Xaghra Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Located on the beautiful island of Gozo in Malta, Xaghra is a charming town that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its idyllic setting and warm Mediterranean climate, Xaghra attracts tourists from all over the world.

One of the main attractions in Xaghra is the Ggantija Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These ancient temples are believed to be one of the oldest freestanding structures in the world, dating back to 3600 BC. The temples are a testament to the advanced engineering skills of the prehistoric inhabitants of Malta and provide a fascinating glimpse into the island's rich history.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the breathtaking landscape surrounding Xaghra. Just a short distance from the town center lies Ramla Bay, a stunning sandy beach that is considered one of the most beautiful on the island. The crystal-clear waters and golden sands make it the perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming. Additionally, the nearby Calypso Cave, which is mentioned in Homer's Odyssey, offers panoramic views of the bay and the surrounding countryside.

Xaghra is also known for its vibrant local market, where visitors can browse and purchase traditional Maltese crafts, fresh produce, and local delicacies. The market is a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the warmth and friendliness of the Maltese people.

For those seeking spiritual enlightenment, Xaghra is home to one of Malta's most important religious sites, the Ta' Pinu Basilica. This beautiful church is a place of pilgrimage and is known for its miraculous healing powers. Visitors can explore the stunning architecture and serene atmosphere of the basilica while taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

In addition to its historical and natural attractions, Xaghra offers a wide range of dining options, from traditional Maltese cuisine to international dishes. Visitors can indulge in fresh seafood, sample local wines, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the local restaurants and cafes.

Local name: Xagħra Population: 3.7 thous. (2020)Area: 0.97 mi²Elevation: 469 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 36°3'1"N, 14°15'53"E

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Xaghra Top Attractions

Xaghra Attractions - What to See and Explore

Xaghra offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Ġgantija, Ninu's Cave, Ramla Left Battery, Xerri's Grotto. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Historical place • Sacred and religious sites • Temple
Ġgantija
Ġgantija is a megalithic temple complex from the Neolithic on the Mediterranean island of Gozo in Malta. The Ġgantija temples are the earliest of the Megalithic Temples of Malta and are older than the pyramids of Egypt.
Nature • Natural attraction • Cave
Ninu's Cave
Ninu's Cave is a cave in the village of Xagħra, Gozo, Malta. Ninu's Cave was discovered by local resident Joseph Rapa in 1888 while digging a well under a private house. Ninu's Cave is not far from another underground feature, Xerri's Grotto. The cave is formed in upper coralline limestone.
Body of water • Beach • Park
Ramla Left Battery
Ramla Left Battery, also known as Belancourt Battery or Xagħra Battery, was an artillery battery in Ramla Bay, limits of Xagħra on the island of Gozo, Malta.

Natural attraction • Park • Cave
Xerri's Grotto
Xerri's Grotto is a cave in the village of Xagħra, Gozo, Malta. It was discovered by local resident Anthony Xerri in 1923 or 1924 while digging a well under a private house. Xerri's Grotto is not far from another underground feature, Ninu's Cave. The grotto is larger than Ninu's Cave.
Church • Baroque architecture
Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady
The Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady is a Roman Catholic parish church in Xagħra, Gozo, Malta, dedicated to the Nativity of Mary. The present building was constructed between 1815 and 1855, on the site of a smaller church which had been built in the 17th century. The dome was added in 1892.
36°3'40"N • 14°17'1"E
Ramla Bay
Ramla Bay is located at the bottom of a rich and fertile valley on the northern side of the island of Gozo. Gozo is one of the Maltese islands. The village of Xagħra, located on one of the hills of Gozo, overlooks this valley. It is about a forty-minute walk from Xagħra to the bay. The bay can also be reached from the village of Nadur.
Temple
Megalithic Temples of Malta
The Megalithic Temples of Malta are several prehistoric temples, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, built during three distinct periods approximately between 3600 BC and 2500 BC on the island country of Malta.
Prehistoric site
Xagħra Stone Circle
The Xagħra Stone Circle, also known as the Xagħra Hypogeum or the Brochtorff Circle, is a Neolithic funerary complex located in Xagħra, Gozo, Malta. It consists of a series of caves which were used to bury the dead, and which were surrounded by a walled enclosure.
Temple
Santa Verna
Santa Verna is a megalithic site in Xagħra on the island of Gozo, Malta. The site was originally occupied by a village and a megalithic temple.
Museum • Archaeological museum
Ta' Kola Windmill
Ta' Kola Windmill, Maltese: Il-Mitħna ta' Kola, is a windmill in the village of Xagħra, on the island of Gozo in the Maltese archipelago. It was built in 1725 by the Fondazione Vilhena of Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena, and was rebuilt in the 1780s. It became a museum in 1992.
Neighbourhood
Mistra Rocks
Mistra Rocks' is a coastline stretching from San Blas Bay to Riħan Valley in Nadur, Gozo, Malta. It is a naturally occurring rubble rocky area at the site of the ta' Sopu Tower. It has an endangered ecosystem being the niche of a number of species, such as wild shrubs and small animals.
36°2'51"N • 14°15'57"E
Għar ta’ Għejżu
Għar Ta 'Għejż - an archaeological position on the Maltese island of Gozo. Rich ceramic finds in the cave come from the period of ġgantija in Maltese culture.
Archaeological site
Brochtorff Circle
The Xagħra Stone Circle, also known as the Xagħra Hypogeum or the Brochtorff Circle, is a Neolithic funerary complex located in Xagħra, Gozo, Malta. It consists of a series of caves which were used to bury the dead, and which were surrounded by a walled enclosure.
36°2'48"N • 14°15'15"E
Victoria castle viewpoint
View point

Day trips

Xaghra – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Xaghra, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Blue Grotto, Saint John's Co-Cathedral (Valletta), Popeye Village (Mellieħa).

19 milesSE
Caverns in scenic, coastal surrounds
Blue Grotto
Nestled on the coast of the island of Malta, the Blue Grotto is a stunning natural wonder that has captivated visitors for centuries. This complex of sea caves, located near the village of Wied iz-Zurrieq in the southern part of the island, is renowned for its dazzling...
17 milesSE
16th-century high baroque cathedral
Saint John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta
Nestled in the heart of Valletta, Malta's capital city, Saint John's Co-Cathedral stands as a remarkable testament to Baroque architecture and the rich religious heritage of the island. Built between 1572 and 1577, the cathedral was commissioned by the Knights of St.
7.5 miSE
Theme park and former 'Popeye' film set
Popeye Village, Mellieħa
Nestled in the picturesque city of Mellieħa, Malta, Popeye Village holds a special place in the hearts of visitors and film enthusiasts alike. Originally constructed as the film set for the 1980 musical production "Popeye," starring Robin Williams, this charming...
18 milesSE
Ancient temple ruins dating from 3200 BC
Ħaġar Qim, Qrendi
Nestled in the rugged landscape of Qrendi, Malta, the prehistoric temple complex of Ħaġar Qim stands as a testament to the island's rich and enigmatic history. This megalithic site, dating back to approximately 3600-3200 BC, is one of the most remarkable...
21 milesSE
Theme park, Amusement park
Playmobil Funpark, Żurrieq
The Playmobil FunPark in Żurrieq, Malta, offers a unique adventure for families and children who are fans of the iconic Playmobil toy figures. This park is not just a playground but an interactive experience where children can immerse themselves in a world built...