Mġarr ix-Xini Tower: A Sentinel of Gozo's Coast

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Explore Gozo's Mġarr ix-Xini Tower: a historic watchtower offering stunning views and a glimpse into Malta's maritime past.

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Mġarr ix-Xini Tower

Mġarr ix-Xini Tower, erected in 1661 by the Knights of Malta, stands guard over the picturesque Mġarr ix-Xini Bay in Għajnsielem, Gozo. This historic watchtower, part of a network built to protect the island, offers stunning views and a glimpse into Malta's maritime past.

A brief summary to Mġarr ix-Xini Tower

278F+VPP, Mġarr ix-Xini, Ghajnsielem, 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 Mġarr ix-Xini Tower.

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best lighting for photography and to avoid crowds.
Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to hike to the tower, as the terrain can be uneven.
Bring your own snorkeling gear to explore the clear waters and vibrant marine life in Mġarr ix-Xini Bay.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Għajnsielem bus terminal or the Mġarr ferry terminal, follow the road south towards Mġarr ix-Xini Bay. The walk is approximately 1.5 kilometers and takes around 20-30 minutes, with a slight incline as you approach the tower. The path is well-marked and offers scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
Public Transport

From Victoria (Rabat), take bus 301 towards Mġarr. Alight at the Mġarr Ferry Terminal. From there, you can walk to the tower (approximately 30 minutes) or take a taxi. A single bus ticket costs €2.50.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available at the Mġarr ferry terminal. A taxi ride to Mġarr ix-Xini Tower takes approximately 15-20 minutes. The estimated fare is around €15, with a base fare of €5 and €2 per kilometer.

Discover more about Mġarr ix-Xini Tower

Perched on the cliffs overlooking the secluded Mġarr ix-Xini Bay, the Mġarr ix-Xini Tower is a testament to Gozo's rich history and strategic importance. Built in 1661 by the Order of Saint John, the tower formed part of a series of coastal defenses designed to safeguard the island from invaders, particularly the Ottoman Turks. The bay itself has a long history, having been used by Turkish raiders in 1551 to load captive Gozitans onto their ships.The tower's design, attributed to Mederico Blondel, mirrors that of the De Redin towers found on mainland Malta, featuring a square plan with two floors. However, it uniquely incorporates a flight of steps and a drawbridge leading to its entrance. Originally manned by a castellan and a bombardier, the tower could communicate with the Comino Tower and Santa Cecilja Tower. The tower has two rooms, the lower room has a ceiling of arched stone corbels, two small windows and a hatch leading to the upper or main room. A winding spiral staircase leads to the roof.Today, Mġarr ix-Xini Tower, carefully restored in 2009 by Wirt Għawdex, welcomes visitors to explore its historic structure and enjoy panoramic views of the azure Mediterranean Sea. While the tower may sometimes be closed to the public, the exterior and surrounding landscape offer ample opportunities for exploration and relaxation. The bay below, with its clear turquoise waters and soft pebbly sand, is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.