Plizio Visual Lab

Xlendi Bay

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

Xlendi Bay is a pretty inlet on the southwestern coast of Gozo, characterized by its deep canyon-like structure and towering cliffs. Historically, the bay served as a safe anchorage for Roman and Byzantine vessels, as evidenced by numerous amphorae and shipwrecks found at depths of 40 to 70 meters. The Xlendi Tower, completed in 1650, stands at the mouth of the bay to protect against corsair incursions. This coastal settlement evolved from a quiet fishing village into a lively seaside destination during the 20th century. A unique feature is the Kantra Valley, which leads to a small bridge providing access to the salt pans carved into the limestone. The bay's waters are known for their clarity, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. Ongoing archaeological surveys continue to reveal the bay's importance as a strategic maritime hub over the past 2,000 years.

Location: Malta
Nearby: Għasri (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	15	14	15	16	19	22	25	26	25	23	20	17
Rain mm	74	67	53	35	17	12	4	10	63	83	92	83

📋 Practical info

🚪

Visiting

Xlendi Bay is a public bay with a beach and promenade, freely accessible at any time. Visitors can use the beach, swim in the sea, and explore the surrounding cliffs.

🕒

Typical hours

As a public beach, there are no opening hours; access is possible around the clock. Shops and restaurants along the promenade have typical daytime opening hours.

📷

Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the bay. The best shot of the fjord-like panorama is from the viewpoint on the cliff above the bay, especially in the late afternoon.

⏱️

Time needed

A visit for sunbathing and swimming can take several hours. For a short walk along the promenade and a view of the bay, 30-45 minutes are enough.

➕

Combine with

Combine Xlendi Bay with nearby Dwejra Bay or the Ta’ Pinu Shrine. A boat tour along the cliffs can also be taken from here.

🧭

Getting there

Xlendi Bay is about 3 km from Victoria and reachable by bus (route 306) or car. There is a car park above the bay; it can get busy in high season.

💡

Insider tip

Arrive early in the morning to have the bay almost to yourself and enjoy the quiet. For a refreshing dip in between, try the nearby natural rock pools.

Geography

Coordinates

36.03030, 14.21720

Facts

The Xlendi watchtower was built in 1650 during the reign of Grand Master Lascaris.
Underwater excavations have identified Roman shipwrecks at depths between 40 and 70 meters.
The bay is flanking by cliffs that reach heights of over 100 meters above sea level.
Salt pans carved into the coastal rocks date back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Kantra Valley bridge provides a scenic walkway originally used by salt harvesters.
Xlendi was one of the first bays in Gozo to be featured in 17th-century maritime maps.