The waterway
Turquoise water between two cliffs.
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Mġarr ix-Xini is a narrow bay in the south of Gozo, at the end of a deep rocky gorge west of Mġarr Harbour. It feels like a calm waterway between two cliffs, with clear water away from the crowds, which has made it a favourite for swimming and diving. Under the Knights it served as a small harbour for galleys, and a little watchtower was built above it in 1661, restored several times since. A pumping station in a nearby valley once supplied much of Gozo's water. On 12 November 1999 the former Gozo ferry MV Xlendi was deliberately sunk near the bay as an artificial reef, but it rolled over and came to rest upside down, so it may be unsafe for inexperienced divers. The film By the Sea was partly shot here in 2014. You see turquoise water between grey rock slopes, a small pebbly beach and little moored boats. The square stone tower stands on the plateau above the entrance, and from near it you look across to Comino and Malta in the distance. A narrow road runs down the gorge to the bay, and traffic picks up in summer. The bay lies about 3.9 km from Victoria and 3.3 km from Ta' Kola Windmill in a straight line. The road is narrow and steep, so you may prefer to park further away and walk. The beach is pebbly, so bring water shoes. The wreck dive is for experts only, and do not swim in the boat lane.
Turquoise water between two cliffs.
A square tower above the bay's mouth.
An upside-down ferry for expert divers.
Between Xewkija and Sannat, south Gozo, Malta
Yes, the water is usually calm, though the beach is pebbly, so bring water shoes and watch for boats.
Experts only. The ferry settled upside down and may be unsafe for beginners.