Local Guide: Xagħra & Gozo

Xagħra offers a blend of history, nature, and community that’s perfect for digital nomads. Nestled on a high plateau in Gozo’s northeast, this vibrant village places you close to beautiful beaches, ancient sites, and local cultural experiences. The tone here is friendly and creative, with a tight-knit community vibe that makes newcomers feel at home.

Key Attractions & Experiences in Xagħra

Ramla Bay’s golden-red sands are a hallmark of Xagħra’s coastal beauty. Ramla Bay is Gozo’s largest sandy beach, famous for its distinctive reddish sand and clear water. This coastal gem is just one of Xagħra’s many attractions, which range from prehistoric temples to underground caves. Xagħra’s rich heritage and natural scenery ensure there’s always something to explore, whether you’re into history, adventure, or simply enjoying the Mediterranean views.

Some key highlights include:

• Ġgantija Temples (UNESCO World Heritage)
  A Neolithic temple complex dating to ~3600 BC, making it one of the oldest free-standing structures in the world. These megalithic temples predate the Egyptian pyramids and offer a fascinating glimpse into Malta’s prehistoric past. The site includes an interpretive center, and nearby stands Ta’ Kola Windmill, an 18th-century windmill restored into a folklore museum.
  
• Xerri’s Grotto & Ninu’s Cave
  Two small stalactite caverns hidden beneath private houses in Xagħra. Tours lead you down into these caves to marvel at fantastical formations of stalagmites and stalactites formed by eons of water filtration. It’s a surreal experience literally under the village streets.
  
• Calypso’s Cave
  A cave overlooking Ramla Bay, steeped in mythology. According to legend, this was the abode of the nymph Calypso from Homer’s Odyssey. While the cave itself is modest, the panoramic view of Ramla’s red-sand beach below is stunning – especially at sunset. It’s a short hike from the village and a favorite spot for photos.
  
• Xagħra Parish Church & Victory Square
  Xagħra’s main square (Victory Square) is the social heart of the community, lined with cafés and bars that come alive each evening. Overlooking the square is the grand Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady. Every 8th of September, Xagħra celebrates its village fest* with fireworks, band marches, and feasts, coinciding with Malta’s Victory Day. It’s a vibrant display of local culture and a must-see if you’re here in late summer.

Outdoor Adventures

Xagħra’s surroundings provide plenty of activities. Ramla Bay, beyond sunbathing, offers swimming and snorkeling in clear waters (look for fish around the rocky edges). The countryside features walking trails through the Ramla Valley and along cliffs toward Marsalforn or Nādur. For a unique experience, try horseback riding with Lino’s Stables, based in Xagħra, which offers horseback and carriage tours through Gozo’s scenic routes – an enjoyable way to explore the island’s rural landscapes.

Local Food & Farm Experiences

Just outside Xagħra is Ta’ Mena Estate, Gozo’s first agri-tourism farm. Here you can taste local wine, olive oil, and produce and even join farm-to-table experiences. Ta’ Mena offers tours (seasonal) where guests can stroll vineyards and orchards and sample Gozitan delicacies like sun-dried tomatoes, ġbejna cheese, and liqueurs. It’s a wonderful spot to connect with Gozo’s agricultural traditions (and to stock up on organic jams and wines for your pantry!)


Restaurants, Cafés & Local Cuisine

Xagħra may be historic, but it’s far from sleepy – especially when it comes to food. The village has a bustling dining scene centered on its main piazza and charming side streets. You’ll find everything from traditional Gozitan cuisine to Italian eateries and quirky cafés.


Here are some recommendations to tickle your taste buds:

• Victory Square Dining
  The atmospheric square in Xagħra is lined with restaurants where you can dine al fresco under twinkling lights. Popular spots include Latini Restaurant and Al Sale, both offering Mediterranean menus with fresh local ingredients. Seafood pasta, risotto, and locally sourced rabbit stew are common specialties. Eating in the square is also a social experience; you’ll be surrounded by the buzz of locals and visitors enjoying the evening.
  
• Cafés & Breakfast
  Start your day at Cafe Reale, known for its fresh-baked pastries, cakes, and superb coffee. It’s a cozy morning hangout right on the square, perfect for people-watching as the village wakes up. For a quick snack or traditional pastizzi (flaky ricotta or pea pastries), check out local bakeries in the area. Another favorite is Coronation Bistro Bar, a vintage-style café where you can sip a cappuccino or a fresh-squeezed orange juice on the terrace.
  
• Traditional Gozitan Fare:
  Xagħra is a great place to try authentic Gozitan and Maltese dishes. Many restaurants in the village serve ftira, a kind of local pizza-like flatbread topped with potatoes, olives, and tomatoes. Don’t miss tasting ġbejna (Gozo’s famous sheep cheese) – often served marinated or peppered as part of antipasti. For a casual bite, local band clubs or snack bars sometimes offer homemade rabbit stew and widow’s soup (a vegetable soup with ġbejna). Oleander Restaurant, for example, is known for its Gozitan menu and cozy vibe in the square.
  
• Sweet Treats & Gelato:
  If you have a sweet tooth, Xagħra won’t disappoint. Try the artisanal Gozo honey and carob syrup sold in village shops – or head to a café for Imqaret (date fritters) and a scoop of gelato. Cafe Reale’s desserts (like their Cassata or seasonal fruit tarts) are highly praised. Also, look out for street vendors selling helwa tat-Tork (sweet tahini fudge) and candied nuts during festivals.
  
• Farm Dining:
  For a special outing, you can visit Ta’ Mena Estate’s winery (mentioned above) which also has a shop and occasionally hosts wine tasting lunches. Here you can pair local wines with platters of cured meats, cheeses, and sun-dried tomatoes – a true taste of Gozo’s terroir. Additionally, the estate and other nearby farms sell their products, a great way to bring home edible souvenirs like caper spread or prickly pear liqueur.
  

Whether you’re grabbing a quick espresso or enjoying a leisurely dinner with new friends, Xagħra’s food scene is welcoming and laid-back. Vegetarians and vegans will find options too (most places are accommodating), and the prices in Gozo are generally wallet-friendly compared to mainland Europe. Don’t hesitate to chat with the restaurant owners – the warmth of Gozitan hospitality is very much alive here.

Transportation & Getting Around:

Getting around Gozo and Xagħra is relatively easy, thanks to the island’s small size (14 km x 7 km) and improving infrastructure. Here are the main transportation options and tips:

Public Buses:

Gozo’s public transport is affordable and connects all major villages. Xagħra is well-served by bus **Route 307**, which runs to the capital Victoria (Rabat) in about 10–15 minutes. From Victoria’s bus terminus, you can transfer to routes covering the rest of Gozo. Another useful route is **322**, which links Xagħra to the seaside town of Marsalforn and onwards to other northern villages. Buses usually run hourly (more frequently in summer). It’s worth getting a Tallinja Card (Malta’s transit card) for discounted fares if you’ll use buses often. While buses are reliable, note that on Sundays or late nights service is limited.

Taxis & Ride-Hailing

Taxis are readily available on Gozo, and you can also use ride-hailing apps like Bolt or eCabs for convenient point-to-point transport. The island’s distances are short, so fares are usually reasonable. Many locals also operate private cab services you can book via phone. Taxis don’t use meters on Gozo (fares are fixed by zone), so confirm the price before starting a journey.

Car & Scooter Rentals:

For maximum freedom, you might consider renting a car or scooter. Driving in Gozo is on the left side of the road (British style). The roads are generally quiet, and you can traverse the entire island in 20 minutes by car. Multiple rental agencies operate from Mgarr Harbour and Victoria, offering small cars or scooters ideal for Gozo’s narrow streets.

Parking in Xagħra:

The main square has free parking areas, and it’s usually possible to find street parking except during big events. A car is handy for reaching remote spots on your own schedule – just be prepared for some winding country roads and the occasional herd of goats crossing!

Cycling & Walking:

If you enjoy cycling, Gozo can be rewarding to explore on bike, though be ready for hills. Some local outfits rent bicycles and e-bikes, and there are scenic routes like the Gozo Coastal Walk/Cycleway that loops the island. From Xagħra you can bike to Victoria or to beaches like Ramla and Marsalforn fairly easily. Walking is also a great way to soak in the scenery – you can hike from Xagħra through the valley to Ramla Bay or across to Nadur and Calypso’s Cave. Always carry water and sun protection, especially in summer.

Ferries to Mainland Malta:

To explore beyond Gozo, you’ll use the ferries at Mġarr Harbour (a 15-minute drive or bus ride from Xagħra). The main Gozo Channel ferry runs 24/7 between Gozo and Ċirkewwa (Malta), with a crossing of about 25 minutes. You can take a car on it or go as a foot passenger (no need to pre-book as a walk-on). The ferry is frequent (typically every 30 minutes in daytime). There’s also a fast ferry service from Mġarr to Valletta that takes around 40 minutes – great for day trips to Malta’s capital. Tip: Sit on the deck for a beautiful view of Comino island and the Mediterranean during the crossing.

Local travel advice:

Because Xagħra is central, nothing in Gozo is very far. Many digital nomads in Gozo choose to get around by a mix of bus for daily routines and rentals for weekend adventures. The island’s relaxed pace extends to its transport – don’t be surprised if bus drivers chat with passengers or if locals offer you directions (or a lift) if you look lost. Embrace the slower rhythm, and you’ll find getting around is part of the Gozo experience.

Nearby Destinations: Victoria, Comino & More:

One perk of basing yourself in Xagħra is the easy access to Gozo’s other gems – from neighboring towns to idyllic islands. A short trip can take you to completely different settings, whether it’s a medieval citadel or a blue lagoon.

Here are a few nearby destinations worth exploring during your downtime:

The Blue Lagoon at Comino island is a slice of paradise just off Gozo’s coast. The Blue Lagoon on Comino – Gozo’s tiny sister island – is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters. Regular boat tours and ferries connect Gozo to Comino, making it easy to spend a day swimming and snorkeling in this stunning natural pool. Comino is largely uninhabited (only a handful of residents), so the Blue Lagoon can get busy with day-trippers in summer, but its beauty is undeniable. Visiting in off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) lets you enjoy the translucent water with fewer crowds. You can catch a ferry to Comino from Mġarr Harbour or join one of the boat excursions that often include stops at sea caves. Don’t forget your snorkel gear – the water visibility is amazing, and you’ll spot fish darting around the rocks.

Victoria (Rabat):

Only a 10-minute drive or bus ride away, Gozo’s capital city Victoria – known locally as Ir-Rabat – is a must-visit for culture and conveniences. This vibrant town blends old and new. At its heart is the historic Cittadella (Citadel), a fortified hilltop city that offers panoramic views of Gozo’s hills and church domes. Wander the Citadel’s lanes to find the old Cathedral, museums, and bastion walls you can climb for breathtaking vistas (camera essential!). Below the Citadel, Victoria’s winding streets are filled with shops, bakeries, and the bustling It-Tokk market square. Here you’ll find daily stalls selling fresh produce, Gozitan cheese, and souvenirs. Victoria is also handy for practical needs – it has supermarkets, pharmacies, gear shops, and even a small shopping mall at Arkadia. In the evenings, check out Villa Rundle Gardens or catch a local band performance in the square. With its mix of history, shopping, and nightlife, Victoria is essentially Gozo’s “mini-city” and a hub for the island’s expat and local communities alike.

Marsalforn & the North Coast:

Just over the hill to the north of Xagħra lies Marsalforn, Gozo’s classic little beach town. In summer this seaside village comes alive with swimmers by day and diners by night. Marsalforn Bay is lined with a promenade of cafés, gelaterias, and seafood restaurants, making it great for an evening stroll and dinner by the water. Try places like Ristorante Lantern or Arzella for fresh fish and a seaview. From Marsalforn, it’s easy to reach the Xwejni Salt Pans, an iconic stretch of coast where locals have harvested sea salt for centuries, leaving a patchwork of pools on the flat rocks. It’s a scenic spot about 10 minutes drive from Xagħra (or a lovely 30-minute coastal walk from Marsalforn). You can often buy sea salt or honey from family stalls by the road there. 

Marsalforn is also a dive center of Gozo; if you’re a diver or interested in trying, several dive schools operate here, taking you to sites like Reqqa Point and the underwater statue of Christ in the bay. By day, Marsalforn is relaxed and sunny; by night, you might find live music at a bar or even a summer village festa fireworks show in the distance.

Of course, Gozo has many other charming villages (Nadur, Għarb, Qala, etc.), each with their own festivals and sights. But the above are some of the closest and most relevant to Xagħra-based nomads. With long summer days, you’ll have plenty of time to venture out and discover Gozo’s diverse scenery – from Dwejra’s dramatic cliffs in the west to Comino’s Blue Lagoon just off its shore. Every corner of this island and its surroundings has something unique to offer.

Wellness, Fitness & Creative Spaces

Maintaining a healthy and creative lifestyle is easy in Gozo, which offers a wealth of wellness activities and artistic inspiration. The Dar Għawdex Golden Valley ethos is about balanced living, so you’ll find plenty of options to stay fit, unwind, and get creative in and around Xagħra:

Yoga & Mindfulness:

Many expats are delighted by Gozo’s wellness scene. Dar Ghawdex will offer yoga and meditation classes, perfect for relaxation and stress relief. There are also independent instructors who run pop-up yoga classes outdoors. Whether it’s Vinyasa under olive trees or a calming meditation in a centuries-old farmhouse, Gozo’s serene environment lends itself to wellness.

Creative & Artistic Spaces:

Gozo has long been a haven for artists, and Gozo Golden Valley aims to contribute to that creative vibe. The island offers pottery classes, photography walks, and craft workshops (like Gozitan lace-making or painting), often advertised through community hubs. The village of Għarb has a craft village and studios where you can watch glass-blowing and pottery; you can even take a class to make your own souvenirs. Engaging with these creative outlets is a fantastic way to tap into Gozo’s artistic heritage. Plus, if you’re musically inclined, you’ll find open-mic nights and possibly jam sessions – Xagħra’s bars sometimes host live music where anyone can join in. Overall, the emphasis here is on community creativity, whether it’s a plein-air painting group or a digital design meetup, the island encourages you to express yourself.

Expat & Nomad Community:

Despite its size, Gozo has a warm and active digital nomad community. This is a place where you can quickly get to know fellow remote workers and locals alike.

Gozo Golden Valley itself fosters a community spirit – expect communal dinners, brainstorming sessions, or group outings organized among residents. Beyond that, there are social groups like Gozo Digital Nomads where people arrange weekly meetups, from Friday pub nights to weekend hikes. These meetups are fantastic for networking, sharing tips, or just socializing after work. You’ll also find events tailored to foreigners: language exchange meetups (to practice some Maltese or Italian), entrepreneurial workshops, and sometimes volunteering opportunities (like beach clean-ups) which are great ways to connect. The Gozitan people are very welcoming – don’t be surprised if your local grocer strikes up a conversation or if you’re invited to a village feast by neighbors. By engaging with community events, you’ll feel integrated in no time. The island’s expat scene is diverse, including not just nomads but long-term foreign residents and returnee Gozitans, creating an enriching mix of perspectives.

Practical Amenities:

Working remotely in Xagħra comes with the comfort of nearby amenities. The village has small grocery stores, ATMs, and stationery/print shops (handy if you need printing or supplies for work). Larger supermarkets and electronics stores are in Victoria (10 minutes away). Gozo’s healthcare is reliable too – there’s a modern hospital in Victoria and pharmacies in most towns, including one in Xagħra, so any medical or prescription needs are covered. Safety-wise, Gozo is extremely safe with low crime; you can work in peace and even take calls outdoors without concern.

Gozo provides an excellent work-life balance setup. You can be coding or designing with a view of the sea, join a quick brainstorming chat, and then head out for a swim or gallery opening – all in the same day. Xagħra, with its friendly community and strategic location, exemplifies this balance. Dar Għawdex Golden Valley and the surrounding network of nomads create a supportive environment where you can be productive and inspired. The island’s motto could well be “connectivity meets community,” and as a digital nomad here you truly get the best of both worlds: a tranquil, creative atmosphere and the infrastructure to get your work done efficiently.

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*This local guide was created to capture the essence of Xagħra and Gozo as of 2025, blending current practical information with the vibrant, community-focused spirit that Dar Għawdex Golden Valley embodies. We hope it helps you make the most of your stay in this little island paradise.

**Sources: Xagħra tourism info; Gozo travel guides; Digital Nomad handbook; Jet2 Holidays (Lino’s Stables); DestiNet (Ta’ Mena Estate); Wikimedia Commons (images).