San Lawrenz Beaches

Overview

San Lawrenz, nestled on Gozo's serene west coast, serves as a gateway to some of Malta's most dramatic coastal landscapes. While the village itself is located slightly inland, the nearby Dwejra Bay is the main coastal attraction, renowned for its stunning cliffs and unique geological formations rather than extensive sandy shores. This makes it an ideal spot for visitors seeking natural beauty and distinctive seaside experiences.

Within Dwejra, you'll discover the world-famous Blue Hole, a must-see for divers and snorkelers, alongside the sheltered Inland Sea, offering a unique, calm swimming experience. For those exploring further afield, Gozo's diverse coastline includes the expansive, family-friendly red sands of Ramla Beach. You can also find the beautifully secluded pebble beach at Mġarr ix-Xini or the narrow, tranquil sea gorge of Wied Il-Għasri, perfect for adventurous swimmers.

Ultimately, San Lawrenz and its surrounding areas offer a memorable coastal adventure, particularly for those interested in diving, snorkeling, and exploring breathtaking natural scenery. While Dwejra provides unique swimming and diving spots, our guide features a comprehensive list of Gozo's beaches to help you discover even more coastal gems during your visit.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Are there any sandy beaches in San Lawrenz itself?

San Lawrenz is a village located slightly inland on Gozo's west coast. It does not have sandy beaches directly within the village. The main coastal area near San Lawrenz is Dwejra Bay, which is characterized by dramatic cliffs, rocky shores, and unique geological formations rather than traditional sandy stretches. For swimming, Dwejra offers the Inland Sea, a shallow, pebbly lagoon, and the famous Blue Hole, popular with divers and snorkelers.

What is Dwejra Bay near San Lawrenz like for swimming?

Dwejra Bay offers unique swimming experiences. The Inland Sea is a sheltered, shallow lagoon with calm, clear water, connected to the open sea by a tunnel; it's suitable for families and snorkeling. The Blue Hole is a natural rock pool that drops down to a submerged archway leading to the open sea, popular with experienced swimmers, snorkelers, and divers for its clear waters and marine life. The open sea in Dwejra Bay can also be accessed from rocky areas, but care should be taken, especially in rough weather.

How do I get to Dwejra Bay from San Lawrenz village?

Dwejra Bay is located about 2 kilometers from San Lawrenz. You can reach it by car, which takes about 15 minutes from Victoria (Gozo's capital, near San Lawrenz). Public transport is also an option; bus route 311 runs from Victoria to Dwejra Bay. Some hop-on-hop-off tourist buses also stop at Dwejra. Walking from San Lawrenz is also possible, taking around 30-40 minutes.

Is San Lawrenz a good destination for a traditional beach holiday?

San Lawrenz offers a unique coastal experience centered around the dramatic scenery and swimming spots of Dwejra Bay, like the Inland Sea and Blue Hole, rather than extensive sandy beaches. It's ideal for those interested in nature, diving, snorkeling, boat trips, and scenic walks. If your priority is a traditional sandy beach holiday with long stretches of sand for sunbathing and gentle swimming, other areas in Gozo like Ramla Bay or Marsalforn might be more suitable, though Dwejra's Inland Sea does offer a calmer, shallower option.

Ramla Beach

Marsalforn Beach

Are there any accommodations in San Lawrenz with easy access to Dwejra Bay?

San Lawrenz village has several accommodation options, including hotels like the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, B&Bs, and self-catering apartments. While these are not directly on Dwejra Bay (as it's a natural, rugged area), they are a short drive or bus ride away (approx. 2km). Some accommodations in San Lawrenz may offer views towards the coast or be situated in peaceful countryside settings close to Dwejra.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

What's the best time of year to visit San Lawrenz for swimming and coastal activities?

The best time for swimming and coastal activities in San Lawrenz and Dwejra Bay is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to October) when the weather is warm and the sea is calmer. Summer months (June-August) are hottest. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for exploring and water activities with potentially fewer crowds. Water temperatures remain quite warm until the end of October. Winter can bring rougher seas, making some swimming spots less accessible or safe.

Are there boat trips available at Dwejra Bay?

Yes, local fishermen offer boat trips from the Inland Sea at Dwejra. These trips typically take you through the 80-meter long tunnel that connects the lagoon to the open sea, allowing you to see the cliffs, sea caves (some with orange coral), and Fungus Rock from a different perspective. The boat trips usually last around 15-25 minutes and are a popular way to experience the dramatic coastline.

Is Dwejra Bay suitable for families with children?

The Inland Sea at Dwejra Bay can be suitable for families with children due to its shallow, calm, and sheltered waters, making it a safer spot for swimming and paddling. The pebbly beach around the Inland Sea is also a feature. However, the wider Dwejra Bay area has rugged, rocky terrain which requires caution. The Blue Hole and open sea areas are more suited for confident swimmers and older children under supervision. For extensive sandy beaches ideal for young children, other Gozitan locations like Ramla Bay might be preferable.

Ramla Beach

People Also Ask

What should I bring when visiting Dwejra Bay for swimming or exploring?

It's advisable to wear sturdy shoes or aqua shoes for walking on the sharp rocks, especially when accessing the Blue Hole or other rocky swimming spots. Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses) as the sun can be intense. Snorkeling gear is highly recommended to enjoy the underwater sights, particularly in the Blue Hole and Inland Sea. It's also a good idea to bring water and snacks, although there are usually some kiosks or a restaurant in the Dwejra Bay area.

Can you dive at Dwejra Bay? What are the conditions like?

Yes, Dwejra Bay is one of Gozo's premier diving destinations, famous for sites like the Blue Hole and the Inland Sea. The Blue Hole is a natural rock formation leading to a 15-16 meter drop and an underwater arch. The Inland Sea offers a tunnel dive out to the open sea. Other dive sites include Crocodile Rock and the Coral Gardens. Water clarity is generally excellent. It's important to only dive when sea conditions are calm, as entry and exit can be challenging in rough weather. A dive center is located in the area.

What is there to do at Dwejra Bay besides swimming, now that the Azure Window has collapsed?

Even after the collapse of the Azure Window, Dwejra Bay offers many attractions. You can take boat trips through the tunnel from the Inland Sea, explore the Blue Hole (swimming/diving), visit Fungus Rock, and see the Dwejra Tower (a 17th-century coastal watchtower). The area is excellent for hiking along the cliffs, enjoying dramatic coastal scenery, fossil spotting, and watching sunsets. St. Anne's Chapel is also located here.

How does Dwejra Bay compare to Ramla Bay for a beach day?

Dwejra Bay and Ramla Bay offer very different experiences. Dwejra is known for its dramatic rocky coastline, cliffs, the Inland Sea (pebbly lagoon), and the Blue Hole, making it ideal for snorkeling, diving, boat trips, and scenic views. Ramla Bay, on the other hand, is Gozo's largest sandy beach, with distinctive reddish-golden sand, shallow waters, and more traditional beach facilities, making it better for sunbathing, families with young children, and those seeking a classic sandy beach experience.

Ramla Beach

Is it safe to swim in the Blue Hole at Dwejra?

Swimming in the Blue Hole can be safe when the sea is calm. It's a popular spot for experienced swimmers, snorkelers, and divers. However, it's important to assess sea conditions before entering, as it can be dangerous with strong waves or currents, and exiting the water can become difficult as there are no ladders. The Blue Hole is deep and connects to the open sea via an underwater arch. It's not recommended to dive through the arch without proper diving certification and experience.

What is the 'Inland Sea' at Dwejra and can you swim there?

The Inland Sea (Il-Qawra) at Dwejra is a shallow, seawater lagoon connected to the open Mediterranean Sea by a narrow, 80-100 meter long natural tunnel through the cliffs. It was likely formed by a collapsed sea cave. Yes, you can swim in the Inland Sea; its waters are generally calm, clear, and relatively shallow, making it a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and for families. It has a pebbly beach area.

Are there any quiet or hidden spots near San Lawrenz for enjoying the coast?

While Dwejra Bay is the main attraction, the coastline around San Lawrenz is rugged and offers opportunities for exploration. Hiking along the Dwejra cliffs can lead to more secluded viewpoints. The area around Dwejra Tower or further along the coast might offer quieter spots to enjoy the natural scenery, especially outside peak hours. Gozo itself has many smaller coves and less crowded beaches, though these would typically require transport from San Lawrenz to access, such as Wied il-Ghasri (a narrow gorge) or some of the smaller bays further afield.

Wied Il-Għasri

San Lawrenz Beaches

Overview

Editor's Pick

Ramla Beach

Mġarr ix-Xini

Wied Il-Għasri

Dwejra Bay

Blue Hole

FAQ

Are there any sandy beaches in San Lawrenz itself?

What is Dwejra Bay near San Lawrenz like for swimming?

How do I get to Dwejra Bay from San Lawrenz village?

Is San Lawrenz a good destination for a traditional beach holiday?

Are there any accommodations in San Lawrenz with easy access to Dwejra Bay?

What's the best time of year to visit San Lawrenz for swimming and coastal activities?

Are there boat trips available at Dwejra Bay?

Is Dwejra Bay suitable for families with children?

Wild Gozo Swims

Wied Il-Għasri

Xlendi Beach

Xwejni Bay

Coral Lagoon

People Also Ask

What should I bring when visiting Dwejra Bay for swimming or exploring?

Can you dive at Dwejra Bay? What are the conditions like?

What is there to do at Dwejra Bay besides swimming, now that the Azure Window has collapsed?

How does Dwejra Bay compare to Ramla Bay for a beach day?

Is it safe to swim in the Blue Hole at Dwejra?

What is the 'Inland Sea' at Dwejra and can you swim there?

Are there any quiet or hidden spots near San Lawrenz for enjoying the coast?

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Xlendi Beach

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