Xewkija City
Gozo village dominated by large Rotunda church
On Gozo's plain the Øewkija Rotunda dominates the skyline with one of Europe's largest unsupported domes. Visitors study its architecture, wander windmill- dotted fields and sample farmhouse cheese while taking in broad views across the island.
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#
Xewkija Bucket List#
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.
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.
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.
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.
December - February
9 to 15°C (48 to 59°F)
Mild, breezy winters on Gozo with some rain; peaceful village life, easy access to stone churches and coastal walks without summer crowds.
March - May
15 to 23°C (59 to 73°F)
Warm, fragrant springs highlight wildflowers and blue skies-perfect for exploring inland cliffs, farmland paths, and small cafés before peak season.
June - August
24 to 31°C (75 to 88°F)
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.
January
January is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain.
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 99 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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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#
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
