Ta' Nikol Art Gallery
Art gallery in Victoria, Gozo, displaying works by local and international artists.
🌐 artbyemmanuelprevi.com🕒 Th-Sa 10:00-16:00; Mo 10:00-16:00; We 10:00-16:00
Plizio Visual Lab
Lunzjata Valley (Gozo)
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Animal habitat
Lunzjata Valley, located between Victoria and Kerċem on Gozo, is recognized as one of the most fertile and scenic valleys in the Maltese archipelago. It is distinguished by its perennial freshwater springs, which support lush vegetation and intensive traditional agriculture throughout the year. Historically, the valley was utilized by the Knights of the Order of St. John as a private hunting ground, a legacy reflected in the 16th-century Lunzjata Chapel located at the valley's entrance. Geologically, the site is a deep-cut wadi that attracts a variety of bird species and provides a critical habitat for indigenous reptiles. The area hosts rare flora, including the Great Reed, and showcases historical Maltese irrigation techniques. Today, Lunzjata Valley is a protected landscape, valued for its tranquility and biodiversity, serving as a vital sanctuary for Gozo’s natural heritage.
- Location: Malta
- Top sights: Ta' Nikol Art Gallery · Saint George's Basilica · Il-Haġar Gozo Museum
- Nearby: Dwejra (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
Best season
The valley is accessible year-round, but in spring the vegetation is lushest, attracting many insects and birds. Autumn is well-suited for enjoying the colourful leaves and peaceful atmosphere.
Best time of day
Early morning the air is still cool and animals are particularly active, especially birds and insects. In the late afternoon, when the heat subsides, freshwater crabs become more visible in the streams.
Etiquette
Stay on the paths to avoid damaging the fragile vegetation and animal habitats. Take your rubbish with you and do not disturb any animals, especially the rare crabs.
What to bring
Sturdy footwear is recommended as the paths can be wet and slippery. Binoculars help spot birds and other animals in the trees and on the ground more easily.
Getting there
Lunzjata Valley is located on the island of Gozo, near the town of Victoria, and is reachable on foot or by car. A walking trail leads down from the village of Lunzjata into the green valley.
What to expect
The wildlife here is shy and not always immediately visible - sit quietly in one spot and wait a few minutes. Animals often emerge once the surroundings calm down.
Geography
Facts
- Lunzjata is one of the few valleys in Malta with a consistent year-round water supply.
- The chapel at the valley's entrance is dedicated to the Annunciation.
- The Order of St. John utilized the valley as a hunting ground as early as the 1500s.
- The valley is a known habitat for the rare Maltese Freshwater Crab.
- Traditional stone wells and irrigation channels are found throughout the site.
- The area serves as a significant flyway for migratory birds during the spring season.
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 Lunzjata Valley (Gozo) (10)
Il-Haġar Gozo Museum🏛 museum
Museum in Victoria showcasing the art and culture of Gozo.
🌐 heartofgozo.org.mt🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-17:00
Church of Saint James
Church building in Victoria, Malta, used for religious services and community gatherings.
Gozo 360°
Attraction in Victoria offering a panoramic view of Gozo island.
Citadel Theatre
Theatre in Victoria hosting plays and cultural performances.
Teatru Astra
One of two opera houses in Victoria, Gozo, known for opera and concerts.
Citadella Visitor's Centre🏛 museum
Visitor centre in Victoria's Citadel, explaining the fortress's history.
Villa Rundle Gardens🌳 park
Park in Malta, a green space in Victoria with walking paths and plants.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is Lunzjata Valley so special?
It is one of Gozo's most fertile valleys with a permanent spring and historical significance.
How do you reach the valley?
A short walk from the edge of Victoria (Rabat) towards Fontana leads directly into the valley.
Can you see fresh water there all year round?
Yes, the spring flows year-round, making the valley very green even in the hot summer.
Are there historical buildings there?
At the entrance to the valley, there is a small chapel and historical stone arches.
Is the valley suitable for hikers?
Yes, it is an easy, level path, handy for a relaxed walk in nature.
Lunzjata Valley (Gozo): where is it located?
Lunzjata Valley (Gozo) is located in Malta.
Lunzjata Valley (Gozo): what is there to see?
Highlights include Ta' Nikol Art Gallery, Saint George's Basilica, Il-Haġar Gozo Museum.
Lunzjata Valley (Gozo): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Lunzjata Valley (Gozo): why is it worth visiting?
Lunzjata Valley, located between Victoria and Kerċem on Gozo, is recognized as one of the most fertile and scenic valleys in the Maltese archipelago.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Malta →
Nature
Lunzjata Valley Fountain (Gozo)
A lush valley fed by a natural spring, keeping it green year-round.
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'.
Sanap Cliffs (Gozo)
Spectacular cliffs on the south coast of Gozo with a coastal walking path.
Wied il-Għasri (Gozo)
A secluded inlet cut like a fjord between high cliffs.
Wied il-Mielaħ Window (Gozo)
A natural rock arch on the coast, similar to the collapsed Azure Window.
Ramla Bay (Gozo)
A large beach on Gozo, famous for its unique reddish sand.
Dwejra Bay & Fungus Rock (Gozo)
A dramatic coastal formation featuring the Inland Sea and Fungus Rock.
Tal-Mixta Cave (Gozo)
A cave overlooking Ramla Bay, providing a famous photo spot.
More places
Gozo Artisan Network
An initiative promoting local artisans and food producers on Gozo.
Gozo 3D Cinema (Citadel)
A cinema in the Gozo Citadel showing a 3D film about the island's history.
Villa Rundle Gardens (Gozo)
A public garden in Victoria with a playground and many birds in aviaries.
Caper Bushes of Gozo
Gozo is known for its wild-growing caper bushes, whose buds are harvested and preserved.
Gozo Cottage Products
A shop selling traditional Gozitan products like cheese (Ġbejna), honey, and jams.
Magro Food Village (Gozo)
A food processing center that also offers tours and tastings of local products.
Kunserva Factory (Gozo)
A major producer of 'Kunserva', a traditional Maltese tomato paste.
Fig Trees in Xaghra (Gozo)
The area around Xaghra is known for its fig trees and production of fig products.