LOTUS EATERS TRAVEL

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12 BEST BEACHES + SWIMMING SPOTS IN GOZO WITH A MAP.

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For a small island, Gozo has an impressive selection of beaches, rocky swimming spots and hidden coves. Unlike its larger neighbour Malta, Gozo’s beaches feel more rugged, less developed and often quieter—especially if you’re willing to walk a little further.

We walked around the perimeter of Gozo recently and in doing so, were lucky enough to see every single nook and cranny on the coast. The beaches in this guide are the ones that caught our eye, that we couldn’t resist exploring and even dipping into the water (in February!)

Here’s a guide to the best beaches and swimming spots in Gozo, from well-known favourites to a few more secretive spots worth seeking out. We’ve include a map to help you locate them.

A map of the beaches + swimming spots in Gozo that caught our eye

1/ Ramla Bay

Gozo’s most famous beach, and with good reason. Ramla Beach is a long, wide stretch of reddish-gold sand on the north coast. The beach is undeveloped apart from a couple of snack bars and an ice cream truck that seems permanently parked at the entrance.

The water here is shallow and clear, making it a great spot for swimming, though it can get choppy on windy days. If you fancy stretching your legs before or after a swim, climb up to Tal-Mixta Cave, which offers a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the beach and the shimmering Mediterranean below.

Best for: Classic beach vibes, sandcastle building, and cooling off with an ice cream.

2/ Hondoq ir-Rummien

Over on the south-east coast, Hondoq ir-Rummien is one of Gozo’s more popular swimming spots, particularly with locals. It’s a mix of small, pebbly coves and a rocky shoreline, with ladders leading into the sea. The water here is startlingly clear, making it one of the best places for snorkelling on the island.

There’s a small kiosk serving drinks and snacks, and if you fancy something more substantial, you’re not far from Qala, where you’ll find a few good restaurants. Hondoq also has great views across to Comino—on a still day, you can watch the boats ferrying people to the Blue Lagoon while you relax in relative peace.

Best for: Snorkelling, picnicking and boat-watching.

3/ Xlendi Bay

Xlendi is one of Gozo’s most charming coastal villages, and its small bay is a great place to swim. The sandy part of the beach is tiny, but most people simply jump off the rocks or use the ladders that lead straight into the water.

It’s a particularly good spot for an evening swim, when the sun starts to dip behind the cliffs. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s a narrow path leading up the cliffs to a viewpoint (not for the faint-hearted) or a coastal walk towards Xlendi Tower.

Best for: Sunset swims, cliff jumping (safely) and a post-swim seafood dinner at one of Xlendi’s waterfront restaurants.

4/ Marsalforn Bay

Once a small fishing village, Marsalforn has grown into one of Gozo’s busiest resort areas. The sandy part of the beach is small, but the bay has several rocky platforms perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

It’s a good choice if you want to combine a swim with a drink or meal, as the promenade is lined with restaurants and cafes. For something a little different, take a short walk to the nearby salt pans, which are still used to harvest sea salt.

Best for: A swim followed by a cold beer and a plate of seafood.

5/ Dahlet Qorrot Beach

A lesser-known gem on Gozo’s north-east coast, Dahlet Qorrot is a small pebbly beach with crystal-clear water. It’s a favourite with local fishermen, who store their boats in the little caves carved into the rock.

This is a great spot if you want to escape the crowds. There are no facilities, so bring whatever you need. The snorkelling here is excellent, and if you’re lucky, you might have the bay almost to yourself.

Best for: Peace, quiet and uninterrupted snorkelling.

6/ Iz-Zeqqieqa Beach

If you like your beaches hard to find, this one is for you. Iz-Zeqqieqa Beach is a tiny, secluded cove on the north coast, accessible only by a steep and sometimes precarious path. The effort is worth it—the water is beautifully clear, and there’s usually no one else around.

Best for: Solitude and wild swimming.

8/ Għar Qawqla

This rocky swimming spot near Marsalforn used to be home to a natural rock arch, which sadly collapsed years ago. What remains is still a fantastic place to swim, with deep, clear water and plenty of flat rocks for sunbathing.

There are no facilities, but you’re close enough to Marsalforn to grab a drink or a snack when you’re done.

Best for: Rock jumping and deep water swimming.

9/ Xwejni Bay

Right next to the famous salt pans, Xwejni Bay is a small, sheltered beach with shallow water and a mix of sand and pebbles. The swimming here is good, though it’s best to bring water shoes, as the seabed can be a little rocky.

Best for: A quiet swim with an interesting backdrop.

10/ Mġarr ix-Xini

Mġarr ix-Xini is one of the most atmospheric swimming spots in Gozo. A narrow inlet framed by steep cliffs, this secluded bay has beautifully clear water and a wild, rugged feel. It’s also a good spot for snorkelling, with plenty of underwater life to see.

Best for: Feeling like you’ve stumbled upon a secret cove.

11/ Xatt l-Aħmar

Not far from Mġarr Harbour, Xatt l-Aħmar is a quiet, rocky beach with excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities. The water here is deep, clear and full of marine life.

Best for: Snorkelling and avoiding the crowds.

12/ Gorgun Beach

This tiny beach is tucked away near Mġarr Harbour and is one of the least-visited spots on the island. It’s nothing fancy, just a small stretch of pebbles and a calm, inviting sea.

Best for: A quick dip before catching the ferry.

Written by Emma

Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.

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