Visitors to the island set foot at Mgarr Harbour, the lively gateway that forms part of the village of Għajnsielem.  The harbour’s bustling scene blends seamlessly with the village’s serene charm, a harmony reflected in its name, which means ‘peaceful spring’.

For many, Għajnsielem is simply the place they pass through on their way to the ferry. Yet those who take the time to explore soon discover that this southeastern village is much more than a crossing point; it is indeed a destination in its own right, rich in beauty, history, and authentic Gozitan life.

As a harbour village, Għajnsielem has a strong maritime tradition, and typically, families were linked to port activities.  Today, the harbour is a busy ferry terminal with a yacht marina and is also a favourite place for dining out, especially along the old harbour jetty.  The harbour is flanked on the left by Fort Chambray, originally intended as a fortified city by the Knights of St. John, which today has evolved into a luxurious holiday neighbourhood.

Right in the middle of the village stands the parish church with its soaring and elegant spires and detailed stonework, rising upwards like a serene hymn paying homage to Our Lady of Loreto, the patron saint of Għajnsielem.  Construction of this Neo-Gothic church began in the early 20th century.  The project was fraught with many disruptions, including World War II and other dramas, such as the builder falling from the loft.  Eventually, it was finished and consecrated in 1989.  Visible across the Gozitan horizon, the church is a true landmark at all hours of the day, but especially at night when it glows with spectacular lighting.  One of the iconic features of the church is the bell tower.  The interior is an ode to the finest of neo-Gothic styles.  It is a feast for those who seek notable artworks and statues.  Treasures include the Statue of the Virgin Mary of Sorrows, the Crowning of Christ with Thorn, the Virgin Mary of the Rosary, the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Angels, and the Black Madonna. To these, one must add the high altar in marble, the marble pavement, the Via Crucis, and the titular statue of the Virgin Mary, crowned and holding a sceptre, with angels bearing symbols of the Holy House of Loreto.

When August arrives, it’s all about the village feast, and the heart of the community beats to the rhythm of festivity, in a feast widely acclaimed for its splendour, spirit and vivid expression of the village’s exuberant devotion and joy.   One of the feast’s most distinctive traditions is the Balzunetta march, one of the village’s quarters, where the entire neighbourhood dresses in matching patterned fabric chosen for that year.  Another much-loved highlight of the feast sees the statue of our Lady dramatically lifted and gliding across the square on a zipline to the delight of the cheering spectators.

Beyond the parish church, Għajnsielem is also home to other chapels and churches, the oldest of which is the chapel of St. Cecilia on the outskirts of the village.  This medieval chapel dates to around 1540 and is close to the St. Cecilia Tower.  Apart from the older parish church, there is also the Church of St. Anthony connected to the Franciscan friars’ convent and the postcard-style Lourdes chapel perched over the harbour.  The feast of St. Anthony traditionally marks the opening of Gozo’s summer festa season in June.  While exploring the village, one can stumble across several religious niches dating from the late 19th to mid-20th century.  These niches, funded by local families, testify to the village’s deep devotion to the Virgin Mary and to various saints, including Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. Anthony, St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Andrew.

There are various scenic walking routes around the village.  One particularly panoramic one is the route that leads to Qala from Għajnsielem along the coast.  Other coastal stretches on the other side of the village include the zone of Xatt l-Aħmar, a quiet beach with rugged natural beauty, popular for diving the shipwrecked sites, peaceful swimming, and snorkelling.

Community spirit runs high, and beyond the annual village feast, the people of Għajnsielem are well-known for other events such as the yearly Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem Nativity Village.  Adding to the festive magic are other showstopper attractions, such as the 60-foot Christmas Tree made of thousands of recycled bottles, shimmering in the main square.

From a practical point of view, Għajnsielem offers a lot to the traveller.  Apart from being a charming point of arrival and departure, it has excellent bus connections to Victoria and other villages, and offers a wide variety of accommodation options (from 4-star hotels near the harbour to luxurious self-catering options).  All in all, it is an excellent base for those who enjoy coastal walks, cultural immersion, and mingling in authentic Gozitan village life.