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Dwejra Bay & Fungus Rock (Gozo)

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Dwejra Bay & Fungus Rock (Gozo) (Malta)

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Dwejra Bay on Gozo's western coast is one of the most geologically diverse and visually striking areas in the Maltese Islands. The landscape is shaped by dramatic limestone formations, including the Inland Sea, a shallow lagoon linked to the open Mediterranean through a narrow 80-meter natural tunnel. A standout feature of the bay is Fungus Rock, also known as General's Rock, a 60-meter-high limestone islet situated at the bay's entrance. This rock achieved fame for the rare parasitic plant Cynomorium coccineum, which the Knights of St. John mistakenly identified as a fungus in the 18th century. Valued for its supposed medicinal properties, the 'Maltese Fungus' was so highly prized that the Grand Master declared the rock off-limits to unauthorized visitors, enforcing protection with a permanent guard and a primitive basket-and-rope pulley system. Today, Dwejra is a protected ecological site and is included on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list. Although the iconic Azure Window collapsed during a severe storm in 2017, the area remains a premier destination for divers, specifically for the nearby Blue Hole, an impressive underwater sinkhole.

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 entire bay area is a completely open natural site that you can explore on foot, marveling at the rugged coastline, the Inland Sea, and the prominent Fungus Rock.
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Typical hours
Always open, but visiting during daylight is essential for safety on the uneven rocks. The changing light near sunset provides a magical atmosphere along the coast.
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Photography
The contrasts between the deep blue water, the yellowish limestone cliffs, and the solitary Fungus Rock create superb landscape compositions, especially at dusk.
⏱️
Time needed
Plan to spend at least one to two hours here. If you take a boat ride on the Inland Sea or spend time hiking the rugged shoreline, it will easily take half a day.
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Combine with
Close by, you can explore the impressive Ta' Pinu Sanctuary, or head to the traditional village of San Lawrenz to see a quieter side of the island of Gozo.
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Getting there
There is a large parking area near the bay, making it very accessible by car. Public bus services from Victoria also drop you off practically right at the main viewing areas.
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Insider tip
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with a very good grip, as the weathered limestone surface near the water and on the surrounding cliffs can be exceptionally sharp and uneven.

Geography

Coordinates
36.05300, 14.18800

Facts

  • Fungus Rock rises 60 meters above the Mediterranean Sea.
  • The rock was heavily guarded by the Knights in the 18th century.
  • The Inland Sea is a lagoon connected by an 80-meter sea tunnel.
  • The iconic Azure Window collapsed during a storm on March 8, 2017.
  • The rare 'Maltese Fungus' is actually a parasitic flowering plant.
  • The Blue Hole is a world-famous diving site within the bay area.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Dwejra Inland Sea Boat Trips (Gozo)Dwejra Inland Sea Boat Trips (Gozo)<1 km · SEExplore →
San LawrenzSan Lawrenz2 km · EExplore →
Sarraflu PondSarraflu Pond2 km · SEExplore →
KerċemKerċem3 km · EExplore →
Giordan LighthouseGiordan Lighthouse3 km · NEExplore →
XlendiXlendi4 km · SEExplore →
Ta' Duna HillTa' Duna Hill5 km · SEExplore →
Żebbuġ, GozoŻebbuġ, Gozo5 km · NEExplore →

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 Dwejra Bay & Fungus Rock (Gozo) (10)

Coral Garden

Underwater coral area off the Dwejra coast, popular for snorkeling.

Il-Ħofra tal-Bidwin

Natural pool or cave near Dwejra Bay.

Collapsed Azure Window

Collapsed rock arch that was the Azure Window, fell in 2017.

View on former Azure Window

Viewpoint overlooking the site where the Azure Window once stood.

Dwejra Tower🗼 tower

Lascaris Tower, a 17th-century watchtower in Dwejra.

Dwejra Bay

Bay in Malta, known for its rock formations and clear water.

Wardija Punic Temple

Ruins of a Punic temple on a hill near Għarb.

Basilica of the Visitation

Church in Għarb, Malta, dedicated to the Visitation of Mary.

Folk Museum🏛 museum

Museum in Għarb with exhibits on traditional Gozitan life.

View on Basilica

Viewpoint overlooking the Basilica of the Visitation in Għarb.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the Azure Window still there?
No, the rock arch collapsed completely into the sea during a storm in March 2017.
What is Fungus Rock?
A 60-meter high rock where a rare medicinal plant (Maltese Fungus) used to grow.
Can you swim in the Inland Sea?
Yes, it is a sheltered salt-water lagoon connected to the open sea through a tunnel.
Are there boat tours in Dwejra?
Fishing boats take visitors through the rock tunnel to the cliffs and sea caves.
Is climbing Fungus Rock allowed?
No, the rock is a nature reserve and access is strictly prohibited.
Dwejra Bay & Fungus Rock (Gozo): where is it located?
Dwejra Bay & Fungus Rock (Gozo) is located in Malta.
Dwejra Bay & Fungus Rock (Gozo): what is there to see?
Highlights include Coral Garden, Il-Ħofra tal-Bidwin, Collapsed Azure Window.
Dwejra Bay & Fungus Rock (Gozo): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Dwejra Bay & Fungus Rock (Gozo): why is it worth visiting?
Dwejra Bay on Gozo's western coast is one of the most geologically diverse and visually striking areas in the Maltese Islands.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nature

Wied il-Mielaħ Window (Gozo) — Dwejra Bay & Fungus Rock (Gozo) (Malta)
Wied il-Mielaħ Window (Gozo)
A natural rock arch on the coast, similar to the collapsed Azure Window.
Wied il-Għasri (Gozo) — Dwejra Bay & Fungus Rock (Gozo) (Malta)
Wied il-Għasri (Gozo)
A secluded inlet cut like a fjord between high cliffs.
Lunzjata Valley Fountain (Gozo) — Dwejra Bay & Fungus Rock (Gozo) (Malta)
Lunzjata Valley Fountain (Gozo)
A lush valley fed by a natural spring, keeping it green year-round.
Sanap Cliffs (Gozo) — Dwejra Bay & Fungus Rock (Gozo) (Malta)
Sanap Cliffs (Gozo)
Spectacular cliffs on the south coast of Gozo with a coastal walking path.
Mġarr ix-Xini Valley (Gozo) — Dwejra Bay & Fungus Rock (Gozo) (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'.
Ramla Bay (Gozo) — Dwejra Bay & Fungus Rock (Gozo) (Malta)
Ramla Bay (Gozo)
A large beach on Gozo, famous for its unique reddish sand.
Tal-Mixta Cave (Gozo) — Dwejra Bay & Fungus Rock (Gozo) (Malta)
Tal-Mixta Cave (Gozo)
A cave overlooking Ramla Bay, providing a famous photo spot.
Għajn Barrani Cliffs (Gozo) — Dwejra Bay & Fungus Rock (Gozo) (Malta)
Għajn Barrani Cliffs (Gozo)
Remote and untouched clay cliffs between Ramla and Marsalforn.

More places

Dwejra Bay (Gozo) — Dwejra Bay & Fungus Rock (Gozo) (Malta)
Dwejra Bay (Gozo)
A marine protected area known for its rich underwater life and biodiversity.
Dwejra Inland Sea Boat Trips (Gozo) — Dwejra Bay & Fungus Rock (Gozo) (Malta)
Dwejra Inland Sea Boat Trips (Gozo)
Small boats pass through a tunnel in the cliff from the Inland Sea to the open sea.
Tal-Massar Winery (Gozo) — Dwejra Bay & Fungus Rock (Gozo) (Malta)
Tal-Massar Winery (Gozo)
A boutique winery on Gozo specializing in producing wines from local grape varieties.
Xlendi Bay (Gozo) — Dwejra Bay & Fungus Rock (Gozo) (Malta)
Xlendi Bay (Gozo)
A picturesque inlet used by small boats and a popular spot for diving.
Caper Bushes of Gozo — Dwejra Bay & Fungus Rock (Gozo) (Malta)
Caper Bushes of Gozo
Gozo is known for its wild-growing caper bushes, whose buds are harvested and preserved.
Lunzjata Valley (Gozo) — Dwejra Bay & Fungus Rock (Gozo) (Malta)
Lunzjata Valley (Gozo)
A lush, green valley on Gozo that hosts rich flora and fauna, including freshwater crabs.
Gozo Artisan Network — Dwejra Bay & Fungus Rock (Gozo) (Malta)
Gozo Artisan Network
An initiative promoting local artisans and food producers on Gozo.
Gozo 3D Cinema (Citadel) — Dwejra Bay & Fungus Rock (Gozo) (Malta)
Gozo 3D Cinema (Citadel)
A cinema in the Gozo Citadel showing a 3D film about the island's history.