Xagħra Beaches

Overview

Xagħra, perched on a hill in Gozo, serves as a charming gateway to some of the Maltese archipelago's most captivating beaches. While the village itself is inland, its prime location means renowned coastal spots are just a short journey away. This makes Xagħra an excellent choice for visitors wondering about a base that combines cultural charm with easy access to sun, sand, and sea.

From Xagħra, you can easily discover Gozo's diverse coastal gems. The expansive Ramla Beach, celebrated for its unique red sand and family-friendly shallow waters, is a must-visit. For a more tranquil outing, the smaller San Blas Beach offers a secluded stretch of similar red sand. The resort town of Marsalforn Beach provides a livelier atmosphere with its promenade, while Hondoq ir-Rummien is a favored spot among locals for clear swimming waters. A boat trip to the breathtaking Blue Lagoon, with its incredibly clear turquoise waters, is also highly recommended.

The beaches accessible from Xagħra boast varied characteristics, from the striking red sands at Ramla Beach and San Blas Beach to the mix of pebbles and sand at Marsalforn Beach. Whether you seek bustling shores or quieter coves, the Gozitan coastline has much to offer. Explore our longer list of beaches in this guide to find even more seaside havens to complete your Xagħra experience.

FAQ

What are the main beaches accessible from Xagħra?

The primary beach easily accessible from Xagħra is Ramla Bay, famous for its red sand. Other nearby options include San Blas Bay, which is smaller and more secluded, and Marsalforn Bay, a bit further out but popular, offering a mix of sand, pebbles, and rocky areas.

Ramla Beach

San Blas Beach

Marsalforn Beach

Is Ramla Bay good for families and swimming?

Yes, Ramla Bay is excellent for families. It has a wide stretch of soft, red sand, and the water is generally clear and shallow near the shore, making it safe for children. Lifeguards are often on duty during peak season, and there are facilities like cafes and toilets.

Ramla Beach

How do I get to Ramla Bay from Xagħra village?

You can reach Ramla Bay from Xagħra by car, taxi, or bus (route 302 or 322). It's a short drive down the hill. Walking is also an option, taking about 30-40 minutes, offering pleasant views through farmland, but the return walk is uphill.

Ramla Beach

What facilities are available at Ramla Bay?

Ramla Bay offers several facilities, including kiosks for snacks and drinks, sunbed and umbrella rentals, public toilets, and showers. There's also a wooden walkway for easier access across the sand, making it somewhat stroller and wheelchair-friendly.

Ramla Beach

Are there accommodations in Xagħra with easy beach access?

While Xagħra village itself is on a hill, not directly on the beach, there are various accommodations like farmhouses, guesthouses, and villas in and around Xagħra. From these, Ramla Bay is a short drive or bus ride. For direct beachfront accommodation, you'd typically look at coastal resorts in other parts of Gozo, though some properties might be closer to Ramla Valley.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Ramla Beach

Is San Blas Bay easy to access from Xagħra?

San Blas Bay is near Xagħra but access can be challenging. It involves a steep, narrow road down to the bay, the last part of which is often closed to traffic, requiring a walk. A jeep service may be available in summer. Its seclusion is part of its charm.

San Blas Beach

What's the difference between Ramla Bay and San Blas Bay?

Ramla Bay is Gozo's largest sandy beach, known for its wide expanse of red sand, family-friendly shallow waters, and good facilities. San Blas Bay is much smaller, also with reddish sand, but offers a more secluded and tranquil experience due to its more challenging access and fewer facilities.

Ramla Beach

San Blas Beach

Are there quieter, less crowded beaches near Xagħra?

Yes, apart from the smaller San Blas Bay, you might explore Ix-Xtajta, a quieter area accessible from Ramla Bay. Għajn Barrani, located between Marsalforn and Ramla, is another secluded option, though it requires a bit of a walk to reach.

San Blas Beach

Ramla Beach

People Also Ask

What is the sand like at the beaches near Xagħra?

Ramla Bay is famous for its unique, soft reddish-golden sand. San Blas Bay also features similar reddish sand. Marsalforn Bay has a mix of small pebbles and some sand, with more extensive rocky areas for sunbathing and accessing the water.

Ramla Beach

San Blas Beach

Marsalforn Beach

When is the best time to visit Xagħra for a beach holiday?

The best time for a beach holiday in Xagħra is generally from late May to early October. July and August are the hottest and busiest months. For pleasant weather and fewer crowds, consider May, June, September, or early October.

Can you swim in the sea around Xagħra, and what's the water like?

Yes, swimming is very popular. The waters at Ramla Bay are clear, generally calm, and shallow near the shore, making them ideal for swimming and snorkelling. San Blas Bay also offers clear waters. Water temperatures are comfortable for swimming from late spring to autumn.

Ramla Beach

San Blas Beach

Are there any concerns about jellyfish at Gozo beaches like Ramla Bay?

Jellyfish can occasionally be present at Gozitan beaches, including Ramla Bay, particularly during late spring and summer, and especially when winds blow from the north. However, it's not a constant issue. It's always good to check local conditions or look for any posted warnings.

Ramla Beach

Is Xagħra a good base for a beach-focused holiday in Gozo?

Xagħra can be a good base, especially if you appreciate its village charm and historical sites alongside beach access. It offers direct access to Ramla Bay, one of Gozo's best beaches, and is a short drive from others like San Blas and Marsalforn. However, Xagħra itself is inland on a hill, so you'll need transport to get to the beaches.

Ramla Beach

San Blas Beach

Marsalforn Beach

How far is Marsalforn Bay from Xagħra and is it worth visiting?

Marsalforn Bay is about a 5-10 minute drive (around 3km) from Xagħra. It's a popular coastal resort town with a small sandy/pebbly beach, a promenade with restaurants, and rocky areas for swimming and diving. It offers a different atmosphere to Ramla and is worth a visit if you're exploring different coastal areas.

Marsalforn Beach

Ramla Beach

Can I walk from Xagħra to any beaches?

Yes, you can walk from Xagħra to Ramla Bay. The walk takes approximately 30-40 minutes and goes through the scenic Ramla valley. However, be mindful that the walk back to Xagħra village is uphill. Some walking trails also connect to other coastal areas.

Ramla Beach