Things To Do
in Xagħra
Xagħra is a charming village located on the island of Gozo in Malta. It is known for its historical sites, including the Ġgantija temples, which are some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world. The village has a laid-back atmosphere with narrow streets, traditional houses, and beautiful views of the countryside and the sea.
Xagħra is a popular destination for tourists seeking a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.
- "Kif inti?" - How are you?
- "Grazzi" - Thank you
- "Jiena mghandni" - I don't understand
- "Fejn hu?" - Where is it?
- "Tajjeb" - Good
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the Ġgantija Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These ancient megalithic structures will give you insight into Malta's prehistoric culture.
Have lunch at a local café and then head to the Xagħra Stone Circle. This site offers a peaceful atmosphere and a glimpse into Malta's archaeological history.
Enjoy a traditional Maltese dinner at a nearby restaurant, savoring local ingredients. Afterward, take a relaxing stroll through the village and soak in the evening ambiance.
Visit the beautiful Ramla Bay for a morning swim or sunbathe on its golden sands. The stunning coastal views are perfect for a relaxing start.
Head back to Xagħra for a hearty lunch and then visit the nearby Calypso Cave. The cave offers breathtaking views of Ramla Bay.
End your day with a sunset at the beach, capturing the picturesque scenery. Return to Xagħra for a casual dinner and enjoy some local wines.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical heritage, including ancient temples and medieval architecture.
- Beautiful Mediterranean climate, ideal for outdoor activities and tourism.
- Quaint village atmosphere with friendly locals and a strong sense of community.
- Proximity to stunning beaches and coastal attractions.
- Variety of local restaurants and cafes offering traditional Maltese cuisine.
- Limited public transportation options, which can make getting around challenging.
- Can be crowded with tourists during peak season, affecting the local experience.
- Higher cost of living compared to other regions in Malta.
- Infrastructure may struggle to keep up with tourism demands.
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors.
Best Activities in Xagħra
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the ancient Ġgantija Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which are among the world's oldest free-standing structures, dating back to around 3600-3200 BC.
Enjoy a scenic hike around Dwejra Bay, where you can see the iconic Azure Window (when it existed), stunning cliffs, and beautiful coastal views.
Relax at Ramla Bay, famous for its red sandy beach, shallow waters, and the surrounding countryside, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking.
Visit the 18th-century Xagħra Windmill, take in the views, and learn about the history and mechanics of this traditional Maltese structure.
Rent a bicycle and explore the beautiful landscapes of Gozo, including charming villages, countryside paths, and coastal views.
Discover the underwater world around Gozo with scuba diving or snorkeling activities, offering visibility of stunning marine life and shipwrecks.
Explore the ancient salt pans of Xwejni, where traditional salt extraction methods are still in practice, with beautiful views of the coastline.
Enjoy authentic Maltese cuisine at outdoor trattorias in Xagħra, where you can savor local dishes while soaking up the sun.
Tours
Uncover the best of Xagħra with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Xagħra
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and perfect spots for sunset photography.
A beautiful church with impressive architecture and surrounding landscapes, ideal for both interior and exterior photography.
A traditional windmill that provides a unique backdrop for photos, located on a hill giving expansive views of the area.
Famed for its mythological history, this cave also offers spectacular views of Ramla Bay and sunset views.
Renowned for its red sandy beach, it provides beautiful landscape photography opportunities, especially during sunrise.
A UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient ruins surrounded by lush greenery, offering unique shots of historical significance.
A vibrant local square filled with cafes and local life, perfect for street photography and capturing the essence of the village.
Food in Xagħra
Xagħra Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A beloved Maltese specialty, Fenek is a mouthwatering rabbit stew slow-cooked with wine, garlic, and herbs, creating a rich and savory dish. To experience an authentic version, head to Ta' Vestru restaurant in Xagħra.
Must-Try!
This hearty stew features tender octopus simmered with tomatoes, olives, and capers, resulting in a delightful blend of flavors. Visitors can savor a delicious rendition at Restaurant Rikardu in Xagħra.
These savory pastries, typically filled with ricotta cheese or mushy peas, are a staple of Maltese street food. For an authentic taste, visit the local pastizzerias in Xagħra, such as Maxokk Bakery.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Xagħra better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Every Sunday, Xagħra hosts a vibrant market in the village square, offering a delightful assortment of local produce, fresh bread, artisanal cheeses, and sweet pastries. Visitors can also sample traditional street food such as qassatat (savoury pastries) and imqaret (date pastries).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Xagħra has a rich cultural heritage, so it’s important to respect local traditions. This includes participating in local festivals, attending Mass at the heritage church, or enjoying community events with an open heart and willingness to learn.
When visiting religious sites such as churches or chapels in Xagħra, dress modestly. This means avoiding overly revealing clothing and being mindful of local standards of attire to show respect for the community's values.
In Xagħra, it is customary to greet people politely. A simple 'Bongu' (Good Morning) or 'Bongu Lejl' (Good Evening) goes a long way. Using these local phrases demonstrates respect for the local language and culture.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Xagħra with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Xagħra
Ensure a smooth experience
In Xagħra, Malta, tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory. It is customary to leave a tip in restaurants, typically rounding up the bill or adding 5-10% for good service. In bars, leaving small change or rounding up the total is common. For taxi services, it is polite to round up the fare as well.
Payment methods in Xagħra include cash and credit/debit cards. While most establishments accept cards, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors or local markets. PayPal and other mobile payment methods are also becoming more popular, especially among younger generations.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Xagħra.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring, from March to May, is one of the best times to visit Xagħra. The weather is pleasantly warm with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). The landscape is lush and blooming, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring historical sites. Expect fewer tourists compared to the summer months.
Summer, from June to August, is hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). This is the peak tourist season, offering vibrant local festivals, lively beach scenes, and a bustling atmosphere. However, it can be crowded, so early booking for accommodations and attractions is recommended.
Autumn, from September to November, is another excellent time to visit. The temperatures are still warm, ranging from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F), but the crowds begin to thin out. It's a great time for wine tasting and enjoying local harvest festivals, along with mild weather ideal for sightseeing.
Winter, from December to February, is mild yet can be rainy, with temperatures averaging between 10°C and 15°C (50°F to 59°F). Although it's the low season for tourism, this is when travelers can experience a quieter atmosphere and potentially enjoy local traditions and holiday festivities. Some attractions may have reduced hours.
Xagħra at Night
Hiking in Xagħra
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful sandy beach located near Xagħra, surrounded by scenic hills and pathways perfect for hiking and enjoying views of the coastline.
Located just a short distance from Xagħra, Il-Qarraba offers trails with stunning views of the sea and the surrounding landscape, making it a great hiking destination.
This cave, associated with the legend of Ulysses, offers hiking paths that lead to breathtaking views over the bay and the surrounding countryside.
A beautiful inlet with hiking trails along the cliffs, providing spectacular views of the coastline and an opportunity to explore Malta's natural beauty.
Located a bit further away, the Ta' Cenc Cliffs offer rugged hiking trails with dramatic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the natural landscape of Gozo.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Xagħra through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Xagħra by plane.
The main international airport in Malta, located approximately 30 kilometers away from Xagħra, serving as the primary hub for international and domestic flights.
Located in Catania, Sicily, Italy, approximately 150 kilometers from Xagħra. This airport serves various international destinations and is a common gateway to southern Italy.
Also known as Falcone-Borsellino Airport, situated about 175 kilometers from Xagħra in Palermo, Sicily. It is another significant airport in Sicily with various international flights.
Located approximately 250 kilometers away in Brindisi, Italy, this airport handles a range of international and regional flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The primary demographic group in Xagħra, consisting of local Maltese citizens. This group includes various ages and socio-economic backgrounds.
Individuals visiting Xagħra, often attracted by its historical sites and local culture. This group varies widely in nationality and age.
Foreign nationals residing in Xagħra for work or retirement, contributing to the multicultural environment of the area.
Older adults, often from other countries, who choose to settle in Xagħra for its peaceful lifestyle and Mediterranean climate.
Young people, including both local and international students, who may be studying in nearby educational institutions.
The Soul of Xagħra
Discover the essence of Xagħra through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Xagħra, with local teams competing in various leagues.
Basketball is enjoyed by many in Xagħra, with community courts available for practice and games.
Athletics events, including running and track competitions, are common and popular among the youth in Xagħra.
With access to nearby beaches, swimming is a favored activity and sport among locals.
Beach and indoor volleyball are widely played sports, often organized during local events and festivals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Xagħra.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Maltese cuisine heavily features seafood and meat, many restaurants in Xagħra offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Dishes like ġbejna (local goat cheese) salad, Kapunata (Maltese ratatouille), and traditional ftira bread with toppings like tomatoes, olives, and capers cater to vegetarian and vegan diners.
Travelers with gluten intolerance can find gluten-free options at various eateries in Xagħra. Many restaurants offer gluten-free pasta dishes, fresh seafood, and salads, and are accommodating to dietary requests for a pleasant dining experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Xagħra with these cultural adventures.
