Information
Landmark: Xlendi BayCity: Gozo
Country: Malta
Continent: Europe
Xlendi Bay, Gozo, Malta, Europe
Overview
Tucked into Gozo’s southwest coast, Xlendi Bay is a charming seaside village where visitors come to swim in clear turquoise water, unwind on the shore, and soak in the island’s natural beauty.Cradled by towering cliffs and glassy turquoise water, the sheltered inlet feels like a quiet escape, where wild beauty meets the ease of modern comforts.Xlendi Bay is a quiet, sheltered inlet where the water lies still enough for an easy swim or a slow snorkel.At the end of a fertile valley, green slopes roll down to meet the shore, their softness set against the pale, jagged limestone cliffs.Those cliffs rise high on both sides, catching the wind and framing sweeping views of the Mediterranean.Walk the Xlendi Walkway or one of the narrow trails, and you’ll find new angles on the coast with every turn.Once a humble fishing village, Xlendi’s story stretches all the way back to the days of the Romans.The bay formed a sheltered harbor where local fishermen tied up their boats and small traders unloaded goods.Perched on the cliff above, the Xlendi Tower-built in 1650 by the Knights of St. John-still keeps watch over the water.Part of the island’s old coastal defenses, it once watched for pirate ships and enemy fleets; today, Xlendi Bay’s calm, shallow waters draw families and snorkelers who drift over sunlit patches of sand.Beneath the surface lies a world of flashing fish and strange, sculpted rocks.In Xlendi, divers slip into blue water to explore hidden caves and reefs just a short swim away.Carolina Cave draws divers for its sweeping rock arches and vibrant sea life, while cliffside trails offer sweeping views of the bay-at sunset, the water glows gold.The nearby Sanap Cliffs reward walkers with dramatic coastal scenery, and you can paddle a kayak or hop on a boat to discover hidden caves and quiet beaches.Later, stroll the promenade, where the scent of grilled fish drifts from restaurants serving fresh seafood and classic Maltese fare.Many visitors love dining with the sea spread out before them, waves catching the light; nearby, the small but historic Xlendi Tower welcomes guests with sweeping coastal views, while the rock-carved salt pans by the bay recall centuries of salt harvesting-just 3 km from Victoria by car, bike, or bus, Xlendi Bay offers parking, restrooms, shops, and in spring or early summer, perfect hiking weather, with summer made for swimming and water sports, so arrive early to beat the crowds, wear sturdy shoes for cliff walks, stay for the fiery sunset, and explore close-by gems like Dwejra Bay’s dramatic rock formations or Fontana’s old washhouses-here, nature, rest, and adventure meet.Whether you’re after a shady corner to relax with a book, a launch point for kayaking, or cliffside paths with sweeping sea views, Xlendi has something for everyone.If you want to soak up Gozo’s idyllic charm, this place is one you can’t miss-think quiet stone streets and the scent of sea air.
