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Xagħra

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City
—°11
Xagħra (Malta)
ℹ️

Practical info — Xagħra

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit the Ġgantija Temples early in the morning to avoid the heat and tour bus crowds.
  • Calypso's Cave viewpoint has a remarkable panorama of Ramla Bay, even though the cave itself is often closed for safety.
  • The main square, Pjazza Il-Vitorja, is a bustling hub in the evenings and well-suited for a relaxed hangout.
  • The walk down to the red sands of Ramla Bay can be steep; wear sturdy shoes if you are heading down on foot.

🍽 Food

🍽
Pastizzi

Try these flaky pastries filled with ricotta or peas at local bakeries near the main square.

🍽
Gozitan Ftira

A pizza-like flatbread topped with potatoes and capers, found in traditional village bakeries.

🍽
Rabbit Stew (Stuffat tal-Fenek)

Enjoy Malta's national dish at the traditional restaurants centered around Pjazza Il-Vitorja.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Local Crafts

Browse the small shops around Pjazza Il-Vitorja for souvenirs and handmade goods.

🛍
Gozitan Delicacies

Visit the agricultural estates just outside the village to buy local wine, olive oil, and sundried tomatoes.

🧘
Ta' Kola Windmill

A peaceful historic spot where you can explore traditional milling practices.

🧘
Ramla Valley

Walk along the scenic, reed-lined paths leading down to the bay, away from the main traffic.

Xagħra is situated on a sprawling plateau in northeastern Gozo and stands as one of the most historically significant localities in the Maltese Islands. It is home to the Ġgantija Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating from 3600 to 3200 BC, ranking among the world's oldest free-standing structures. The village is also renowned for its unique natural caves, such as Xerri's Grotto and Ninu's Cave, which feature impressive stalactites and stalagmites located directly beneath residential houses. The Baroque Parish Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary overlooks the expansive village square, a bustling center of social life. Another key landmark is the Ta' Kola Windmill, meticulously restored to demonstrate 18th-century milling techniques. Xagħra is famously associated with the legend of Calypso, with her cave overlooking the distinctive red sands of Ramla Bay. The fusion of immense archaeological wealth and spirited local traditions establishes Xagħra as a primary cultural pillar of Gozo.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

Geography

Population
3,680
Coordinates
36.05000, 14.26670

Facts

  • Ġgantija translates to 'Giantess' in Maltese, as giants were believed to be the builders.
  • The temples predate both the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge.
  • The Ta' Kola Windmill was originally constructed in 1725.
  • Xagħra has a population exceeding 4,800 residents.
  • Xerri's Grotto was discovered in 1923 during the excavation of a well.
  • The Xagħra Stone Circle is a significant prehistoric underground burial site.

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.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Xagħra (11)

Santa Verna Temple🏺 historical

A prehistoric megalithic site located near the village of Xagħra.

Ta' Għejżu Prehistoric Cave🏺 historical

A small prehistoric cave known for its archaeological findings.

Sansuna's Rock🏺 historical

A large megalithic stone associated with local legends in Xagħra.

Pomzikillous Museum of Toys🏛 museum

A museum in Xagħra displaying a collection of historical toys.

Calypso's Cave (closed)📍 landmark

Once known as the cave of the nymph Calypso, it is currently closed for safety.

🆓

Mixta Cave🌿 nature

A natural cave offering a wide view over the Ramla Bay beach.

Il-Bajja tar-Ramla l-Ħamra📍 landmark

A photogenic bay on Gozo with a prominent red sand beach.

Ta' Kola Windmill📍 landmark

A well-preserved 18th-century windmill that now serves as a museum.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-17:00💶

Ramla Valley🌿 nature

Valley leading to the red sandy Ramla Bay.

Ir-Ramla L-Ħamra (left Side Of Bay)👨‍👩‍👧 family

A scenic swimming area in Xag Ra providing a natural spot for water-based recreation.

Ir-Ramla l-Ħamra (right Side Of Bay)👨‍👩‍👧 family

A scenic swimming area in Xag Ra providing a natural spot for water-based recreation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most important sight in Xagħra?
The Ġgantija Temples, which are among the oldest free-standing buildings in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Are there caves to visit in Xagħra?
Yes, Xerri's Grotto and Ninu's Cave are two fascinating caves with stalactites located beneath private houses.
Where is Calypso's Cave located?
It is located on the edge of Xagħra and gives a spectacular view over Ramla Bay.
Is there a museum for kids in Xagħra?
The Pomskizillious Museum of Toys displays a private collection of historic toys.
Is the Xagħra village square worth visiting?
Yes, it is one of the nicest squares in Gozo, lined with cafes and restaurants right in front of the impressive basilica.
Xagħra: where is it located?
Xagħra is located in Malta.
Xagħra: what is there to see?
Highlights include Santa Verna Temple, Ta' Għejżu Prehistoric Cave, Sansuna's Rock.
Xagħra: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Xagħra: why is it worth visiting?
Xagħra is situated on a sprawling plateau in northeastern Gozo and stands as one of the most historically significant localities in the Maltese Islands.
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