Mġarr. The Ultimate Guide.
Mġarr s the main port and harbout in Gozo. Search accommodation, attractions, experiences, restaurants, bars and more.
Marsalforn is Gozo’s lively seaside hub, a place where coastal walks, friendly cafés and long, easy evenings by the water come together. Known for its mix of restaurants, swimming spots and relaxed holiday energy, it’s a favourite for both locals and visitors. This guide helps you explore Marsalforn at its best, from places to eat and swim to the quieter corners that show the village’s true charm.
Getting to Marsalforn is easy. From the Gozo Ferry Terminal, it takes 15 minutes by car, and it is serviced by a large car park minutes from the water’s edge. If you are travelling to Marsalforn by bus from the ferry, you take the 323 or 301 to Victoria, then the 310 to Marsalforn Bay. Or the direct 322.
Marsalforn Bay is pulsating with life from May through to October. Throughout the summer months, it becomes alive with choices. Choose from a plethora of bars, restaurants, and kiosks offering everything from first-class dining to local snacks. You will also find a cool selection of independent shops selling clothes, souvenirs, and everything you need for the beach. Marsalforn is also home to numerous dive schools, so it’s no surprise that it’s a favourite location amongst divers and snorkellers worldwide.
Marsalforn Bay has a small sand and pebbly beach plus plenty of rocky, beachside areas to laze around on. To the left of the bay, you will find the water polo site and lots of places to jump in from the shore. To the right, continue to walk past the fishing port and you will arrive at Għar Qawqla, a large rocky area, perfect for sunbathing, swimming and snorkelling. During the high season, there are sun loungers here and around the bay. It’s also a great place to watch the moonrise from October to December. Discover the ultimate list of Gozo’s beaches here.
In January or early February, the feast of Saint Paul (San Pawl) is celebrated in Marsalforn. Check our events for updates.
In August, the Maltese and Gozitan families spend their holidays by the sea, so you get a real feel for local culture during the highest season. The heat is on, so it’s all about things to do by the sea until the sun cools down at dusk! The little working port at Marsalforn is busy throughout the year with small fishing boats in and out with their daily catch, plus you can take a trip to Comino and the Blue Lagoon from here too.
Start your day with a nourishing smoothie from Alive Bistro. Their menu is crafted with wellness in mind and includes smoothie combos such as Summer, Detox, and Matcha. They also sell divine vegan cakes… grab a slice for takeaway and enjoy it with an ocean view.
Escape the midday heat and dine at this traditional waterside eatery. Il-Kartell serves catch of the day from ocean to plate and has a super choice of elegant Mediterranean dishes, platters and salads. For seafood fans, we recommend their signature Linguine al Kartell.
Have dinner with a view at Ristorante Arzella. This gorgeous restaurant takes a prime position on the right-hand corner of the bay with an elevated dining area to watch the sunset. Enjoy a creative menu of superb fish dishes and choice cuts of meat, plus pasta and risotto options.
Does anything say holiday more than sipping a cocktail with a sea view? Unwine’d have bartenders on hand to meet all your thirst-quenching cocktail needs – bomba!
Coffee Circus Joy is a friendly and vibrant hangout to get your caffeine fix along the seafront. They serve up speciality coffee, fair to the farmer and have a selection of tasty sweet and savoury bakes.
Take a walk from Xwejni Bay to the unique chequerboard salt pans. From mid-May to the end of August, you can watch the salt being harvested once a week, using traditional methods; this is a true labour of love and a must-see. Be sure to buy a bag of salt from Xwejni saltpans shop – it tastes divine!
Located about 20 minutes by foot from the saltpans, Wied Il-Ghasri is a secluded inlet with a pebble beach and a crystal clear sea canyon, accessed by around 100+ steps. Bring your snorkel to discover underwater caves and allow time to soak up the magical energies.
Whether you are an experienced diver or a complete beginner, there are many first-class diving schools in Marsalforn. Discover exactly why Gozo is considered one of the top spots for diving in the Mediterranean.
Take to the crystal clear ocean, enjoying an array of watersports in Marsalforn Bay through the summer months. There are plenty of options to choose fro,m which will guarantee lots of fun for all the family.
Be in the present moment and watch the sunset illuminate the sparkling saltpans at Xwejni – a truly mesmerising sight. Top tip – head to the nearby Crab Shall Kiosk Xwejni (5 minutes by foot) on a Wednesday evening for a live jam session with laidback island vibes.
Rent a sunbed and umbrella at Għar Qawqla, a tucked-away swim spot around the bend from the main bay, which offers a vast rocky area that’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkelling. Check our listing of swim spots in Gozo, including those which are off the beaten track.
Mġarr s the main port and harbout in Gozo. Search accommodation, attractions, experiences, restaurants, bars and more.
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