Xerri's Grotto: A Subterranean Secret

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Unearth Gozo's hidden gem: a family-owned grotto with stunning formations and a unique WWII history, discovered by chance under a Xagħra home.

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Xerri's Grotto

Discovered in 1924 by Anthony Xerri while digging a well, Xerri's Grotto is a fascinating underground cave in Xagħra, Gozo, adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. Family-led tours reveal the cave's history, unique rock formations, and its use as a WWII air raid shelter.

A brief summary to Xerri's Grotto

reet, gozo Xagħra XRA1621, Xaghra, MT
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Monday 10 am-5 pm
Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes as the steps down to the grotto are steep and can be slippery.
The spiral staircase is narrow and may not be suitable for visitors with limited mobility or vertigo.
Bring a light jacket, as the temperature inside the grotto is cooler than outside.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Ġgantija Temples or Ta' Kola Windmill.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From the Mġarr Ferry Terminal, take bus 322 or 307 towards Xagħra. Get off at the Xagħra bus stop. Walk straight down the street towards the center of Xagħra. Turn left onto Triq il-Knisja. Xerri's Grotto will be on your right. A single bus ticket costs around €2.
Walking

From the Xagħra town square, walk northwest on Triq il-Knisja. Continue for approximately 300 meters. Xerri's Grotto will be located on your right, marked with signs. The walk is short and easy.
Taxi/Ride-Sharing

From the Mġarr Ferry Terminal, a taxi or ride-sharing service (like Bolt) to Xerri's Grotto will cost approximately €10-€12 and take around 11 minutes. Taxis are readily available at the ferry terminal.

Discover more about Xerri's Grotto

Xerri's Grotto, nestled beneath a family home in Xagħra, Gozo, offers a glimpse into a hidden world. In 1924, Anthony Xerri unearthed this remarkable cave while digging a well. Instead of water, he found a network of chambers filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.The Xerri family transformed the discovery into a unique attraction. Descend via a narrow, 10-meter spiral staircase carved into the original well shaft to enter the grotto. The cave is illuminated, showcasing the beautiful calcified formations, some resembling animals like tortoises, giraffes, and elephants' ears.During World War II, the grotto served as a shelter for the family and neighbors during air raids, adding another layer to its history. Today, family members conduct tours, sharing stories about the cave's formation, its features, and its role in their family's past. The tour covers a circular path of about 30 meters, with guides pointing out the unique rock formations. The cave maintains a constant temperature of around 19 degrees Celsius, providing a cool escape during Gozo's hot summers.