Ramla Bay Gozo: A Guide to the Island’s Best-Loved Beach

Christine Cassar
Last updated on September 26, 2025

Ramla Bay is one of Malta’s finest and most popular beaches. And with good reason! Known for its reddish-gold sand, it’s a wonderful place for locals and tourists to experience a unique coastal experience when visiting Gozo.

Keen to learn more? Check out this complete guide for local tips!

Ramla Bay Gozo: Location & Map Layout

The famous beach is located on Gozo’s north-eastern coastline, just between the bays of Marsalforn and San Blas.

Below, I’ve pinned the location on Google Maps to give you a better idea of how to get there, especially if you’re using a rental car (more info below!)

Quick Facts about Ramla Beach

The Maltese name for the bay is Ir-Ramla il-Ħamra, which translates to the red beach. The local name is quite fitting, especially since this bay is best known for its red sand.
Regarded as Gozo’s largest and most popular beach.
Surrounded by high cliffs, dunes, and clay deposits, it is the ideal destination for swimming, snorkelling, relaxing, and immersing yourself in Gozo’s natural beauty.
Regarded as a Natura 2000 protected site, the bay has a rare sand dune. It is the only one that remains intact on the Maltese Islands.
Although it’s one of the most popular beaches that attracts tourists all year round, you can enjoy its natural allure and unspoilt beauty any day.

How to Get to Ramla Bay Beach

By Car

Planning to rent a car? Especially if you’re based in Victoria, Xagħra (the closest village), or Nadur, follow the signs and you’ll get there in no time. There are some parking spots on the road leading to the sea, and a parking area costing just €2.

By Bus

You can also get there by bus, via Route 302 from Victoria. The journey lasts around 20 minutes, and once you arrive at the designated stop (Ir-Ramla), there’s a 10-minute walk to the bay.

When is the best time to go to Ramla Bay Beach?

Starting with the obvious, I recommend spending a day here if you truly love a beach day. If you’re visiting Gozo during the colder months or are perhaps looking for a lovely place to take in your surroundings, you can also catch some magical sunset views here. Additionally, it’s a great spot for astrophiles! (More info below)

Things to Do at Ir-Ramla l-Ħamra

Take in the Picturesque Views of the Bay from Tal-Mixta Cave

Tal-Mixta Cave is a beloved hidden gem that overlooks the reddish sandy hues and stunning coastline of Ramla Bay.

You can get there by car, or if you’re brave enough to follow the steep hiking trail, you can enjoy the surrounding views as you make your way to the cave.

Check out more info on how to get there here: Tal-Mixta Cave.

Catch Some Waves while doing Water Sports

If you’re a beach-goer who loves an adrenaline rush, don’t miss out on the selection of water sports equipment rentals available at the bay. The kiosks where you can book your preferred rentals are right in the centre of the bay. You can’t miss them! And on that note, here are some activities you can try:

Kayaks & Canoes
Water Skiing
Banana Ride
Sofa Ride
Paddle Boats
Jet Skis
Sup Boards
Wake Boards

Stargazing at Ramla Bay Beach

Ramla Bay is regarded as one of the best spots to catch celestial events, including spectacular meteor showers and supermoons gracing Gozo’s clear nighttime skies. If you’re visiting in August, don’t miss out on the Perseid Meteor Shower, expected sometime around Santa Marija Week (11th-13th August).

Is it worth visiting Ir-Ramla l-Ħamra?

In a word, absolutely! In short, it is one of those places that I always visit whenever I’m in Gozo. Whether you head there in the summer or perhaps organise a picnic or a hike in winter, this spot is lovely all year round.

Other Places of Interest Close to Ramla Beach

Interested in adding a couple more places to visit in Gozo to your itinerary? If you’re visiting the sister island for just a day and you’re tight for time, there are a few places of interest close by.

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. Although currently closed to the public (due to reinforcement works), the views from this point are stunning.

The Ġgantija Temples

Ġgantija (Giants’ Tower) is a complex that houses one of the oldest free-standing temples in the world, dating back further than the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ġgantija megalithic temples get their name from the size of the stones that were used to build them.

My Tips for Visiting

It’s a good idea to bring aqua shoes. Right in the centre of the bay, you may find some pebbles that make it a little tricky to make your way into the sea. If you don’t already have the shoes, many kiosks sell them on the road leading to Ramla Bay. Alternatively, keep walking to the right side since there are few to no pebbles, just after the statue of the Virgin Mary.
If you’re looking for a secluded spot, perhaps Ramla Bay Beach may not be for you. Explore ones like San Blas Beach. Although access is tricky due to a very steep decline, it’s worth it!
Consider taking a sunset hike up to Tal-Mixta Cave for magical views like no other!
Although there are facilities, kiosks, bars, and other amenities, the area remains largely unspoilt.
Make sure you have some cash if you’re interested in renting umbrellas and sunbeds. This also applies if you intend to use the small parking area.
Especially if you’re planning on spending a whole day at Ramla Beach during the peak summer months, make sure you’ve got all the essentials to protect yourself from the scorching sun (sunglasses, a hat, and a bottle of sunblock, preferably with SPF 50+)

A Brief History of Ramla Bay Beach

While Ir-Ramla l-Ħamra is indeed a popular beach, it also sheds light on the island’s archaeological significance.

Beneath the dunes lie the Roman remains of a residential villa, once richly adorned with mosaics and marble. After Sir Temi Zammit excavated the site in 1910-11, it was covered again, now lying east of the Vendome Battery, built during the Hospitaller Rule in 1715 to defend the coast from piratical attacks.

On a slightly different note, did you know another Ramla Bay exists in Malta? There’s a rocky area in Marfa known as ir-Ramla tal-Qortin. What’s more, visitors who choose Ramla Bay Resort Hotel as their accommodation option can enjoy a swim and some relaxation at a smaller private beach called Ir-Ramla tal-Bir.

Do you want to know more about Ramla Beach? Leave a comment and I’ll do my best to help you out.

Sources

Bonanno, A. (1980). Roman villa at Ramla Bay, Gozo. Um.edu.mt, [online] Vol.32, p.p. 634-637.

UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (n.d.). Megalithic Temples of Malta.

FAQs

Which is the best beach in Gozo?

Gozo has many beautiful beaches, including Dwejra, Ħondoq ir-Rummien, San Blas, Xlendi, and Mġarr ix-Xini. However, perhaps the most popular one is Ir-Ramla l-Ħamra. It is Gozo’s largest beach, best known for its reddish sand, clay deposits and gorgeous surrounding views.

Is Ramla Beach safe?

Since the bay has a Blue Flag status, lifeguards are present during the summer months, ensuring safety at all times. However, you do have to keep an eye out for jellyfish. I would also recommend that you don’t underestimate the undercurrents. Other than that, Ir-Ramla l-Ħamra is generally a safe beach spot for the whole family.

Can I rent sunbeds and umbrellas?

Yes, you can. They usually cost between €15 and €20, depending on the time of year. Especially if you’re going to the beach during the sun’s peak hours in the summer months, I recommend getting an umbrella at the very least.

Are there any amenities?

Yes, you’ll find a few kiosks near the beach selling burgers, sandwiches, pizza, fruit, drinks and ice cream. There are also public toilets and showers nearby.

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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.