An Easy Gozo Coastal Walk - Xwejni Bay to Wied il-Ghasri

Easy Gozo Coastal Walk – Xwejni to Wied il-Ghasri

Gozo offers some of the most stunning coastal hikes in the Mediterranean. One of the most beautiful is a walk from the Xwejni Bay to Wied il-Ghasri. A return walk is less than 5 km, so it’s suitable for anyone. Along the way, you’ll pass salt pans and limestone cliffs.

You will get to enjoy the stunning views of the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean. And, of course, you’ll have the chance to dip into the sea. Postcard-worthy views are at every turn. So, don’t miss the opportunity to experience the beauty of Gozo’s coastline.

Distance: 4.54 km
Walking Time: 1 h 10 mins
Level: Easy

Uphill: 40 m
Downhill: 40 m
Highest Point: 30 m

Best time to go: anytime, but avoid mid-day heat between June and September

Gozo Coastal Walk Map

You can also access the tour guide on Google Maps.

The hike starts in Xwejni Bay, known as Il-Bajja tax-Xwejni, in Maltese. The bay is in the north of Gozo, close to the towns of Zebbug and Marsalforn. There is a shallow pebbled beach, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. On the western side of the bay, there is an underwater double arch and a cave famous for scuba diving.

Gozo Coastal Walk - Xwejni Bay — Xwejni Bay

Salt Pans and Billinghurst Cave

From Xwejni Bay, head north, and you will soon see the salt pans. The salt pans in Gozo are unlike anything you will see anywhere else. They are the result of a centuries-old traditional process for harvesting salt. The pans are split into rectangular pools filled with seawater. The water is then left to evaporate using the sun’s heat. Salt harvesting starts in April and lasts till August.

Not only are the salt pans a fascinating part of the island’s history, but they also look beautiful. They glisten in the sunshine, creating a moon-like landscape.

Gozo Coastal Walk - Gozo Salt Pans Drone View

Continue the Gozo coastal walk by following the road or head down and walk on the coast. When walking on the limestone, look under your foot to see different fossils. Fossils are the traces of plants and animals from a distant past. Limestone is almost entirely made of fossils. On this hike, you can find shells but also sea urchin fossils.

After 20 mins walking from Xwejni Bay, you will see a Billinghurst Cave. It is an amazing deep cave, a fantastic spot for diving, swimming and snorkelling. But what makes it unique is the deep blue colours and surrounding underwater caves. The blue is particularly vivid when the sun is out and the sea is calm.

Gozo Coastal Walk - Billinghurst Cave — Billinghurst Cave

If you walk during the summer, I recommend having a quick dip. But don’t swim in rough seas. The rocks are very sharp, so it gets quite dangerous.

Keep walking along the coastline till it starts turning inwards. Then, the cliffs will become higher, reaching 30 meters above sea level.

Best Place to Stay in Malta - Typical Bead & Breakfast in an Old House

Places to Stay in Gozo

Gizimina B&B by VeroSole: Traditional farmhouse with a pool in Xaghra with a home-like atmosphere. Book here.

Townhouse17 Boutique B&B: Located in Victoria, Gozo’s capital, this boutique hotel with stylish rooms and excellent dining in Victoria. Book here.

Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz: A 5-star luxury experience with gardens, spa and multiple pools in San Lawrenz. Book here.

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The Għasri Valley – Ta’ Gurdan Lighthouse and the Sea Canyon

While looking inland you will see a Ta’ Ġurdan Lighthouse. Ta’ Ġurdan Lighthouse is 161 metres above sea level. Construction of the lighthouse commenced in 1851 when the region was under British rule. It was built to meet the requirements of the growing maritime traffic in the vicinity. The lighthouse became operational on October 15, 1853.

The lighthouse had 21 oil lamps, seven lamps on each of its three sides. The brass reflectors were silver-plated. The light could be seen 38 miles from the coast.

Gozo Coastal Walk - Ta’ Ġurdan Lighthouse — Ta’ Ġurdan Lighthouse

Gozo Coastal Walk - Għasri Valley and Ta’ Ġurdan Lighthouse — Għasri Valley and Ta’ Ġurdan Lighthouse

After 5 minutes of hiking inland, you will reach a small parking area. It’s on the top of the cliffs surrounding the sea canyon. Head down the stairs on your left to Wied il-Għasri. This is our end point of the hike before we turn back.

Gozo Coastal Walk - Wied il-Għasri Valley Canyon — Wied il-Għasri Valley Canyon

Wied il-Għasri Valley is a gorge-like valley surrounded by high limestone walls. It is known for its tiny pebbly beach, which is 300 metres away from the sea. It’s a quiet bathing area beloved by swimmers, snorkelers, and divers. It is not difficult to understand why it is so popular. The gorge is lengthy and slender, making the waters tranquil. On windy days, this place is especially remarkable. You can listen to the noise of the sea crashing against the high cliffs.

After you enjoy the Wied il-Għasri Valley, go up the stairs and return to Xwejni Bay in the same way. If you still have time and energy, you can walk to Wied il Mielah Arch, a few kilometres away. Check my trekking guide on how to get there.

It is a must-do for nature lovers. So, don’t skip it. You will be amazed by the beauty of the sea, cliffs and the surrounding nature.

Here are some more Gozo guides you should check out:

Also, there are some amazing tours in Gozo that you can’t miss, like quad biking, jeep tour or kayaking between Gozo and Comino.