Discover Ghanjsielem: Fort Chambray, harbour and coastal paths

Ghanjsielem combines fortress history, sacred architecture and maritime impressions on Gozo. Those planning a trip with varied interests will find opportunities here for cultural experiences, walks, views of the sea and activities on the water. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can therefore consider whether churches and local history, hiking trails or the harbour should be the focus of your stay.

Fortress history and churches in the old town

A prominent point of reference is Fort Chambray. The Knights began building Città Vilhena above the harbour in 1749; the complex later became known as Fort Chambray. It was originally planned as Gozo’s Valletta. From Fort Chambray, you can look across Gozo’s southern coast, Xatt l’Aħmar Bay and the northern Comino Channel. This gives the area a combination of historical orientation and an impressive view of the surroundings.

The religious buildings also make Ghanjsielem interesting for visitors with an interest in culture. The Chapel of Santa Cecilia is the only surviving medieval chapel on Gozo. The Church of Our Lady of Loreto was built in the Gothic-Lombard style and has the floor plan of a Latin cross. It was completed with the blessing of its bell tower in June 1979. The Old Parish Church of Għajnsielem stands on Independence Square in the old part of the town. Its artworks include a titular painting of Our Lady of Loreto by Michele Bussutil, as well as four works by Guiseppe Cali. The Church of St. Anthony is connected to the Franciscan monastery.

Harbour, viewpoints and paths by the water

Mġarr Harbour is part of the town and is home to Gozo’s only yacht marina. From the Ħamri Belvedere, you can see the Lourdes Chapel and Imġarr Harbour; there is also an outdoor fitness area there. Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel stands on a promontory overlooking Mġarr Harbour. Its Gothic architecture features a steeply pitched roof, lancet windows and buttresses topped with pinnacles. The chapel can be reached from Mġarr Harbour or from the town of Għajnsielem on foot or by car.

For walks, the Ħondoq Ir-Rummien Walk offers a clearly described option: the route passes through Għajnsielem, is 10 kilometres long and is classified as easy, although the trail includes several ascents and descents. A winding road leads down from Fort Chambray to Xatt l’Aħmar Bay and Mġarr; walks are possible along the cliffs. Depending on your preferred day of travel, you can choose between a longer route and shorter explorations with views, without separating culture and landscape from one another.

Swimming, diving and Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem

Xatt l-Aħmar in Għajnsielem and Mġarr is used for swimming and diving. Ladders make it easier to enter and exit the water there. The wreck of the ferry “Xlendi” also lies off Xatt l’Aħmar. This combination of coast, access to the water and an underwater destination particularly appeals to travellers who do not want to spend their days exclusively sightseeing.

Another special feature is Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem, an immersive live nativity village that transforms Għajnsielem into the biblical city of Bethlehem. Ta’ Passi is the setting for an annual live depiction of Bethlehem, with traditional shops, a bakery, a tavern and an open-air market. This creates a distinct cultural focus for families and other travellers who enjoy local performances and vivid traditions, alongside the historic buildings.

Choose accommodation according to your preferred travel theme

If you are travelling with children or in a group, it may be helpful to decide before choosing your accommodation whether shared walks, water activities or sightseeing should determine the rhythm of your trip. This means your search for a holiday apartment is guided by your actual travel interests, without individual attractions dictating your entire stay.

Further destinations for orientation

If you would like to compare other places alongside Ghanjsielem, the portal also features Santa Venera, Qala, Żejtun, Ta' Xbiex, Gharb, Mellieħa, Marsa and Vittoriosa.

For the overarching travel overview: Malta.