Dwejra, which belongs to the village of San Lawrenz on Gozo, has two spectacular, natural sights. The once world-famous Azure Window no longer exists, because it collapsed on March 8, 2017 during a storm.

Even the drive to Dwejra offers a spectacular view of the landscape and due to the narrow, steep road you definitely need strong nerves. It feels as if the buses are dashing down as if they were go-karts. Nothing has ever happened that clearly indicates that the bus drivers at Malta Public Transport are driving their vehicles safely.

Dwejra is the terminus of bus route 311, which regularly goes to this place from Rabat (Victoria). So you don't need a rental car or tourist tours to get to the Inland Sea or the Blue Hole. Both natural attractions are free and freely accessible. But what can you expect?

Inland Sea: Connected to the sea by a cave

The Inland Sea is not a lake, but a small piece of the Mediterranean that is only connected to the sea via a cave. You can theoretically swim through this or spontaneously book a passage with a boat on site for a single-digit euro amount. Of course you can also swim in the Inland Sea and that is well protected from currents and waves, but that has a catch.

At the Inland Sea there is no sandy beach, but gravel and many stones of all sizes. That means that strolling is not really comfortable and getting in and out without water shoes is a bit tedious, as it can be slippery and on top of that it is a bit of balancing on stones, rocks and scree. It also quickly gets very deep. But this is exactly what diving is all about, because there is a lot to see underwater in the Inland Sea and the cave is also very popular.

Rarely, but now and then: sometimes dolphins protect themselves from bad weather in heavy seas in the cave and in the Inland Sea. This does not happen very often, but when it is, it is a highlight for all observers.

Traditionally, the Inland Sea was and is a starting point for fishermen. However, most of the boathouses have meanwhile been transformed into holiday homes for wealthy Maltese. It is very prestigious to have a mini-house here for the weekend. So you meet a lot of locals and many are happy to tell the tourists their knowledge about the Inland Sea, the former Azure Window and the Blue Hole. You can get food and drinks in a restaurant directly at the exit to the Inland Sea - the view is great. Alternatively, there is a kind of bistro right by the water, in which traditional dishes are served from the grill. The latter is mainly frequented by the locals. The Inland Sea is also a frequent location for movies. For example, some scenes from the Wickie Movies or even a horror film were shot here.

Blue Hole - Unique location for divers

The Blue Hole is one of the most famous natural attractions in the Republic of Malta. It can be found within walking distance of the Inland Sea and is particularly popular with divers. At first glance, it is a lake separated from the Mediterranean by rocks, which is also very deep.

However, it is not a freshwater lake, but, to put it simply, a very deep hole that is only connected to the Mediterranean Sea at a depth of seven meters. The diameter of the Blue Hole is about ten meters and the depth about 15 meters. It is particularly spectacular for divers, because you can experience unique formations underwater. It is also possible - from seven meters - to dive into the Mediterranean.

The Blue Hole is completely freely accessible and of course you can swim in it as a non-diver or just snorkel. Many divers say that the Blue Hole is said to be one of the most spectacular dive sites in the world. In any case, one should note that the special geological constellation means that it can be treacherous in heavy seas. It can therefore be useful to briefly ask the locals about the current status in nearby Dwejra by the Inland Sea, where you can also have your oxygen bottles filled and rent or buy equipment if necessary.

If you just want to see the Blue Hole, the best view is to go left at the chapel over the rocks to the end. From there you can look straight down and then the name becomes clear. A deep hole that appears bright blue. Caution: do not slip and be particularly careful in strong winds. There is no protection or railing here.

Arrival on your own much cheaper than through agencies

There is actually no ideal time of year to visit the Blue Hole and / or Inland Sea. You can always come and marvel at these phenomena. In the warm season you can also swim here, although it was pointed out at the beginning that there are no sandy beaches. During the main season it was traditionally always very crowded here, because the tourist tour buses stop here. Numerous tour operators also offer excursions, which is why there can be a lot going on. Outside the main season it is much quieter. One should keep in mind that the Inland Sea and the Blue Hole are also very popular with the locals. These come mainly on the weekends.

Finally, a recommendation: trips to the Inland Sea or the Blue Hole are often very expensive. Save yourself the money, because for 4,65 euros (return) plus 3 euros (low season) or 4 euros (high season) you can get here with the Gozo Chanel Line and the bus. It's even cheaper with the Tallinja Card. From Valletta the Fast Ferry to Mgarr can be used, but this is significantly more expensive than the ferry from Cirkewwa. Neither for the Inland Sea nor for the Blue Hole you have to pay even a cent entry. Showers and toilet facilities are also free of charge.

By the way: the seaside resort of Xlendi, the is presented in this special. Some beautiful sandy beaches on Malta, Gozo and Comino presented Aviation.Direct here. Aviation enthusiasts should definitely make a stop on their way to Xlendi or the Inland Sea / Blue Hole drop in at the Gozo Heliport.