Calypso Cave, Blue Grotto Travel Guide

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Explore the legendary cave of Calypso in Gozo, offering breathtaking views of Ramla Bay and a glimpse into Homer's Odyssey.

Calypso Cave, near Xagħra, Gozo, is believed to be the cave Homer referenced in The Odyssey, where the nymph Calypso held Odysseus captive. Though the cave is currently closed due to geological instability, the site offers stunning panoramic views of Ramla Bay, Gozo's famed red sand beach.

A brief summary to Calypso Cave

376H+7Q3, Xagħra, MT
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Calypso Cave.

Visit during sunset or sunrise for magical lighting and fewer crowds.
Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain can be rocky.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Xagħra to explore the Ġgantija Temples or enjoy local Gozitan cuisine.

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Getting There

Bus

From Victoria (Rabat), take bus 307 or 322 towards Xagħra. Get off at the Xagħra bus stop. From the Xagħra village square, follow Racecourse Street (Triq It-Tigrija) northwards. Before the road descends towards Ramla Bay, you'll find a gift shop with a stone archway on the left. Pass through the archway and across a 'karst garden'. A flight of stairs incised into the rock leads to the cave entrance and viewing platform. Bus fare is approximately €2 per journey.
Taxi/Ride-sharing

From the Mġarr Ferry Terminal, a taxi or ride-sharing service (like Bolt) to Calypso Cave costs approximately €10-12 and takes about 11 minutes. The taxi will drop you off near the gift shop on the road to Ramla Bay, from where you can walk to the cave entrance.
Walking

For a more challenging but rewarding approach, walk from Ramla Bay Beach. A small path hidden on the western cliff overlooking the bay leads up to Calypso Cave. The walk is steep and takes approximately 30 minutes.

Discover more about Calypso Cave

Calypso Cave, or L-Għar ta' Calisso in Maltese, is a natural cave located on the western side of Ramla Bay, near Xagħra on the island of Gozo. The cave is traditionally identified as the one Homer mentioned in *The Odyssey*, where the nymph Calypso kept Odysseus as a "prisoner of love" for seven years. According to the legend, Calypso promised Odysseus immortality if he stayed, but he longed to return to his wife, Penelope, and eventually escaped with the help of the gods. Gozo is believed to be the mythical island of Ogygia in this tale.While the cave itself is not currently open to the public due to safety concerns related to geological movement, the area remains accessible, and visitors can still enjoy the panoramic views from the viewing platform. The cave overlooks Ramla l-Ħamra, Gozo's largest and most popular beach, known for its unique reddish-orange sand. From the viewpoint, one can also see the remains of the Marsalforn Tower, a fortification built by the Knights of Malta in the early 18th century to defend against seaward attacks.Tal-Mixta Cave, located on the eastern side of Ramla Bay, is considered an alternative to Calypso Cave, offering equally stunning views of the bay.