Wied il-Ghasri is a picturesque valley surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. It resembles a canyon and stretches 300 meters inland to a tiny pebble beach. Nothing is better than swimming along cliffs, snorkelling or just enjoying the beautiful scenery of Gozo at this beach.
Where is Wied il-Ghasri?
Wied il-Ghasri is on the north coast of Gozo, the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago. The valley is just over 1 kilometre from Zebug and 3 kilometres from Marsalforn.
My Top Reasons to Visit Wied il-Ghasri
Wied il-Ghasri is unsuitable for spending a day there since it’s tiny and has no toilets or food or drink shops. Also, the beach is pebbled, so lying down and sunbathing is uncomfortable. However, I strongly recommend spending a few hours there. Here are some reasons why I think it’s worth a visit:
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The site is beautiful – it resembles a small canyon with cliffs on either side. The view from above is breathtaking, but swimming or snorkelling along the walls into the open sea is also incredibly fun.
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You can explore caves and see marine life. There is a big cave at the sea opening where people scuba dive.
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If you sit on the pebble beach or swim in the crystal-clear waters, you can hear the waves crashing against the cliffs creating a soothing and relaxing atmosphere.
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The location is off the beaten path – Wied il-Ghasri is less crowded, especially in the mornings and evenings.
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In the afternoons, the rocks provide shade – a great place to escape the heat.
How to Get There?
The Wied il-Ghasri Valley is remote, so getting to it can be challenging especially if you are without a car.
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.
To fully explore Gozo, consider renting a car. This allows you to uncover its hidden treasures at your own speed. For budget-friendly options, try Discover Cars. I would recommend renting a car right from the airport and using it for the duration of your trip.
Getting to Wied il-Ghasri by public transport is difficult because no bus stop is nearby. The closest one is in Zebbug, 15-20 minutes away.
If you are up for a longer hike, combine this with a trek from Xwejni Bay to Gharsri Valley. It will take you 35 – 40 minutes to get to Ghasri Valley.
Due to its remoteness, getting to Wied il-Ghasri Valley can be tricky. Drive along the salt pans to get to the site if you’re coming by car. A small parking area is also there, but you must drive up an unpaved road. You can also park anywhere along the road.
Wied il-Ghasri is 15-20 minutes away by bus from Zebbug. You can also take a bus to Xwejni and hike for 35-40 minutes along the salt pans. The salt pans are picturesque, and the hike is worth it. Follow this guide.
Getting There:
- Location: link to Google Maps
- Nearest bus stop: Onici (Zebbug), Xwejni
- Walking distance from the bus stop: 1,20 km from Onici (Zebbug) and 2,60 km from Xwejni
- Frequency of the buses: every hour
- Parking available: Parking along the road is here, and the parking area is here
What to Bring to Wied il-Ghasri
Due to Wied il-Ghasri’s lack of facilities, coming prepared is essential. Here’s a list of what to bring:
- Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses – it’s crucial to protect your skin from the sun during the summer, especially when the sun is at its most intense.
- Water and snacks – there are no shops nearby, so bring water and snacks.
- Beach towel or mat – since the beach is pebbled, you will need something to sit or lay on.
- Swimwear – you’ll want to dip into the crystal-clear waters.
- Snorkelling gear – bring your snorkel if you plan to explore underwater beauty, as there are no rental facilities.
- Aqua shoes or sandals – a beach with pebbles and rocky surfaces can be uncomfortable to walk on, so it’s best to wear shoes to protect your feet.
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.
Nearby Attractions
You can combine your trip to Wied il-Ghasri with other nearby attractions in Gozo. Here are a few suggestions:
Salt Pans are along the coast near Wied il-Ghasri. These ancient salt pans are a fascinating sight and a part of Gozo’s history.
Xwejni Bay is a picturesque bay with crystal-clear waters suitable for swimming and snorkelling. It’s also a starting point for a hike to Wied il-Ghasri.
Marsalforn is a charming seaside resort town with various restaurants, bars, and shops.
Zebbug village is on top of a hill. It offers beautiful views of the countryside and the sea. This town has traditional stone houses and narrow streets.
Wied il Mielah is another beautiful valley near the village of Gharb. It features a picturesque natural arch and offers excellent views.
I hope you found this guide helpful and will visit this gorgeous valley. Wied il-Ghasri is a truly special and unique place. There’s nothing like swimming in the crystal clear waters of Wied il-Ghasri or enjoying the breathtaking beauty of this Gozo canyon. If you like nature, check out my guides for other hidden Gozo beaches, Mgarr ix-Xini, Hondoq Bay, Ramla and San Blas Beaches or the best hikes in Malta and Gozo.
