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Wied il-Għasri
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Landmark
Wied il-Għasri is a spectacular, narrow valley on the island of Gozo that opens into a fjord-like sea bay flanked by high limestone cliffs. The winding inlet reaches deep inland and ends at a tiny pebble beach accessible via a staircase carved into the rock. Geologically, the valley was formed by millennia of erosion from a stream that today only flows after heavy rainfall. The crystal-clear, calm water in the bay makes it a handy spot for swimmers and divers, with an underwater cave at the end of the inlet being particularly popular with experienced divers. Historical salt pans are located in the surrounding cliffs, some of which are still used today. The seclusion of the site ensures that its natural beauty and tranquility have remained largely preserved. A hike through the valley also has insights into the typical flora of the Maltese Islands, including caper bushes and various wildflowers.
- Location: Malta
- Nearby: Victoria (Rabat), Gozo (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
The narrow valley Wied il-Għasri is freely accessible as it is a natural landmark. Visitors can walk through the gully to reach the tiny pebble beach, which can be viewed from the outside only.
Typical hours
As an open natural area, there are no fixed opening hours. Typically access is possible around the clock, but visiting during daylight is recommended.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the valley and at the beach. For the best shots of the narrow passage and turquoise water, late morning is recommended.
Time needed
A relaxed visit of the valley and beach typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes. If you want to explore or swim, allow a good hour.
Combine with
Combine your visit with nearby Xlendi Bay or Ta' Ċenċ Cliffs. The Dwejra peninsula with the Azure Window remains is also worth a detour.
Getting there
The valley is best reached by car or bus (line 306) from Victoria. Parking is available along the road, from there a short walk leads down.
Insider tip
Wear sturdy footwear as the path to the beach is rocky and can be slippery. Bring plenty of water since there are no refreshment facilities on site.
Geography
Facts
- The valley opens into a narrow inlet approximately 300 meters long.
- The Cathedral Cave, a famous diving site, is located in the cliffs.
- A steep staircase with about 100 steps leads down to the pebble beach.
- The valley is home to a rare species of sea rocket.
- The water depth in the inlet varies between 2 and 10 meters.
- The rocks consist mainly of Lower Coralline Limestone.
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 Wied il-Għasri (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Wied il-Għasri?
A narrow, fjord-like sea inlet that cuts deep into the cliffs.
Can you swim there?
Yes, there is a small pebble beach at the end of the gorge.
Is access difficult?
You have to descend steep rock-cut stairs, which requires caution.
Is the place suitable for diving?
Yes, especially the nearby 'Cathedral Cave' is popular with divers.
What is the best way to get there?
Via an unpaved road from Ghasri or Marsalforn.
Wied il-Għasri: where is it located?
Wied il-Għasri is located in Malta.
Wied il-Għasri: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Wied il-Għasri: why is it worth visiting?
Wied il-Għasri is a spectacular, narrow valley on the island of Gozo that opens into a fjord-like sea bay flanked by high limestone cliffs.
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Nearby cities
Kerċem
Kerċem is a village to the west of Victoria, situated in the picturesque Lunzjata Valley, and known for its rural environment.
Dwejra
A spectacular natural area on Gozo featuring the Inland Sea, the Blue Hole, and the historic site of the Azure Window.
Xagħra
Xagħra is a large village in Gozo, famous for the UNESCO-listed Ġgantija Temples, Calypso's Cave, and Ramla Bay.
Ramla Bay
Gozo's largest sandy beach, famous for its unique reddish-golden sand and its legendary connection to Calypso's Cave.
Xlendi
Xlendi is a popular seaside resort set in a picturesque, fjord-like bay, flanked by high cliffs.
Xewkija
Xewkija is one of Gozo's oldest villages, dominated by the massive dome of its Rotunda church, dedicated to St.
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
Giordan Lighthouse
A prominent lighthouse on a hill overlooking Għasri.
Wied il-Mielaħ Window
A natural limestone arch on the north coast of Gozo.
Sarraflu Pond
A rare natural freshwater pond on Gozo.
San Blas Bay
A secluded bay with characteristic red sand.
Mġarr ix-Xini
A narrow, secluded bay and valley.
Ħondoq ir-Rummien
A small cove with crystal clear water directly facing Comino.
Blue Lagoon
Famous bay on Comino.
Nature
Wied il-Għasri (Gozo)
A secluded inlet cut like a fjord between high cliffs.
Ta' Ġordan Hill
A prominent cone-shaped hill on the island of Gozo.
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'.
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
Marsalforn Bay (Gozo)
A popular resort town with a small harbour for fishing boats.
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.
Fort Chambray
A fortified city overlooking Mġarr Harbour.
Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal
The ferry terminal on the northernmost point of Malta for services to Gozo.
Ghadira Nature Reserve
An important bird sanctuary and wetland, especially during bird migration seasons.
Il-Qortin Ridge
A narrow ridge located northeast of Mellieħa.
Il-Għażżenin Ridge
A low, rocky ridge near St.