Munxar: Village Church, Trails and Gozo’s Landscape

Munxar brings together a landscape shaped by valleys and a village church that plays a special role in the community. Behind the church, views open out over the open sea; trails in the area invite you to explore the landscape on foot. At the same time, architecture, the festa and historic traces tell the story of the village. You can shape your stay around walks and cultural experiences.

Landscape and trails around Munxar

Munxar lies between the descending slopes of two parallel valleys. Behind the parish church, a rocky spur on the Il-Munxar side forms Wied tal-Għanċija, the Għanċija Valley. The area behind the church offers views of the open sea and is ideal for leisurely walks. Trails lead through the landscape in every direction, so you can also explore the village on foot from different approaches.

One hiking route passes through Munxar and then reaches Ix-Xlendi Bay. A scenic trail also leads from the Sanap Cliffs to Xlendi Bay, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean. A road behind the parish church leads to Ras il-Bajjada and then on to Ix-Xlendi. These descriptions of trails and roads represent different ways to experience the area; local trail conditions can change, so check them before setting out on a hike.

Ix-Xlendi Bay is close to the parish church and nestled among striking cliffs in southwestern Gozo. The Sanap Cliffs and the area behind the church also offer sea views, each within its own distinct landscape. If you enjoy spending your days outdoors, you can consider whether Munxar’s village trails and landscape views suit the focus of your stay when choosing a holiday apartment.

Church, history and architecture

The parish church of Munxar is a small, Baroque-style temple built from typical Maltese stone. It is dedicated to the shipwreck of Saint Paul. Il-Munxar became an independent parish in December 1957 and was the last village on Gozo to receive this status. The church is therefore not only a prominent landmark in the village but is also connected with an important chapter in its history.

Inside the church is a statue of Saint Paul dating from 1933, created by the Gozitan sculptor Wistin Camilleri. Another historic detail can be found near the church: 25-metre-long air-raid shelters from the Second World War were excavated in 1942 under the supervision of architect Guzeppi Savona. The entrance to these shelters is in the square by the parish church. Their historic purpose and specific length give the place another distinct facet, quite different from its landscape trails.

Older farmhouses also shape the picture of traditional folk architecture in Munxar. Its features include rough, sometimes irregular masonry, smaller windows and entrances, and the characteristic “remissa” door style. These details draw attention to the construction itself: the materials, openings and features that distinguish it from the Baroque-style form of the parish church.

Festa and nature

The feast in honour of Saint Paul is celebrated in Munxar on the third Sunday in May. The festa offers another cultural connection to the church’s patron saint; the programme may vary from year to year. If you plan to visit around this time, check the specific dates of the festivities in advance.

The area’s natural environment also adds to the picture of the village. Flowing water has created a habitat in the Munxar area for the endemic Maltese freshwater crab and other wildlife. The animals you may spot can vary by season. This nature theme offers a different perspective from the viewpoints and built heritage, drawing attention to habitats and wildlife.

Munxar offers something for all three interests, without requiring you to focus your stay on just one. You can choose a holiday apartment in Munxar as a base for your plans, first deciding which of the aspects of the village described here you would like to shape your holiday.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Żabbar, Tarxien, Mosta, Hal Kirkop, Attard, Nadur, Birkirkara, Xaghra.

For the main travel overview: Malta.