About Dahlet Qorrot
Daħlet Qorrot is a small inlet on Gozo's north-east coast, at the bottom of a valley below Nadur. It is a working fishing cove more than a beach: boathouses are dug into the soft limestone along the water, fishing boats are pulled up by the water, and there is only a tiny patch of sand and pebbles. Daħla means inlet, and the bay is said to take its name from a ship called Qorrot that sheltered here from a storm in the 19th century.
People come for very clear water, easy snorkelling off the rocks and a quiet swim away from the busier bays. On summer weekends families from Nadur fill the quay; on weekdays and out of season it is usually peaceful.
What Daħlet Qorrot is like
Most of the shore is rock and concrete quay, with the boathouses set into the low cliff behind. The little beach of sand and pebbles is at the head of the inlet. The rock here is packed with fossils, which makes the bay a favourite with geologists; look closely at the walls around the boathouses. In winter the shore is often covered in seaweed washed in by storms.
The water deepens quickly off the rocks and quay, and the seabed is a mix of rock, boulders and sand. On calm, sunny days the visibility is excellent, with clearer and deeper water a short swim out from the main swimming area.
When to go to Daħlet Qorrot
The inlet faces north-east, so it is calm when the wind blows from the south-east, south, south-west or west. Avoid it in northerly, north-easterly or easterly winds, which bring waves straight in, and expect some chop in a strong north-westerly. A gregale, the north-easterly wind, makes the inlet unswimmable.
Summer is busiest, especially on warm, calm weekends, but it stays much quieter than Marsalforn or Xlendi. Weekday mornings are the best time for a peaceful swim. From October to May you will often have the place to yourself, apart from fishermen.
Swimming and safety at Daħlet Qorrot
The gentlest way in is from the small beach. Most swimmers get in from the rocks or the quay, where the water is deep straight away, so this is a better spot for confident swimmers than for small children. There is no lifeguard; in an emergency call 112.
Fishing boats come in and out, so keep clear of the middle of the inlet and use a bright buoy if you snorkel. If you want to jump from the rocks, check the depth and look for submerged rocks first. Conditions change quickly here when the wind turns north, so check the forecast before setting off.
Things to do near Daħlet Qorrot
Snorkel along the rocks on either side of the inlet, where the water is clearest; the bay is also used by divers. On the cliff between Daħlet Qorrot and San Blas stands Ta' Sopu Tower, a watchtower built by the Knights of St John in 1667 and restored between 2003 and 2006. It opens to visitors on some Sundays; the surrounding area is a special conservation area. A circular walking route from Nadur takes in the tower, the rocky coast, the bay and Qala, with hills and uneven ground.
San Blas, with its red sand, is about 1.6 km along the coast, and Ħondoq ir-Rummien is a short drive south via Qala. There is little at the bay itself, so bring water, food and shade, and pick up supplies in Nadur on the way down.
Frequently asked questions
Is Daħlet Qorrot sandy?
Only a small patch. Most of the shore is rock or paved, with a tiny sand-and-pebble beach.
How do I get to Daħlet Qorrot by bus?
Bus 303 stops at Qorrot on the Nadur side, about 2 km from the bay. The walk down takes about 25–30 minutes and the walk back up is steep.
Is there parking at Daħlet Qorrot?
Yes, but spaces are limited, by the waterfront and along the road above. Arrive early on summer weekends.
Is Daħlet Qorrot good for snorkelling?
Yes, on calm days the water is very clear. The bay is exposed to rough weather, so check the forecast first.
Which way does Daħlet Qorrot face?
North-east. It is calm in southerly and westerly winds but rough in northerly, north-easterly and easterly winds.
Is Daħlet Qorrot good for children?
It suits older children who swim well. The beach is tiny and the water is deep straight off the rocks and quay, and there is no lifeguard.
Why is it called Daħlet Qorrot?
Daħla is Maltese for an inlet, and the bay is said to be named after a ship called Qorrot that sheltered here from a storm in the 19th century.
