Xewkija
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Megalithic Temples of Malta
Prehistoric temple complex in Malta, UNESCO World Heritage
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Gozo
Smaller Maltese island with rural landscapes and megaliths
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Comino
Tiny Maltese island famed for the Blue Lagoon
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Cominotto
Tiny uninhabited islet with crystalline swimming spots
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Dwejra Tower
17th-century coastal watchtower overlooking Dwejra Bay
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Cittadella
Fortified medieval city dominating Gozo’s capital Victoria
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Ta' Pinu
Roman Catholic basilica on Gozo, pilgrimage site
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Saint Mary's Tower
16th-century coastal watchtower on Comino, Malta
Xewkija at a Glance
Costs: Typical daily budget: $60-90 - affordable Malta pricing; dining and transport are inexpensive.
Safety: Very safe - very safe, low crime and welcoming community on Gozo.
Best Time: Best: Apr-Oct - best weather and ferry access from Apr to Oct; quieter Nov-Mar.
Why Visit Xewkija?
On Gozo, Xewkija draws attention for its enormous Rotunda church, whose vast dome is one of the island’s most distinctive landmarks. The village square and narrow streets fill during festa celebrations, and local producers sell gbejniet (Gozitan cheeselets) and other island specialties at weekly markets. Close to rural trails and coastal viewpoints, Xewkija offers a compact glimpse of Gozo’s religious architecture, food traditions and daily life without the crowds found in larger centres.
Best Things to Do in Xewkija
Theater
Royal Opera House, Valletta
Historic Valletta opera house rebuilt as cultural venue
Building
Megalithic Temples of Malta
Prehistoric temple complex in Malta, UNESCO World Heritage
Archaeological Site
Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum
Underground Neolithic burial chamber in Malta, exceptionally preserved
Island
Gozo
Smaller Maltese island with rural landscapes and megaliths
Island
Comino
Tiny Maltese island famed for the Blue Lagoon
Island
Malta
Main Maltese island housing Valletta and historical sites
Mountains
Filfla
Small uninhabited rocky islet south of Malta
Temple
Ġgantija
Ancient megalithic temples on Gozo, extremely early structures
Xewkija Bucket List
Don't Miss
Xewkija Rotunda (St. John the Baptist) - Massive domed church dominating Gozo’s skyline and village centre.
Ramla Bay - Red-sand beach with walking trails and the nearby Calypso Cave viewpoint.
Ggantija Temples - UNESCO-listed neolithic temples on Gozo predating many other ancient structures.
Hidden Gems
Tal‑Mixta Viewpoint - Quiet viewpoint overlooking Ramla Bay, particularly popular at sunrise and sunset.
Ta’ Kenuna Tower - Radio tower platform offering sweeping eastern Gozo views and picnic-friendly lawns.
Local crafts shops - Small artisan shops selling Gozo lace, pottery and traditional handmade souvenirs.
Day Trips
Victoria (Rabat) - Gozo’s capital featuring the Citadel, museums, cafés and pedestrianised historic lanes.
Dwejra Bay - Coastal area with the Inland Sea and Fungus Rock, noted for geology and diving.
Nearby Cities #
Best Time to Visit Xewkija
Xewkija on Gozo is windier and slightly cooler than Malta’s main island. Visit spring for wildflowers and quieter sightseeing, or summer for beaches and ferry access.
Winter
Mild, breezy winters on Gozo with some rain; peaceful village life, easy access to stone churches and coastal walks without summer crowds.
Spring
Warm, fragrant springs highlight wildflowers and blue skies-perfect for exploring inland cliffs, farmland paths, and small cafés before peak season.
Summer
Hot, sunny summers mean beach days and crowded ferries; evenings stay pleasant, but inland heat and tourist numbers rise significantly.
Xewkija's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 10°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (518 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 10° - 16° | 13° | 83 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 4.0 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.8h |
| February | Very Good | 10° - 16° | 13° | 58 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 4.3 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.7h |
| March | Very Good | 10° - 17° | 13° | 38 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.1 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Excellent | 12° - 19° | 15° | 23 mm | some cloud | 83% | 4.0 m/s | 1.4 high | 13.0h |
| May | Ideal | 15° - 23° | 19° | 7 mm | some cloud | 82% | 4.0 m/s | 1.9 very high | 14.0h |
| June | Ideal | 19° - 27° | 23° | 3 mm | mostly sunny | 80% | 3.5 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 14.5h |
| July | Ideal | 21° - 30° | 25° | 0 mm | clear | 77% | 3.2 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 14.2h |
| August | Ideal | 22° - 30° | 26° | 5 mm | clear | 75% | 3.2 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 13.4h |
| September | Ideal | 21° - 28° | 24° | 39 mm | mostly sunny | 75% | 3.3 m/s | 1.4 high | 12.3h |
| October | Excellent | 18° - 24° | 21° | 81 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 3.3 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.1h |
| November | Very Good | 14° - 20° | 17° | 82 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.4 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.1h |
| December | Very Good | 12° - 17° | 14° | 99 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 4.2 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.6h |
How to Get to Xewkija
Xewkija is on Gozo island and reached via Malta International Airport (MLA) plus the Ċirkewwa-Mġarr ferry. The ferry crossing is short, then Gozo’s bus network and local taxis get you to Xewkija village.
Malta International Airport (MLA): Fly into Malta’s airport at Luqa, then continue to Gozo via road and ferry. From MLA, take a taxi or bus to Ċirkewwa (north Malta) - taxi ~45-60 minutes to the ferry terminal, buses require a change in Valletta and take longer. Expect taxi fares from the airport to Ċirkewwa around €40-60; buses to Valletta then onward to Ċirkewwa typically take ~1-1.5 hours with a standard single fare around €2 for each bus leg.
(Gozo access note) After reaching Ċirkewwa take the Gozo Channel ferry to Mġarr (Gozo) - the ferry crossing is about 20-25 minutes (foot passengers commonly pay a small round-trip fare around €4-5). From Mġarr bus stops you can reach Xewkija by Gozo bus in roughly 10-20 minutes.
Train: There is no train service in Malta or Gozo.
Bus: Gozo is served by the limited but frequent Gozo bus network from Mġarr ferry terminal; buses connect Mġarr with Xewkija, Victoria (Rabat) and other villages. On Malta mainland, use Malta Public Transport buses (Tallinja) to get to the Ċirkewwa ferry terminal, then transfer on Gozo buses after the ferry. Check the Gozo Channel and Tallinja sites for timetables.
How to Get Around Xewkija
Getting to Xewkija always involves the Ċirkewwa-Mġarr ferry plus a short Gozo bus or taxi ride. On Gozo, buses and taxis cover most needs; hire a car if you want maximum freedom to explore the island.
- Gozo Channel ferry (≈€4-5 return (foot)) - The Ċirkewwa-Mġarr ferry is the only vehicle/passenger ferry between Malta and Gozo; crossings take about 20-25 minutes and run frequently. Foot passengers pay a small round-trip fare (commonly around €4-5) and walk-on loading is straightforward; cars are also carried and pre-booking is usually unnecessary in low season.
- Gozo public bus (≈€1.50-2.00) - After arriving in Mġarr, Gozo buses connect to Xewkija and the main town, Victoria (Rabat). Services are less frequent than on Malta but cover core routes; check local timetables for exact times. Buses are cheap and useful for short hops across the island.
- Taxi / transfer (€8-20) - Taxis and shared transfers are common on Gozo, useful for direct hotel drop-offs or early/late arrivals when buses run less often. Prices are higher than buses but still reasonable for short island distances.
- Car hire (€30-70/day) - Hiring a car on Gozo gives the most flexibility for exploring remote bays and inland sites; small cars are preferable for narrow roads. Rental desks operate at Mġarr and in Victoria; check insurance and fuel policies.
- Walking - Xewkija itself is compact and walkable; many sights (including the Rotunda church) are best visited on foot. Walking between villages is possible for experienced hikers but distances and heat can be factors.
Where to Stay in Xewkija
Budget
Xewkija / central Gozo - €40-80/night
Xewkija on Gozo has a handful of small guesthouses and farm stays; budget options are simple and often family-run.
Gozo guesthouses (various) - Xewkija itself has limited small guesthouses.
VisitGozo accommodation listings - Comprehensive list of budget options.
Mid-Range
Xewkija / Xlendi area - €80-140/night
Mid-range island hotels and guesthouses provide comfortable rooms, easy access to beaches and Gozo attractions; choices spread across the island.
Ta’ Cenc Hotel (south Gozo) - Comfortable, quiet island hotel.
Xlendi/Calypso area hotels - Good mid-range seaside options nearby.
Luxury
Gozo central / Xlendi - €140+/night
True luxury properties on Gozo are limited but boutique and high-end options exist; book ahead in high season for best rooms.
Heritage & boutique properties (Gozo) - Select luxury stays on the island.
Boutique luxury (nearby locations) - Upscale choice a short drive away.
Where to Eat in Xewkija
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Xewkija’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Xewkija
Nightlife in Xewkija is very quiet outside of festa season. You’ll find family-run bars and cafés that stay open into the evening, but no concentrated club scene. Festa nights are the main time the village becomes lively after dark. For bars and live music, travel to Victoria or the more tourist-focused parts of Gozo.
Shopping in Xewkija
Shopping in Xewkija is limited to small local shops, bakeries and a few artisans. For more varied shopping, head to Victoria (Rabat) on Gozo where you’ll find markets, boutiques and larger stores. Local markets and church festa stalls are the best places to pick up traditional crafts or local produce.