1. The fascinating bay of Xlendi
Traditionally a fishermen’s village, the cove of Xlendi is indeed charming. The boatyard, duly guarded by the staue of St. Andrew, patron saint of fishermen, is close to the quayside where in times gone the fishermen pulled in the hauls. Climb up the steep staircase chiselled out in the rock to visit Caroline’s Cave, a sea cavern away from prying eyes, where local nuns used to swim. Xlendi extends to Kantra, a small inlet which is also a kind of secret swimming spot. Walk over the bridge that leads you to the headland where the Xlendi Coastal Tower stands. Out at sea, Xlendi still fascinates with the relics of old Roman galleys and Phoenician shipwrecks.

2. At the highest point at Tas-Sanap Cliffs
If you follow the coastal path from the Tower of Xlendi, you will end up in the area known as Tas-Sanap Cliffs. These are the highest cliffs on the island. The view from here is simply majestic in any sort of weather. Along the path, you will notice boulders with curious shapes, the result of erosion.

3. At one with nature – Ta’ Ċenċ Plateau
The cliff side continues to the area known as Ta’ Ċenċ. The plateau which is a garigue stretch of land, typical of the Mediterranean region, is the perfect place to experience the Gozitan countryside. Rich in flora and fauna and also in archaeological remains, the area is a must-visit for bird lovers as the cliffs in the area are in inhabited by the largest colony of Cory Shearwater and also by the Maltese national bird, the Blue Rock Thrush.

From Ta’ Ċenċ you can hike down to Ras in-Newwiela, a kind of promontory jutting out to sea. The place gets its name from the legend associated with the Gozo Siege of 1551, when Dragut took the whole population of Gozo as slaves, and he loaded the Gozitan families from this spot onto the galleys.

4. By the sea at Mġarr ix-Xini
Mġarr ix-Xini was in the limelight when Angelina Jolie filmed her production ‘By The Sea’ in the bay some years back. But beyond this brush with stardom, Mġarr ix-Xini is a peaceful beach thriving with marine life, making it one of the must-visit diving spots on the island. Another tower stands on guard at the mouth of the bay.

5. Xatt l-Aħmar & Mġarr Harbour
Following the path from the coastal tower of Mġarr ix-Xini, you will get to the bay of ix-Xatt l-Aħmar. This beach beneath the gaze of Fort Chambray, is another haunt for the divers who enjoy wreck diving. If you hike around the crumbly clayey shoreline, you will eventually end up in Mġarr Harbour.