About Ramla taż-Żewwieqa
Ramla taż-Żewwieqa is a small swimming spot on Xatt iż-Żewwieqa, the stretch of Mġarr's seafront that runs out past the yacht marina towards the harbour breakwater. It sits just outside the harbour, in the locality of Għajnsielem, a few minutes' walk from the Gozo ferry terminal, with Mġarr's fishing boats on one side and open water towards Comino on the other.
This is not a beach for a whole day so much as a handy place for a swim before or after the ferry, or between lunch and a walk around the harbour. Local swimmers and shore divers use it most, and it rarely feels crowded.
What Ramla taż-Żewwieqa is like
The shore is mostly rock, with a small patch of sand at the foot of the steps from the promenade. Wooden decking runs from the parking area to ladders that take you down into the sea, which makes getting in much easier than on bare rock. Because the spot lies outside the breakwater rather than inside the port, the water is usually clear and clean, and it has been rated excellent under the official EU bathing water classification.
The rocks on the left as you face the sea are the best part for snorkelling. In the evening, yachts often anchor offshore, and the view takes in the harbour, Fort Chambray on the hill above and the channel towards Comino.
When to go to Ramla taż-Żewwieqa
The harbour and its breakwaters shelter this corner from most wind directions, so it is often calm when Gozo's north and west coasts are too rough. That makes it a useful fallback on windy days, and an easy swim at either end of a day trip.
Mġarr is busiest around ferry times and on summer weekends, when parking near the seafront fills up. Early mornings and late afternoons are the quietest times for a swim.
Swimming and safety at Ramla taż-Żewwieqa
Use the ladders rather than climbing in over the rocks, and wear water shoes if you plan to explore the rocky edges. There is no lifeguard, so keep an eye on children. This is a working harbour, with yachts, fishing boats and ferries coming and going, so stay close to the shore, keep away from the harbour mouth and the marina, and use a bright float if you swim any distance. Shore divers also use this spot, so watch for surface marker buoys.
Things to do near Ramla taż-Żewwieqa
Mġarr is the largest fishing village on Gozo, and the seafront has a line of restaurants and bars facing the harbour, with public toilets on the street above the swimming spot. Fort Chambray, built by the Knights in 1749, overlooks the harbour from the ridge above.
About a kilometre along the coast, Xatt l-Aħmar is a rocky inlet where three ships, the MV Cominoland, MV Karwela and MV Xlendi, were scuttled as dive wrecks. Ħondoq ir-Rummien, a sandy bay facing Comino, is about 2 km away on the other side of the harbour, and Mġarr ix-Xini, a deep, narrow inlet, is a short drive south.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Ramla taż-Żewwieqa?
It is beside Mġarr Harbour in Gozo, a short walk along the seafront from the ferry terminal.
Are there toilets at Żewwieqa?
Yes, there are public toilets on the street above and showers at the swimming area.
Is Ramla taż-Żewwieqa good for a swim between ferries?
Yes. It is a few minutes' walk from the Mġarr ferry terminal, the water is usually calm, and there are ladders into the sea and toilets nearby.
Is Ramla taż-Żewwieqa sandy?
Only a little. There is a small patch of sand, but the shore is mostly rock, and most people get in from the decking and ladders.
