Plizio Visual Lab

Mġarr ix-Xini

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Aug 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

Mġarr ix-Xini is a secluded bay and valley on the southern coast of Gozo, renowned for its steep cliffs and deep, narrow inlet. The entrance to the bay is guarded by the Mġarr ix-Xini Tower, which was constructed in 1661 by the Order of Saint John to protect the coast from corsairs. Historically, the valley served as a landing place for Turkish invaders during the 1551 Great Siege of Gozo. The seabed has yielded significant archaeological finds, including Roman-era ceramics and amphorae, suggesting long-standing maritime activity. In recent years, the bay gained international recognition as a primary filming location for the 2015 movie 'By the Sea'. The site is also an Important Bird Area (IBA) and a popular spot for divers due to its rich marine life and underwater caves. The surrounding landscape features ancient cart ruts and prehistoric remains, indicating thousands of years of human presence.

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Location: Malta
Nearby: Fontana (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	15	14	15	16	19	23	26	27	25	23	20	16
Rain mm	74	65	51	33	17	11	4	10	63	82	95	82

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Mġarr ix-Xini bay is public and freely accessible at any time. There are no facilities; the beach is in a natural state.

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Typical hours

The bay is accessible 24/7, well-suited for an early morning or late evening visit. In summer months, it is popular for snorkelling.

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Photography

Photography is allowed everywhere - the cliffs and turquoise water offer great subjects. Drone flights are possible, but beware of wind gusts.

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Time needed

A visit for swimming and snorkelling typically lasts one to two hours. If also exploring the surrounding cliffs, allow half a day.

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Combine with

Combine the bay with a trip to the nearby town of Xewkija on Gozo. The Marsalforn salt pans are also not far away.

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Getting there

The bay is on Gozo, about a 15-minute drive from Victoria. Access is via a narrow road with limited parking.

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Insider tip

Bring snorkelling gear and water shoes, as the entry is rocky. Best visited on weekdays when it is quieter.

Geography

Coordinates

36.01920, 14.27110

Facts

The Mġarr ix-Xini watchtower was completed in June 1661 by the Knights of Malta.
The bay was the primary landing site for Ottoman forces during the 1551 raid on Gozo.
Archaeological artifacts found in the bay date back to the Roman period (1st-4th century AD).
The 2015 film 'By the Sea', starring Angelina Jolie, was filmed almost entirely in this bay.
A natural spring at the head of the valley provided freshwater for ships for centuries.
The bay is recognized as part of the Natura 2000 network for its diverse habitats.