- Character
- Lively seaside town with a promenade
- Water
- Small sand-and-pebble beach, rock platforms, dive centres
- Nearby
- Salt pans at Qbajjar, Xwejni Bay, coastal paths
- Link
- Bus to Victoria
The place
Marsalforn sits on the north coast in a wide bay, not far from Victoria. The promenade is lined with restaurants, cafés and ice-cream parlours, and in summer there is plenty going on in the evening. Of the island's seaside towns, Marsalforn is the liveliest. Travel sites recommend visiting the fish market in the morning and strolling the promenade in the evening.
Swimming and water sports
The town beach is small, sandy-pebbly, with many rock platforms for lying and swimming alongside. Popular is Għar Qawqla, a large rock area for sunbathing, swimming and snorkelling; according to travel sites a lounger and parasol there cost around 3 euros each. Marsalforn is also known for clear water and diving, with several centres offering courses and outings. Add kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, pedalos and similar. Prices change.
Stay in Marsalforn
Compare stays by location, pool and distance to the promenade.
You see the live price and availability with the provider. Many offers can be cancelled for free – check this in the offer itself.
Salt pans, Xwejni Bay and coastal paths
Nearby, at Qbajjar and Xwejni Bay, lie old salt pans with chequerboard basins where sea salt is harvested. According to travel sites you can watch the harvest from mid-May to the end of August and buy salt. The coastal paths there are short and good for early morning or evening. More on routes on the page hiking on Gozo.
On a hill above the town stands a statue of Christ (Is-Salvatur); the walk from the town centre takes about 25 minutes according to reports and rewards you with a view over the bay.
Eating
Along the promenade and in the lanes are places with fish, pasta and pizza, many with a terrace on the water. In high season a reservation for a waterside table pays off. More on the cuisine on the page food and restaurants.
Who does Marsalforn suit?
Anyone who wants to combine a beach holiday with choice in the evening, families included. If you want total quiet, Xlendi or more remote places suit better. Without a car Marsalforn is practical because promenade, beach and the bus to Victoria are close together; more at Gozo without a car.
What to check on a stay
Check the distance to the promenade and whether the street is noisy at night. In summer rooms with a sea view and houses with a pool go quickly, so book early and choose free cancellation if possible. Ask about air conditioning, which matters in high summer, and about parking if you come by car.
Updated: 4 October 2026. Prices, times and rules change, please check with the operator.
