Xlendi in Gozo: Nature, Hiking and History

Xlendi on Gozo may interest you for a variety of reasons: its protected valley systems connected to the bay, as a destination for a day of hiking, or for historical traces in and beneath the water. If you are looking for a hotel in Xlendi, it helps to first decide which themes you want to shape your stay. The Xlendi Walk connects two named places; archaeological sites and the feast in Xlendi each offer a different focus.

Nature and Landscape

The Natura 2000 site L-Inħawi tax-Xlendi u tal-Wied tal-Kantra encompasses the entire valley systems of Wied Xlendi and Wied tal-Kantra. Both end at Xlendi Bay. The protected area is home to Gozo’s best population of the Maltese freshwater crab, Potamon fluviatile lanfrancoi. Another natural feature of the Maltese Islands: Wied tal-Lunzjata is one of the few remaining valleys with a permanent freshwater supply. The place and site names therefore highlight different natural features: the connection between two valley systems and the bay, and the freshwater feature of Wied tal-Lunzjata.

Hiking and Getting There

The Xlendi Walk runs from L-Imġarr Harbour to Xlendi Bay, passing through Munxar before reaching the bay. Guided water excursions often depart from Xlendi; they are subject to the season and weather. When planning, you can therefore distinguish between a named hiking route with fixed endpoints and a seasonal water activity.

Xlendi can be reached from Victoria, Gozo’s capital, by public transport and by car. Check the relevant routes and timetables before setting off. If you would like to include a guided water excursion in your stay, also take the season and weather into account.

History and Archaeology

The Ras it-Tajba watchtower was built in 1650 at the entrance to Xlendi Bay. It stands on a headland known as Ras il-Bajada. The place names and year of construction give this part of Xlendi a clear historical connection.

There is also evidence of early seafaring beneath the bay: the Phoenician shipwreck dates to the 7th century BC. The Xlendi Underwater Archaeological Park is a separate site. It reaches a depth of 105 to 115 metres and is intended for a small group of technical divers. If you would like to include this focus in your travel plans, check the current participation requirements in advance.

Caroline’s Cave (l-Għar ta’ Karolina) is a natural grotto that was once used by nuns for swimming. This former use adds a different historical connection to the archaeological themes: a natural grotto and how it was used in the past.

Feast in Xlendi

The community in Xlendi celebrates the feast on the first Sunday in September. It includes a procession with the statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, as well as swimming, pedal boat and kayak races in the bay. The feast thus combines religious tradition with competitions on the water. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the dates and programme for the relevant year.

Discover more destinations: St. Julian’s, Żurrieq, Fgura, Santa Luċija, Valletta, Żejtun, Għasri, Buġibba

Back to the main travel overview: Malta.