Calypso Cave Gozo: The Legend, the Location, and More
Calypso Cave is truly a place that sparkles the imagination. This cave is set over Ramla Bay (also known as Ramla l-Hamra), one of Gozo’s finest beaches.
Calypso Cave offers stunning views over this red sandy beach, which showcases a striking contrast with the turquoise hues of the water.
Apart from the beach itself, you can also see the surrounding nature and the remains of the Marsalforn Tower, a fortification built by the Knights of Malta in the early eighteenth century to defend against seaward attacks.
The Legend Behind Calypso Cave
Calypso’s cave is believed to be the cave referred to by Homer in The Odyssey. According to the legend, Gozo would have been the island of Ogygia, home to the beautiful nymph Calypso.
The story goes that Calypso kept Ulysses prisoner for seven years in the cave. She had promised him immortality if he stayed with her forever. However, Ulysses had a strong desire to return to his wife Penelope, which he did thanks to the intervention of the Greek gods.
How to Get to Calypso Cave
Calypso Cave is located on the outskirts of Xaghra village. If you are up to a challenge, you can depart from Ramla Bay Beach and climb the small path hidden on the western cliff overlooking the bay.
Otherwise, the easiest way to reach Calypso’s Cave is by car. Once you are in Xaghra follow Racecourse Street (Triq It Tigrija), then Triq Ghajn Qamar. Before the road descends toward Ramla Bay, you will find a gift shop to the left with a stone archway.
Pass through the archway and across a 'karst garden'. Beyond, you'll discover a flight of stairs incised into the rock, leading to the cave entrance.
Inside, it is said that a complex labyrinth extends down to sea level, but stone boulders block the way a few metres inwards.
Unfortunately, the cave is currently closed due to geological movement. Visiting the cave’s interior is thus forbidden and dangerous. As there is no artificial lighting inside, you will need a portable torch if you wish to take a peek inside.
Tal-Mixta Cave, the Alternative to Calypso Cave
Don't be disappointed, however: another cave proudly overlooks Ramla Bay from the eastern side. This hidden gem is called Tal-Mixta Cave and it is truly more impressive than Calypso Cave.
Tal-Mixta Cave offers stunning views over Ramla Bay. What’s more, this breathtaking panorama is framed by the opening of the cave itself, making for the best photos and sunset shots. Tal-Mixta Cave has the advantage of being open to the public free of charge.
This nature wonder will surely delight photography enthusiasts, Instagrammers, adventure seekers as well as history buffs, the cave having an old story behind it.
Explore Tal-Mixta Cave with Yippee
Tal-Mixta Cave might not be the easiest spot to reach on Gozo, but it is definitely worth the extra mile. Join a memorable day adventure with Yippee and explore Tal-Mixta Cave and other hidden gems off the beaten track on our Gozo Quad Bike Tour.
We offer all-inclusive, hassle-free guided tours so you don’t need to worry about anything. You will be driving one of our state-of-the-art 570cc (ATV) Quad Bikes and will follow a Gozo expert, who will provide you with valuable information at each stop.
