Xlendi and Marsalforn: Gozo's Two Best Bays — A Complete Guide

Gozo has no large sandy beaches apart from Ramla Bay — but its coves more than make up for it. Xlendi in the south and Marsalforn in the north are Gozo's two main resort villages. Both have kept their authentic fishing-village character — no tourist souvenir stalls, no coach-trip crowds. Local residents have dinner here, fishermen clean their nets in the morning, cats sleep on the steps. Gozo at its best.

Xlendi — A Romantic Southern Cove

Xlendi (pronounced Shlendi) is a narrow, deep inlet carved between high limestone cliffs. A small rocky beach at the entrance, a promenade along the bay, restaurants with terraces right over the water. At sunset — one of the most beautiful spots on Gozo.

Getting there: Bus 307 from Mġarr (ferry port) or from Victoria. Bolt/taxi from Victoria: €5–7. Scooter: Xlendi is 15 minutes' ride from Victoria town centre.

Snorkelling and Diving at Xlendi

Xlendi is one of Gozo's best snorkelling spots — crystal-clear water, plenty of fish, underwater caves accessible from the shore. The tunnel under the rocks on the right side of the bay (walk along the promenade, after 200m stone steps lead down to the water) — excellent snorkelling. For divers: Xlendi Cave and Reef — caves at 15–30m depth with rich marine life. Dive schools operate in Xlendi itself.

Restaurants in Xlendi

Il-Kantra — right on the water, seafood, lampuki (mahi-mahi) recommended. Terrace over the bay. €20–35/person.

Patrick's Restaurant — one of Xlendi's oldest. Traditional Gozitan cooking, ribs in Maltese sauce. €18–28/person.

Marsalforn — The Village by the Salt Pans

Marsalforn on Gozo's northern coast is a wider, more family-oriented resort village. A promenade, several hotels, excellent seafood restaurants. Known for two things: the best fish cooking on Gozo, and the Xwejni salt pans just beyond the village.

Getting there: Bus 310 or 322 from Victoria (10 minutes). Bolt/taxi from Victoria: €5–8.

Xwejni Salt Pans — Living History

The Xwejni salt pans are traditional rock-cut salt pools that have been used without interruption for centuries (originally by Arab settlers). Square basins carved into the limestone in which seawater evaporates, leaving behind white salt. Local producers collect it by hand in July and August. At sunrise the water turns rose-pink in some pools — a sight completely unique to Malta and Gozo. Entry free. Walk from Marsalforn to Xwejni: around 20 minutes.

Restaurants in Marsalforn

Otter's Bar & Restaurant — on the promenade, excellent fish and lampuki, bay views. One of the most popular spots with repeat visitors to Gozo. €18–32/person.

Il-Kartell — fish straight from the boat, simple place, authentic cooking. Lampuki in season (September–December). €15–25/person.

Xlendi vs Marsalforn — Which to Choose?

• Xlendi: more romantic, dramatic cliffs, ideal for couples and photographers. Best for snorkelling. Less room for sunbathing.
• Marsalforn: wider, more family-friendly, more hotels, close to Xwejni. Better base for a longer stay on Gozo.

Both are worth seeing in a single day — about 8 km apart via Victoria. Morning snorkelling at Xlendi + lunch + Xwejni Salt Pans in the afternoon + dinner in Marsalforn = the perfect Gozo day.

When to Visit Gozo

May–June and September–October — best weather, smaller crowds than July–August. November–April: very quiet, some restaurants closed or with reduced hours, but Gozo in winter has its own particular beauty — green island, no tourists.