Mapping out the top sunset spots in Gozo
Gozo’s spectacular sunsets are only one of the many perks of living on this beautiful island. When on holiday in Gozo, nothing beats sitting down on a cliff’s edge and watching the sunset after a day of touring the unique island, or even better, on board a boat where the view is always unbeatable. And if you’re lucky enough to live on Gozo, there’s no better way to wind down after a long day.
Another perk of the island life is the weather – due to the mild temperatures and beautiful weather that extends into Autumn and Spring, the sunset spectacles can be enjoyed throughout most of the year.
One thing to keep in mind is that the sun rises in Qala and sets in Gharb, which means that the following locations are sure places to catch a beautiful sunset: Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs, Sannat Sunset Viewpoint, Sanap Cliffs Sunset and Falesie di Gozo and the Salt Pans in Marsalforn.
Another option is to visit the island’s highest points, such as: Ta’ Għammar Hill, Ġordan Lighthouse, Ta’ Lourdes Chapel, San Dimitri and the Citadella.
With all that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of our 12 favourite spots to watch the sunset in Gozo.
1. Xlendi
Xlendi is a great place to combine a sunset in a small bay with a glass of wine or dinner. In Xlendi there are several small restaurants directly at the bay and at the harbour that invite you to stop for a bite to eat. The sun sets almost exactly in the middle of the bay and you have a great view of the unique colour spectacle. You can get to Xlendi easily by bus or by car.
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2. Ta`Cenc Cilffs
The cliffs at Ta’ Cenc are not only impressive in the bright light of day. Along the cliff, at sunset times, you can watch the sun change colour in the sky practically every minute until it finally disappears behind the horizon. To get to the cliff walking area, you actually have to walk a bit. The best way to get there is by bus or car to Cenc. From there it is about a ten-minute walk to the cliffs. The great advantage of the cliffs is that the cliffs stretch for several kilometres along the coast, so it is very easy to find a quieter section of the cliffs if you are not lazy on foot. The cliffs are great for exploring and walking along.
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3. Sanap Cliffs
The Sanap Cliffs are 130-meter-high limestone cliffs that plunge steeply into the deep Mediterranean Sea.It is one of the highest spots along this stretch of shore. As a result, the dramatic terrain rewards you with breath-taking views of the sun lowering into the sea or just behind the far cliffs.
In addition to being a great sunset location in Gozo, it’s also remote and completely silent, apart from seagulls chirping away. There’s no light pollution in the area, so take a torch with you and stay past the sunset for some stargazing. You may get to Sanap Cliffs by following a walking trail that leads here. If you want a longer trek, you can come here from Ta’Cenc Cliffs or Xledni Cliffs following the Tower.
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4. Dwejra
Dwejra Bay offers two beautiful sunset spots. The famous Blue Hole not only offers a great view of the setting sun, but is also close to the former Azur Window. You.can enjoy the sunset with a view of Fungus Rock. The bus takes you to the bay, so you only have to walk a few steps. But getting there by car is no problem either, as there is a large parking lot above the bay.
Equally impressive are the sunsets from the higher points of the island, such as the cliffs in the south of the island, and the mountain peaks like Nadur and the Citadel.
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5. Citadel
From the Citadel in the heart of Gozo, in Victoria, you have a great view of the island both during the day and in the evening. It’s a great place to watch the island change from day to night life during sunset. You have to walk a few steps to get to the top of the Citadel. But the small climb is immediately rewarded with a great view and an impressive citadel. A little tip: You can walk once around the outer ring of the citadel and have a view of the whole island.
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6. Nadur
The small village of Nadur offers some beautiful spots to watch the sunset. For example the Ta’ Kenuna Tower at the western end of the village. But if you want an even better view and to be a bit more in nature, the Sopu Tower in the Ta Sopu Landfilled Park is a great alternative. You are right on the cliffs and can enjoy the last rays of the day. However, you also have to walk a little for this sunset spot. From the bus or car, it takes about twenty minutes to get to the tower. But the view is well worth it. If you don’t want to walk so much, you can watch the sunset from the Calypso Cave above Ramla Bay. You can either walk up there from the beach (about 10 minutes) or drive very close to it by car and then walk the last few metres. Note, however, that the path from the beach to the cave is very steep and in the dark it is not a good idea to take this route.
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7. Ramla Bay
You may see the sunset from Ramla Bay in two ways: directly from the bay while lounging on the sand, or from Tal-Mixta Cave, which overlooks the bay. If you visit the bay in the autumn, spring, or winter, you will almost certainly have the entire beach to yourself. If you go up to the cave, breath-taking sunset views may be seen through the cave’s broad gap, overlooking Ramla Bay’s brilliant red sandy beach and an endless Mediterranean horizon.
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8. Qbajjar, Marsalforn
The Saltpans on Gozo’s northerly coast, just up from Marsalforn, are a captivating landmark and critical resource, sustaining a traditional trade and expertise while gathering one of Gozo’s most significant natural raw resources – salt.Google Pin:
Google pin: https://goo.gl/maps/pRFUpvzcepPwsYAm8
9. Ta Gurdan Lighthouse
Ta Gurdan Lighthouse, a Gozitan landmark, stands 161 meters above sea level and overlooks the little hamlet of l-Ghasri. This lighthouse is positioned on top of a hill and provides an excellent view of the entire island. On bright days, you might even be able to see Sicily! It’s not difficult to get there; it’s part of the settlement of Ghasri, which is about a 20-minute walk from Ta’Pinu Sanctuary. A paved upsloping route from “Triq il-Fanal” leads directly to it. The hike up to the lighthouse is rather steep, but it is a beautiful stroll with spectacular views.
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10. Ta’ Ghammar Hill
Ta’ Ghammar Hill is a hill is a part of the village of Ghasri, a few hundred meters away from Ta’ Pinu shrine. There’s an path opposite Ta’ Pinu that leads you to the top of the hill. The route up is marked by stations of the cross. A vantage point on the climb up gives a glimpse of the shrine below as well as a wonderful panorma of the island of Gozo. During the golden hour, the view is simply magnificent. Once you reach the top of the hill, you will also find an ancient stone amphitheatre, magically lit. To get to the summit, park the car in the vast church parking lot and ascend the Way of the Cross path.
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11. Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel
This chapel is dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes and is located on a cliff overlooking Mgarr Harbour. From the ferry terrace, it’s one of the first things you’ll see welcoming you to Gozo.There is a little square and open area outside the chapel. The views of the Gozo Channel, the island of Malta, and the greenery at Fort Chambray and the surrounding areas are excellent from here.
The chapel is easily accessible by foot or car from the port or the village of Gajnsielem.
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12. Mgarr ix-Xini
A trail goes to the tower of Marr ix-Xini from the bottom of the bay on the left side. It’s a lovely walk, and aside from the trip to the tower, you’ll appreciate the spectacular views over the canal from this vantage point. At sunset, the sky transforms into a wonderful piece of art, and the entire bay glows golden.
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