Xaghra Parish Church
Discovering the Splendor of Xaghra Parish Church
Ninu's Cave: A Glimpse into Gozo's Subterranean Wonders
Explore the captivating beauty of Ninu's Cave in Gozo, a family-owned subterranean wonder featuring stunning stalactites and a personal touch.
Ninu's Cave, discovered in 1888 in Xagħra, Gozo, offers a fascinating peek into the island's geological history. Descend into this family-owned cave to witness stunning stalactites and stalagmites formed over millennia, and hear the story of its accidental discovery.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Ninu's Cave
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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
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Getting There
Public Transport
From Victoria (Rabat), take bus line 307 or 322 to Xagħra. Get off at the Ġgantija or Imqades bus stop, which are a short walk from Ninu's Cave. From the Xagħra bus terminus, walk left onto Triq Jannar. The cave will be on the right side of the street, marked by a small sign. Bus fares are around €2.50 for a daytime ticket.
Walking
Ninu's Cave is located a short walk from Xagħra's main square. From the square, head north on Triq Jannar. Continue along Triq Jannar; the cave will be on your right. Look for the small sign indicating the entrance to Ninu's Cave.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Gozo. A taxi ride from the Mġarr ferry terminal to Xagħra will cost approximately €22. From Xagħra city center, a 5km ride costs about €22.
Driving
From Victoria, follow signs towards Xagħra. Once in Xagħra, follow the signs for Ġgantija Temples. Ninu's Cave is located on Triq Jannar, close to the temples. Street parking is available, but space may be limited. Parking is generally free in public car parks managed by Transport Malta.
Local tips
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Combine your visit to Ninu's Cave with a trip to the nearby Ġgantija Temples and Xerri's Grotto for a comprehensive exploration of Xagħra's attractions.
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Ring the bell at the house next door to alert the owner for a tour of the cave.
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Consider offering a donation to support the upkeep of this unique family-run historical site.
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Wear comfortable shoes as the cave floor can be uneven.
Discover more about Ninu's Cave
Ninu's Cave is a remarkable natural site located in Xagħra, Gozo. This unique cave was discovered in 1888 by Joseph Rapa while digging a well beneath his private residence. The discovery revealed a hidden chamber adorned with a plethora of stalactites and stalagmites, captivating visitors with their intricate formations.The cave is formed within upper coralline limestone, showcasing nature's artistry through years of mineral deposits. As you descend the 4-meter spiral staircase, you'll enter a chamber approximately 20 meters by 8 meters, illuminated by electric lights to highlight the cave's features. While some soda straws have been broken off, many of the formations remain dry, displaying the same color as the surrounding rock, with a few exhibiting a semi-transparent quality.Today, Ninu's Cave remains under the care of Joseph Rapa's descendants, who share the cave's story and its geological significance with visitors. Before entering the cave, you'll pass through a small exhibition room in the family home, complete with a nativity crib depicting Jesus, Mary, and Joseph within the cave setting. This personal touch adds to the charm of the experience, making it a memorable stop for those exploring Gozo's rich heritage.
A brief summary to Ninu's Cave
Use Ninu's Cave as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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