Off the coast of Marsalforn lies Għar Qawqla, a natural limestone formation that was once a sea arch and collapsed over time. Together with the bay and harbour, it reveals two sides of the town: its coastal landscape and its maritime history. When planning your stay, you can decide whether to focus more on the bay, walking routes or Marsalforn’s historic landmarks.

Bay, Coast and Harbour

Marsalforn Bay includes a sandy beach with small pebbles. A promenade runs behind the beach and around the inner part of the bay. The shore and promenade offer different ways to enjoy the area: you can spend time on the beach or explore the bay on foot. Shore conditions can change, so check them before swimming. Families with young children favour the sandy bathing area near Il-Menqa.

Diving is another local activity, and Marsalforn has several dive centres. The area along Għar Qawqla Street is used for diver training; this use may change. If you are using this area as a reference when planning, check the latest information before your visit.

Walks and Routes

Paths lead from the promenade in Marsalforn towards Qbajjar. A walk from Marsalforn to Ramla starts at the bay, passes through the village of ix-Xagħra and ends at Ramla Bay. The paths lead towards Qbajjar; the walk to Ramla ends at Ramla Bay. Local conditions along this route may change, so take that into account when planning.

There are other ways to enjoy the views on foot: a walk through Marsalforn Valley offers views, as does the climb up Merżuq Hill. The Marsalforn Valley walk goes through the valley, while Merżuq Hill is reached by climbing uphill. On Tas-Salvatur Hill, the climb leads to a statue; the path can be steep and uneven in places. Take this terrain into account when deciding which walk suits your plans.

Church, Harbour and History

Marsalforn’s church is dedicated to the Shipwreck of Saint Paul. The original church was built in the 14th century; the current church was consecrated on 12 September 1939. On Tas-Salvatur Hill, a stone statue depicting Jesus with a large wooden cross replaced an earlier wooden cross in 1904.

Marsalforn’s role as a harbour is also part of the town’s history: before Mġarr Harbour gained prominence, Marsalforn was an important harbour on Gozo’s northern coast. Colourfully painted luzzu fishing boats can still be seen in the harbour, particularly in the Menqa area. For anyone interested in the town’s maritime side, they offer a tangible connection to the local fishing tradition, alongside the coastal landscape.

The surrounding area has other historical and craft-related landmarks. Qbajjar Battery was built between 1715 and 1716. The salt pans at Xwejni are still in use. These places add two other themes to the picture of Marsalforn: the history of a battery and a salt-making tradition that continues to this day.

Getting There and Choosing Accommodation

Marsalforn can be reached by car or public transport. If travelling by public transport, it is worth checking the timetable for your travel day. This allows you to choose Marsalforn as a destination without grouping individual outings into a fixed route.

Discover more destinations: Santa Venera, Xagħra, Għarb, Xemxija, Gozo, Xewkija, Naxxar, Qormi.

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