About
Situated on the north coast of Gozo near Żebbuġ, Malta's northernmost settlement. Wied il-Għasri is a tranquil, picturesque inlet that twists 250 meters inland from the Mediterranean Sea through limestone cliffs towards a small pebble peach on the floor of the gorge.
This secluded location and lack of amenities allows beachgoers to be at one with nature, as the idyllic scenery and the sound of water gently passing through the canyon provides a soothing aura for all visitors. The only man-made structures to be found are the staircase leading down to the beach, and some small chambers built into the cliffside.
Aside from sunbathers and swimmers, the valley is popular with snorkelers and scuba divers, owing to clear waters, an abundance of marine life and an underwater network of caves. Most notable is Cathedral Cave, a vaulted dome with a maximum ceiling height 15 meters above the water level. Two shafts hewn from the clifftop to the interior of the cave were previously used as a well to fill the nearby saltpans. A small crack in the cave's ceiling provides light, illuminating the water with a glowing blue hue.
Malta possesses a seemingly endless supply of golden sandy beaches that attract tourists to its shores. However, this small pebble beach stands apart as one of its most spectacular, and arguably its most unique.
Know Before You Go
By public transport, the closest bus stop is Onici in the town of Żebbuġ, served by the 309 circular bus route from Victoria. From Onici, a relatively flat 1.3 km walk to Wied il-Ghasri takes approximately 20 minutes. Taxis or ride-hailing services can drop you off at the junction on Triq Is-Sagħtrija, about 350 meters from the top of the staircase. The ’Għ’ in the name is not pronounced, so it is ‘Wied il Asri’ if asking for directions.
If you are driving there yourself, a small parking area by the gorge can accommodate a very limited number of cars. Be warned though as cars with low clearance might struggle on the bumpy, unpaved road that splits off to the gorge from the Triq Is-Sagħtrija junction.
Aqua shoes would be advisable, but not essential, for the navigating the rock beach and the shallows. Be sure to check online reports for jellyfish sightings and be mindful of the sea conditions. Avoid swimming if the water is murky and you can see or hear crashing waves, as there will be powerful undercurrents easily capable of dragging swimmers out to sea.
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Published
November 2, 2025
