Xlendi Beach

The small resort village of Xlendi lies in a sheltered inlet on the southwest coast of the island of Gozo. Once a fishing village Xlendi is now a popular holiday spot centered around its natural harbour and little sandy beach.

Xlendi is both unique and attractive with high rocky cliffs along each side leading to the beachfront apartments and cafes. Despite these buildings being several storeys high the village only goes back a couple of blocks beyond which is a lush green valley flanked by terraced fields.

Despite its diminutive size the sandy beach here is always a hive of activity. The shallow waters make it ideal for taking a dip and for the more adventurous there is good snorkelling in the clear waters along the rocky cliff sides. These cliffs are also home to a number of caves including Caroline’s Cave, where Augustinian nuns would swim from, away from the gaze of the villagers.

Overlooking the entrance to this narrow bay is Xlendi tower which dates back to the 17th century when the village needed defending from North African pirates. This is just the most visible of a number of interesting historic features in the area with other archeological sites dating back to Byzantine and Roman times.