Xlendi: Nature, Trails and Traditions at the Bay

Xlendi combines a distinctive bay with protected valley systems, historical traces and special aquatic experiences. The journey can also be easily incorporated into your planning, as Xlendi is accessible from Victoria, Gozo’s capital, by public transport and by car.

Between Valley Systems and the Bay

The Natura 2000 site L-Inħawi tax-Xlendi u tal-Wied tal-Kantra encompasses the entire valley systems of Wied Xlendi and Wied tal-Kantra. Both end at Xlendi Bay. This creates a landscape in which the bay and the valley systems are closely connected to the area’s natural orientation. Those who enjoy being outdoors on holiday will find a clear reason here to explore the surroundings from more than just the water.

Another notable natural feature is Wied tal-Lunzjata. The valley is one of the few remaining valleys in the Maltese Islands with a permanent freshwater supply. Within the protected area, Gozo also has the best population of the Maltese freshwater crab Potamon fluviatile lanfrancoi. These details also make Xlendi interesting for travellers looking for landscapes and less obvious nature-related topics on Gozo.

Trails, Water and Underwater Archaeology

The Xlendi Walk leads from L-Imġarr Harbour to Xlendi Bay and passes through Munxar before reaching the bay. This provides a clear route for anyone wishing to combine their stay with a hike. If you are travelling with different interests, the trail can be an active part of your itinerary, while other days of your holiday can focus more on culture or water-based activities.

Guided water expeditions often start in Xlendi. Beneath Xlendi Bay there is also a Phoenician shipwreck dating from the 7th century BC. The Xlendi Underwater Archaeological Park reaches a depth of 105 to 115 metres and is intended for a small group of technical divers. This is a very specialised aspect of the area: for some, the landscape above the water is the main attraction, while for others it is the archaeological history beneath the bay.

Historical Traces and a Feast in September

At the entrance to Xlendi Bay stands the Ras it-Tajba watchtower. It was built in 1650 on a headland known as Ras il-Bajada. This historic site complements the natural and aquatic experiences with a visible connection to the area’s past. Caroline’s Cave, the natural grotto l-Għar ta’ Karolina, is another distinctive feature. It was once used by nuns for swimming; this use should be understood in its historical context.

A living tradition in Xlendi is the feast in honour of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The community celebrates it on the first Sunday in September. The feast includes a procession with the statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Swimming, pedal-boat and kayaking races also take place in the bay. Anyone wishing to include this date in their travel plans should mark the first Sunday in September as a fixed point of reference.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Travel Plans?

When looking for a holiday apartment in Xlendi, it helps to decide in advance what you want to focus on. The Xlendi Walk and the valley systems favour an itinerary centred on activity and landscapes. The historic sites and the September feast provide different highlights. Those interested in water-based experiences can also take advantage of the guided expeditions that often start in Xlendi; the Underwater Archaeological Park, on the other hand, is intended for a small group of technical divers. This allows you to choose accommodation based on your own holiday interests without making every day the same.

If you would like to compare Xlendi with other destinations, you can also discover Santa Venera, Marsaxlokk, Zeitun, Għargħur, Ghanjsielem, St. Julians, Attard and Ħal Għaxaq.

For the main travel overview: Malta.