Xewkija Travel Guide
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.
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
All Attractions ›
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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.
Best Time to Visit Xewkija #
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 #
Xewkija on Gozo is easy to walk around - the village centre is compact and dominated by the Rotunda. Inter-island buses and local Gozo services connect Xewkija to Victoria (Rabat) and other villages; taxis and rental cars provide extra flexibility. Bus fares on Gozo are inexpensive; schedules can be less frequent than on Malta, so check timetables, especially on Sundays and public holidays.
Where to Stay in Xewkija #
- Gozo guesthouses (various) - Xewkija itself has limited small guesthouses.
- VisitGozo accommodation listings - Comprehensive list of budget options.
- Ta' Cenc Hotel (south Gozo) - Comfortable, quiet island hotel.
- Xlendi/Calypso area hotels - Good mid-range seaside options nearby.
- 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.
