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Experience Gozo’s natural beauty on a hike from Wied il-Gasri Valley to the Wied il-Mielah Arch. This intermediate trail includes views of northern Gozo’s valleys, coastal cliffs, and caves. It leads to a massive limestone arch called Wied il-Mielah.
I’ve lived in Malta since 2011 and I love nature and hiking. One of my favourite hikes is from Wied il-Gasri Valley to Wied il-Mielah in Gozo.
Let me tell you all about it in this post. I’ll share details of the hike, provide a trekking map, and list all the beautiful sights you’ll see on the way.
Things to Know Before Your Hike to Wied il-Mielah
Here are a few things to know before hiking from Wied il-Ghasri to Wied il-Mielah:
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It’s easy to follow the route. Just walk along a path and a country road to reach the limestone arch.
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You won’t find food or water along the hike, so bring snacks and plenty of water to stay hydrated. Also, there isn’t any shade on the trail, so bring a hat, sunblock or some way to cover your skin.
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The best time to hike this trail is during the year’s cooler months, from October to April. In summer, you should go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat. Bring a flashlight if you’re hiking after sunset since the area gets dark at night.
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You don’t need hiking boots, but you should wear sneakers instead of flip-flops because you’ll have to walk narrow, slippery steps.
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You’ll encounter breathtaking high cliffs during the Wied il-Ghasri to Wied il-Mielah hike. However, be extra careful when walking here, as some parts can be undercut and loose. These are dangerous areas, as there are no barriers and the drop is over 100m.
- Distance: 6,61 km
- Walking Time: 1 h 37 mins
- Level: Intermediate
- Uphill: 80 m
- Downhill: 90 m
- Highest Point: 100 m
Avoid the midday sun from June to September.
The Map of the Hike
The hiking map below shows you the entire route. It shows the starting point, the coastal road, the caves, and the final destination, Gozo’s Wied il-Mielah Arch.
Wied il-Ghasri: the Starting Point of the Hike
The hike begins in Wied il-Ghasri Valley. It is a gorge-like valley with a pebble beach surrounded by high limestone walls.
This gorge is easy to miss from the road. To see it, you must descend the stairs or turn around 5 minutes into your hike. I recommend going on a hike first, then refreshing yourself in the sea afterwards.
Swimming, snorkelling, and diving are popular here, and it’s not hard to see why. Even on the windiest days, the waters are more peaceful and still because of the long and slender gorge. The sound of the sea crashing against the cliffs is especially impressive. Don’t miss it!
The Wied il-Ghasri Valley is remote, so getting to it can be challenging. If you come by car, you should follow a narrow road along the salt pans to reach the site.
There are several parking spots along the route. There is also a small parking area, but you must pass a bumpy unpaved road to get there.
Getting to Wied il-Ghasri by public transport is more difficult because there is no bus stop nearby. The closest one is in Zebbug, 15-20 minutes away.
Getting There:
- Location: link to Google Maps
- Nearest bus stop: Onici (Zebbug)
- Walking distance from the bus stop: 1,20 km from Onici (Zebbug)
- Frequency of the buses: Every hour
- Parking available: Parking along the road is here, and the parking area is here
If you are up for a longer hike, you can combine this with a trek from Xwejni Bay to Gharsri Valley. It will take you 35 – 40 minutes to get to Ghasri Valley.
Follow the map inwards from the Ghasri valley. You will see a small path along the slopes of the valley. About five to 10 minutes later, the route will turn into an unpaved country road.
Coastal Road and Caves
The walk along the coastal road takes about 15-20 minutes. It leads to Wied il Mielah, the arch where the hike returns. The bumpy unpaved path has some cars passing by, so be careful.
It is possible to walk closer to the cliffs and admire the views. The lunar landscape and limestone formations make it a great location to enjoy a relaxing walk.
The sea caves are visible from the cliffs. One or several caves can be seen from above, depending on the vantage point. It is a peaceful and surreal place.
However, walking here can be dangerous, as there are no barriers, and parts are undercut and loose.
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Wied il-Mielah, Gozo’s Limestone Arch
The Wied il Mielah area will be visible after 15-20 minutes. It is a magical and out-of-the-way destination surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
You can view miles of the blue sea from every angle of view. It is breathtaking, with high cliffs and deep blue waters reflecting sunshine.
The Wied il Mielah arch can be seen from above if you walk to your right. If you want to see it from very close, follow the steps down.
In contrast to the now-lost Azure Window, this blue window allows people to get incredibly close.
If you want to extend your hike, you can cross the little bridge and walk along the coast further. You have about one kilometre before you reach a valley where the path ends.
Return the same way you came. For hikes in the afternoon, check the time of the sunset. Wied il Mielah has beautiful sunsets. Unfortunately, this hiking trail is not illuminated, so bring a flashlight for your return trip.
I hope you’ve found this guide helpful. This hike offers a variety of landscapes – a gorge-like valley, a cliff-edge road, caves, and a natural arch. I am sure you will love it!
If you have more time to explore Gozo, check out my posts about things to do there and its secret beaches.
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