Xaghra

Xagħra sits on a plateau in the middle of Gozo around a large square shaded by trees, with the basilica of the Nativity of the Virgin on one side. The Ġgantija temples are at the village edge, and the Xagħra Stone Circle, an underground burial complex of the temple period excavated in the 1980s, lies nearby but is not open. Two caves with stalactites, Ninu's and Xerri's, were found under private houses and are shown by their owners.

Background

Xagħra is the second-largest town on Gozo, with 5,161 residents in the 2021 census and an area of 7.6 square kilometres. It was among the first parts of the island to be settled, and the Ġgantija temples at its edge go back to 3600 BC. Besides Xerri's Grotto and Ninu's Cave, the locality also takes in Calypso's Cave, which looks down on the red sand of Ramla Bay. Victory Square is known for its lively atmosphere, and the patron saint is Our Lady of Victories, whose festa falls on 8 September. In the British period the village was also known as Casal Caccia. Its neighbours are Nadur, Victoria, Xewkija and Żebbuġ.

Source: Wikipedia, "Xagħra"

What's there

• The village square - a large tree-shaded plaza with the basilica on one side.
• Ta' Kola Windmill - an eighteenth-century windmill at the village edge.
• The house caves - Ninu's and Xerri's grottoes, entered through private houses.
• The Ggantija approach - the temples standing at the edge of the village.

When to go

Year round; the village works in any weather. The festa in September fills the square. Summer afternoons are hot but the square has shade.

Things to know

The Xaghra Stone Circle is closed to the public. The house caves have irregular opening depending on the owners. Parking around the square is difficult.

Nearby

Ggantija is at the village edge, and Ramla Bay is north.

Key facts