Żebbuġ on Gozo: Salt Pans, Crafts and Cultural Heritage

Żebbuġ lies on a peaceful hill in the north of Gozo. From here, the view stretches across the island’s landscape to the Mediterranean Sea. Salt pans, sacred architecture and traditional crafts give the village a distinct character. If you are considering whether Żebbuġ is right for your trip, you can find both insights into its history and a picture of the landscape and local life here.

Hills and Coast

Żebbuġ’s hilltop setting shapes its character: sweeping views take in Gozo’s landscape and the Mediterranean Sea. Wied l-Infern is another scenic spot. From Żebbuġ, the valley can be reached via a steep road; it runs between the hills of Żebbuġ, Ta’ Kuljat and Dabrani. The hilltop view and the valley’s position between three elevations describe different aspects of Gozo’s landscape.

Along the coast from Qbajjar to Ras ir-Reqqa, the historic salt pans are still used to produce salt. Seasonal processes may vary. At the Xwejni salt pans, you can watch locals gathering salt during the summer months. This seasonal scene connects the coastal landscape with the continuing production of salt.

Nearby is the pebble beach of Xwejni. It is often visited for swimming, particularly in summer, and is also a popular diving spot. Conditions and facilities may vary. The coast and salt pans thus add another dimension to the surrounding area’s viewpoints and hills.

History and Architecture

The Batterija tal-Qbajjar is one of two surviving batteries on Gozo. It was built between 1715 and 1716. An air-raid shelter from the Second World War is another historical trace: it was cleaned and restored in 2005. The aim of the work was to enable the public to visit and appreciate the shelter.

The parish church of Iż-Żebbuġ is faced with onyx; the high altar, choir and baptistery are also made from this stone. The church of Santa Marija, dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, was consecrated in 1726. A smaller religious landmark is the shrine known as il-Madonna Omm tal-Ħniena, better known as taċ-Ċiċri.

Riħ id-Deheb, a museum house with collections that is also intended to host cultural events, is located on Triq Ġoma. A natural grotto lies beneath the house. Żebbuġ’s primary school is also part of its architectural history: the modernist building has a U-shaped plan, long corridors and staircases, with rows of concrete pillars supporting the corridors.

Archaeological traces also tell of earlier times. A field accessible via Triq Għajn Mhelhel was once the site of Phoenician tombs carved into the rock.

Crafts, Cheese and Village Life

The people of Iż-Żebbuġ are known for their lacework, which is considered to be of high quality. Weaving and woollen blankets made from sheep’s wool are also crafts associated with the village. These traditions offer a different insight into Żebbuġ than its buildings and landscape: they turn the focus to textile work and materials.

Gbejniet, the island’s small traditional cheeses, are part of Gozo’s culinary tradition. They are made from sheep’s milk sourced from the surrounding countryside. Since 1999, the local council has organised special celebrations to commemorate the founding of the parish.

Żebbuġ brings these themes together without making them all part of the same experience; you can choose the focus of your trip accordingly.

Discover more destinations: Xewkija, San Pawl Il-Baħar, Għargħur, Paola, Żurrieq, Qrendi, Munxar, Sannat.

For the broader travel guide: Malta.