Ramla Beach, also known as Ramla Bay, was our second stop on Gozo, right after Tal-Mixta Cave. Since these two places are next to each other, visiting both in one go makes perfect sense.
So, if you’re already planning your Malta itinerary and still haven’t included them, make sure you do, and I promise you won’t regret it.
Ramla Beach stands out with its unique red sand, calm turquoise water, and laid-back vibes. It’s not just the biggest beach on Gozo, it’s also one of the most beautiful. Visiting the beach is also one of the best things to do in Gozo.
We highly recommend visiting the Tal-Mixta Cave first. From there, you will have an incredible panoramic view of Ramla Bay and its surroundings.
After visiting the cave, you can hike to the beach or take a short drive.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know before visiting Ramla Bay—from how to get there and where to park to tips on avoiding the crowds and when to go for the best experience.
Key Highlights
⭐️ Best time to visit: May, June, September, October
⭐️ How to get around: rental car, scooter rental, public buses, quad bikes
⭐️ Parking: available, but in summer it may fill up quickly
⭐️ Beach type: comfortable red sandy beach, good for sunbathing and beach activities
⭐️ Swimming conditions: generally good with shallow waters, lifeguards are on duty during the summer months
⭐️ Amenities: Snack bars, sunbeds, and umbrellas available for rent during peak season
Quick Overview
The best months to visit Ramla Beach are the shoulder seasons — May, June, September, and October. There are fewer people, and the water is warm and pleasant.
You can even enjoy swimming in December when the sun shines without wind and waves.
If you’re visiting in summer and want to avoid the crowds, aim for early morning or late afternoon.
You can park for free along the road leading to the beach. If you want to park closer, there’s a private lot for 2€ per day.
The beach at Ramla Bay faces north. Therefore, it isn’t good for sunrise or sunset. But if you want to enjoy golden hour on Gozo, visit the Blue Hole.
It has clean red sand, ideal for sunbathing. The water is clear and usually calm, good for swimming. Food, drinks, public showers, and toilets are available.
Flying a drone is allowed.
Where is Ramla Beach
Ramla Beach is located on the north coast of Gozo Island. It’s about a 10-minute drive from Victoria and around 15 minutes from the Gozo ferry terminal in Mgarr.
How to get there
Ramla Bay is easily accessible, and there are a few ways to get there. Here’s a breakdown of all the options.
By car
Save the free parking lot location.
Save the paid parking lot location.
The easiest and fastest way to reach Ramla Beach is by car.
Just type “Ramla Bay” into Google Maps and follow the directions. The road is fully paved and easy to drive. Once you get close, you’ll see signs for the beach.
There’s free parking along the road leading to the beach. If you want to park even closer, there’s a private parking lot just a few meters away from the sand for 2€ per day.
We visited the beach in early December, and the free parking was completely empty. If you’re also visiting during the off-season, you don’t need to go to paid parking.
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
Scooters and quad bikes are a fun way to explore Gozo, and Ramla Beach is easily accessible by both.
You can rent a scooter in Malta and bring it over by ferry or rent one directly at the Gozo port. The road to Ramla is wide and safe for scooters.
Quad bikes are great for Gozo’s rugged terrain. 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
Taking the bus is a cheaper option, although not the fastest.
From the Gozo ferry terminal in Mgarr, take bus 322 and get off at Ir-Ramla. If you’re coming from Victoria, use the same bus line — it also stops at the beach.
The bus stop is next to the beach entrance, so you don’t need to walk far.
By foot
If you’re already visiting Tal-Mixta Cave, you can easily walk down to Ramla Beach.
The trail starts right outside the cave and leads downhill through the countryside. It takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on your pace. The views along the way are beautiful.
What to expect
Ramla Beach is one of the most unique beaches in Gozo, mostly because of its red sand. It’s wide, clean, and surrounded by green hills. No wonder it’s so popular.
If you’re into relaxing swims and soft sand, it’s a great place to spend a few hours. Unfortunately we didn’t find any cliff jumping spots.
But if you love cliff jumping, we highly recommend visiting St. Peter’s Pool or Il-Kalanka beaches on Malta.
Swimming conditions
The beach gently slopes into the sea, so it’s great for swimming, even for kids or less confident swimmers. It’s very family-friendly, and there are usually two lifeguards on duty during the day, which adds an extra layer of safety.
The water is usually calm and clear, especially in the morning, and the visibility is perfect for snorkeling near the rocks.
Even though there aren’t any corals, you can have fun while snorkeling and see many fish.
Avoid swimming when the sea is rough or the waves are high. There are occasional strong currents, and it can get dangerous. Please always check the conditions before you enter the water.
Beach atmosphere and space
There’s plenty of space to lay down your towel, and even during the busier months, you can usually find a good spot, especially if you come earlier in the day.
Right at the shoreline, there are some small pebbles, but they disappear after a few meters. If you’re not a fan of walking over pebbles, head to the right side of the beach, where the entrance is pure sand.
We visited in early December, and the conditions were surprisingly good. The beach was almost empty, the water was calm, and the temperature was around 23°C. It felt almost like a summer day, but without the crowds.
Seaweed and jellyfish
Ramla Bay is usually jellyfish-free, but they’re more common during late spring and summer, especially when the wind blows from the north. Since Ramla Beach faces north, jellyfish can occasionally get pushed to the shore.
The beach was clean during our visit, with just a little bit of seaweed along the shore. But remember this can change quickly, especially after storms or when the currents shift, so don’t be surprised if you see more seaweed on some days.
If you’re up for more adventure nearby, check out Wied il-Għasri. It’s a quiet spot between cliffs—great for a swim, quick hike, or cliff jumping.
Accessibility
Ramla Beach is stroller and wheelchair-friendly, which is uncommon in Gozo. A wooden path leads across the beach, convenient for families with small kids or anyone needing easier sand access.
Beach facilities
There are public toilets, showers, a small beach bar, changing rooms, and places to grab a snack or drink. You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas if needed, but we preferred to chill in the sand.
There is not much natural shade, so bring an umbrella if you’re planning to stay longer, especially in the summer months.
Best time to visit Ramla Beach
After visiting Ramla Beach in early December, we were surprised by the warm and calm conditions. The water was about 23°C and perfect for a dip.
Still, if you’re after that sweet spot between good weather and fewer crowds, we recommend coming in late spring or early autumn (May, June, September, or early October).
It’s warm enough to swim, but without the summer rush. If you’re visiting in July or August, arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat and find easier parking.
But if you want to sunbathe all day and you don’t mind people, come anytime.
Ramla Beach faces north, so it’s not a good spot for sunrise or sunset. The sun doesn’t set into the sea here.
Avoid visiting right after heavy rain—the red sand can turn muddy, and the water might become murky for a day or two.
Best restaurants nearby
Tal-Furnar Restaurant: A cozy local spot known for its traditional Gozitan dishes baked in a wood-fired oven. Their ftira and slow-cooked rabbit are must-tries.
Latini Restaurant, Xagħra: Located on the village square, Latini serves fresh Mediterranean cuisine with local ingredients. It has a great atmosphere, friendly service, and vegetarian options.
Al Sale Restaurant: A stylish Italian restaurant with delicious homemade pasta, seafood, and wine. A bit more upscale, perfect for a relaxed dinner after a beach day.
Best tours in Gozo
Final thoughts
We visited Ramla Bay right after exploring Tal-Mixta Cave, which turned out to be one of our favorite spots on Gozo. The red sand, peaceful vibe, and clear water stood out — it felt different from any other beach we saw in Malta.
The beach is clean, safe, and super easy to access, even with a stroller or wheelchair. We visited in early December and were surprised by how calm and warm the sea was. There were only a few people around, which made the whole experience even better.
Whether you’re coming with kids, looking for a quiet swim, or just relaxing with great views, Ramla Beach is a place you’ll want to include in your Gozo itinerary.
Let us know in the comments if our guide helped you or what your experience was like.
