The Azure Window and other Gozo, Malta Things to Do Tips

This is the loveliest part of Gozo and definitely not to be missed! The spectacular Azure Window in Dwejra Bay is a natural archway which was formed over thousands of years by the erosion of the wind and the sea. It is probably the most photographed landmark on Gozo and can also been seen in some films, such as "The Clash of the Titans" (towards the end) and the American mini-series "The Odyssey".

When in Gozo, I always visit the Azure Window. I even went there one January day when the weather was very bad and the sea was dangerously rough. It was completely deserted but it looked even more spectacular with the huge waves crashing on the rocks.

Also of interest in the area is the Inlet Sea, the Fungus Rock, the Qawra knight's tower and the tiny St Anna chapel. What I also find interesting are the hundreds of shell fossils embedded in the rocks.

Wear good shoes because the area is very rocky.

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Directions: Around 5k west of Victoria. You can visit Ta' Pinu church along the way.

A short walk from the Azure Window takes you to a tiny but lovely secluded bay. It is lined with little boat houses and a thick layer of pebbles which is not a common sight on the local beaches.

I strongly recommend that you go to the small jetty and board one of the tiny boats which take you out behind the Azure Window. The trip lasts about 20 minutes and only costs around Lm1.50 (around USD 3.00) per person. You will be taken through a huge fissure in the rocks which takes you out into the open sea. The views of the cliffs are spectacular and in some parts form the characteristics of a human face and a crocodile! The trip also takes you inside three natural caves where you can see orange coral and azure blue and crystal clear water. This is also a popular spot for divers. Don't miss it!

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Address: Around 5k west of Victoria.

Xerri's Grotto is a small cave with natural speleothems or stalactite and stalagmite formations. The cave was discovered in 1924 by the owners' grandfather while he was digging a well. Part of the excavations were carried out during WWII when it was used as a shelter.

The entrance lies within a private home and is reached by a flight of 36 steps. There are some interesting formations, which have developed as the result of calcification of tree roots. The tour is around 30 metres long.

Entrance Fee for Adults is LM 0.75 and it is open from Mondays to Saturdays 9am to 6pm. Visitors are shown around by a family guide.

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Phone: (+356) 21 56 05 72
Address: Gnien Imrik Street, Xaghra
Directions: Close to Xaghra church

The first glimpse of Ta' Pinu Basilica is very impressive because it is surrounded by open fields.

Apart from its beautiful architecture, the church is also famous for the miracles which are said to have happened after a woman, Carmela Grima, heard the voice of the Blessed Virgin in 1883 in a small chapel. It is also said that prayers were answered during the time that Malta was strickened by the plague.

Construction work then began on the church in 1920 around the small 16th century chapel. The chapel with its paintings can still be seen in the church. There is also a section dedicated to memorabilia of the various miracles.

If you visit the basilica, please respect the standard of modesty required, by not wearing mini-skirts, shorts or sleeveless clothes...you won't be allowed into the church if you do!

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Address: In between the valleys of Gharb and Ghammar
Directions: There is a sign on the way to Dwejra!