- Beach
- Red to orange sand, shelving gently
- Location
- In the north near Xagħra and Nadur
- Crowds
- High in summer and at weekends
- View
- From the caves above the bay
The beach at a glance
Ramla Bay in the north of Gozo is the island's largest sand beach. Its name Ramla il-Ħamra means roughly red sandy beach, and the colour is striking: the sand is red to orange, more copper in the morning, strong orange in the afternoon, almost terracotta at sunset. The water shelves gently and is usually calm, and behind the beach lies a green valley of terraced fields.
Visit Gozo describes the bay as a Natura 2000 protected site with a rare dune habitat. Roman remains and traces from the time of the Knights are said to lie beneath the sand. So the place is not just a beach but also nature reserve. Stay on the paths and do not trample the dunes.
What is on site
According to Visit Gozo a few cafés and a small stall sit set back behind the beach, so the beach itself is not built up. Travel sites also mention lifeguards with flags in season, showers, toilets and loungers and parasols to rent. Prices and opening hours change, so ask at the entrance. In summer expect queues at the kiosk.
Stay nearby
Xagħra and Nadur are close to beach and temples.
You see the live price and availability with the provider. Many offers can be cancelled for free – check this in the offer itself.
When is it quietest?
The bay is nicest in the shoulder months of May, June, September and October: the water is warm, the sun less fierce and crowds smaller. In July and August and at weekends it gets full because Maltese also come over to swim. By time of day, early morning is quietest; from late afternoon the rows thin again and the light on the sand is especially beautiful.
Getting there and parking
By car it is, according to travel sites, a good ten minutes from Victoria and about fifteen from Mġarr ferry harbour. Parking is possible along the road, and a private lot costs about 2 euros a day according to reports. In high summer both fill early.
Without a car, regular buses run from Victoria to the bay. Timetables change, so check them with the operator; more on the page Gozo without a car. The last bus in the evening is a common stumbling block, so plan your way back.
Calypso's Cave and the cave above
Above the bay lies Calypso's Cave, said to be the place from Homer's Odyssey where the nymph Calypso held the hero Odysseus. The cave itself is small and not spectacular. The reason to climb up is the view over the bay and valley.
If you look around in the rock above, you find further caves from which the view opens like a window; the photo above shows such an outlook. The path is inconspicuous and stony, you need sturdy shoes and should keep away from edges. It gets dark early in the evening, so come back in good time.
With children and dogs
For children Ramla Bay is the most comfortable beach on the island because the water shelves gently and the sand is soft. Watch the flags and never leave children unsupervised. Dogs are often unwelcome on busy beaches or allowed only at off-peak times; check beforehand because rules can change.
Combining well
The Ġgantija temples are in Xagħra very close by and fit as a morning programme, followed by a swim. If you stay in Xagħra or Nadur, beach, temples and village are close. More on the other bays in our overview of Gozo beaches, and a possible order in the 3-day plan.
- Come early or after 4 pm
- A parasol or hat, shade is scarce
- Water and snacks, kiosks have queues
- Heed flags and lifeguards
- Stay on the paths, the dunes are protected
Updated: 4 October 2026. Prices, times and rules change, please check with the operator.
Sources: Visit Gozo: Ramla Bay
