Xlendi

Malta, Malta

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Xlendi is a picturesque seaside village and sheltered bay on the southwest coast of Gozo, Malta’s quieter sister island, known for its crystal-clear turquoise water, dramatic limestone cliffs, and relaxed atmosphere. The name “Xlendi” comes from a Byzantine ship called “Shilandi” that sank near the bay, and the area has ancient history including Roman and Punic tombs found in the cliffs and valley. Perched above the bay is the historic Xlendi Tower, built in 1650 by the Knights of St. John to protect against pirate attacks, which still stands today and is being restored. The bay itself is narrow and calm with mostly pebbles now (it once had sand), flat rocks on both sides perfect for diving into deep water, and excellent visibility for snorkeling where you can spot octopus, sea urchins, and Mediterranean fish. Xlendi is hugely popular with tourists, especially in summer when the population swells from a few hundred to thousands, and it features many waterfront restaurants serving fresh local seafood like lampuki (dolphinfish) and grilled octopus. It’s also a major diving center with sites like Xlendi Cave and Xlendi Reef nearby, and the coastal path toward Wardija Point offers one of Gozo’s best short walks with dramatic cliff views. Each August, the village celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel with water games, a traditional gostra (climbing a pole over the sea to grab a flag), processions, music, and fireworks.