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Mġarr ix-Xini
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Landmark
Mġarr ix-Xini is a secluded bay and valley on the southern coast of Gozo, renowned for its steep cliffs and deep, narrow inlet. The entrance to the bay is guarded by the Mġarr ix-Xini Tower, which was constructed in 1661 by the Order of Saint John to protect the coast from corsairs. Historically, the valley served as a landing place for Turkish invaders during the 1551 Great Siege of Gozo. The seabed has yielded significant archaeological finds, including Roman-era ceramics and amphorae, suggesting long-standing maritime activity. In recent years, the bay gained international recognition as a primary filming location for the 2015 movie 'By the Sea'. The site is also an Important Bird Area (IBA) and a popular spot for divers due to its rich marine life and underwater caves. The surrounding landscape features ancient cart ruts and prehistoric remains, indicating thousands of years of human presence.
- Location: Malta
- Nearby: Fontana (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 | 23 | 26 | 27 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 74 | 65 | 51 | 33 | 17 | 11 | 4 | 10 | 63 | 82 | 95 | 82 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Mġarr ix-Xini bay is public and freely accessible at any time. There are no facilities; the beach is in a natural state.
Typical hours
The bay is accessible 24/7, well-suited for an early morning or late evening visit. In summer months, it is popular for snorkelling.
Photography
Photography is allowed everywhere - the cliffs and turquoise water offer great subjects. Drone flights are possible, but beware of wind gusts.
Time needed
A visit for swimming and snorkelling typically lasts one to two hours. If also exploring the surrounding cliffs, allow half a day.
Combine with
Combine the bay with a trip to the nearby town of Xewkija on Gozo. The Marsalforn salt pans are also not far away.
Getting there
The bay is on Gozo, about a 15-minute drive from Victoria. Access is via a narrow road with limited parking.
Insider tip
Bring snorkelling gear and water shoes, as the entry is rocky. Best visited on weekdays when it is quieter.
Geography
Facts
- The Mġarr ix-Xini watchtower was completed in June 1661 by the Knights of Malta.
- The bay was the primary landing site for Ottoman forces during the 1551 raid on Gozo.
- Archaeological artifacts found in the bay date back to the Roman period (1st-4th century AD).
- The 2015 film 'By the Sea', starring Angelina Jolie, was filmed almost entirely in this bay.
- A natural spring at the head of the valley provided freshwater for ships for centuries.
- The bay is recognized as part of the Natura 2000 network for its diverse habitats.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Mġarr ix-Xini (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Mġarr ix-Xini?
A secluded, narrow bay in Gozo with crystal clear water.
Was the bay a filming location?
Yes, the movie 'By the Sea' with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie was filmed here.
How do you get to the bay?
Via a very narrow, steep road from Sannat or Xewkija.
Is it good for snorkeling?
Yes, the bay is famous for its rich marine life and clear water.
Are there any food facilities?
There is a small, well-known fish restaurant right on the pebble beach.
Mġarr ix-Xini: where is it located?
Mġarr ix-Xini is located in Malta.
Mġarr ix-Xini: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Mġarr ix-Xini: why is it worth visiting?
Mġarr ix-Xini is a secluded bay and valley on the southern coast of Gozo, renowned for its steep cliffs and deep, narrow inlet.
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Mtarfa
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History & landmarks
Nature
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'.
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.
Ta' Ċinċ Hill
A hill near Birkirkara that functions as part of the interior topography.
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The Ta' Ċenċ Cliffs are an impressive rock formation in the south of Gozo.
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Magro Food Village (Gozo)
A food processing center that also offers tours and tastings of local products.
Ta' Mena Estate (Gozo)
An agritourism estate on Gozo that produces wine, olive oil, and other local products.
Gozo Artisan Network
An initiative promoting local artisans and food producers on Gozo.
Cominotto Island
A small uninhabited island opposite the Blue Lagoon.
St. Anthony's Battery
A coastal battery built to defend the channel between Gozo and Comino.
Marsalforn Bay (Gozo)
A popular resort town with a small harbour for fishing boats.