nook and super-chilled away from the hustle and bustle of the island., plus it’s an amazing spot for snorkelling. Comino and Malta are viewable from this little bay which make for a really pretty swim, plus, you can park just above it so it’s really accessible.

• Bar, Restaurant, Cafe: 5 minutes walk
• Kiosk – No
• Toilets & Showers – No
• Shops & Stalls: No
• Watersports – No
• Beach Terrain – Pebbles & Sand
• Swimming Ability: Beginner – Advanced
• Child-Friendly: 16+
• Dog Friendly: Low Season.
• Waters Edge Seating – Yes

Ramla taz-Zewwieqa (Mgarr, Gozo)

This little hideaway swim spot is just along from the bars and restaurant area at Mgarr port. As you walk the picturesque promenade on the right by the sea, once you pass the port, you will come to a little row of steps that lead down to the water’s edge. This mini nook has the clearest waters and soft sand underfoot and you will rarely bump into another swimmer. Bliss!

TOP TIP: Too windy where you are? Check the wind direction and head to the opposite side of the island!

• Bar, Restaurant, Cafe: Restaurants & Bars at Mgarr Close By
• Kiosk – No
• Shops & Stalls: No
• Toilets & Showers – Public toilets on the street above.
• Watersports – No
• Beach Terrain – Rocks & Sand
• Swimming Ability: Advanced
• Child-Friendly: 16+
• Dog-Friendly: No
• Waters Edge Seating – Benches on the street above.

Iz-Zewwieqa Bay, (Mgarr Gozo)

Along from Ramla taz-Zewwieqa, above, if you cross the road, walk over the roundabout you will see a little path on the cliff at the end of the street. Follow this around to the right and you will come to a locals-loving mini bay that has a little bridge and deck. It’s safe to leave your clothes while you’re swimming and you can watch the Gozo Ferry’s pass by and swim around any of the docked boats, in this little hidden gem.

• Bar, Restaurant, Cafe: No
• Kiosk – No
• Shops & Stalls: No
• Toilets & Showers – No
• Watersports – No
• Beach Terrain – Rocks & Sand
• Swimming Ability: Advanced
• Child-Friendly: No
• Dog-Friendly: No
• Waters Edge Seating – Natural rocks

San Filep Beach (Nadur, Gozo)

This little rocky bay is next to the more famous Daħlet Qorrot Bay in Nadur. It’s pretty easy to get to if you follow the main road leading to Daħlet Qorrot, but just before you get there, you’ll see a path on the left with a few parking spots and this is where you want to go. It’s gorgeous to swim here. Crystal clear waters and great views of Sopu Tower.

• Bar, Restaurant, Cafe: No
• Kiosk – No
• Toilets & Showers: No
• Shops & Stalls: No
• Watersports – No
• Beach Terrain – Rocks & Stones & Sand
• Swimming Ability: Advanced
• Child-Friendly: 16+
• Dog Friendly: Yes
• Waters Edge Seating – Natural

Ix-Xtajta (Xaghra)

Ix-Xtajta is a beach in Xaghra situated close to Calypso’s Cave on the left of Ramla beach. You can only get to it on foot. Leaving Ramla, pass by the kiosks and you will see a path on your right. This is the Marsovin Ramla Estate. Take this path and walk for around 10-15 minutes and you will find this super swim spot, perfect to escape the crowds.

• Bar, Restaurant, Cafe: At Ramla
• Kiosk – No
• Toilets & Showers: No
• Shops & Stalls: No
• Watersports – No
• Beach Terrain – Rocks & Stones & Sand
• Swimming Ability: Beginner to Advanced
• Child-Friendly: Yes
• Dog Friendly: Yes
• Waters Edge Seating – Natural

Wied il Ghasri (Zebbug, Gozo)

Wied il Ghasri is a natural cove or sea canyon on the west coast of Gozo. If you walk along the Salt Pans in Xwejni, you will find this natural wonder which is perfect for swimming in the high season, and for walks and bike rides when it’s not too hot. Dipping in the crystal blue ocean here is a must through the summer plus there are lots of underwater caves here so divers will be in their element.

• Bar, Restaurant, Cafe: Yes
• Kiosk – No
• Toilets & Showers – Yes
• Shops & Stalls: No
• Watersports – No
• Beach Terrain – Pebbles & Sand & Waters Edge Swimming
• Swimming Ability: Beginner – Advanced
• Child-Friendly: Yes
• Dog Friendly: Low Season.
• Waters Edge Seating – Yes

If you love finding secret places when you travel click here for more hidden places to swim like this. Let’s go completely off the beaten track!

Author: GITH