Fungus Rock: Gozo's Sentinel of History and Nature

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Discover Fungus Rock in Gozo: a historic islet, once guarded for its 'fungus,' now a haven for divers and nature lovers.

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Fungus Rock

Fungus Rock, or Il-Ġebla tal-Ġeneral, is a 60-meter-high limestone islet at the entrance to Dwejra Bay in Gozo. Once prized by the Knights of St. John for a supposed medicinal fungus, it now stands as a nature reserve, offering stunning views and diving opportunities.

A brief summary to Fungus Rock

Local tips

Visit Dwejra Bay in the late afternoon for the best lighting to photograph Fungus Rock.
Bring snorkeling gear to explore the diverse marine life in the waters around Fungus Rock.
Check out the nearby Dwejra Tower for a bird's-eye view of Fungus Rock and the surrounding coastline.

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Getting There

Walking

From the main parking area in Dwejra Bay , Fungus Rock is visible just off the shoreline to the left. Walk along the rocky coast towards the rock for a closer view. The path is uneven, so wear sturdy shoes.
Public Transport

Take bus 311 or 312 from Victoria, Gozo, to San Lawrenz. From the bus stop in San Lawrenz, walk towards Dwejra Bay following the signs. The walk is approximately 20 minutes. From Dwejra Bay, Fungus Rock is visible from the shore. A single bus ticket costs around €2 [APPROXIMATE COST].

Discover more about Fungus Rock

Fungus Rock, known locally as Il-Ġebla tal-Ġeneral (The General's Rock), is a striking natural landmark on Gozo's west coast. This 60-meter-high limestone islet marks the entrance to Dwejra Bay, a site of geological and historical significance. The rock's origins trace back thousands of years, with its unique form resulting from the collapse of a natural arch, leaving a solitary pillar.During the Knights of St. John's rule, the rock gained fame for a parasitic plant, Cynomorium coccineum, mistakenly called a fungus, that grew on its summit. This plant was highly valued for its supposed medicinal properties, believed to cure ailments from dysentery to erectile dysfunction. The Knights guarded it zealously; unauthorized access risked three years as an oarsman in their galleys. Grand Master Pinto even ordered the rock's sides smoothed to prevent climbing and installed a cable car for authorized access.Today, Fungus Rock is a protected nature reserve. While access to the islet is restricted, the surrounding area offers much to explore. Divers can discover underwater caves, swim-throughs, and diverse marine life, including groupers, tuna, and barracudas. The islet is also home to a unique subspecies of the Maltese wall lizard, Podarcis filfolensis generalensis, distinguished by its reddish belly and bluish flanks. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Fungus Rock and the Gozitan coastline from Dwejra Bay, especially stunning at sunset.