The most beautiful beaches in Gozo: our complete guide

After sharing my guide to Malta’s best beaches, I’m back with a complete guide to the loveliest beaches in Gozo! For context, I spent eight days in Malta, followed by four days in Gozo. The moment you arrive, the island feels much calmer than Malta, with fewer tourists, fewer cars, and wild landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see. Honestly, it’s a breath of fresh air! I know many travelers set aside just one day for Gozo. I understand if your schedule is tight, but trust me: the island truly deserves a few days.

Gozo is half the size of Malta, and life moves at a gentler pace. Among its many highlights are beautiful beaches and coves waiting to be explored. It’s usually warmer in Gozo than in Malta, and the sea is warmer too – believe me, you really notice the difference in April! We also have a comprehensive travel guide with everything you need to plan your trip to Gozo!

In this guide, I’ll take you through all the best places to swim in Gozo – from hidden coves to broad sandy beaches, there’s something for everyone. The water is turquoise and crystal clear everywhere, though the shade varies from one spot to the next. I’ll also explain how to get there, what to do once you arrive, and more. By the end, Gozo’s beaches will hold no more secrets for you!

I’ve put together a complete list of Gozo’s best beaches. Whether you prefer hidden coves or long stretches of sand, you’re bound to find a favorite.

Every beach mentioned in this article is pinned on the map below to help you get your bearings!

Let’s start with the island’s best-known beach – and it’s easy to see why. This is Gozo’s largest and most popular stretch of sand, tucked away in the northeast between Xagħra and Nadur. It’s easy to reach, with good roads and parking available before the entrance. From the parking lot, greenery hides the beach from view, so you don’t see it right away – which makes the first glimpse even more impressive. When it finally appears, its sweeping C-shaped curve is quite a sight.

What really sets it apart is the golden-red sand, which contrasts beautifully with the turquoise sea. Its Maltese name, Ir‑Ramla l‑Ħamra, literally means “the red beach.” It was pleasantly quiet when I visited.

Because the beach is so wide, we had plenty of room. It’s ideal for stretching out in the sun, having a picnic, playing games on the sand, or even snorkeling – I spotted several schools of fish, which was fantastic!

Ramla Bay is a Natura 2000 site, so the area is well preserved. All the facilities – cafés, ice cream, restrooms, and sunbeds – are near the entrance rather than directly on the beach, helping it retain its wild feel.

One small caveat: there are large stones under the water, so watch your footing. Overall, Ramla Bay is a must-see!

Just a stone’s throw from Ramla lies San Blas Bay. This time, it’s more of a cove than a beach. It’s well hidden, and getting there takes a little effort! The cove is a 15-minute walk from Nadur, and from there it can only be reached on foot or by quad – the road is steep, narrow, and rough. Park in the small lot just before the descent. The climb back up is no joke – my calves and thighs were burning, and even the locals ahead of us were feeling it, haha.

I visited in April, when the cove was still in its wild state, scattered with large rocks and piles of seaweed. In summer, once the storms and wind have eased, it is cleaned up and a lovely reddish sand emerges – the place looks almost unrecognizable and is much better suited to sunbathing!

Pay attention to the signs warning of strong currents. During the busy summer months, a jeep sometimes takes visitors back up – in the heat, it can be well worth it. For a secluded swimming spot, this is hard to beat!

Next, head west to Dwejra Bay. The dramatic cliffs surrounding this natural site make an immediate impression, and the water is so clear that you can spot fish from the shore. The famous Azure Window collapsed in 2017, but the area remains remarkable. You may recognize the arch from Clash of the Titans or Game of Thrones; even without it, the setting is still beautiful.

Between the cliffs lies the Inland Sea, a small lagoon connected to the Mediterranean by a tunnel carved through the rock. The water is a vivid, deep blue. You can swim here – it was warm even in April, which surprised me. Local fishermen also offer ten-minute boat rides through the lagoon.

I visited as part of a quad-bike tour, but you can also drive – there’s a parking lot right beside the site. Riding down on a quad was great fun! If you get hungry, you’ll find a few food stalls next to the parking area.

Despite these small facilities, the site still feels natural and authentic – a real plus. Dwejra Bay is definitely one of Gozo’s must-see places.

Hondoq ir‑Rummien was a wonderful surprise and quickly became one of my favorites. It is far less known than the other beaches in this guide, yet it is well worth the trip. This small bay lies in the far south, below Qala. The color of the water caught my eye immediately – crystal clear and turquoise, much like the famous Blue Lagoon. From this spot on the southeast coast, you can actually swim facing Comino, with the Blue Lagoon visible in the distance!

Keep in mind that the currents are stronger here than in the lagoon, so take care. It may be calmer in summer, but when I visited, the sea was rough and warning signs were posted. I honestly don’t understand why this spot is not better known, especially since the access roads are wide and well paved – a major plus in Gozo!

Picture white sand scattered with pebbles, along with concrete platforms – there is even a diving board! You can rent a kayak, paddleboard, or jet ski, or take a boat trip across to Comino. And for a more relaxed visit, you’ll find everything you need – a kiosk, showers, and restrooms.

Even with these amenities, the place still feels unspoiled, with none of the atmosphere of a resort. I really loved this Gozo beach; let me know what you think if you visit!

Here’s another cove you may love. Tucked away at the end of a small gorge in southern Gozo, it draws you in with its white cliffs, translucent water, and peaceful atmosphere. It is not large, but it is perfect for a quiet swim or a snorkeling session – with no crowds pushing past you, haha.

Divers will appreciate the seabed too – there is even a wreck, the MV Xlendi, to explore. Facilities are limited to one small waterfront restaurant, which is simple but perfectly fine. Getting there is a little trickier: the road is extremely narrow and winding, and passing another car can be difficult, so arrive early.

Several walking trails run nearby, including the Gozo Coastal Walk – Red Trail, with beautiful views of the cliffs. This is a great choice if you enjoy rugged, off-the-beaten-path places.

Another hidden treasure awaits in northern Gozo. This secluded cove is tucked between steep cliffs, with calm, crystal-clear water in a deep shade of blue. The view from above is beautiful, and walking down the steps carved into the rock feels like entering another world. The tiny pebble beach is not made for long sunbathing sessions, but it is ideal for swimming between the high rock walls and snorkeling.

You can stand for several meters. Divers will also find a superb cave at the entrance and plenty to explore underwater. The water was chilly when I visited, so I only dipped my feet in, but standing beneath those towering cliffs in such a wild setting was wonderful – the silence, the feeling of being alone with nature…

You will need to complete the final stretch on foot. Drive as far as the road allows, then walk the last six minutes, unless you have a pickup or a quad, haha. For peace and seclusion, it is hard to beat.

Gozo has plenty of other swimming spots that are every bit as beautiful as the beaches and coves above!

It is not really a beach, but it is a beautiful bay for swimming, diving – there is a 70-meter underwater tunnel – and snorkeling. The water is crystal clear and turquoise, and to me it was one of the most vivid shades of blue anywhere in Gozo! Cliffs and restaurants line the bay; if you eat by the water, you are almost certain to spot fish.

Once a small fishing village, Xlendi now attracts plenty of visitors and locals alike. My accommodation in Gozo was literally steps from Xlendi Bay, and this is where I went snorkeling. A tip: most of the fish gather along the cliffs. I swam alongside plenty of gray and black schools of fish, and the setting was superb.

The bay is large, but there is only a small patch of fine sand. You can enter the water from there or use the ladders and paths around the edge. To me, it is one of the best places in Gozo to jump into the water! Every time I walked past, I wanted to dive in. You may well feel the same. The sunsets are beautiful too.

Next is a small spot visited mainly by locals. Set between Nadur and Qala, this simple cove is wonderfully peaceful and well worth the detour. There is a little sand, a refreshing sea breeze, and clear, calm water that is perfect for a swim or some snorkeling. Colorful fishing boats and huts carved into the rock give the place a wonderfully authentic feel. There were hardly any people when I visited.

The seabed is rocky, so water shoes can be helpful, though they are not essential. The access road is narrow but in good condition, so it is manageable.

There are no facilities, so bring everything you need: water, snacks, a towel… This is an ideal place for a quiet afternoon away from it all. What stayed with me most was the sense of well-being I felt in this little cove, with nothing at all on my mind!

Qbajjar Bay was the final stop on my guided quad tour – a lovely way to end the day! Continue beyond Marsalforn and the salt pans, and you will reach the bay. It is surrounded by rocks, which offer several different viewpoints. The water was warm even in early April. Unfortunately, our stop lasted only 35 minutes, which was too short for a swim, but dipping my feet in was still enjoyable.

The atmosphere is relaxed, local, and unpretentious. The water is calm and shallow, and you can stand quite a long way out. I spotted plenty of small fish even from the shore – with a mask and fins, it must be wonderful. Nearby restaurants serve fresh fish or drinks with a view, and the salt pans carved into the rock are especially beautiful in the golden light at the end of the day.

I had read that Qbajjar was not an essential stop, but I disagree! Its simplicity is exactly what makes it charming. I’m glad I did not skip it, and I encourage you to go.

Here is another gem surrounded by wild nature. Far from the usual busy beaches, you will find no sand here, only rocky platforms that form natural terraces beside the sea. The water is an intense yet transparent blue, and I have heard that the area is excellent for both swimming and snorkeling.

To reach it, you will need to walk from Marsalforn or Xagħra along scenic trails with views of the cliffs. The atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing.

Bring everything you need – water, snacks, and a towel – because the site is completely natural.

Right next to Qbajjar, Xwejni Bay is a small inlet beside the salt pans. You can swim here, and the calm, clear water is ideal for snorkeling.

There is no sand for sunbathing, only rock. It is a favorite spot among fishermen, so you will probably see a few while you are there.

Park in Marsalforn or Qbajjar, then walk the rest of the way.

Now that we have explored Gozo’s most beautiful beaches, you know what to expect! From authentic coves to red-sand shores, I hope this guide helps you plan your route and venture off the beaten path.

If you are spending a few days in Gozo, take a look at our article on everything to see and do there – it covers all the island’s must-see places. It is a useful companion to this guide!

I would also recommend visiting the neighboring island of Comino. It remains unspoiled and has some superb beaches!

See you soon for more adventures,

Written by Laura CALLES

Thanks to Mélanie and Sylvain, I had the chance to explore the beautiful Maltese archipelago and share all the beauty of its islands with you. A little piece of paradise not to be missed!

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