Plizio Visual Lab

Fig Trees in Xaghra (Gozo)

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Agriculture
—°10
Fig Trees in Xaghra (Gozo) (Malta)

Weather…

The fig trees of Xagħra on the island of Gozo are a symbol of the region's fertile agricultural landscape, which has been cultivated since antiquity. Xagħra is situated on a high plateau and is renowned for its rich soil, providing handy conditions for growing fig varieties such as "Bovre" and "Farkizzan." These trees often thrive near historical sites like the Ġgantija Megalithic Temples, hinting at a millennia-old connection between human settlement and agriculture. The main harvest takes place in August and September when the fruits reach their peak sweetness. A traditional Gozitan specialty is sun-dried figs (Tin miftuħ), often preserved with bay leaves and fennel seeds. Visitors to the rural areas of Xagħra can still observe ancient cultivation techniques where trees are strategically planted to provide shelter from strong sea winds. Fig culture is deeply rooted in local customs and festivals, representing a significant part of Gozo's culinary identity.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

📋 Practical info

🏭
What is this place?
The Xaghra area on Gozo is famous for its fig trees and the production of fig products. It provides insight into the island's traditional fruit culture and is a source of local delicacies.
🚪
Visiting
The fig trees grow in private gardens and along public paths; many are visible from the road. Some farmers open their yards during harvest for visitors to buy fresh figs.
👀
Where to view it
From the hills around Xaghra there is a good view of the valleys lined with fig trees. Viewpoints near the megalithic temples offer wide panoramas of Gozo's landscape.
🧺
Local products
Fresh and dried figs are the main products; they are made into jams, chutneys, and fig bread. Fig liqueur and local honey are also available.
📆
Active season
The main season for figs is late summer from August to September, when the trees are heavy with fruit. In autumn, dried figs and processed products are sold at markets.
Nearby
Combine the visit with exploring the Ġgantija megalithic temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site just a short walk away. The pretty Ramla l-Ħamra bay also invites swimming.

Geography

Coordinates
36.05000, 14.26000

Facts

  • Xagħra is famous for the sweet 'Bovre' and 'Farkizzan' fig varieties.
  • The peak harvest season for figs in Gozo is August and September.
  • Sun-dried figs are locally known in Malta as 'Tin miftuħ'.
  • Fig trees can often be seen growing wild near the Ġgantija Temples.
  • Dried figs are traditionally preserved with bay leaves and fennel seeds.
  • The trees are also used as natural windbreaks in Gozitan fields.

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 Fig Trees in Xaghra (Gozo) (10)

Xerri's Grotto

Cave with stalactites and stalagmites, discovered in 1923 while digging a well.

Ninu's Cave

Natural limestone cave with underground chambers and rock formations.

Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady

19th-century baroque parish church, its dome dominates the town skyline.

Sansuna's Rock

Large isolated limestone rock, a natural landmark in the area.

Santa Verna Temple

Neolithic megalithic temple site, one of the earliest cult places in Malta.

Ta' Kola Windmill🏛 museum

18th-century windmill, now a museum about milling history.

Victoria castle viewpoint

Viewpoint on the Victoria citadel, offering panoramic views of Gozo.

It-Tempji tal-Ġgantija🏛 museum

Museum next to the Ġgantija temples, displaying Neolithic artifacts.

Ġgantija Temples

Two monumental megalithic temples from the Neolithic, a UNESCO site on Gozo.

Pomzikillous Museum of Toys🏛 museum

Private toy museum with a collection of vintage dolls and games.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is the fig season in Xagħra?
The main harvest season is in mid-summer, roughly from July to September.
Are there different varieties of figs?
Yes, in Malta there are green and dark (purple) figs, with the 'Bajtar' variety being especially popular.
What is made from the figs?
Figs are eaten fresh, dried, or processed into jam and traditional fig rings (Qagħaq tal-Għasel).
Can you just pick figs from the tree?
It is prohibited on private property; picking wild figs growing along the roadside is often tolerated.
Is there a festival in honor of the fig?
A local festival occasionally takes place in Xagħra, celebrating the fig harvest and local products.
Fig Trees in Xaghra (Gozo): where is it located?
Fig Trees in Xaghra (Gozo) is located in Malta.
Fig Trees in Xaghra (Gozo): what is there to see?
Highlights include Xerri's Grotto, Ninu's Cave, Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady.
Fig Trees in Xaghra (Gozo): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Fig Trees in Xaghra (Gozo): why is it worth visiting?
The fig trees of Xagħra on the island of Gozo are a symbol of the region's fertile agricultural landscape, which has been cultivated since antiquity.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Malta →

Nature

More places