Mġarr ix-Xini, Protected bay along the Mediterranean Sea in Gozo, Malta
Mġarr ix-Xini is a sheltered bay along the Mediterranean coast of Gozo featuring high cliffs that plunge into clear waters. The inlet narrows toward the shore, where a pebble beach sits at the base of the rocky walls.
The bay served as a harbor during the period of the Knights of St John and was fortified with a defensive tower in the 1660s. This structure was built as part of coastal defense efforts across the Mediterranean islands.
The bay became known worldwide after appearing in a major film production, drawing visitors interested in movie locations. The dramatic cliffs and sheltered waters have made it a destination where locals and travelers gather to experience the landscape.
Access comes through narrow roads from nearby villages, with limited parking at the top where you must walk down steep paths to the shore. Wear sturdy shoes as the descent is rocky and can be slippery when wet.
A sunken ferry rests on the seabed as an artificial reef, attracting divers who explore the underwater wreck. The vessel has become home to various marine creatures that have colonized the structure over time.
GPS coordinates: 36.01970,14.27180
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:04
Malta contains numerous historical sites and natural landscapes away from the main tourist areas. The islands hold prehistoric temple complexes such as Skorba and Ta' Ħaġrat near Mġarr, Roman remains including the Roman Villa at Żejtun and ancient bath sites, and Ghar Dalam, a cave with Ice Age fossil deposits. The geological diversity appears at locations like Il-Maqluba, a natural sinkhole crater, and the Blue Grotto near Żurrieq, while coastal fortifications such as Mistra Battery and the Red Tower document the island's defensive heritage. Religious sites mark the rural areas, including the Chapel of Santa Marija Tal-Virtu in Rabat and the chapels of Qrendi. The Buskett Gardens and San Anton Gardens provide green spaces with historical significance, while Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park protects coastal habitats. Archaeological complexes like Tas-Silġ show layers of Phoenician, Roman and Byzantine settlement. The Victoria Lines near Rabat, an 18th-century defensive wall, and Fort Binġemma demonstrate military architecture from different periods. Gozo adds locations such as Mgarr ix-Xini, a sheltered inlet, and Il-Qolla l-Bajda Battery.
Ġgantija
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Xagħra Stone Circle
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Rotunda of Xewkija
1.9 km
Fort Chambray
1.9 km
Gourgion Tower
1.4 km
St. Cecilia Chapel
1 km
Mġarr ix-Xini Tower
369 m
Ta' Kenuna Tower
2.1 km
Garzes Tower
2.5 km
Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, Nadur
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Our Lady of Loreto Parish Church
1.7 km
Santa Cecilia Tower
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Church of St Margaret, Sannat
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Tat-Tmien Kantunieri Windmill
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Ta’ Cenc Dolmen
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Our Lady of Lourdes Church
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Mġarr North Lighthouse
2.8 km
Mġarr Main Lighthouse
2.2 km
Church of St. Anthony the Abbot
3 km
Xagħra Stone Circle headless seated figurine with hands on thighs
3 km
Headless seated figurine crossed hands
3 km
Seated figurine, with incised lines for hands on stomach
3 km
Twin-seated figurine
3 km
Red terracotta headless seated figurine, hands on thighs
3 km
Xagħra Stone Circle seated figurine with hands on stomach
3 km
Seated figurine looking up with left hand on thigh
3 km
Seated figurine leaning forward with hands on stomach
3 km
Xagħra Circle standing figurine
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