Tal-Mixta Cave: A Hidden Gem for Your Gozo Bucket List

Christine Cassar
Last updated on July 29, 2025

Tal-Mixta Cave (or L-Għar tal-Mixta in Maltese) sits proudly on a high cliff, overlooking the reddish sandy hues of the popular beach, Ramla Bay. Although you’ve probably seen pictures of this landmark while browsing your socials, Tal-Mixta Cave is still considered a hidden gem in one of Gozo’s best off-the-beaten-path locations.

With this in mind, I’ve written this article to outline all there is to know about Tal-Mixta Cave, how to get there, and how you can make the most of your visit there and the island of Gozo.

Tal-Mixta Cave: Location

Located on the outskirts of Nadur along the north east coast of Gozo Island, you’ll find the spectacular Tal-Mixta Cave.

Perched on the island’s rugged cliffs, its wide crevice acts like a window for one of the best scenic views on the Maltese Islands, as it overlooks Ramla Bay (Ir-Ramla l-Ħamra).

You can visit the cave for free, but please be careful when you’re on the rocks and don’t get too close to the edge!

I’ll help you decide whether to hike to Tal-Mixta Cave or drive there (and how to do so) next.

How to Reach tal-Mixta Cave

Driving to Tal-Mixta Cave

Especially during the hot summer months, locals and tourists visiting the location opt to drive towards it.

Nadur is easy to reach from Gozo’s capital of Victoria, with road signage guiding you as you drive towards the East.

From Nadur village, drive towards a cliff known as Rdum il-Kbir, just above Ramla Bay. Next, head down towards the end of a road called Triq l-Għassa tal-Maħraġ. Just a heads up — this road is quite narrow and a little bumpy. Eventually, you’ll spot a sign where you can park your car.

From this point, there’s a short walk to the back entrance of Tal-Mixta Cave. Upon entering, a descending staircase, a small tunnel and a couple more steps will lead you to the cave.

Hiking from Ramla Bay to Tal-Mixta Cave

If you’re happy to brave the hot summer sun, you can climb up the hill from Ramla Bay.

The hike takes around 10 minutes, however, bear in mind that some areas are quite steep. There is also an unsealed dirt track and some stones near the cave. Once you approach the front entrance of the landmark, you need to bend over a little before making your way inside.

Needless to say, plenty of water and comfortable walking shoes are a must if you plan on taking this route!

Book a day trip with Yippee

If you’d like to discover more hidden treasures like tal-Mixta cave, why not book a day trip with Yippee? With a choice of chauffeured or self-drive vehicles (including tuk tuks, jeeps, quad bikes and buggies), you’re in for a fun day out! Based on my personal experience with the company, I recommend them in a heartbeat.

One of the best things about these tours is you’ll see so many places within a couple of hours that are just as stunning as tal-Mixta cave, including Wied il-Għasri, Dwejra Bay and the Xwejni Salt Pans.

Most importantly, these tours are led by knowledgeable guides and drivers who are happy to share their local knowledge about Gozo Island while ensuring you have the best time!

Have a look at some of the tours on offer:

Tuk-Tuk Gozo Tour
Tuk-Tuk Sunset (Gozo & Blue Lagoon) Tour) (mid-April – mid-October)
Quad Bike Gozo Tour
Quad Bike Sunset (Gozo & Blue Lagoon) Tour (mid-April – mid-October)

When is the best time to visit Tal-Mixta Cave?

You can visit Tal-Mixta Cave all year round. I prefer visiting the landmark in spring, autumn and winter, but of course, you can visit during summer. That said, be prepared for the scorching heat and more people who also want to take a couple of photos.

Whilst it’s often associated as one of the best sunset spots, I also recommend visiting the cave around noon so you can take in the views of the sea and the sand’s hues at their brightest.

Is it worth visiting Tal-Mixta Cave?

Tal-Mixta Cave is one of those places that I will never tire of visiting. While most people associate it as one of the best Instagrammable spots, it’s more than that. It’s a place where you can forget about your worries and busy lifestyles, enjoy the peace and quiet, and hang out with your friends and loved ones.

Other Hidden Games near Tal-Mixta Cave

Did you know that more caves are hidden around the island of Gozo? Especially if you and your friends are thinking of renting cars throughout your trip, these natural wonders warrant a visit:

Calypso’s Cave

Opposite Tal-Mixta Cave on the top of Xagħra, you’ll find Calypso’s Cave. According to legend, this is the same cave mentioned in Homer’s Greek epic poem, The Odyssey, where the nymph Calypso kept Odysseus as a prisoner for seven years after his shipwreck during a turbulent storm.

Just like Tal-Mixta Cave, this is a great spot to watch a magical Gozitan sunset.

Ninu’s Cave

Located in Xagħra, Ninu’s Cave was discovered by local resident Joseph Rapa in 1888, as he was digging a well under his house.

Brimming with stalactites and stalagmites on the ceiling and its surroundings, Ninu’s Cave is quite spectacular. Interestingly, the opening to this cave is through the residence. A family member will show you around, explaining the fascinating history behind the discovery of this hidden gem.

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 13:00 pm to 17:00 pm.

A Brief History of tal-Mixta Cave

Tal-Mixta Cave has a fascinating history dating back to prehistoric times and is one of the last remaining troglodytic habitats.

Interestingly, the word Mixta stems from another word in Maltese — Mxett. As outlined in Joseph Aquilina’s Maltese-English Dictionary, this refers to a wintering place. With this in mind, it is thought that the people used the cave as a shelter for themselves and their cattle.

Fast-forward a couple of years, disaster struck when two Muslim vessels moored in Ramla Bay on 7th July 1733. Not only did they destroy the valley whilst searching for supplies, but they also took in a Gozitan family as captives.

Following this incident, the Knights of St John realised that something had to be done to protect Ramla Bay. Soon enough, they turned the cave into a good vantage point to secure the beach.

The cave was part of an entrenchment, with an underwater wall extending all over the bay. Eventually, cannons were placed within the cave and the opening was closed. The only entrances left open were the ones used for the cannons.

Nowadays, visitors flock to Tal-Mixta Cave to witness the picturesque views of the beach, follow a hiking trail or watch the sunset over the stunning coastline of Ramla Bay.

Do you want to know more about Tal-Mixta Cave? Leave a comment and I’ll do my best to help you out.

FAQs

Where can you find Tal-Mixta Cave?

Tal-Mixta Cave is situated on the outskirts of Nadur, on a road called Triq l-Għassa tal-Maħrag.

Can you drive to Tal-Mixta Cave Gozo?

Most locals and tourists opt to drive to Tal-Mixta Cave. Irrespective of where you’re based in Gozo, Google Maps will guide you to the cave’s location. Once you park your car, you need to take a short walk that will lead you to the cave.

Can you walk to Tal-Mixta Cave?

Yes! Lots of hikers opt to walk up the steep hill from Ramla Bay. Although it’s not the most practical option, especially during the hot summer months, the view is worth the effort!

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Christine Cassar

Born and bred on the island of Malta, Christine knows this island nation like the back of her hand. Although she's a local, she loves being a tourist in her own country, with a curious spirit. Being a hobbyist photographer and travel enthusiast, she's a keen wanderer and shares her knowledge of the island’s beloved locations, local experiences, food and flavours and more.