Xaghra Travel Guide (Gozo/Malta/Europe)

Introduction to Xaghra

Xaghra is a small village located in the northeastern part of the beautiful island of Gozo, which is part of Malta, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. With a population of around 4,000 people, Xaghra is an ideal getaway for those who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of malta’s more crowded tourist areas.

Xaghra is a village with a rich history and culture and is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful churches, and impressive temples. The village has a lot to offer to visitors, including its beautiful countryside, natural landmarks, museums, and galleries.

This guide provides an overview of the best places to visit and things to do in Xaghra.

List of Places to Visit in Xaghra

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Ta’ Kola Windmill: Built-in 1725, the Ta’ Kola Windmill is one of the most significant landmarks in Xaghra. The windmill is now a museum and offers visitors an insight into the history of the island’s milling industry.
Xaghra Stone Circle: The Xaghra Stone Circle is a mysterious monument that dates back to the Bronze Age.
Ggantija Temples: The Ggantija Temples are among the most important megalithic temples in Malta and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Natural Attractions of Xaghra: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Ramla Bay: Xaghra’s most famous beach, Ramla Bay, is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the island of Gozo. The beach has deep red sand and clear blue waters, making it a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
Calypso Cave: According to Homer’s Odyssey, Calypso Cave was the home of the nymph Calypso who kept Odysseus captive for seven years. The cave offers visitors breathtaking views of the island’s landscape and the sea.
Tal-Mixta Cave: The Tal-Mixta Cave is famous for its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites formations, and it is a popular destination for cave exploration.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Xaghra

Xaghra is an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts and offers a range of hiking and biking trails:

Victoria-Xaghra Walk: This walking route is a great way to explore the island’s beautiful countryside and enjoy stunning views of the sea and the landscape.
Xaghra Circular Walk: This walk starts and ends in the village and takes you through picturesque valleys and fields.
Xaghra-Nadur Mountain Bike Trail: For the more adventurous, this mountain biking trail is an excellent way to explore the island’s rugged terrain.

Best Things to Do in Xaghra: Activities and Tours

Diving: The waters around Xaghra are perfect for scuba diving, with clear blue waters and an abundance of marine life.
Horse Riding: There are several stables in Xaghra that offer horse riding tours through the island’s beautiful countryside.
Wine Tasting: The village’s wine heritage dates back to the Roman times, and there are many local wineries in Xaghra that offer wine tasting tours.

Week-Long Itinerary for Xaghra

Day 1: Visit the Ggantija Temples and Ta’ Kola Windmill.
Day 2: Spend the day at Ramla Bay.
Day 3: Explore Tal-Mixta Cave and Calypso Cave.
Day 4: Take a horse riding tour through the countryside.
Day 5: Go scuba diving in the clear waters.
Day 6: Visit local wineries for wine tasting tours.
Day 7: Relax and enjoy the village’s local food and drink scene.

Food and Drink Scene of Xaghra

Must-Try Dishes

Gozitan Ftira: Gozitan Ftira is a type of pizza made with goat cheese, tomatoes, onions, olives, and capers.
Lampuki Pie: Lampuki Pie is a traditional Maltese fish pie that is made with fresh fish, vegetables, and herbs.
Pastizzi: Pastizzi is a savory pastry that is filled with ricotta cheese or peas.

Local Beverages

Kinnie: Kinnie is a popular soft drink in Malta that is made from oranges and aromatic herbs.
Cisk: Cisk is a locally brewed beer that is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Where to Stay in Xaghra: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are several accommodation options available in Xaghra:

Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz: This five-star hotel offers luxury accommodations, a spa, and a range of activities.
Il Girna Residence: This guesthouse is located in a traditional Maltese farmhouse and offers visitors an authentic experience.
Hostel Xewkija: This hostel is ideal for budget travelers and offers shared dormitory-style accommodations.

What to Buy in Xaghra: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Gozo Cheese: Gozo Cheese is a type of hard cheese that is made from goat or sheep’s milk, and it is a popular souvenir among visitors.
Patrizia’s Artistry: Patrizia creates beautiful, hand-painted ceramics that are inspired by the island’s landscape and architecture.
Victorian Antiques: The village has many shops that sell Victorian-era antiques and collectibles.

Local Culture and Customs of Xaghra

Xaghra is known for its rich culture and tradition. The village celebrates several festivals throughout the year, including:

Feast of Our Lady of Victories: Celebrated on the last Sunday of August.
Victory Day: Celebrated on September 8th, this day marks the end of the Great Siege of 1565.
Carnival: Celebrated in February, this festival is a colorful and vibrant celebration that features dancing, parades, and costumes.

Best Time to Visit Xaghra

The best time to visit Xaghra is during the spring and autumn months (April-June and September-November). The weather is mild and pleasant during this time, and the crowds are fewer.

Do’s and Don’ts of Xaghra

Do:

Respect the local culture and customs.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Explore the village on foot.
Try the local food and drink.

Don’t:

Swim in areas that are prohibited.
Damage or remove any historical artifacts.
Be loud and disruptive.

Safety and Health

Safety in Xaghra

Xaghra is a safe destination for tourists, with a relatively low crime rate. However, visitors should take the usual precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

Health in Xaghra

Visitors should ensure that they have adequate health insurance before traveling to Xaghra. The village has a medical center that provides basic medical treatment. In case of an emergency, visitors should contact the nearest hospital.

Getting to Xaghra: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Xaghra

The nearest airport to Xaghra is Malta International Airport, which is located in Luqa. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Xaghra.

Bus Stations Near Xaghra

The nearest bus station is located in Victoria, which is the capital of Gozo. Visitors can take a direct bus from the airport to Victoria and then take a local bus to Xaghra.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Xaghra by ferry from Malta’s Cirkewwa Harbor to Gozo’s Mgarr Harbor. From Mgarr, visitors can take a bus or taxi to Xaghra.

How to Get Around in Xaghra

Xaghra is a small village, and visitors can easily explore it on foot. However, for those who prefer, there are also several rental car and bike options available.

Where to Go Next from Xaghra: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Victoria: Victoria is the capital of Gozo and is home to several historic sites, including the Cittadella.
Comino: Comino is a small island located between Malta and Gozo, and is known for its beautiful Blue Lagoon.
Valletta: Valletta is the capital of Malta and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Conclusion

Xaghra is a beautiful and historic destination that offers visitors a range of activities and experiences. With its stunning beaches, delicious food, and friendly locals, Xaghra is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Malta.

Xaghra Image Gallery

Parish Church of the nativity of the Madonna Xaghra

Ġgantija Temple Complex

Ta' Kola Windmill as seen from Il Bambina