Plizio Visual Lab
Giordan Lighthouse
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
Giordan Lighthouse, also known as Ta' Gurdan Lighthouse, stands atop the 161-meter-high Gurdan Hill above the village of Għasri in northern Gozo. It was built in 1851 during the British colonial period, replacing an older signaling system used by the Knights of St. John. The lighthouse is still in operation and serves as an important navigational marker for shipping in the central Mediterranean. During World War II, it played a strategic role as a radar station for early warning against air raids. Today, the building also houses a modern air quality monitoring station from the University of Malta, which is part of the global network for monitoring greenhouse gases. The tower's architecture is simple and functional, with a steep path leading from the foot of the hill to the top. Once at the top, visitors are offered an unparalleled 360-degree view over the entire island of Gozo and as far as the coast of Sicily on clear days.
- Location: Malta
- Top sights: Ġordan Lighthouse · Bażilika tal-Madonna tal-Patroċinju · Basilica of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu
- Nearby: Xlendi (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 | 22 | 25 | 26 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 17 |
| Rain mm | 74 | 67 | 53 | 35 | 17 | 12 | 4 | 10 | 63 | 83 | 92 | 83 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Giordan Lighthouse on the cliffs of Għasri is an active lighthouse, not open to the public. However, the surrounding area with panoramic views is freely accessible.
Typical hours
Since the lighthouse itself cannot be entered, there are no opening hours. Best visited during daylight, especially for the views and photography.
Photography
Photography is unrestricted around the lighthouse. Particularly rewarding are shots of the lighthouse with the sea and rocky coastline in the background.
Time needed
The stop at the viewpoint by the lighthouse takes about 15 to 30 minutes. For a walk along the cliffs, allow one hour.
Combine with
Combine your visit with nearby Dwejra Bay and the Azure Window (former rock formation). The salt pans of Għasri are also worth seeing.
Getting there
The lighthouse is on a hill above Għasri, reachable by car or on foot. The nearest bus station is in Victoria, about a 30-minute walk away.
Insider tip
Visit at sunset for spectacular colours over the sea. Caution on the cliffs - keep a safe distance from the edge.
Geography
Facts
- The lighthouse was first put into operation on March 15, 1851.
- It is located 161 meters above sea level.
- The light source has a range of approximately 20 nautical miles.
- In 1994, operations were fully automated.
- The tower is approximately 22 meters high.
- It serves as one of 25 global stations for measuring background radiation.
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 Giordan Lighthouse (10)
Wied il-Għasri
Valley leading to a small pebble cove on the north coast.
View on Basilica
Viewpoint overlooking the Ta' Pinu Basilica.
Weid il-Għasri Beach
Small pebble beach on Gozo's north coast, flanked by cliffs.
Żebbuġ War Shelters🏛 museum
World War II underground shelters in Żebbuġ.
Carved rocks
Rock formations with natural or historical carvings.
It-Tieqa
Natural rock arch on the coast, a viewpoint.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Giordan Lighthouse located?
On a hill above the village of Ghasri in northern Gozo.
Is the lighthouse still active?
Yes, it is active and also serves as an important weather station.
Can you visit the lighthouse?
You can walk to the base of the tower, but the interior is usually closed.
Is the climb worth it for the view?
Yes, it has one of the best 360-degree views over the whole island of Gozo.
How steep is the path?
The road to the top is quite steep but paved.
Giordan Lighthouse: where is it located?
Giordan Lighthouse is located in Malta.
Giordan Lighthouse: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ġordan Lighthouse, Bażilika tal-Madonna tal-Patroċinju, Basilica of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu.
Giordan Lighthouse: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Giordan Lighthouse: why is it worth visiting?
Giordan Lighthouse, also known as Ta' Gurdan Lighthouse, stands atop the 161-meter-high Gurdan Hill above the village of Għasri in northern Gozo.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Malta →
Nearby cities
Għasri
Għasri is the smallest village in Gozo, known for the secluded, fjord-like Wied il-Għasri and the Giordan Lighthouse.
Wied il-Mielah
A spectacular natural limestone arch on the northern coast of Gozo island.
Kerċem
Kerċem is a village to the west of Victoria, situated in the picturesque Lunzjata Valley, and known for its rural environment.
Dwejra
A spectacular natural area on Gozo featuring the Inland Sea, the Blue Hole, and the historic site of the Azure Window.
Xlendi
Xlendi is a popular seaside resort set in a picturesque, fjord-like bay, flanked by high cliffs.
Xagħra
Xagħra is a large village in Gozo, famous for the UNESCO-listed Ġgantija Temples, Calypso's Cave, and Ramla Bay.
Xewkija
Xewkija is one of Gozo's oldest villages, dominated by the massive dome of its Rotunda church, dedicated to St.
Ramla Bay
Gozo's largest sandy beach, famous for its unique reddish-golden sand and its legendary connection to Calypso's Cave.
Nadur
Situated on a plateau in eastern Gozo, Nadur is famous for its vibrant carnival, its maritime influence, and the Ta' Kenuna Tower.
Qawra
Qawra is a resort town adjacent to Buġibba, known for its hotels, the Malta National Aquarium, and the Salina Nature Park.
History & landmarks
Wied il-Għasri
A narrow valley leading to a tiny, secluded pebble beach.
Sarraflu Pond
A rare natural freshwater pond on Gozo.
Mġarr ix-Xini
A narrow, secluded bay and valley.
San Blas Bay
A secluded bay with characteristic red sand.
Ħondoq ir-Rummien
A small cove with crystal clear water directly facing Comino.
Blue Lagoon
Famous bay on Comino.
Nature
Wied il-Mielaħ Window (Gozo)
A natural rock arch on the coast, similar to the collapsed Azure Window.
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'.
Qammieh Point
A rocky headland with great views towards Ghadira Bay and Gozo.
Coral Lagoon (Malta)
A large sea cave with a collapsed roof, forming a hidden lagoon.
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
Xwejni Salt Pans (Gozo)
Traditional salt pans where sea salt has been harvested by hand for centuries.
Marsalforn Bay (Gozo)
A popular resort town with a small harbour for fishing boats.
Gozo 3D Cinema (Citadel)
A cinema in the Gozo Citadel showing a 3D film about the island's history.
Ta' Cenc Cliffs (Gozo)
These cliffs on Gozo are a major nesting site for colonies of seabirds.
Fort Chambray
A fortified city overlooking Mġarr Harbour.
Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal
The ferry terminal on the northernmost point of Malta for services to Gozo.
Ghadira Nature Reserve
An important bird sanctuary and wetland, especially during bird migration seasons.
Il-Qortin Ridge
A narrow ridge located northeast of Mellieħa.