Yes, Gozo has no highways and that’s part of its charm and quintessential characteristics that comes with its size. But that’s not stopping us from charting the best scenic route across Gozo’s northern coast. You will see the awesome scenery of the Gozo channel, the stretch of sea that separates the islands of Gozo and Comino up to the Wied il-Mieleħ window!
Qala is home to many things including friendly bars and restaurants clustered around the church in the main square, but today we’re suggesting that you drive down to the beach of Ħondoq ir-Rummien. The limpid turquoise waters are so inviting…
Gozo being an island of hills and valleys means that touring the coast involves uphill and naturally the complementing downhill drives. In Nadur, you can visit the Isopu Tower area. If you’re in the area in the early morning you will be able to witness an amazing sunrise.
If you’re hungry along the way, tuck into something delicious and choose a ftira by a local bakery.
No doubt the beach of Daħlet Qorrot, a quaint fishermen’s cove is an awesome place to discover. Do not be dissuaded by the steep drive.
A yet steeper drive leads down to San Blas Beach. In fact in order to go down to the red, sandy and pristine beach, you’ll need to ditch the car and walk down the path.
Whilst you’re still in Nadur, you will want to take a detour and drive to Għar Mixta cave, the cave overlooking Ramla l-Ħamra.
And from here, you can drive down to Gozo’s favourite beach.
If you drive up to Xagħra you can stop to admire the view from the point known as Calypso’s Cave. Currently the cave is inaccessible, but here legend has it Calypso bewitched the mythical Ulysses.
From Xagħra, one can follow the winding road that ultimately leads to Marsalforn. Originally a fishermen’s village, Marsalforn provides different swimming zones and a plethora of restaurants serving lunches, snacks and naturally seafood.
Following the coast road, you will then come to Qbajjar, a more quiet bay, adjacent to Marsalforn and clearly marked by the Qolla s-Safra, a small hillock that has a very particular shape. The same twisted shape is found in another butte, in the same zone known as il-Qolla l-Bajda.
Then you will come to the area of the saltpans. The area is truly suggestive, and in fact many travellers to Gozo will come to the area and leave with photos along with the purchase of sea-salt itself from the unique shop that is hollowed out in the rock.
Both are gorges that are unique in their own ways. Wied il-Għasri is a ravine that can only be reached by climbing down a staircase that is hewn in the cliff side but once down at the pebbly cove, there’s no doubt that you will fall in love with this miniature and unparalleled fjord.
On the other hand, Wied il-Mielaħ presents a natural rock formation in the shape of a window, quite similar to the Azure Window.
So get going, roll down the window and get driving along Gozo’s northern coast ….. It’s a great way to spend a day!
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