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Marsalforn is a seaside resort and a bay located on the north coast of Gozo Island in Malta.
It is also a fishing village featuring a small harbour with brightly coloured, small fishing boats: the traditional Maltese luzzu.
During the summer, the town pulses with life. However, it never feels too busy, making it a good place for families.
You will also spot a lot of tall apartment blocks in Marsalforn Bay.
So, what makes Marsalforn popular?
Marsalforn is a pleasant seaside town to visit during your holiday on the island of Gozo. Tourists and locals alike really enjoy this relaxing location, while many locals have their summer houses here. They come with their families during the weekends and summer to enjoy the sea and the sun.
In Marsalforn Bay, you will find plenty of amenities: supermarkets, restaurants, bars, ice cream kiosks, shops, hotels, and scuba diving schools. There is also a public garden called “Three Hills Garden”, where children can play on the playground.
Are you planning to visit or stay in Marsalforn? In this insider’s guide, you will find out how to get there, get to know the best activities to do, the beaches, the most popular hotels and the best restaurants in town.
Located only 4 kilometres away from Victoria, Gozo’s capital, Marsalforn is easy to reach. You can get there by public transport, by car, or even on a day tour.
Why not stop at Marsalforn Bay during a day tour? Yippee Malta organizes well-reviewed Tuk Tuk Tours and Quad Bike Tours to discover Gozo in one day, and they stop here as well.
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From Victoria, take route 310. The bus ride lasts about 15 minutes.
If you are coming from Malta Island, you need to take the ferry to Gozo first. Afterwards, take route 323 or 301 to Victoria, then route 310 to Marsalforn Bay. There is also the direct 322 from Mġarr Harbour that takes you there.
Marsalforn is situated a 7-minute drive from Victoria. Park your car at the public parking next to the Three Hills Gardens. You will also find plenty of parking around the beach.
While one expects to find a sandy beach, like in Ramla Bay, it’s actually more of a pebble beach. Although popular among locals, there are better beaches in Gozo.
Plus, it’s not a large beach. However, it’s a family-friendly beach with kiosks and restaurants nearby. On this pebbled beach, you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds during the summer. It’s a good spot to relax in the sun and swim if you’re staying in Marsalforn.
There are also swimming spots across the bay and additional space for sunbathing on the rocks. To enter the water, you will find several steel ladders attached along the shoreline. Or just jump into the sea from the rocky edge where the water is deep enough!
Get my recommendations on the best day trips, boat trips, excursions and activities and book in advance!
There are few hotels in Marsalforn. You will find mostly guesthouses, Airbnbs and self-catering apartments.
The Calypso Hotel is one of the most popular hotels and also the largest in town. It is situated a stone’s throw away from the sea and the beach.
La Playa Hotel offers a sun terrace with sea views. Breakfast is served at the cafeteria.
Murella Living is a small boutique hotel. The rooms are nice, very clean and have all the amenities.
Maria Giovanna Guest House is typical, elegantly furnished Maltese townhouse and is family-run. A perfect place for your holiday if you prefer a smaller place of stay.
Electra Guesthouse offers fantastic panoramic views and many services typically provided by hotels, such as airport transfers and laundry service.
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On top of a hill near Marsalforn stands a statue of Christ, referred to as is-Salvatur. To get there, you need to walk for 25 minutes (1.3 km) from the centre of town. The hill is a bit steep, but the views once you arrive at the statue. Avoid hiking mid-day in summer, as it is too hot.
Marsalforn is known for its saltpans near Qbajjar and Xwejni Bay. Their chequerboard design creates a unique landscape. From mid-May to the end of August, you can watch the salt being harvested and buy some at a local shop. The salt pans are also a perfect spot to watch the sunset.
This bay in Gozo is a place popular with locals for snorkelling. Head to the rocky area, bathed in clear waters.
There are several scuba diving schools located on the seafront and in the city centre. Gozo is known as a top diving destination in the Mediterranean.
During the summer months, you can practice different watersports: kayak, SUP, jet ski, and more.
Some of the best restaurants in Gozo are located here, especially if you’re into fresh seafood. You will also find some coffee shops and bars.
Il-Kartell is one of the best seafood restaurants in town. It also serves meat-based dishes and a few vegetarian options. You will enjoy sitting on its beautiful terrace facing the sea.
This is a good place to taste some delicious Italian food. The seafood is also worth trying.
Looking for a healthy vegetarian restaurant in Marsalforn? Look no further! Vegan food, fresh smoothies, homemade desserts… it has it all!
This takeout restaurant offers high-quality and tasty Italian food: pizza, pasta, burgers, pastries…
The Qbajjar Restaurant is located a little further North of Marsalforn. Located next to the sea, it offers stunning views. The restaurant serves a great selection of fish, seafood and other Mediterranean dishes.
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