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Ramla Bay
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Landmark
Ramla Bay, locally known as Ir-Ramla l-Ħamra, is the largest and most famous sandy beach on the island of Gozo. Its name translates to Red Sand, referring to the distinctive orange-reddish color of the fine sand. The bay is situated at the end of a fertile valley between the villages of Xagħra and Nadur and has remained largely undeveloped. Historically, the site is of great significance as the ruins of a Roman villa from the 1st century AD lie beneath the sand, and remains of an 18th-century defense wall built by the Knights of St. John are visible. In the middle of the beach stands a white statue of the Virgin Mary, erected in 1881 to commemorate the protection of shipping. Above the bay is the famous Calypso's Cave, which according to mythology was the place where the nymph Calypso held Odysseus for seven years. Ramla Bay is a nature reserve and provides habitat for protected plant species on the sand dunes.
- Location: Malta
- Nearby: Żebbuġ, Gozo (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
Visiting
Ramla Bay is the largest red sand beach on Gozo and is publicly accessible. The beach is free, and the distinctive red color of the sand makes it unique in Malta.
Typical hours
The beach is open around the clock as it is a public beach. Lifeguards and facilities are usually available during summer months from about 9am to 5pm.
Photography
Photography is allowed all over the beach; the red sand color provides fantastic contrasts. The best shots are with low sun, making the sand and sea glow.
Time needed
Plan at least two to three hours for swimming and relaxing. If you hike or explore nearby caves, you can spend a half day.
Combine with
Combine your beach visit with the Victoria Citadel or the Calypso cave system above the bay. The nearby village of Nadur is also worth seeing.
Getting there
Ramla Bay is reachable by bus from Victoria (routes 301, 322) or by car with parking near the beach. The path to the beach goes down a hill, about 10 minutes on foot.
Insider tip
Visit the beach in the late afternoon when the sun highlights the red sand beautifully. Avoid midday hours in July and August when it can be very crowded.
Geography
Facts
- The name Ir-Ramla l-Ħamra literally means Red Sand in Maltese.
- The statue of the Virgin Mary in the center of the beach dates back to 1881.
- Hidden beneath the sand are the remains of a Roman villa.
- The beach is part of the Natura 2000 network for the protection of biodiversity.
- The Knights of St. John built an underwater barrier here in the 18th century against pirates.
- Calypso's Cave offers a wide view over the entire bay.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Ramla Bay (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about Ramla Bay?
Its unique golden-reddish sandy beach, the largest in Gozo.
Are there Roman ruins nearby?
Yes, under the sand lie the remains of a Roman villa.
Can you see Calypso's Cave from there?
Yes, it is located on the hill right above the bay.
Is the beach family-friendly?
Yes, the shallow entry into the water is handy for children.
Is there parking at the beach?
Yes, there is a parking lot right at the end of the access road.
Ramla Bay: where is it located?
Ramla Bay is located in Malta.
Ramla Bay: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Ramla Bay: why is it worth visiting?
Ramla Bay, locally known as Ir-Ramla l-Ħamra, is the largest and most famous sandy beach on the island of Gozo.
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Nearby cities
Xagħra
Xagħra is a large village in Gozo, famous for the UNESCO-listed Ġgantija Temples, Calypso's Cave, and Ramla Bay.
Marsalforn
Marsalforn is the most popular resort in Gozo, known for its vibrant promenade, restaurants, and salt pans.
Nadur
Situated on a plateau in eastern Gozo, Nadur is famous for its vibrant carnival, its maritime influence, and the Ta' Kenuna Tower.
Għasri
Għasri is the smallest village in Gozo, known for the secluded, fjord-like Wied il-Għasri and the Giordan Lighthouse.
Kerċem
Kerċem is a village to the west of Victoria, situated in the picturesque Lunzjata Valley, and known for its rural environment.
Blue Lagoon
A breathtaking sea inlet with crystal-clear, azure waters located between the islands of Comino and Cominotto.
Wied il-Mielah
A spectacular natural limestone arch on the northern coast of Gozo island.
Xlendi
Xlendi is a popular seaside resort set in a picturesque, fjord-like bay, flanked by high cliffs.
Dwejra
A spectacular natural area on Gozo featuring the Inland Sea, the Blue Hole, and the historic site of the Azure Window.
Ghajn Tuffieha Bay
A pristine sandy beach reached via a long flight of stairs, known for its rugged and natural beauty.
Qawra
Qawra is a resort town adjacent to Buġibba, known for its hotels, the Malta National Aquarium, and the Salina Nature Park.
History & landmarks
San Blas Bay
A secluded bay with characteristic red sand.
Marsalforn Salt Pans
Centuries-old salt pans carved into the coastal rock.
Mġarr ix-Xini
A narrow, secluded bay and valley.
Ħondoq ir-Rummien
A small cove with crystal clear water directly facing Comino.
Sarraflu Pond
A rare natural freshwater pond on Gozo.
Nature
Ta' Duna Hill
A small hill on Gozo near Xagħra.
Mġarr ix-Xini Valley (Gozo)
A steep-sided valley leading to a secluded bay, used as a filming location for the movie 'By the Sea'.
Wied il-Mielaħ Window (Gozo)
A natural rock arch on the coast, similar to the collapsed Azure Window.
Coral Lagoon (Malta)
A large sea cave with a collapsed roof, forming a hidden lagoon.
Qammieh Point
A rocky headland with great views towards Ghadira Bay and Gozo.
Fomm ir-Riħ Bay
A secluded and hard-to-reach bay with dramatic cliffs and clear water.
Victoria Lines Fault
A natural geological fault along which a line of fortifications was built in the 19th century.
More places
Ġgantija
Oldest temple complex on Gozo.
Ramla l-Hamra (Gozo)
The sandy beach and dunes are a nesting site for the Loggerhead Turtle.
Xewkija Industrial Estate (Gozo)
The main industrial estate on the island of Gozo.
Gozo 3D Cinema (Citadel)
A cinema in the Gozo Citadel showing a 3D film about the island's history.
Fort Chambray
A fortified city overlooking Mġarr Harbour.
Ta' Cenc Cliffs (Gozo)
These cliffs on Gozo are a major nesting site for colonies of seabirds.
Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal
The ferry terminal on the northernmost point of Malta for services to Gozo.
Il-Qortin Ridge
A narrow ridge located northeast of Mellieħa.