Xlendi Tower
Historic 17th-century watchtower on Gozo's coast, offering breathtaking sea views and a glimpse into Malta's past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for photos
Xlendi Tower
Best Time
Golden hour for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 17th-century watchtower on Gozo's coast, offering breathtaking sea views and a glimpse into Malta's past.
"One of the single most wondrous views you can have of Gozo as you will see the greenery, water, and cliffs in one."
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The views at sunset are truly magical! Plan your visit accordingly.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The path can be steep and uneven. Good walking shoes are a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Coastal Views
Xlendi Bay
Sweeping vistas of Xlendi Bay, cliffs, and the open sea. Unforgettable at sunset.
Historic Coastal Watchtower
Xlendi Bay
Explore Malta's oldest free-standing coastal watchtower, built in 1650.
Sunset Spectacle
Xlendi Bay
Witness a breathtaking sunset painting the sky over the Mediterranean.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Accessibility and What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The views at sunset are truly magical! Plan your visit accordingly.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The path can be steep and uneven. Good walking shoes are a must.
☀️ Be Sun & Wind Ready
Little shade available; bring sunscreen and a hat. It can get windy!
📅 Check Interior Access
Interior access is limited. Look for open days or special events.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The views at sunset are truly magical! Plan your visit accordingly.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The path can be steep and uneven. Good walking shoes are a must.
☀️ Be Sun & Wind Ready
Little shade available; bring sunscreen and a hat. It can get windy!
📅 Check Interior Access
Interior access is limited. Look for open days or special events.
🚶♀️ Explore the Cliffs
Hike the surrounding cliffs for even more stunning panoramas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Xlendi Tower's breathtaking coastal views and historical significance, especially during sunset. While interior access can be limited, the well-preserved structure and surrounding hiking trails offer a rewarding experience. Some note the lack of shade and facilities, advising preparedness for sun and wind.
"Great short walk from Xlendi Bay. Sensible footwear recommended but for the daft and adventurous flip flops, sliders and Crocs on speed mode is doable.Spectacular views of the imposing cliffs opposite the tower and the salt pans can be accessed via a path next to the watch tower."
Aaron Spiller
"I did a midday walk here from across the little bridge and absolutely loved the nature and easy walk ability. The tower is a wonderful work of art and I'm glad it's still in excellent condition. This is one of the single most wondrous views you can have of Gozo as you will see the greenery, water, and cliffs in one."
Danielle Ondrasek
"Great spot to watch the sunset. It took us around 30 mins to walk here from Willows Penthouse following the walking route Google Maps suggested (all down hill with some very picturesque streets!). There were quite a few restaurants near by and there was a bus back up the hill every hour, so it was easy on the legs to get to the apartment again."
Terrie McWillliams
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Xlendi Tower is located on the southwestern coast of Gozo. You can reach it by car, parking nearby, or by taking a scenic walk from Xlendi village. Public buses also serve Xlendi, with a stop within walking distance of the tower.
The tower is perched on a promontory and accessed via a well-defined, though sometimes steep and uneven, path from Xlendi village. It's generally manageable for most visitors, but comfortable footwear is recommended.
Yes, hiking trails connect Xlendi Tower to other scenic spots on Gozo, such as Sanap Cliffs. These walks offer incredible coastal scenery.
Xlendi Bay is well-connected by public transport. Buses run regularly from Victoria and other major towns on Gozo, making it easy to reach without a car.
There is parking available in Xlendi village, which is a short walk from the tower. During peak season, parking can be limited.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The exterior of Xlendi Tower is generally accessible without a ticket. However, interior access is often restricted and may require tickets or be part of special open days.
The tower's exterior is accessible at all times. Interior access is limited and varies; it's best to check for specific open days or events.
Visiting the exterior of Xlendi Tower is free. If there are special open days for interior access, there might be a small fee or donation requested.
Interior access to Xlendi Tower is not always guaranteed as it's often locked. Look out for 'open weekend' events or inquire about special arrangements for guided tours.
Late afternoon leading up to sunset offers the most dramatic lighting for photography. The golden hour casts a beautiful glow on the tower and the bay.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The area around the tower offers fantastic vantage points. Capture the tower against the sea, the dramatic cliffs, and the bay itself. Sunset is particularly photogenic.
Absolutely! The tower provides breathtaking panoramic views of Xlendi Bay, the rugged coastline, and the Mediterranean Sea. It's a highlight for many visitors.
Expect dramatic coastal landscapes, including cliffs, the azure sea, and the historic tower itself. The natural beauty is a major draw for photographers.
While drone usage regulations can vary, the open coastal location offers potential for stunning aerial shots of the tower and bay. Always check local drone laws before flying.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, provides the most beautiful light. Sunset is particularly popular for its dramatic colors.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
You can admire the historic architecture, enjoy the stunning coastal views, take photos, and hike the surrounding cliffs. It's a great spot for a leisurely walk.
No, there are no on-site facilities such as restrooms or cafes at Xlendi Tower itself. You'll find these amenities in Xlendi village.
Yes, a visit to Xlendi Tower can be as short as 30 minutes to an hour, especially if you're just admiring the exterior and views. Longer if you plan to hike.
Built in 1650, it's the oldest free-standing coastal watchtower on Gozo, part of a defensive network against pirates. It was restored by Din l-Art Ħelwa.
While Xlendi Bay itself is popular for swimming and snorkeling, the immediate area around the tower on the rocky promontory is not ideal for swimming.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more complete family outing, combine your visit with time at Xlendi Bay, which is known for its calmer waters suitable for swimming and paddling. The nearby restaurants offer kid-friendly options. The surrounding cliffs also provide opportunities for short, easy hikes that offer great photo opportunities for the whole family.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
To keep costs down, pack your own picnic lunch and drinks to enjoy with a view. Instead of relying on taxis, utilize Gozo's efficient and affordable public bus system to reach Xlendi Bay. Many of the restaurants in Xlendi village offer reasonably priced meals, especially if you opt for local specialties away from the prime waterfront spots.
📸 Photographers & Instagrammers
Experiment with different angles and compositions. The surrounding cliffs offer elevated viewpoints, perfect for sweeping landscape shots. Don't miss the opportunity to photograph the tower during sunset, a truly magical experience that's highly shareable on social media.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History: The Xlendi Tower's Past
After falling into disrepair, the tower was thankfully preserved through the efforts of Din l-Art Ħelwa, a Maltese heritage trust. This restoration ensures that visitors today can appreciate its historical significance and architectural integrity. While the exterior is well-maintained, interior access is often limited, making any opportunity to explore inside a special experience. Informational plaques often provide further insights into its storied past, connecting visitors to the island's maritime heritage.
Today, Xlendi Tower is more than just a historical relic; it's a vantage point for breathtaking scenery and a symbol of Gozo's resilience. Its strategic location, offering sweeping views over Xlendi Bay and the open sea, makes it a popular spot for sightseeing, photography, and understanding the island's historical defense strategies.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Xlendi Tower
Beyond the sunset, explore different angles to capture the tower's imposing presence against the vast Mediterranean. The surrounding cliffs offer elevated perspectives, allowing you to frame the tower within the broader coastal scenery. Don't forget to look for details: the texture of the limestone, the waves crashing against the rocks, and the distant horizon. The area is also ideal for capturing landscape photography, showcasing the raw beauty of Gozo's coastline.
While the tower itself is a focal point, remember to also capture the vibrant life of Xlendi Bay below, with its colorful fishing boats and waterfront restaurants. The contrast between the ancient tower and the lively bay can make for compelling compositions. Be prepared for wind, which can add a dynamic element to your shots, especially when capturing the sea spray.
Exploring the Surroundings: Hiking and Activities
Adventurous visitors can continue their hike along the coast, potentially reaching other notable landmarks like the Sanap Cliffs or exploring the Kantra Valley. The terrain can be rugged in places, so sturdy footwear is essential. The sense of remoteness and the stunning vistas make these hikes incredibly rewarding.
While the tower itself is a historical site, the surrounding bay of Xlendi is known for its clear waters, making it a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling. Kayaking and boat trips are also available, offering a different perspective of the coastline and the tower from the water. After a day of exploring, the numerous restaurants and cafes in Xlendi village provide a perfect place to relax and enjoy fresh seafood.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit