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Ulysses Lodge

Hike up to this abandoned hotel for one of the best panoramic views of the island of Gozo.

Xagħra, Malta

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The Ulysses Lodge overlooks Ramla Bay in the background.   Dark Nebula Deluxe / Atlas Obscura User
The Ulysses Lodge is striking from above.   Dark Nebula Deluxe / Atlas Obscura User
The property has been slowly decaying for decades.   Dark Nebula Deluxe / Atlas Obscura User
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Ramla Beach on the north coast of Malta’s island of Gozo is one of the most popular sandy beaches in the archipelago. While most visitors come here to sunbathe and splash around, there's more to this spot than meets the eye. Looming on the hill to the west of the beach are the dilapidated ruins of Ulysses Lodge, Gozo’s most notable abandoned building.

The Ulysses Lodge was a popular wedding and events venue in the 1980s. The name of the hotel was chosen to reference the nearby Calypso Cave, which was supposedly the home of the mythological nymph who held the Greek hero Odysseus (Ulysses) captive in The Odyssey.  However, the construction of the hotel at this site was highly controversial, as the local populace felt like it stood out too prominently in one of Gozo’s most scenic locations.

Over time, the hotel fell into disrepair. In the late 2000s, the property owners attempted to redevelop the site, only to be met with fierce opposition by local residents. The plans were ultimately scrapped and since that time, the site has remained abandoned. 

The crumbling structure has become a popular place to visit for graffiti artists and urban explorers. In spite of being in a state of deterioration, the Ulysses Lodge also still offers some of the best views of the north shore of the island of Gozo.

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Know Before You Go

Visitors can travel to Ulysses Lodge by walking up the dirt trails leading from the west side of Ramla Beach. The beach itself can be reached either by car or by bus, although note that parking may be limited. Alternately, the lodge can be reached by traveling down Triq Għahn Qamar from Xagħra either by car or by walking from the center of the town.  Parking is available at the end of the road near the Calypso Cave site, although the overlook for the cave itself is closed.

While it is possible to walk directly into the ruined structure, the building is in a state of disrepair and may be structurally unsound.  Also note that the several locations around the site are clearly marked with private property and no trespassing signs.

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Published

February 5, 2025

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