Fungus Rock

Fungus Rock, locally known as Il-Ġebla tal-Ġeneral, is a massive 60-meter-high limestone islet situated at the entrance of Dwejra Bay on the island of Gozo. The rock is historically significant due to the discovery of the Cynomorium coccineum, a rare parasitic plant misidentified as a fungus by the Knights of St. John. The Order highly valued this "General's Root" for its perceived medicinal properties, particularly as a haemostatic agent to treat dysentery and wounds. To protect the plant, Grand Master Pinto declared the rock a restricted zone in 1746, and unauthorized access was punishable by death or life in the galleys. A sophisticated cable car system was constructed to transport the harvested plants to the mainland, and a permanent guard was stationed nearby. Geologically, the islet is a stack formed by the collapse of an ancient sea cave's roof, characteristic of the karst topography of the Dwejra region. Today, Fungus Rock is a strictly protected nature reserve, serving as a sanctuary for various seabirds and endemic lizards.

Nearby cities

Dwejra

A spectacular natural area on Gozo featuring the Inland Sea, the Blue Hole, and the historic site of the Azure Window.

Għarb

Għarb is a traditional village in western Gozo, known for its picturesque parish church, folklore museum, and the Ta' Pinu Sanctuary.

Xlendi

Xlendi is a popular seaside resort set in a picturesque, fjord-like bay, flanked by high cliffs.

Kerċem

Kerċem is a village to the west of Victoria, situated in the picturesque Lunzjata Valley, and known for its rural environment.

Għasri

Għasri is the smallest village in Gozo, known for the secluded, fjord-like Wied il-Għasri and the Giordan Lighthouse.

Wied il-Mielah

A spectacular natural limestone arch on the northern coast of Gozo island.

Nadur

Situated on a plateau in eastern Gozo, Nadur is famous for its vibrant carnival, its maritime influence, and the Ta' Kenuna Tower.

Qawra

Qawra is a resort town adjacent to Buġibba, known for its hotels, the Malta National Aquarium, and the Salina Nature Park.

History & landmarks

Blue Hole

One of Europe's top diving spots.

Sarraflu Pond

A rare natural freshwater pond on Gozo.

Ħondoq ir-Rummien

A small cove with crystal clear water directly facing Comino.

Blue Lagoon

Famous bay on Comino.

Nature

Ta' Duna Hill

A small hill on Gozo near Xagħra.

Mġarr ix-Xini Valley (Gozo)

A steep-sided valley leading to a secluded bay, used as a filming location for the movie 'By the Sea'.

Tal-Mixta Cave (Gozo)

A cave overlooking Ramla Bay, providing a famous photo spot.

Qammieh Point

A rocky headland with great views towards Ghadira Bay and Gozo.

Coral Lagoon (Malta)

A large sea cave with a collapsed roof, forming a hidden lagoon.

Fomm ir-Riħ Bay

A secluded and hard-to-reach bay with dramatic cliffs and clear water.

Victoria Lines Fault

A natural geological fault along which a line of fortifications was built in the 19th century.

More places

Gozo 3D Cinema (Citadel)

A cinema in the Gozo Citadel showing a 3D film about the island's history.

Ta' Cenc Cliffs (Gozo)

These cliffs on Gozo are a major nesting site for colonies of seabirds.

Xwejni Salt Pans (Gozo)

Traditional salt pans where sea salt has been harvested by hand for centuries.

Magro Food Village (Gozo)

A food processing center that also offers tours and tastings of local products.

Marsalforn Bay (Gozo)

A popular resort town with a small harbour for fishing boats.

Ta' Ċenċ Cliffs

The Ta' Ċenċ Cliffs are an impressive rock formation in the south of Gozo.

Ta' Mena Estate (Gozo)

An agritourism estate on Gozo that produces wine, olive oil, and other local products.

Fort Chambray

A fortified city overlooking Mġarr Harbour.