Wied il-Għasri is one of the most unique places on Gozo. When we first saw this hidden gorge online, it instantly caught our attention, and we knew we had to add it to our Malta itinerary.
After being blown away by Tal-Mixta Cave and Ramla Beach, this place left us speechless once again.
It’s a narrow gorge with incredible hues of blue that stretches all the way to the sea. It’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just hanging out and enjoying the peaceful vibe. If you’re into cliff jumping, you’ll also find a few fun spots here.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know—best time to visit, entrance and parking fees, what to expect, and a few extra tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Key Highlights
⭐️ Best time to visit: early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
⭐️ Parking fee: free
⭐️ Entrance fee: free
⭐️ Best for: Cliff jumping, swimming, snorkeling
⭐️ Important information: No shade, no lifeguards, and no facilities
⭐️ Not suitable for: Strollers or wheelchairs due to the steep stairs
Quick Overview
The best months to visit Wied il-Ghasri are May, June, September, and October. It’s warm enough to swim, but not too crowded.
It gets busier during summer, so we recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon for a more peaceful experience. The beach is very small, and there are only a few places on the cliffs where you can put your towel.
There’s a small parking area near the gorge, and parking is free. From there, steep stairs lead down into the gorge.
If the parking lot near the gorge is full, you can leave your car on the road at the turnoff. Below you will find this parking lot marked on Google Maps.
There is no entrance fee, and the spot is open all day. Wied il-Ghasri is unsuitable for strollers or wheelchairs due to the stairs.
It’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping—remember there are no lifeguards or facilities, so come prepared.
There’s no natural shade, so bring a hat or umbrella if you stay longer. Flying drones is allowed.
Where is Wield il Ghasri
Wied il-Għasri is located on the northern coast of Gozo, between Zebbug and Għasri.
It’s just a short drive from popular spots like the Salt Pans and Xwejni Bay, and around 15 minutes from Victoria.
How to get there
Wied il-Għasri is easy to reach, especially if you’re traveling by car or scooter. Here are all the options:
By car
Save the parking lot location close to the canyon.
Save the more distant parking lot location.
The easiest and undoubtedly most convenient way to get to Wied il-Għasri is by car. The last few hundred meters are slightly bumpy, but still perfectly fine for a regular car.
We parked for free at a small parking lot right next to the cliff. From there, it’s a short 2-minute walk to the top of the gorge. The path is clearly visible and easy to follow. No signs, but you won’t miss it.
If this parking lot is full, you can come back and leave your car on the road right at the turnoff.
TIP: Are you looking for a reliable car rental service? We recommend DiscoverCars, which we use whenever we need a car for our trip. Don’t forget to add full coverage for the best protection.
Renting with Discover Cars gives you flexibility because you can cancel with full refunds up to 48 hours before vehicle pickup.
By scooter or quad bike
Exploring Gozo by scooter or quad bike is a great idea, and getting to the gorge this way is fun!
Quad bikes are great for Gozo’s rugged terrain, especially for the last part of the road leading to the gorge.
They’re a better choice than scooters for exploring more remote areas. You can book them online with GetYourGuide, and you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your trip, which gives you flexibility.
By bus
We wouldn’t personally recommend the bus unless you have no other option. The closest stop is “Il-Ponta” in Għasri on bus 309 from Victoria. From there, it’s about a 30-minute walk.
What to expect
Wied il-Għasri is a narrow, scenic gorge leading into the sea. The water here is crystal clear and usually calm. It’s a peaceful spot, great for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing between the cliffs.
The views from the top are stunning, especially from a drone. If you have one, don’t forget to bring it. We truly enjoyed flying around and taking breathtaking pictures.
Beach atmosphere and space
It’s not a place where you’ll find big beach towels and umbrellas. Most people come here for adventure—cliff jumping, snorkeling, or just soaking in the view like we did.
There’s not much space to sit or lie down, just a little space on the pebble beach if you want to relax or sunbathe, but it’s not possible early morning or late afternoon since the cliffs create shade.
We visited during the off-season and only saw a few people.
Cliff jumping
If you love cliff jumping like we do, this place is for you. You’ll find multiple spots at different heights.
Always check the depth before jumping, as water levels vary depending on tides and weather. Be cautious of hidden rocks.
Want to explore more cliff jumping spots on Malta? Then you should also visit St. Peter’s Pool and Il-Kalanka beaches. They are close to each other, and you can see both in one day.
Conditions and cleanliness
The water visibility is excellent on calm days, which makes it perfect for snorkeling.
When we visited the gorge, the sea wasn’t calm, and it was a bit windy. The water wasn’t crystal clear like in some photos you might see online—instead, it looked slightly murky.
But don’t let that put you off. The turquoise and deep blue shades were still stunning, with a beautiful gradient that changed as the gorge opened into the sea.
Just check our photos to see what it looked like during our visit. We always show the real deal.
Accessibility and facilities
Getting to Wied il-Għasri requires a short walk down steep stone steps carved into the cliffside. The path is unsuitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
Don’t expect any facilities. There are no restrooms, changing cabins, food stalls, or lifeguards. That’s part of the charm, but it also means you must come prepared. Bring water, snacks, and anything else you might need.
Leave no trace. This place is still very natural. Please take your trash with you, thank you!
Photography tips
The canyon is narrow and surrounded by high cliffs, making capturing its full beauty in a single shot difficult. Use panorama mode on your phone or bring a wide-angle lens if you’re using a camera.
For drone photography, avoid shooting around midday. The sun reflects off the water and canyon walls, ruining your shots with harsh light and glare.
Instead, aim for morning or afternoon, when the lighting is softer and the colors pop. If it’s cloudy, you’re lucky because colors will be perfect and you won’t get any reflection.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Wied il-Għasri is during the shoulder months — May, June, September, and October. The weather is warm, the sea is calmer, and you’ll often find this hidden gem without the crowds.
We visited in early December. Even though the wind made the sea slightly rough and the water wasn’t perfectly clear, the gorge still looked stunning with hues of turquoise and deep blue.
Time of day matters too. Early morning or late afternoon offers the most peaceful atmosphere. Most tour groups come midday, so arriving outside peak hours gives you the place almost to yourself.
The gorge faces northwest, so it’s not ideal for watching the sunrise or sunset directly. To enjoy golden hour on Gozo, visit the Blue Hole.
Avoid visiting after heavy rain or strong wind, especially in winter. The sea can get choppy, and the water may be murky.
Best restaurants nearby
Francesco’s: A small local spot known for great value and tasty homemade pasta. Casual vibe, friendly staff, and generous portions.
The View Bar & Kitchen: True to its name, this restaurant offers stunning views over the coast, especially at sunset. The menu includes Mediterranean and grill options.
Best tours in Gozo
Final thoughts
Wied il-Għasri is one of Gozo’s hidden gems. You won’t find a typical beach there, which makes it special.
The steep cliffs, crystal-clear water (on calm days), and quiet atmosphere make it a unique place to swim, snorkel, jump from the cliffs, or sit and enjoy the atmosphere.
Let us know in the comments if our guide helped you, or share your own experience
