Guidebook for L-Għarb
Food Scene
Il Kunvent
squareAzure Window Restaurant
Gharb Rangers Bar & Restaurant
Grazie Mille
10 Triq l-GħarbBlue Artichoke Cafe
Kafe' San Gorg
Pjazza San ĠorġIt-Tokk Gozo Traditional Food
32 Pjazza l-IndipendenzaLa Stanza Restaurant is ipened for Lunch on Saturday and Sunday; Monday Closed Tuesday to sunday 18h30 - 22h30
8 recommandé par les habitants
La Stanza Bar & Restaurant
56 Triq L ImghallemLa Stanza Restaurant is ipened for Lunch on Saturday and Sunday; Monday Closed Tuesday to sunday 18h30 - 22h30
Rikardu produces his own wine and cheese from his vineyard and farm. He sells and serves the produce in his shop/restaurant in the Citadel along with other local products. Rikardu also offers visiting tourists a milking and cheese-making experience. Address: Triq il-Foss Tel: (+356) 21555953
10 recommandé par les habitants
Ta' Rikardu Restaurant
Rikardu produces his own wine and cheese from his vineyard and farm. He sells and serves the produce in his shop/restaurant in the Citadel along with other local products. Rikardu also offers visiting tourists a milking and cheese-making experience. Address: Triq il-Foss Tel: (+356) 21555953
Essentials
Lighthouse supermarket
Lidl Gozo
Triq San LeonarduTa’ Mena Estate sets out to offer the visitor something beyond the tourist staple of sun and sea – a little insight into what is unique about Gozo – its history, folklore, culture and food. Guests learn about crops, trees and traditional food production and processing. Guided tours are offered around the estate’s vineyards and olive grove followed by wine, olive oil and food tastings. Tours can be arranged any week-day for groups of at least 10 people at 8.00 Euros per person Transport can be organized from anywhere in Gozo and lunch or dinner can also be ordered at 15 Euros per head plus VAT.
17 recommandé par les habitants
Ta Mena Estate
Ta’ Mena Estate sets out to offer the visitor something beyond the tourist staple of sun and sea – a little insight into what is unique about Gozo – its history, folklore, culture and food. Guests learn about crops, trees and traditional food production and processing. Guided tours are offered around the estate’s vineyards and olive grove followed by wine, olive oil and food tastings. Tours can be arranged any week-day for groups of at least 10 people at 8.00 Euros per person Transport can be organized from anywhere in Gozo and lunch or dinner can also be ordered at 15 Euros per head plus VAT.
Maxokk Bakery is a relatively small family-run bakery located a few roads away from Nadur’s main square in a side street named St James Street. The bakery’s main claim to fame is its traditional ‘ftira’. The ‘ftira’ closely resembles a pizza at first glance; however its unique texture and taste enhance the genuine surprise and culinary appreciation of our esteemed clients.
41 recommandé par les habitants
Maxokk Bakery
Maxokk Bakery is a relatively small family-run bakery located a few roads away from Nadur’s main square in a side street named St James Street. The bakery’s main claim to fame is its traditional ‘ftira’. The ‘ftira’ closely resembles a pizza at first glance; however its unique texture and taste enhance the genuine surprise and culinary appreciation of our esteemed clients.
Sightseeing
Victoria
Azure Window Ruins
Gharb Church
Salt Pans
The group of megaliths near the San Dimitri chapel, out to the north of l-Għarb, is not a ruined temple, as has often been suggested, but a natural phenomenon. The upper coralline crust, so familiar from Gozitan flat-topped hills, has here broken up to lie as scattered blocks. A similar group exists on the summit of Ta’ Dbiegi, at 625 metres the highest point on the island.
7 recommandé par les habitants
Kappella ta' San Dimitri
The group of megaliths near the San Dimitri chapel, out to the north of l-Għarb, is not a ruined temple, as has often been suggested, but a natural phenomenon. The upper coralline crust, so familiar from Gozitan flat-topped hills, has here broken up to lie as scattered blocks. A similar group exists on the summit of Ta’ Dbiegi, at 625 metres the highest point on the island.
In the fields west of Sant’ Anton chapel, south west of Ix-Xagħra, three blocks of stone stand on edge. A scatter of prehistoric sherds (pottery) around suggests that they are the remains of a small temple, as was confirmed by excavation by Ashby and Bradley back in 1911. A further dig in 1961 showed that there had been a village on the site before the temple was built, as was also the case with several of the temples in Malta: Mġarr, Skorba and Kordin III.
Santa Verna
In the fields west of Sant’ Anton chapel, south west of Ix-Xagħra, three blocks of stone stand on edge. A scatter of prehistoric sherds (pottery) around suggests that they are the remains of a small temple, as was confirmed by excavation by Ashby and Bradley back in 1911. A further dig in 1961 showed that there had been a village on the site before the temple was built, as was also the case with several of the temples in Malta: Mġarr, Skorba and Kordin III.
This large upright or menhir, some 3m high, can be found across the road from il-Qala’s Primary School. Though now completely isolated, except by modern housing, prehistoric pottery found near it implies that it might once have formed part of another temple, though this is now un-provable.
14 recommandé par les habitants
Ras il-Qala
This large upright or menhir, some 3m high, can be found across the road from il-Qala’s Primary School. Though now completely isolated, except by modern housing, prehistoric pottery found near it implies that it might once have formed part of another temple, though this is now un-provable.
A short distance south of Borġ Għarib, on the west side of the road into the village, stands another more irregular group of megaliths. No relevant sherds have been found round any of these, and a Neolithic date can only be assumed. Only excavation would settle the matter, though intensive cultivation of the fields around may have destroyed the evidence.
Triq l-Imrejżbiet
Triq l-ImrejżbietA short distance south of Borġ Għarib, on the west side of the road into the village, stands another more irregular group of megaliths. No relevant sherds have been found round any of these, and a Neolithic date can only be assumed. Only excavation would settle the matter, though intensive cultivation of the fields around may have destroyed the evidence.
On the southern tip of the ir-Rabat plateau, looking across towards Ta’ Sannat, the ruins of a temple lurk under carob trees. The scanty surviving walls suggest an original plan of five apses within an enclosing wall. The approach is by a path opposite the windmill tower.
17 recommandé par les habitants
Ta' Ħaġrat Temples
Ta' HagratOn the southern tip of the ir-Rabat plateau, looking across towards Ta’ Sannat, the ruins of a temple lurk under carob trees. The scanty surviving walls suggest an original plan of five apses within an enclosing wall. The approach is by a path opposite the windmill tower.
Built before the famous standing stones at Stonehenge, the two temples making up this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site have an extraordinary history. Built between 3600 and 3200 B.C, they fell into disuse around 2500BC and were not fully revealed to the modern eye until the nineteenth century.
The name Ġgantija derives from the word ‘ġgant’, Maltese for giant, as Gozitans used to believe the temples were built by a race of giants. Not so surprising when you see the size of the limestone blocks from which it is constructed. Some of these megaliths exceed five metres in length and weigh over fifty tons.
155 recommandé par les habitants
Ġgantija
Triq John Otto BayerBuilt before the famous standing stones at Stonehenge, the two temples making up this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site have an extraordinary history. Built between 3600 and 3200 B.C, they fell into disuse around 2500BC and were not fully revealed to the modern eye until the nineteenth century.
The name Ġgantija derives from the word ‘ġgant’, Maltese for giant, as Gozitans used to believe the temples were built by a race of giants. Not so surprising when you see the size of the limestone blocks from which it is constructed. Some of these megaliths exceed five metres in length and weigh over fifty tons.
An isolated plateau between Ġgantija and in-Nadur once supported a large village of the Borġ in-Nadur phase (circa 1500-700 BC). Its huts have all been swept away by weather and agriculture, but a number of grain storage pits can still be seen, one of which was cleared in 1961, producing large numbers of sherds of that phase. Other Bronze Age sherds are common across the whole plateau.
In-Nuffara
An isolated plateau between Ġgantija and in-Nadur once supported a large village of the Borġ in-Nadur phase (circa 1500-700 BC). Its huts have all been swept away by weather and agriculture, but a number of grain storage pits can still be seen, one of which was cleared in 1961, producing large numbers of sherds of that phase. Other Bronze Age sherds are common across the whole plateau.
Calypso’s Cave overlooks the glorious red sands of Gozo’s finest beach, Ramla l-Ħamra and is alleged to be the cave referred to by Homer in The Odyssey. The story goes that Gozo is Homer’s Island of Ogygia and the cave is the one where the beautiful nymph Calypso keeps Odysseus as a “prisoner of love” for seven years.
Links with Homer are intriguing and the views of the picteresque Ramla Bay are breathtaking. On the shore below Calypso’s Cave are the ruins of a fortification built by the Knights of Malta in the mid-18th century to serve as defence against invading forces.
The cave is currently inacessible to the public due to geological movement.
40 recommandé par les habitants
Calypso Cave
Calypso’s Cave overlooks the glorious red sands of Gozo’s finest beach, Ramla l-Ħamra and is alleged to be the cave referred to by Homer in The Odyssey. The story goes that Gozo is Homer’s Island of Ogygia and the cave is the one where the beautiful nymph Calypso keeps Odysseus as a “prisoner of love” for seven years.
Links with Homer are intriguing and the views of the picteresque Ramla Bay are breathtaking. On the shore below Calypso’s Cave are the ruins of a fortification built by the Knights of Malta in the mid-18th century to serve as defence against invading forces.
The cave is currently inacessible to the public due to geological movement.
Il-Fontana (Italian for spring), locally known as “Triq tal-Ghajn” (the way to the spring), took its name from a bountiful spring (“il-Għajn il-Kbira” – the big spring), on the ir-Rabat – ix-Xlendi road. Now a suburb of ir-Rabat (Victoria), il-Fontana was first settled because of the availability of fresh water and in the sixteenth century, arched shelters were built over each spring for the convenience of the people using them. These are still standing and inside you will find traditional stone water tubs in which local folk did their daily washing.
In the lower part of il-Fontana (away from ir-Rabat (Victoria)) on the right-hand side of the road to ix-Xlendi, lies the evergreen Lunzjata V
Fontana
Il-Fontana (Italian for spring), locally known as “Triq tal-Ghajn” (the way to the spring), took its name from a bountiful spring (“il-Għajn il-Kbira” – the big spring), on the ir-Rabat – ix-Xlendi road. Now a suburb of ir-Rabat (Victoria), il-Fontana was first settled because of the availability of fresh water and in the sixteenth century, arched shelters were built over each spring for the convenience of the people using them. These are still standing and inside you will find traditional stone water tubs in which local folk did their daily washing.
In the lower part of il-Fontana (away from ir-Rabat (Victoria)) on the right-hand side of the road to ix-Xlendi, lies the evergreen Lunzjata V
This fertile valley is one of the most picturesque in Gozo with unmatched scenery. It was used by the Knights of Malta for hunting and today it is a very important area for agriculture. It is one of the best places for a relaxing country walk. The continous sound of running water coming from the springs and aquaducts that line the valley adds to the calming ambience. A chapel dedicated to the Annunciation of Our Lady is found at the entrance of Lunzjata.
6 recommandé par les habitants
Il-Lunzjata Chapel and Lunzjata Valley
This fertile valley is one of the most picturesque in Gozo with unmatched scenery. It was used by the Knights of Malta for hunting and today it is a very important area for agriculture. It is one of the best places for a relaxing country walk. The continous sound of running water coming from the springs and aquaducts that line the valley adds to the calming ambience. A chapel dedicated to the Annunciation of Our Lady is found at the entrance of Lunzjata.
Entertainment & Activities
Xlendi Beach
Gozo Stables Horse-Riding
Triq Andar IX XaghariGozo Diving & Gozo Technical Diving
Ramla Bay Beach
Climbing is one of the best activities to experience in the Maltese and Gozitan landscapes during spring and autumn. It is a great way to have fun and build a strong connection with your friends or colleagues. Rock climbing is a team effort and requires cooperation, trust and good communication skills. It will help build confidence in you and your team, and once the challenge is completed, the feeling of success and satisfaction will be one of the things that you take home with you.
Event Solutions Malta by Vacations Malta
Triq l-GħenbaClimbing is one of the best activities to experience in the Maltese and Gozitan landscapes during spring and autumn. It is a great way to have fun and build a strong connection with your friends or colleagues. Rock climbing is a team effort and requires cooperation, trust and good communication skills. It will help build confidence in you and your team, and once the challenge is completed, the feeling of success and satisfaction will be one of the things that you take home with you.
Arts & Culture
Citadel
It-Telgħa tal-BeltFolklore Museum
Triq Melite Bernardo de OpuoAurora Theatre
100 Triq Ir-RepublikaAstra Theatre
Triq ir-RepubblikaBasically, this new museum and cultural centre displays a rich collection of historical and artistic artefacts previously inaccessible to the general public. There is also space for temporary exhibitions and events of cultural expression and development for various target groups
9 recommandé par les habitants
Il-Hagar | Heart of Gozo Museum
Triq il-Karita'Basically, this new museum and cultural centre displays a rich collection of historical and artistic artefacts previously inaccessible to the general public. There is also space for temporary exhibitions and events of cultural expression and development for various target groups
From unique 5000-year-old stone carvings to relics of the Phoenician, Roman, Arab and Medieval Christian eras on the island, the Gozo Museum of Archaeology is a small but important window onto the earliest cultures of Gozo up to the arrival of the Knights of St John. Sculptures of human figures from the prehistoric Ġgantija Temple complex and the nearby ix-Xagħra Circle burial site are highlights of the collection. Created before the building of the famous standing stones at Stonehenge, these figures give real insight into the lives of the first Gozitans and their remarkable ability to work with stone
21 recommandé par les habitants
Gozo Museum of Archaeology
Triq Bieb l-ImdinaFrom unique 5000-year-old stone carvings to relics of the Phoenician, Roman, Arab and Medieval Christian eras on the island, the Gozo Museum of Archaeology is a small but important window onto the earliest cultures of Gozo up to the arrival of the Knights of St John. Sculptures of human figures from the prehistoric Ġgantija Temple complex and the nearby ix-Xagħra Circle burial site are highlights of the collection. Created before the building of the famous standing stones at Stonehenge, these figures give real insight into the lives of the first Gozitans and their remarkable ability to work with stone
Everything Else
The Nativity Village is being opened on Sunday, the 11th of December 2016 by the Prime Minister Dr Joseph Muscat at 3.30pm. The ceremony will start with a Christmas concert by St Joseph band at 2.15pm in front of the main entrance. Once again there will be several attractions including the carpenter and blacksmith’s dwellings, the bakery, an open-air market selling seasonal fruits, fish and a wide selection of vegetables, a local crafts area promoting traditional skills and folklore, a tavern, a farmhouse with panoramic roof and the Bethlehem Inn.
240 recommandé par les habitants
Gozo
The Nativity Village is being opened on Sunday, the 11th of December 2016 by the Prime Minister Dr Joseph Muscat at 3.30pm. The ceremony will start with a Christmas concert by St Joseph band at 2.15pm in front of the main entrance. Once again there will be several attractions including the carpenter and blacksmith’s dwellings, the bakery, an open-air market selling seasonal fruits, fish and a wide selection of vegetables, a local crafts area promoting traditional skills and folklore, a tavern, a farmhouse with panoramic roof and the Bethlehem Inn.
Our Lady of Itria Chapel
Bingemma RoadThe Aqueducts, which can be seen on the left hand side of the road between ir-Rabat (Victoria) and, were built under the British between 1839 and 1843.
The Aqueducts’ purpose was to supply the population with fresh water, bringing it from Għar Ilma (Cave of Water) hill to the central water reservoir within the Citadel in ir-Rabat (Victoria). An Obelisk erected to celebrate the arrival of the first water from Għar Ilma still stands on the spot of the first water reservior half way up ir-Rabat (Victoria)’s Castle Hill leading to the Citadel.
The system was eventually replaced with a grid of pipes and electrical pumps, and the aqueducts fell into disuse.
Aqueducts
Triq Il-Papa Ġwanni Pawlu II The Aqueducts, which can be seen on the left hand side of the road between ir-Rabat (Victoria) and, were built under the British between 1839 and 1843.
The Aqueducts’ purpose was to supply the population with fresh water, bringing it from Għar Ilma (Cave of Water) hill to the central water reservoir within the Citadel in ir-Rabat (Victoria). An Obelisk erected to celebrate the arrival of the first water from Għar Ilma still stands on the spot of the first water reservior half way up ir-Rabat (Victoria)’s Castle Hill leading to the Citadel.
The system was eventually replaced with a grid of pipes and electrical pumps, and the aqueducts fell into disuse.
A Spiritual Retreat Centre run by Jesuits. This Retreat House is on the outskirts of ir-Rabat and offers views of the ancient Citadel, as well as fields, valleys, villages and, in the distance, the blue Mediterranean Sea. The house was built in 1810 and entrusted to the Jesuits in 1953. It is built around a beautiful central chapel and courtyard and has extensive gardens with fountains, orange trees, arbours and gazebos. All rooms have en suite facilities and views of the garden and the surrounding countryside. The rooms are well-ventilated in summer and heated in winter. There are 30 rooms available for visitors, sixteen of which can take more than one person.
Manresa Retreat House
Triq Santa DminkaA Spiritual Retreat Centre run by Jesuits. This Retreat House is on the outskirts of ir-Rabat and offers views of the ancient Citadel, as well as fields, valleys, villages and, in the distance, the blue Mediterranean Sea. The house was built in 1810 and entrusted to the Jesuits in 1953. It is built around a beautiful central chapel and courtyard and has extensive gardens with fountains, orange trees, arbours and gazebos. All rooms have en suite facilities and views of the garden and the surrounding countryside. The rooms are well-ventilated in summer and heated in winter. There are 30 rooms available for visitors, sixteen of which can take more than one person.
Hidden beneath an ordinary home in a street that bears the cave’s name in ix-Xagħra, is a small cavern with stalactites and stalagmites. The cave was discovered in 1924 by the current owners’ grandfather while he was digging a well. It is illuminated by electric lights so that visitors can see the rock formations. Entry is via a 10m spiral staircase, built into the original well shaft (so not sutable for anyone with vertigo, mobility problems or a large girth). In the cave you take a circular tour of about 30m past some very pretty calcified formations 25 cm to a metre tall. There are also some interesting formations, which have developed as a result of calcification of tree roots.
39 recommandé par les habitants
Xerri's Grotto
Hidden beneath an ordinary home in a street that bears the cave’s name in ix-Xagħra, is a small cavern with stalactites and stalagmites. The cave was discovered in 1924 by the current owners’ grandfather while he was digging a well. It is illuminated by electric lights so that visitors can see the rock formations. Entry is via a 10m spiral staircase, built into the original well shaft (so not sutable for anyone with vertigo, mobility problems or a large girth). In the cave you take a circular tour of about 30m past some very pretty calcified formations 25 cm to a metre tall. There are also some interesting formations, which have developed as a result of calcification of tree roots.
The last surviving dgħajsa tal-latini – the tradtional Gozitan boat that used to ply the ferry route from Malta to Gozo in the days before steam – has just been fully refurbished and put on view to the public. This particular vesssel was seaworthy until the 1970s after which it fell into disrepair. It was eventually bought by an entrepreneur who wanted to sell it to the Gozo Ministry. Wirt Għawdex (Gozo Heritage) intervened and the boat was instead bought by the Gozo Channel Co., which runs today’s Gozo Ferries.
Dgħajsa tal-Latini
Triq Martino GarcesThe last surviving dgħajsa tal-latini – the tradtional Gozitan boat that used to ply the ferry route from Malta to Gozo in the days before steam – has just been fully refurbished and put on view to the public. This particular vesssel was seaworthy until the 1970s after which it fell into disrepair. It was eventually bought by an entrepreneur who wanted to sell it to the Gozo Ministry. Wirt Għawdex (Gozo Heritage) intervened and the boat was instead bought by the Gozo Channel Co., which runs today’s Gozo Ferries.
L-Għasri is the smallest village in Gozo. The village lies tucked between the hills of iż-Żebbuġ and Għammar. The name is of Arab origin probably linked to the verb ‘to press’ and this may have been an area where olives were pressed for oil. L-Għasri is reached by forking right on the ir-Rabat – l-Għarb road just after the Aqueduct. The village is dominated by Ta’ Gurdan (the Gordan) lighthouse which stand at the top of Ġurdan Hill above the village. The famous lighthouse rises 180 metres above sea level and was inaugurated in 1853. Its beam could be seen up to 50 kilometres away. From the hill around the lighthouse there are marvellous 360 degree views of Gozo – well worth the walk up.
11 recommandé par les habitants
Għasri
L-Għasri is the smallest village in Gozo. The village lies tucked between the hills of iż-Żebbuġ and Għammar. The name is of Arab origin probably linked to the verb ‘to press’ and this may have been an area where olives were pressed for oil. L-Għasri is reached by forking right on the ir-Rabat – l-Għarb road just after the Aqueduct. The village is dominated by Ta’ Gurdan (the Gordan) lighthouse which stand at the top of Ġurdan Hill above the village. The famous lighthouse rises 180 metres above sea level and was inaugurated in 1853. Its beam could be seen up to 50 kilometres away. From the hill around the lighthouse there are marvellous 360 degree views of Gozo – well worth the walk up.
The name Għajnsielem means “a peaceful spring” and originated from the water spring around which, in 1700, Grandmaster Perellos built an arcade containing public washbasins and fresh water spouts. A visit to Għajnsielem should begin with Mġarr Harbour and fishing village, followed by the little church of Our Lady of Lourdes from where, especially at sunset, there is a beautiful view of the Harbour. The 18th Century Fort Chambrai was planned to be Gozo’s Valletta but never got far. From outside its walls, there are stunning views of Gozo’s southern cliffs, Xatt l-Aħmar and the Northern Comino Channel. A winding road leads down to Xatt l-Aħmar Bay and Mġarr
14 recommandé par les habitants
Ghajnsielem
The name Għajnsielem means “a peaceful spring” and originated from the water spring around which, in 1700, Grandmaster Perellos built an arcade containing public washbasins and fresh water spouts. A visit to Għajnsielem should begin with Mġarr Harbour and fishing village, followed by the little church of Our Lady of Lourdes from where, especially at sunset, there is a beautiful view of the Harbour. The 18th Century Fort Chambrai was planned to be Gozo’s Valletta but never got far. From outside its walls, there are stunning views of Gozo’s southern cliffs, Xatt l-Aħmar and the Northern Comino Channel. A winding road leads down to Xatt l-Aħmar Bay and Mġarr
Getting Around
Malta International Airport
Gozo Ferry Terminal station
Triq Ix XattGozo Malta Rentals
Enrico MizziMalta Public Transport
Car rentals Malta Gozo
7B Triq L-Imġarr