About San Blas Bay
San Blas is a small red-sand beach, about 100 metres long, at the bottom of a steep, green valley below Nadur on Gozo's north-east coast. Like Ramla, its neighbour to the west, the sand gets its orange-red colour from the greensand rock exposed in the valley. Boulders lie at each end of the beach, and terraced fields and thick vegetation climb the slopes behind.
The last stretch of road is too steep for traffic, so you walk down, and that keeps the crowds away. It is one of the quietest sandy beaches in Gozo, with a kiosk and deckchair hire in summer and nothing else built around it.
What San Blas Bay is like
The beach is a short crescent of soft red sand, enclosed by the valley sides. Large boulders at each end of the bay create small, sheltered corners, and the sea is clear and turquoise on a calm day. Seaweed sometimes collects at the waterline, but it thins out once you swim a few metres out.
There is no development in the bay apart from the small kiosk, and the valley behind is farmed in terraces. The walk down from the end of the road takes a few minutes, but it is very steep, and the climb back up in the heat is the main thing to plan for.
When to go to San Blas Bay
San Blas faces north-east and is exposed to most winds from the north. It is calm in south-easterly, southerly, south-westerly or westerly winds. Avoid it in north-westerly, northerly, north-easterly or easterly winds, which push waves straight onto the sand. On a typical summer day with a north-westerly breeze the bay can be lively, so check conditions before making the walk.
Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon, both to avoid the midday climb and because the beach is quieter then. July and August weekends are the busiest time, but even then it rarely feels crowded. Outside summer the kiosk and jeep are not running and you may have the bay to yourself.
Swimming and safety at San Blas Bay
The sandy entry shelves gradually, so it is an easy beach to swim from in calm weather. Snorkel around the boulders at either end, where there is more to see than over the sand in the middle.
Don't count on a lifeguard. When waves come in from the north the beach is no place to swim, and the water close to the boulders becomes dangerous. Bring plenty of water: the walk back up is steep and exposed, and it can be hard work for children and older visitors.
Things to do near San Blas Bay
On the cliff to the east, between San Blas and Daħlet Qorrot, stands Ta' Sopu Tower, a watchtower built by the Knights of St John in 1667 and restored in the 2000s. It opens to visitors on some Sundays, and the area around it is a special conservation area. Daħlet Qorrot, with its fishermen's boathouses, is about 1.6 km along the coast, and Ramla Bay is about the same distance to the west, reached by road via Nadur or Xagħra.
Boat trips along the north coast call at the bay in summer, which is an easier way to see it if the walk puts you off.
Food and facilities at San Blas Bay
In summer a small kiosk sells drinks and snacks, deckchairs and umbrellas are for hire, and a jeep runs up and down the hill for a small fee. There are basic toilets. Out of season none of this can be relied on, so bring food, water and shade, and shop in Nadur on the way down.
Frequently asked questions
Can you drive down to San Blas Bay?
Only part of the way. The last stretch of road is closed to traffic, so you walk the final steep section or use the summer jeep service.
Is San Blas Bay sandy?
Yes, it has reddish-orange sand similar to nearby Ramla Bay.
How do I get to San Blas Bay by bus?
Take route 303 to the Blas stop near Nadur, then walk down the steep road, about 600 metres.
Which way does San Blas Bay face?
North-east. It is calm in southerly and westerly winds but rough in winds from the north-west round to the east.
How long is the walk down to San Blas Bay?
From the end of the road it is a short but very steep walk of a few minutes. The climb back up is the hard part, so allow time and bring water.
Can you get to San Blas Bay by boat?
Yes. Boat trips to San Blas Bay run with Vitamin Sea Watersports.
