Xlendi brings together several distinct reasons to visit Gozo: valley systems end at the bay, the Xlendi Walk leads there, and archaeological traces lie beneath the water. There is also a feast on the first Sunday in September and guided water expeditions that depend on the season and weather. If you are looking for accommodation for a trip to Gozo, you can assess Xlendi based on whether hiking, nature, history or a particular event date is the deciding factor for you.
Valley Systems and Nature in Xlendi
The Natura 2000 site L-Inħawi tax-Xlendi u tal-Wied tal-Kantra includes the entire valley systems of Wied Xlendi and Wied tal-Kantra; both end at Xlendi Bay. This clearly identifies the connection between the valley and the bay. Wied tal-Lunzjata is one of the few remaining valleys on the Maltese islands with a permanent freshwater supply. The protected area has Gozo’s largest population of the Maltese freshwater crab Potamon fluviatile lanfrancoi.
These natural features show different aspects of the landscape: the shape of entire valley systems, permanent freshwater and a specifically named animal species. If nature is important to your trip to Gozo, they offer a guide to the aspects you may want to consider when choosing your destination.
Hiking and Water Expeditions
The Xlendi Walk leads from L-Imġarr Harbour through Munxar to Xlendi Bay. This identifies its starting point, the place along the route and its destination. Guided water expeditions often start in Xlendi. They depend on the season and weather; if such a tour is a deciding factor for your trip, take these conditions into account when choosing your travel dates and check the specific arrangements.
Heritage In and Beneath the Bay
At the entrance to Xlendi Bay, the Ras it-Tajba watchtower was built in 1650 on a headland known as Ras il-Bajada. Beneath the bay lies a Phoenician shipwreck from the 7th century BC. These two facts place the heritage in different historical contexts: a watchtower by the bay and a shipwreck beneath it.
The Xlendi Underwater Archaeological Park reaches a depth of 105 to 115 metres. It is intended for small groups of technical divers; arrangements may change. If this diving opportunity is important to your plans, check the current arrangements in advance. Caroline’s Cave (l-Għar ta’ Karolina) is a natural grotto that nuns once used for swimming. The structure, underwater archaeology and the grotto’s historical use thus offer three different perspectives on the heritage.
Feast Dates and Getting There
The community in Xlendi celebrates its feast on the first Sunday in September. It includes a procession with the statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, as well as swimming, pedal-boat and kayak races in the bay. If you want to plan your trip around the feast, check that year’s programme. One useful planning distinction is that the feast takes place on the first Sunday in September, whereas expeditions depend on the season and weather.
Xlendi can be reached from Victoria, Gozo’s capital, by public transport and by car. Check routes and timetables before travelling, especially if your arrival and departure plans determine your stay.
Discover more destinations: Żurrieq, Luqa, Mgarr, Ħal Għaxaq, Hal Kirkop, St. Julians, Santa Luċija, San Lawrenz.
For the main travel overview: Malta.
