Baron Gozo Blog

5 FAMILY-FRIENDLY BEACHES TO ENJOY WHEN HOLIDAYING IN GOZO

Posted on 02 August 2024

In our last blog, we wandered down less well-trodden paths to reach some of Gozo’s most secluded beaches. However, if you seek accessibility rather than adventure and prefer smooth roads over rough terrain, here are five family-friendly beaches you must visit when in Gozo.

1. Ramla Bay

Ramla Bay

Ramla Bay, ir-Ramla l-Ħamra in Maltese, takes the top spot for a number of reasons. Boasting a stretch of soft, reddish sands, sand dunes and Tamarisk trees on its fringes, Gozo’s largest beach is cradled in a fertile valley on the island’s northern coast. The bay is overlooked by Mixta Cave, whose popularity rocketed with the advent of social media, and Calypso Cave, which is believed to be the cave referenced in Homer’s The Odyssey. Ramla has flown the prestigious Blue Flag for the past years, and is not only sought after for its natural beauty and clear waters. Ice-cream vans, restaurants, and toilets are some of the amenities that make this bay the ideal spot where to spend the day with the family. A wooden walkway makes the bay even more attractive to beachgoers for whom accessibility is very important. It seems that Ramla Bay is not only popular with locals and tourists but also with reptiles, with a number of loggerhead turtles nesting here practically every year.

2. Xwejni Bay

Xwejni Bay at Sunset. Photo: Baron Holiday Homes

Pebbles and rocks characterise this beach, which is found on the periphery of the seaside village of Marsalforn. Early risers will be pleased to know that stunning sunrises can be enjoyed from here, as the sun slowly peeks from behind the peculiar-looking outcrop called il-Qolla l-Bajda and bathes the beach and the nearby salt pans in golden hues. The harvesting of salt from these natural pans takes place weekly between mid-May and the beginning of September, so with some luck (and determination not to sleep in) you will witness salt farmers carrying out this laborious task when visiting the island of Gozo. Besides its natural allure, Xwejni Bay offers beachgoers convenience in the form of toilets, easy parking and two kiosks selling snacks and drinks. A favourite with both swimmers and snorkellers, Xwejni Bay received the Beach of Quality award in 2024, bringing it one step closer to clinching the coveted Blue Flag.

3. Marsalforn Bay

The pebbly/sandy beach at Marsalforn. Photo: Baron Holiday Homes

The seaside village of Marsalforn is very popular with locals. Many choose to spend the summer months here in their summer residence to make the most of the holiday season. The bay offers multiple swimming spots that are suited to different kinds of swimmers, from the rocky Għar Qawqla to the algae-clad Qbajjar beach and many other options in between. Families with young children tend to prefer the sandy stretch located just opposite Marsalforn’s police station, with locals referring to this particular spot as quddiem l-għassa, literally translating into ‘in front of the police station’. Showers, toilets, several restaurants and ice-cream trucks can all be found within minutes of this beach, making it one of the most convenient bathing spots on the island. One can even get to the nearest pharmacy on foot in around three minutes should a jellyfish encounter or another unfortunate incident require immediate attention. This beach enjoys most shade in the morning and remains bathed in sunshine until early evening, with umbrellas being available for rent throughout the day.

4. Inland Sea at Dwejra Bay

The Inland Sea at Dwejra. Photo: Baron Holiday Homes

On Gozo’s south-western coast one finds the magnificent Dwejra Bay. While Dwejra lost what was arguably its most defining feature—the Azure Window, in a storm in 2017, the bay’s natural beauty, manifested through interesting rock formations and clear waters, lives on. Besides being one of Gozo’s top dive sites, Dwejra Bay is a popular swimming location, as it offers both experienced swimmers and complete beginners the opportunity to enjoy a swim. The Inland Sea, a semi-circular lagoon, is more suited to the latter category of swimmers, particularly if one stays close to the pebble-strewn shore. It is recommended to wear rubber swimming shoes to make getting into and out of the water easier. This lagoon, which is sheltered by a steep cliff face on one side, is connected to the open sea through a tunnel hewn into the rock, which serves as a passageway for tourist boats and divers.

5.  Ħondoq ir-Rummien

Morning at Hondoq Bay, Gozo. Photo: Baron Holiday Homes

Ħondoq ir-Rummien is another Gozitan bay that proudly flies the Blue Flag. Located on Gozo’s south-eastern coast, Ħondoq ir-Rummien is the go-to bay when strong winds hit the island from the North. This scenic bay is likely to get two thumbs up from all family members, since older children can spend hours jumping off the rocks into the sea and younger ones can enjoy the shallow end and making sand creations. Parents are bound to also be appreciative of the amenities Ħondoq has to offer—from toilets to food kiosks and umbrella rentals. A visit to Ħondoq ir-Rummien can be one of pure relaxation or one with a hint of adventure given that kayaks, canoes and jet skis are all available for rent here. Boat rides to Comino’s Blue Lagoon also depart from Ħondoq ir-Rummien daily.

Ask Us for Help

Baron Holiday Homes offers a selection of over 90 exceptional rental properties on Gozo in Malta, including apartments, villas, and farmhouses, many featuring private pools. Booking your holiday with us is simple, with a flexible policy that requires only a low booking deposit, with the balance due 15 days before arrival.

Our guests can book with confidence thanks to our grace period and money-back guarantee. You have up to 24 hours to cancel a booking (at least two days before your arrival date) and receive a full refund without any additional fees.

With over 25 years of experience managing top-quality holiday homes in Gozo, Malta, we provide an outstanding array of extra services and activities to enhance your holiday experience.

Posted in Activity, Beach, Family, Fun, Summer, Things to do