Mġarr ix-Xini Tower

What makes it special

The tower sits on Ras il-Hobz, the promontory at the very entrance to the inlet, in the Għajnsielem area of Gozo. Directly across the narrow mouth is the rock of Ras il-Fessej, now a popular dive site.

The Knights built it to guard the bay, as part of a chain of towers that gave them a 360-degree view of the surrounding waters. That view of the sea is what you still get here, with the landscape behind it.

Look at the way in. The single door sits up a flight of steps.

On the walk in, the fjord-like water, the tower and distant mainland Malta come into sight together. The cove below was a location for the film By the Sea.

Visiting

You reach the tower from the bay or by the coastal path from the road above. The bay route starts on the beach at Mġarr ix-Xini, where a recently renovated path climbs to the tower.

The longer route starts in Xewkija. Walk through the village streets, turn down Triq il-Misraħ from Triq tal-Kanal, then keep to the coastal path to the tower before you drop to the bay.

Whichever way you come, finish on the beach below for a swim.

Tips

Wear sturdy shoes for the path and carry plenty of water, especially in summer. Pack sunscreen and a hat too.

For the longer walk in from Xewkija, pick a cooler month. The Gozo walking season starts after the first autumn rains bring the countryside back to life, and the mild winters keep the path walkable right through to spring.