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Wied il-Għasri Canyon

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Wied il-Għasri Canyon (Malta)

Weather…

Wied il-Għasri is a spectacular, narrow sea canyon on the island of Gozo, defined by its deep incision into the coastal limestone cliffs. The canyon stretches approximately 300 meters inland, culminating in a small, secluded pebbly beach framed by towering rock walls. This geological formation has been sculpted by erosion over millennia, creating a sanctuary of crystal-clear water that is exceptional for snorkeling and diving. The entrance from the open sea through the narrow rocky gap is often cited as one of the most dramatic natural settings in the Maltese Islands. Along the cliff tops surrounding the canyon, historical salt pans are still carved into the rock and operated using traditional methods today. The area is a favoured destination for hikers seeking the untouched natural beauty and rugged coastline of northern Gozo. The striking contrast between the azure waters and the honey-hued limestone makes this site a premier location for landscape photography.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161922252625232017
Rain mm74675335171241063839283

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
This memorable narrow canyon is most commonly accessed via a rugged track from the village of Għasri or Marsalforn on Gozo. A series of steep steps cut directly into the rock face leads visitors down to the small pebbly beach.
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Best season
Summer is immensely popular for swimming in the sheltered inlet, though it can get crowded. For hiking and photography, spring and autumn provide a quieter experience with beautifully mild weather and colorful surrounding flora.
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Terrain & paths
The approach involves navigating a dirt track followed by a steep descent down stone steps, which can be challenging. The bottom of the canyon features a small, uneven pebbly beach enclosed by high, vertical limestone cliffs.
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What to bring
Sturdy footwear is crucial for safely descending the steep rock steps. If planning to swim in the inlet, water shoes are highly recommended due to the rough pebbles, along with snorkeling gear to observe the marine life.
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Parking
A small, informal dirt parking area is available near the top of the cliff before the descent begins. Space is very limited, so arriving early during the busy summer months is advisable to secure a spot.
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Safety
The steep stone steps can become extremely slippery, especially when wet, so descend with great care. Swimmers should be cautious of unpredictable currents near the canyon's mouth where it meets the open Mediterranean Sea.
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Time needed
A visit simply to view the canyon and take photos might only take an hour, but those who choose to hike down, swim, and relax on the pebbles usually spend between two to three hours here.

Geography

Coordinates
36.07120, 14.23930

Facts

  • The canyon extends approximately 300 meters into the coastline
  • Popular entry point for cave divers exploring the northern coast
  • Surrounded by centuries-old salt pans still in active use
  • Carved by the erosive power of sea swells and rainwater runoff
  • Habitat for several rare endemic coastal plant species
  • Features natural thermal springs located within nearby sea caves

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Żebbuġ, GozoŻebbuġ, Gozo<1 km · WExplore →
Giordan LighthouseGiordan Lighthouse2 km · WExplore →
Marsalforn Bay (Gozo)Marsalforn Bay (Gozo)2 km · EExplore →
Tal-Massar Winery (Gozo)Tal-Massar Winery (Gozo)3 km · SWExplore →
The CitadelThe Citadel3 km · SExplore →
Fig Trees in Xaghra (Gozo)Fig Trees in Xaghra (Gozo)3 km · SEExplore →
Ramla BayRamla Bay4 km · EExplore →
XewkijaXewkija5 km · SEExplore →

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 Canyon (10)

Żebbuġ War Shelters🏛 museum

Museum in underground WWII air-raid shelters in Żebbuġ.

🕒 Mo-Su,PH 00:00-18:00+🆓

Punic Tombs

Ancient Punic burial chambers, carved into rock, on Gozo.

Ta' Dabrani

Peak on Gozo, Malta, offering views over the island.

Xwejni Salt Pans

Historic salt evaporation pans, cut into coastal rocks, near Xwejni Bay.

🕒 24/7

Xwejni Bay

Bay in northern Gozo, Malta, with a pebble beach and clear water.

Weid il-Għasri Beach

Narrow sand and pebble beach in a tight gorge on Gozo.

Wied il-Għasri

Gorge and beach on Gozo, known for its turquoise water.

Bażilika tal-Madonna tal-Patroċinju

Church in Malta, Malta, dedicated to the Madonna of Patronage.

Ta' Kuljat

Peak on Gozo, Malta, part of the hilly landscape.

Batterija tal-Qolla l-Bajda

Historic 18th-century coastal battery on Gozo.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How do you reach Wied il-Għasri Canyon?
It is reached via a dirt road from Marsalforn or Żebbuġ; a steep set of stairs leads down to the pebble beach.
Is the water suitable for swimming?
Yes, the narrow sea inlet is very calm and good for swimming and snorkeling, especially on windless days.
Are there toilets or kiosks there?
No, it is a remote natural spot without facilities. Bring your own water and supplies.
When is the best time to visit?
Early morning is the quietest. In winter, the green surroundings offer great hiking opportunities.
Is diving allowed in the canyon?
Yes, it is a popular dive site with underwater caves near the exit to the open sea.
Wied il-Għasri Canyon: where is it located?
Wied il-Għasri Canyon is located in Malta.
Wied il-Għasri Canyon: what is there to see?
Highlights include Żebbuġ War Shelters, Punic Tombs, Ta' Dabrani.
Wied il-Għasri Canyon: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Wied il-Għasri Canyon: why is it worth visiting?
Wied il-Għasri is a spectacular, narrow sea canyon on the island of Gozo, defined by its deep incision into the coastal limestone cliffs.
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Nature

Ta&#39; Ġordan Hill — Wied il-Għasri Canyon (Malta)
Ta' Ġordan Hill
A prominent cone-shaped hill on the island of Gozo.
Ta&#39; Pinu Hill — Wied il-Għasri Canyon (Malta)
Ta' Pinu Hill
A prominent rise on Gozo surrounding the Ta' Pinu Basilica.
Ta&#39; Duna Hill — Wied il-Għasri Canyon (Malta)
Ta' Duna Hill
A small hill on Gozo near Xagħra.
Blue Lagoon (Comino) — Wied il-Għasri Canyon (Malta)
Blue Lagoon (Comino)
Famous for its crystal clear, turquoise water.
Qammieh Point — Wied il-Għasri Canyon (Malta)
Qammieh Point
A rocky headland with great views towards Ghadira Bay and Gozo.
Coral Lagoon (Malta) — Wied il-Għasri Canyon (Malta)
Coral Lagoon (Malta)
A large sea cave with a collapsed roof, forming a hidden lagoon.
Golden Bay — Wied il-Għasri Canyon (Malta)
Golden Bay
One of Malta's most popular sandy beaches.
Għajn Tuffieħa Bay — Wied il-Għasri Canyon (Malta)
Għajn Tuffieħa Bay
A beautiful sandy beach surrounded by clay slopes and cliffs.

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City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus — Wied il-Għasri Canyon (Malta)
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Three Cities Ferry Service — Wied il-Għasri Canyon (Malta)
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Ta&#39; Ċenċ Cliffs — Wied il-Għasri Canyon (Malta)
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The Ta' Ċenċ Cliffs are an impressive rock formation in the south of Gozo.
Ta&#39; Ċenċ Plateau — Wied il-Għasri Canyon (Malta)
Ta' Ċenċ Plateau
An extensive plateau in the south of Gozo.
Cominotto Island — Wied il-Għasri Canyon (Malta)
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A small uninhabited island opposite the Blue Lagoon.
Blue Lagoon Ferry Point (Comino) — Wied il-Għasri Canyon (Malta)
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The main drop-off point for ferries and tourist boats bringing visitors to the Blue Lagoon.
Comino Bird Sanctuary — Wied il-Għasri Canyon (Malta)
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Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal — Wied il-Għasri Canyon (Malta)
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