Sitting comfortably in the coffee house or restaurant while the children play or bathe in the water very close by? This is not only possible in Xlendi on the island of Gozo, but with an impressive view of the bay, the rocks and the sea.

Outside the main season it is very quiet in this small village, because in addition to traditional fishing, most of the life comes from tourism. Nevertheless, Xlendi is not particularly big and usually not overcrowded. Those who prefer sitting in beach cafes and restaurants to classic loungers will get their money's worth here.

Directly at the end of the bay, only a few centimeters from the sea, there are some restaurants and even a small hotel. The bay has a sandy bottom that is very shallow, so it is easy to stay with children. The sea can be reached directly from the cafés via small stairs or ladders. Children can play and bathe in the bay, but their parents can always keep an eye on them.

For those who want it a little more spectacular, the end of the bay facing the open sea is interesting. It is very deep here and jumps from cliffs and rocks are officially allowed. The Maltese government has lifeguards in the entire bay - as on all official beaches - to be on the safe side. Due to its geographical location, the bay of Xlendi is very well protected from waves and heavy seas, but safe is safe.

Many visitors describe Xlendi as imposing. This may be because the village and the sea are surrounded by high cliffs. You can also take a boat tour through a height. This does not cost much, but is definitely recommended. By the way, divers also get their money's worth here, because there is a lot to discover underwater. Beginners can take courses at some diving schools.

Unfortunately, Xlendi has changed a lot in the last 20 years and has lost a lot of its original flair. At the moment the last remnant is still in danger, because more hotels and tourist businesses are to be built in the area of ​​the rocks on the left side of the bay. The locals are bracing themselves massively against the project, because they are of the opinion that neither nature nor the village nor more interventions and tourists would be tolerated. The last word has not yet been spoken, which is why a visit to Xlendi should be made as soon as possible as a precaution.

In terms of price, the restaurants and cafes are in the middle range. These are neither more expensive nor cheaper than in other regions of Malta. The accommodation facilities are also at a normal level, but not in the lower price segment. Occasionally there are cheap offers in the off-season, but in the summer you have to dig deep into your wallet.

In general, Xlendi is more recommended for day trips, because the village has little to offer apart from peace, relaxation, swimming, strolling and diving. The sandy beach is not that big, which may also be due to the fact that the restaurateurs have been clandestinely building it since the 1970s and only a small amount is left. Logically, when almost everyone has to use the restaurant due to a lack of space, the landlords and hoteliers earn more money. Definitely not everyone is happy with this development, but at least it has stopped.

Arrival by boat and bus

For day trips from the island of Malta, there are two ways to get there: Two ferry companies operate speedboats from the capital to Mgarr (Gozo). Alternatively, you can also use the cheaper Gozo Channel Line for 4,65 euros (return) from Cirkewwa. This also takes you to Mgarr. From there you can take the TD30 non-stop bus service to Xlendi. This costs three euros each way as a cash ticket, 1,50 euros one way with the Tallinja Card or it is even included in the Unlimited tourist cards. With the 12-trip card, two trips are debited when using the TD lines. Currently the express bus between Mgarr and Xlendi vv runs every 30 minutes. Alternative: Use a transfer connection via Rabat (Victoria) and take the opportunity to visit the imposing old town of the capital of Gozo. This is located in the immediate vicinity of the bus station (walking time: about half a minute to a minute).

For those who have never been to the island of Gozo: The bus stop is right in front of the terminal where the Channel Line docks. The Fast Ferry stops across the street (just walk across the street). With the Gozo Channel Line, pedestrians usually only pay on the return journey. Tickets for the Fast Ferries are available from Virtu Ferries and Gozo Fast Ferry on the Internet or directly at the two Fast Ferry Terminals (Valetta and Mgrarr). Reservations are possible, but not absolutely necessary. All bus tickets from Malta Public Transport are of course also valid on the island of Gozo. It should be noted in general that the TD lines (“Tallinja Direct”) on Malta and Gozo may be subject to a surcharge. The normal lines have the same fare on Gozo as on Malta.

Finally, a little tip: the access road to Xlendi is very steep. It is worthwhile to walk a few steps up, because from there you not only have a great view, but also reach the monitored area, from which you can jump from the cliffs into the sea. On the opposite side, above the entrance to the top, is a very steep staircase. This is very challenging, especially in midsummer, but you are rewarded with a wonderful view over the bay and Xlendi.