Xlendi: bay with a promenade in the south-west

Character

Small bay with promenade and restaurants

Water

Ladders, rock platforms and a small beach stretch

Active

Diving, kayak, cliff paths to Xlendi Tower

Catch

The way out of the bay is uphill

The place in short

Xlendi lies in the south-west of the island in a narrow bay between limestone cliffs. Once a quiet fishing harbour, it is now a popular small resort. A promenade with cafés and restaurants runs along the water, and the valley behind the town leads inland. Compared with Marsalforn, Xlendi feels calmer and more compact, especially in the evening.

Swimming and water

There is no large sand beach. There is a small beach stretch at the end of the bay and rock platforms along the promenade. Several ladders lead straight into the water, and a pontoon floats in the bay that you can swim to. The water is clear, the bay sheltered, and according to travel sites shallow areas suit snorkelling and pedalos.

If you prefer being on the water, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and follow the cliffs. There are also rental boats and private outings. Prices and availability change by season. More on the island's other bays in our Gozo beaches overview.

You see the live price and availability with the provider. Many offers can be cancelled for free – check this in the offer itself.

Diving in Xlendi

Xlendi is one of the known dive areas on Gozo and, according to travel sites, also suitable for beginners. A simple site is described with a tunnel cave of around 70 metres and a reef full of marine life. Experienced divers find further sites nearby. More on courses and sites on the page diving on Gozo.

Walking and hiking

Paths lead along the cliffs from Xlendi. Popular is the walk to Xlendi Tower, a watchtower from 1650 that opens the view across bay and cliffs. Other paths lead to small caves such as Caroline's Cave, reached by steps on the cliff. Travel sites also mention the way towards the Sanap Cliffs along the Munxar-Xlendi Heritage Trail as an out-and-back hike. More on the page hiking on Gozo.

Sunset is a programme in itself here: the bay opens to the west and the cliffs turn orange. Allow some time and wear sturdy shoes.

Eating

Several places sit by the water with fish, pasta and pizza. Fresh fish varies by season; tips on the cuisine are at food and restaurants. In summer a reservation by the water pays off, especially at weekends. Travel sites also mention a village festa in September with an illuminated church and fireworks; exact dates change.

Who does Xlendi suit?

Couples and anyone looking for a bay and calm. It works with children too, the sheltered bay is calm, but the beach is small and the terrain steep. Without a car Xlendi is reachable by bus; more at Gozo without a car. Dwejra and Ta' Pinu basilica are nearby, so Xlendi is also a good base for the west.

The catch

The bay lies low. If you stay in a house up the slope you have to walk back up, which gets tedious with shopping or children. When booking, check how far the accommodation is from the water and how many steps lie in between. In high summer the bay is busy in the evening and hot with little shade by day; noise from the promenade comes with the location.

Updated: 4 October 2026. Prices, times and rules change, please check with the operator.