Marsalforn Beaches

Overview

Marsalforn, a popular summer resort in Gozo, is an excellent destination for a seaside holiday. The town presents a varied coastal scene, featuring a small central beach with sand and pebbles, complemented by flat rocky areas ideal for sunbathing and direct sea access. A lively promenade enhances its charm, making it a vibrant spot.

At the heart of the town lies Marsalforn Beach, the main and most accessible spot, perfect for families. A short trip away, Gozo's largest and most famous red sand beach, Ramla Beach, offers a unique coastal landscape. For breathtaking scenery, the narrow gorge of Wied Il-Għasri leads to a secluded pebble beach. Another favourite, particularly among locals, is Hondoq ir-Rummien, known for its clear waters. The distinctive Xwejni Bay, with its traditional salt pans, also provides a memorable visit.

You can certainly enjoy swimming in Marsalforn Bay, where the waters are typically clear and calm, making it suitable for all. Families with children will find the shallow parts of the main beach area particularly appealing. Marsalforn is also a great base for discovering more of Gozo's beautiful coastline, and our guide details many other beaches in the region.

FAQ

Is Marsalforn good for a beach holiday?

Marsalforn is a popular summer resort town in Gozo, well-suited for a seaside holiday. It offers a mix of a small sandy/pebbly beach, rocky areas for sunbathing and direct sea access, and a promenade with many restaurants and bars. It's a lively spot, especially in summer, attracting both locals and tourists.

What are the beaches in Marsalforn like? Is it sandy?

Marsalforn Bay has a small central beach area with a mix of sand and pebbles. Much of the bay is also lined with flat rocks, which are popular for sunbathing and provide direct access to deeper water via ladders. So, while there's a small sandy/pebbly part, it's not a large sandy beach like Ramla Bay.

Marsalforn Beach

Ramla Beach

Can you swim in Marsalforn Bay? What is the water like?

Yes, you can swim in Marsalforn Bay. The water is generally clear and calm, especially in the main bay area, making it suitable for swimming. There are shallow areas, particularly near the small sandy/pebbly beach, which are good for children. You can also access deeper water from the rocky sections.

Marsalforn Beach

Is Marsalforn suitable for families with children?

Marsalforn is considered family-friendly. The main bay has a small, shallow sandy/pebbly beach area that is popular with families and safe for children to play and swim. The promenade is also suitable for walks, and there are amenities like restaurants and ice cream kiosks nearby.

Are there many accommodation options right near the beach in Marsalforn?

Yes, Marsalforn offers a range of accommodation, including hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering apartments, many of which are located very close to the bay and promenade, often within a five-minute walk to the swimming spots. Some accommodations also offer sea views.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

What's the best time of year to visit Marsalforn for beaches?

The best time for a beach holiday in Marsalforn is during the summer months (June to September) when the weather is warmest and ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November) offer pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds, though the sea might be cooler. Winter is much quieter.

Are there facilities like sunbeds, umbrellas, and toilets at Marsalforn beach?

Yes, during the summer season, you can typically rent sunbeds and umbrellas at Marsalforn Bay. There are also public toilets available. The promenade area has many cafes, restaurants, and shops providing further amenities.

Marsalforn Beach

How do I get to Marsalforn's beaches from other parts of Gozo or Malta?

From Mgarr Harbour (Gozo ferry terminal), you can take a direct bus (e.g., route 322) or a bus to Victoria (Gozo's capital) and then another bus (e.g., route 310) to Marsalforn. Taxis and car rentals are also available. The journey from Victoria to Marsalforn is short, about a 10-15 minute drive.

People Also Ask

Are there other beaches near Marsalforn worth visiting?

Yes, near Marsalforn, you can find Qbajjar Bay and Xwejni Bay. Qbajjar is a pebbly bay popular with locals and for diving. Xwejni Bay, known for its salt pans, has a pebble beach and shallow waters, good for snorkeling. Ramla Bay, Gozo's largest sandy beach, is also a relatively short drive away.

Qbajjar Bay Beach

Xwejni Bay

Ramla Beach

What is Għar Qawqla in Marsalforn?

Għar Qawqla is a distinctive rocky outcrop and swimming spot at the far end of Marsalforn Bay. It's popular for sunbathing on the rocks and for jumping into the clear water. It's considered one of the best swimming spots in Marsalforn by many.

Għar Qawqla

Is Marsalforn a good base for diving or snorkeling?

Yes, Marsalforn is a popular base for diving and snorkeling. There are several dive schools in the area. The clear waters and rocky coastline offer good snorkeling opportunities, particularly around areas like Għar Qawqla and the rocky stretches of the bay. Nearby sites like Qbajjar and Xwejni are also good for these activities.

Għar Qawqla

What's the vibe like in Marsalforn, especially in the evenings?

During summer, Marsalforn has a lively and bustling atmosphere, especially in the evenings. The promenade becomes a popular gathering place with people strolling, dining at the numerous waterfront restaurants, or enjoying drinks at bars. It's a sociable and energetic seaside town. In winter, it's much quieter and more serene.

Are there any hidden or quieter swimming spots near Marsalforn?

While Marsalforn Bay itself can be busy, you might find quieter spots along the rocky coastline extending from the main bay. Għajn Barrani, a more secluded small bay, is relatively close but requires a walk. Qbajjar and Xwejni bays, while known, can sometimes be less crowded than the very center of Marsalforn.

Xwejni Bay

Is it better to stay in Marsalforn or Xlendi for a beach holiday in Gozo?

Both Marsalforn and Xlendi are popular coastal resorts in Gozo with different characteristics. Marsalforn is larger, with a longer promenade and a mix of small sandy/pebbly beach and rocky areas. Xlendi has a smaller, picturesque bay with a small sandy beach and is also known for its cliffs and restaurants. The choice depends on your preference for a slightly busier town (Marsalforn in summer) or a more compact bay setting (Xlendi). Both offer good swimming and dining options.

Marsalforn Beach

Xlendi Beach

Can I walk from Marsalforn to the Salt Pans (Xwejni)?

Yes, you can walk from Marsalforn to the Xwejni Salt Pans. It's a scenic coastal walk, passing Qbajjar Bay along the way. The distance is roughly 1-2 kilometers, and it's a popular route for enjoying the views and seeing the traditional salt harvesting process (in season).

Xwejni Bay

Qbajjar Bay Beach