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Fontana
ℹ️Practical info — Fontana
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Walk down from Victoria to Fontana to see the traditional public washhouses (L-Għajn il-Kbira).
- Taste the fresh spring water from the historic fountains in the village core.
- Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby coastal bay of Xlendi.
- Be mindful of the narrow pavements along the busy main road to Xlendi.
🍽 Food
Try some Gozitan wine often available for tasting at the souvenir shops on the way to Xlendi.
Buy this sweet treat from the stalls along the main road.
Pick up a fresh loaf from the small bakeries in the surrounding area.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Visit this well-known hub for traditional crafts and souvenirs on the main road.
Purchase hand-knitted woolen sweaters and blankets directly from local vendors.
A short walk takes you to this green, fertile valley, great for enjoying nature.
Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and the sound of flowing water at the historic springs.
Water temperature…
Fontana is a small village situated on the outskirts of Gozo's capital, Victoria, deriving its name from the abundant natural springs found in the area. The settlement is set in a fertile valley that has historically been used for the intensive cultivation of fruits and vegetables. A unique landmark is the 'Għajn il-Kbira' (Great Spring) and its associated 16th-century wash-houses, built under stone arches where locals laundered clothes for centuries. Fontana's parish church is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus; its construction commenced in 1892 and it was consecrated in 1905. Despite its small size, Fontana serves as a vital link between the capital and the coastal resort of Xlendi. The village architecture features traditional townhouses and narrow streets that follow the valley's contours. The preservation of the historic wash-houses is currently a significant heritage conservation priority on the island.
- Location: Malta
- Nearby: Marsalforn (4 km)
- Population: ~922
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 |
Geography
Facts
- Fontana was officially established as a parish on March 27, 1911.
- The historic wash-houses trace their origins back to 1511.
- The village is located in the Lunzjata Valley, Gozo's most watered area.
- The parish church was funded almost entirely by local community donations.
- Fontana is one of the smallest administrative localities in Malta by area.
- The population of Fontana is approximately 1,000 residents.
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Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Fontana (1)
Frequently asked questions
Why is the village called Fontana?
What are the wash houses in Fontana?
Is Fontana far from Victoria?
What can you see in the Fontana valley?
Are there shops in Fontana?
Fontana: where is it located?
Fontana: when is the best time to visit?
Fontana: why is it worth visiting?
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History & landmarks
Nature
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