Ninu's Cave: A Glimpse into Gozo's Subterranean Past

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Discover a hidden gem in Gozo: a family-run cave with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, unearthed in 1888.

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Ninu's Cave

Discovered in 1888 by Joseph Rapa while digging a well, Ninu's Cave in Xagħra, Gozo, is a small, family-run cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Descend into this hidden gem and witness the beautiful formations while hearing stories of its discovery from the owner.

A brief summary to Ninu's Cave

Triq Jannar, Xagħra, MT

Monday 3:30 pm-6:30 pm
Tuesday 3:30 pm-6:30 pm
Wednesday 3:30 pm-6:30 pm
Thursday 3:30 pm-6:30 pm
Friday 3:30 pm-6:30 pm
Saturday 3:30 pm-6:30 pm

Local tips

Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Ġgantija Temples or Xerri's Grotto for a comprehensive exploration of Xagħra.
Ring the bell at the house to alert the owner for a tour.
Donations are appreciated to support the upkeep of the cave.
Wear comfortable shoes as the cave floor can be uneven.

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Getting There

Walking

Ninu's Cave is located on Triq Jannar in Xagħra, a short walk from the Xagħra Parish Church and the main square. From the square, walk along Triq Jannar, keeping an eye out for signs indicating the cave's location. The entrance is behind number 15 January Street.
Public Transport

From Victoria (Rabat), take bus routes 307 or 322 to Xagħra. The bus stop is near the main square. From the Xagħra bus terminus, walk left onto Triq Jannar and follow the road for approximately 500 meters until you see signs for Ninu's Cave. A single journey ticket costs €2.00 during the summer (mid-June to mid-October).
Taxi

Taxis are available in Xagħra. A 5km taxi ride in Xagħra costs approximately €22. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. Ride-hailing apps can also be used.

Discover more about Ninu's Cave

Ninu's Cave, also known as Għar Ninu in Maltese, is a captivating natural wonder located in the village of Xagħra on the island of Gozo, Malta. This unique cave was discovered in 1888 by Joseph Rapa, a local resident, while he was digging a well beneath his private house. What he unearthed was a small chamber adorned with a stunning collection of stalactites and stalagmites, formed over thousands of years by rainwater filtering through the limestone rock.The cave is relatively small, measuring approximately 20 meters by 8 meters, but it is rich in geological formations. Visitors can marvel at the natural columns created by the calcification of water dripping from the cave ceiling, as well as delicate straw stalactites and rare helictites. Electric lights illuminate the cave, enhancing the beauty of the formations.Today, Ninu's Cave remains a family-run attraction, with Joseph Rapa's descendants welcoming visitors into their home to share the story of the cave's discovery. The tour begins with a walk through the family's home, leading to a small exhibition room where the history of the cave is explained. A spiral staircase then descends into the cave itself.Visiting Ninu's Cave offers a personal and intimate experience, providing a glimpse into Gozo's subterranean wonders and the legacy of a local family.