Much of Għarb is rural, while another part lies by the sea. These two sides offer different starting points for choosing where to go: the village, with its history, and paths towards the coast. Cultural highlights include a cross in the village square, the parish church and collegiate basilica, crafts and religious art. When planning a stay, you can focus on these areas according to your interests instead of associating Gharb with just one excursion destination.

Walks between the village square and the coast

The Ta’ Ġurdan Walk begins and ends in the village square of L-Għarb. After a coastal walk, the route reaches the Wied il-Mielaħ valley. It therefore connects a clearly named starting and ending point in the village with a coastal stretch and a destination in the valley. From Għarb, St Demetrius Chapel can also be reached by a short path towards the coastal cliffs. These are two different walking options: the route that starts and ends in the village square, and the short path to the chapel. Check the conditions of each route before your visit, as they may change.

Church, cross and religious art

The Cross of the Square in Għarb dates from the 17th century and stands in the village square. The parish church and collegiate basilica was built in 1699 and consecrated in 1729. The dates refer to two separate milestones for the same building: its construction and consecration. On Ta’ Għammar Hill, there are also 14 white Carrara marble statues depicting the Stations of the Cross. Gharb is thus home to different forms of religious heritage: a single cross, a church with its building history, and a group of statues with a clearly defined subject.

Crafts and local food

Below Ta’ Dbiegi Hill in Għarb lies Ta’ Dbiegi Crafts Village, a group of workshops and craftspeople. A description of what visitors can find there, published in January 2025, mentions handmade ceramics, mouth-blown glass, leather goods, traditional baked goods, Gozo lace and silver filigree. Individual businesses and the availability of specific products may change. If you plan to visit for a particular item, check what is available beforehand. Food production is also associated with Għarb: local shepherds make Gozo cheese. The baked goods are part of the described visitor offering, while the cheese is linked to the village through the shepherds’ production.

Festa, history and tradition

During the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, Għarb’s coastal watchtowers were the first to signal the arrival of reinforcements from Sicily. This is a different historical reference from the church’s construction history: here, the focus is on a military episode and a specific signalling role. Għarb’s village festa celebrates the Visitation of Our Lady and is widely known for the Inforiata, when an elaborate carpet of flower petals covers the street. The exact dates and programme of the festa may vary; check the dates if you want to plan your trip around it. The village’s cultural heritage also includes Frenċ tal-Għarb. He was considered a faith healer who could help people recover from physical and emotional ailments. His role offers another perspective on the village’s history, distinct from its religious buildings and festa traditions.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Birkirkara, Victoria, Birżebbuġa, Ghanjsielem, St. Julians, Marsa, Żurrieq, Mgarr.

For the main travel overview: Malta.