Sandy beach · Gozo · Nadur

Ramla Bay

Il-Bajja ta' Ramla l-Ħamra

Ramla Bay is Gozo's finest beach — a 600-metre sweep of distinctive reddish-orange sand unique to this bay, sheltered by the valley of Ramla and backed by lush vegetation. It is consistently rated among the best beaches in the Maltese Islands.

Quick Facts

Type
Sandy beach (red-orange sand)
Length
approx. 600 m
Access
Easy by car; ferry + bus from Malta
Lifeguard
Yes (summer season)
Facilities
Beach beds, kiosk, toilets, parking
Nearest town
Xagħra (2.5 km), Nadur (3 km)
Island
Gozo

What makes Ramla Bay special?

Ramla Bay's most striking feature is its orange-red sand — the colour comes from iron-rich clay deposits in the surrounding valley and is unique to this beach. The bay is broad and well-protected, with gentle waves and a sandy bottom extending well into the sea. At the back of the beach, sand dunes and reeds give way to a small stream valley, adding greenery unusual for a Maltese beach.

Getting to Ramla Bay

From Malta, take the Gozo ferry from Ċirkewwa to Mġarr (25 minutes), then bus route 322 towards Xagħra, alighting in the valley above the beach (15-minute descent), or take a taxi from Mġarr (approximately 20 minutes). By car, follow signs from the Xagħra roundabout. The beach has a car park adjacent. Nadur and Xagħra are the nearest towns with services.

History at Ramla Bay

Below the dunes at Ramla Bay lie the remains of a Roman villa, discovered in the 19th century and visible during low sand periods after storms. The Calypso Cave, the legendary cave of Homer's Odyssey, is carved into the headland above the bay's western edge — a short walk from the beach car park.

Facilities

Lifeguard (seasonal)Sun beds & umbrellasBeach kioskPublic toiletsCar parking

Best for

  • families
  • swimming
  • Gozo visitors
  • orange-sand photography

Avoid if

  • arriving by public transport from Malta (long journey)
  • avoiding afternoon wind

Getting there

By ferry from Malta to Mġarr Gozo, then bus route 322 to Xagħra and 15-minute walk, or taxi from Mġarr (~20 min). Car park adjacent to the beach.

Hotels near Ramla Bay

Closest hotels sorted by straight-line GPS distance from Ramla Bay:

All hotels near Ramla Bay, sorted by distance →

Nearest locality

Nadur — city guide →

Frequently asked questions

Why is the sand at Ramla Bay red/orange?↓

The distinctive reddish-orange colour comes from iron-rich clay deposits washed down from the surrounding valley. This geological composition is unique to Ramla Bay among Maltese beaches.

Is Ramla Bay the best beach in Gozo?↓

Ramla Bay is widely considered Gozo's best beach for its size (600 m), its distinctive red sand, calm water, facilities and scenic setting. It is the only major sandy beach on Gozo.

How do I get to Ramla Bay from Malta?↓

Take the Ċirkewwa–Mġarr ferry (25 min), then bus 322 toward Xagħra and walk down to the beach, or take a taxi from Mġarr (about 20 minutes). By car, follow signs from the Xagħra roundabout.

Sources: OpenStreetMap (ODbL) · Malta Tourism Authority · Heritage Malta · OSM snapshot 2026-06-08 · Last updated 2026-06-14

GPS data: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)