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Ramla Bay

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City
—°5
Ramla Bay (Malta)
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Practical info — Ramla Bay

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Look out for the striking white statue of the Virgin Mary positioned right in the middle of the red sandy beach.
  • The path inside the legendary Calypso's Cave is often closed for safety, but the viewpoint nearby is still fully accessible and memorable.
  • The unique red sand gets extremely hot under the summer sun; water shoes or flip-flops are highly recommended.
  • Public buses from Victoria run here, but they can be infrequent, so it is best to check the schedule in advance.

🍽 Food

🍽
Gozo Cheese (Ġbejna)

Try this local, round sheep's cheese, often found inside fresh sandwiches sold at the beachside kiosks.

🍽
Bajtra Liqueur

A sweet prickly pear liqueur typical of Gozo; you can easily find it in local shops in the nearby village of Xagħra.

🍽
Fresh Fruit Smoothies

Grab a cold, refreshing drink made from local seasonal fruits at the casual cafes near the beach entrance.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Beachfront Stalls

Basic summer gear, cold drinks, and small souvenirs are sold from stalls located right at the beach entrance.

🛍
Xagħra Village Square

Just a short bus ride away, the square features small local shops offering authentic Gozitan lace and honey.

🧘
Tal-Mixta Cave

A short hike up the eastern cliff rewards you with a magnificent, shaded, and quiet view framed perfectly by the cave mouth.

🧘
Nadur Countryside Walk

The walking paths leading up from the valley are peaceful and dotted with wild fennel and caper bushes.

Ramla Bay, locally known as 'Ramla l-Ħamra' (Red Sands), is widely considered the finest beach on the island of Gozo. Its standout feature is the rich, coppery-red sand that set it apart from any other beach in the archipelago. Set at the end of a lush valley and surrounded by terraced hills, the bay feels remarkably untouched by urban development. A white statue of the Virgin Mary stands prominently in the center of the dunes, a landmark erected in the 19th century. The area is also rich in history, with the remains of a Roman villa buried beneath the sand. Perched on the western cliffs is Calypso's Cave, legendary home to the nymph in Homer’s Odyssey. While the cave itself is often closed for safety, the view from the overlooking ridge is the best panoramic vista on the island. The beach is Blue Flag certified, offering clean waters and essential summer amenities like snack bars and lifeguard services.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

Geography

Population
3,680
Coordinates
36.06200, 14.28300

Facts

  • Unique reddish-orange sand
  • Largest beach on Gozo
  • Calypso's Cave on the cliffs
  • Roman villa ruins under sand
  • Statue of the Virgin Mary
  • Blue Flag certified beach
  • Untouched rural scenery
  • Shallow waters near shore

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 Ramla Bay (5)

Ir-Ramla L-Ħamra (left Side Of Bay)🎡 recreation

An area in Ramla Bay on Gozo known for its unique reddish sand.

It-Tempji tal-Ġgantija🏛 museum

Prehistoric megalithic temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating to 3600-3200 BC.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-16:30💶

San Blas🌿 nature

A beautiful natural beach located on the island of Gozo, Malta, offering a relaxing coastal experience.

Ir-Ramla l-Ħamra🌿 nature

A scenic natural bay known for its scenic coastal views and tranquil atmosphere in the region.

Belancourt battery

A historic monument located in the Ramla Bay area, showcasing the region's coastal architectural heritage.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Ramla Bay famous?
Because of its unique, animated reddish-golden sand. It is the largest sandy beach on the island of Gozo.
Is there a famous cave nearby?
Yes, Calypso Cave (currently closed) and Tal-Mixta Cave offer a fantastic view of the bay from above.
Are there toilets and cafes?
Yes, there are a few cafes and public toilets available at the entrance to the beach.
What stands in the middle of the beach?
A statue of the Virgin Mary, erected in 1881 to protect the fishermen.
How to get there by bus?
Routes 302 (from Victoria) or 322 (from Mġarr ferry terminal) stop near the beach.
Ramla Bay: where is it located?
Ramla Bay is located in Malta.
Ramla Bay: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ir-Ramla L-Ħamra (left Side Of Bay), It-Tempji tal-Ġgantija, San Blas.
Ramla Bay: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Ramla Bay: why is it worth visiting?
Ramla Bay, locally known as 'Ramla l-Ħamra' (Red Sands), is widely considered the finest beach on the island of Gozo.
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