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Fontana Springs

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Landmark
—°10
Fontana Springs (Malta)

Weather…

The Fontana Springs, locally known as Ghajn il-Kbira and Ghajn Tuta, are historic freshwater springs located in the village of Fontana on the island of Gozo. These springs were covered with massive stone shelters in the 16th century, specifically around 1588, to provide the local population with a protected space for washing clothes. The architecture of the wash-houses features robust stone arches that provide shade and channel water into large rectangular stone troughs. For centuries, these springs were the primary source of water for the community and functioned as an essential social gathering spot for the village women. The water originates from natural aquifers in the surrounding plateaus and continues to flow through the fertile Lunzjata Valley. The preservation of these sites highlights the critical importance of water management in the arid Maltese archipelago during the reign of the Knights of St. John. Today, they stand as a unique testament to daily life and early civil engineering on the island of Gozo.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161922252625232017
Rain mm74675335171241063839283

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Fontana Springs are a natural spring area that is freely accessible and can be visited at any time. There are no buildings or entry tickets - the springs are part of the open landscape.
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Typical hours
As a freely accessible natural landmark, there are no opening hours. The best time to visit is during daylight hours to see the springs clearly.
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Photography
The springs offer scenic photo opportunities with clear water and surrounding vegetation. Photography is allowed at any time, and the light is best in the morning.
⏱️
Time needed
A visit to the springs takes about 10 to 15 minutes to explore the area. If you want to enjoy the surrounding nature, you can budget up to 30 minutes.
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Combine with
Combine the springs visit with the nearby Sacred Heart Church in Fontana. The two sights are a short walk apart and can be easily visited in one morning.
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Getting there
The springs are located in the village of Fontana on Gozo, reachable on foot from the central square. Parking is available along the streets, but the lanes are narrow.
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Insider tip
Visit the springs after a rainfall when the water is especially clear and flows abundantly. Wear sturdy footwear as the ground around the springs can be damp and slippery.

Geography

Coordinates
36.03750, 14.23580

Facts

  • The stone shelters over the springs were constructed in 1588.
  • There are two main spring sites: Ghajn il-Kbira and Ghajn Tuta.
  • The water flows directly into the nearby Lunzjata Valley.
  • The village of Fontana is named after these historic springs.
  • The structures feature large stone troughs for public washing.
  • These springs provided a consistent water supply even in droughts.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Sacred Heart ChurchSacred Heart Church<1 km · EExplore →
XlendiXlendi2 km · SWExplore →
Gozo Cottage ProductsGozo Cottage Products2 km · NEExplore →
XewkijaXewkija2 km · EExplore →
Tal-Massar Winery (Gozo)Tal-Massar Winery (Gozo)2 km · NWExplore →
Mġarr ix-Xini Valley (Gozo)Mġarr ix-Xini Valley (Gozo)2 km · SEExplore →
Ta' Cenc Cliffs (Gozo)Ta' Cenc Cliffs (Gozo)3 km · SExplore →
Sarraflu PondSarraflu Pond3 km · WExplore →

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 Fontana Springs (10)

Lunzjata Valley Belvedere Viewpoint

Viewpoint in Lunzjata Valley, Gozo. Overlooks the green landscape and surrounding area.

Munxar Parish Church

Church building in Munxar, Malta. Parish church of the locality.

Saint George's Basilica

Church in Victoria on the island of Gozo, Malta. Important place of worship with rich decoration.

Ta' Nikol Art Gallery

Contemporary art gallery in Victoria, Gozo. Rotating exhibitions of local and international artists.

🕒 Th-Sa 10:00-16:00; Mo 10:00-16:00; We 10:00-16:00

Il-Haġar Gozo Museum🏛 museum

Museum in Victoria, Gozo. Displays art and culture of the island in a historic building.

ARThall

Art gallery in Victoria, Gozo. Exhibits works by contemporary artists.

Fort Żgħawri

Fort on Gozo, Malta. Historic defensive structure.

Church of Saint James

Church building in Victoria, Malta. Venue for worship and community gatherings.

Gozo 360°

Attraction in Victoria, Gozo. Provides a panoramic view over the island.

Citadel Theatre

Theatre in Victoria, Gozo. Hosts performances and cultural events.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are the Fontana springs?
These are historical wash-houses from the 16th century, fed by natural fresh water springs.
Are the springs free to visit?
Yes, access to the covered wash-houses on the main road is free and open at all times.
Where exactly are they located?
They are located in the village of Fontana on Gozo, on the road leading from Victoria to Xlendi.
Is the water still used today?
Some locals still use the spring water for irrigating nearby agricultural fields.
Is there parking nearby?
There are limited parking spaces along the main road or in the side streets of Fontana village.
Fontana Springs: where is it located?
Fontana Springs is located in Malta.
Fontana Springs: what is there to see?
Highlights include Lunzjata Valley Belvedere Viewpoint, Munxar Parish Church, Saint George's Basilica.
Fontana Springs: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Fontana Springs: why is it worth visiting?
The Fontana Springs, locally known as Ghajn il-Kbira and Ghajn Tuta, are historic freshwater springs located in the village of Fontana on the island of Gozo.
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Nearby cities

Xlendi — Fontana Springs (Malta)
Xlendi
Xlendi is a popular seaside resort set in a picturesque, fjord-like bay, flanked by high cliffs.
Xewkija — Fontana Springs (Malta)
Xewkija
Xewkija is one of Gozo's oldest villages, dominated by the massive dome of its Rotunda church, dedicated to St.
Żebbuġ, Gozo — Fontana Springs (Malta)
Żebbuġ, Gozo
Żebbuġ, perched on a hill in northern Gozo, is renowned for its stunning views, its onyx deposits, and its scenic coastline.
Dwejra — Fontana Springs (Malta)
Dwejra
A spectacular natural area on Gozo featuring the Inland Sea, the Blue Hole, and the historic site of the Azure Window.
Nadur — Fontana Springs (Malta)
Nadur
Situated on a plateau in eastern Gozo, Nadur is famous for its vibrant carnival, its maritime influence, and the Ta' Kenuna Tower.
Qawra — Fontana Springs (Malta)
Qawra
Qawra is a resort town adjacent to Buġibba, known for its hotels, the Malta National Aquarium, and the Salina Nature Park.
Mtarfa — Fontana Springs (Malta)
Mtarfa
Mtarfa is a small town overlooking Mdina, known for its past as a British military barracks and its distinctive clock tower.
Għargħur — Fontana Springs (Malta)
Għargħur
Għargħur is one of Malta's smallest and oldest villages, situated on a hilltop with views of the coast.

History & landmarks

Sarraflu Pond — Fontana Springs (Malta)
Sarraflu Pond
A rare natural freshwater pond on Gozo.
Giordan Lighthouse — Fontana Springs (Malta)
Giordan Lighthouse
A prominent lighthouse on a hill overlooking Għasri.
Mġarr ix-Xini — Fontana Springs (Malta)
Mġarr ix-Xini
A narrow, secluded bay and valley.
Ħondoq ir-Rummien — Fontana Springs (Malta)
Ħondoq ir-Rummien
A small cove with crystal clear water directly facing Comino.
Blue Lagoon — Fontana Springs (Malta)
Blue Lagoon
Famous bay on Comino.

Nature

Mġarr ix-Xini Valley (Gozo) — Fontana Springs (Malta)
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'.
Tal-Mixta Cave (Gozo) — Fontana Springs (Malta)
Tal-Mixta Cave (Gozo)
A cave overlooking Ramla Bay, providing a famous photo spot.
Qammieh Point — Fontana Springs (Malta)
Qammieh Point
A rocky headland with great views towards Ghadira Bay and Gozo.
Coral Lagoon (Malta) — Fontana Springs (Malta)
Coral Lagoon (Malta)
A large sea cave with a collapsed roof, forming a hidden lagoon.
Fomm ir-Riħ Bay — Fontana Springs (Malta)
Fomm ir-Riħ Bay
A secluded and hard-to-reach bay with dramatic cliffs and clear water.
Victoria Lines Fault — Fontana Springs (Malta)
Victoria Lines Fault
A natural geological fault along which a line of fortifications was built in the 19th century.
Ta&#39; Ċinċ Hill — Fontana Springs (Malta)
Ta' Ċinċ Hill
A hill near Birkirkara that functions as part of the interior topography.

More places

Sacred Heart Church — Fontana Springs (Malta)
Sacred Heart Church
The parish church of Fontana dedicated to the Sacred Heart.
Gozo Cottage Products — Fontana Springs (Malta)
Gozo Cottage Products
A shop selling traditional Gozitan products like cheese (Ġbejna), honey, and jams.
Tal-Massar Winery (Gozo) — Fontana Springs (Malta)
Tal-Massar Winery (Gozo)
A boutique winery on Gozo specializing in producing wines from local grape varieties.
Ta&#39; Cenc Cliffs (Gozo) — Fontana Springs (Malta)
Ta' Cenc Cliffs (Gozo)
These cliffs on Gozo are a major nesting site for colonies of seabirds.
Ta&#39; Mena Estate (Gozo) — Fontana Springs (Malta)
Ta' Mena Estate (Gozo)
An agritourism estate on Gozo that produces wine, olive oil, and other local products.
Marsalforn Bay (Gozo) — Fontana Springs (Malta)
Marsalforn Bay (Gozo)
A popular resort town with a small harbour for fishing boats.
Fort Chambray — Fontana Springs (Malta)
Fort Chambray
A fortified city overlooking Mġarr Harbour.
Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal — Fontana Springs (Malta)
Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal
The ferry terminal on the northernmost point of Malta for services to Gozo.