Ramla Bay Beach: A Must-Visit Gem For Your Itinerary
Ramla Bay, referred to by locals as 'Ir-Ramla il-Hamra' due to its unique reddish-golden sand (direct translation), is a beloved gem in Gozo. It is home to one of the largest and most sought-after sandy beaches in Malta and Gozo. Explore the countless reasons to visit this breathtaking bay. From its stunning natural beauty to untouched landscapes and a wide range of outdoor activities, this gem truly has something for everyone.
What makes this destination a must-visit on your itinerary? Prepare to be mesmerised by the captivating beauty of this stunning location. With its reputation as one of the most picturesque and beautiful beaches in Gozo, it offers an unforgettable experience. It showcases the natural allure of our island in all its splendour. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery and create unforgettable memories at this extraordinary destination.
Ramla Bay is an ideal destination that caters to every type of traveller. Its turquoise waters offer the perfect setting for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing, whether with family and friends or exploring solo. Escape the crowds and discover a tranquil oasis off the beaten path, where the calm sea seamlessly meets the desert-like sand, embraced by lush greenery. This breathtaking scene creates a picturesque paradise that will leave you in awe.
Where Is Ramla Bay Located?
This popular red sandy beach is located between the closest village of Xaghra, Nadur, and the capital city of Victoria.
How to get to Ramla Bay Gozo?
Get to ’Ir-Ramla l-Hamra’ easily - take a scenic 1-hour walk through Nuffara or by public transport to the last bus stop named Ramla. (TIP: You can use the Tallinja app for easier navigation). If driving, navigating to Ramla Beach using GPS or a mapping service like Google Maps is recommended. Parking can be challenging, especially during peak season.
Quick Facts
Travellers’ Choice Awards
2017 was the year when Ramla Bay Gozo stole the spotlight! This stunning beach earned a place as one of the World's 7 Most Beautiful Red Sandy beaches, as declared by the prestigious Travel and Leisure Magazine. Let's not forget the nominations received from prestigious awards like the TRAVVY and Travellers' Choice Awards Destination.
Blue Flag Beach
This beach proudly stands among the elite group of twelve Blue Flag beaches in Malta and Gozo, which the International Blue Flag eco-label for Sustainable Development has recognised. This prestigious honour is awarded to beaches that demonstrate exceptional quality and safety in four key areas: environmental protection and awareness, health and safety, sustainable beach management, and bathing water quality. By excelling in these areas, this beach has rightfully earned its place among the best in Gozo.
Remarkable Milestone
Managed by the Gaia Foundation, Ramla Bay in Gozo achieved a remarkable milestone in 2020 with its first turtle nest in 70 years. This popular beach, known for its extensive and diverse sand dunes system, became a nesting site for turtles. Learn more about this here.
What to see and do
Visit Tal-Mixta Cave on our Quad Bike Tour
This beautiful beach is close to one of the most visited attractions in Gozo, Tal-Mixta Cave. One can see the long and wide beach from a bird's eye view and watch the most beautiful sunset. You can take our Quad Bike Tour of Gozo to this breathtaking spot.
Calypso Cave
Calypso's Cave provides an alluring view of Gozo's finest beach, ‘ir-Ramla l-Hamra’. Perched on a cliff near Xaghra, this breathtaking spot offers a unique and unrivalled perspective, making it one of the most popular viewpoints in Gozo. The captivating scenery and its prime location make the Calypso Cave one of the most popular destinations for those seeking awe-inspiring vistas on the island.
Snorkeling | Activities
Unleash your inner adventurer with various water sports at this bay, from crazy sofa rides to paddle boats, canoeing, water skiing, snorkelling, and waterbeds.
Hike this gem
Experience the best of both worlds - hike through the rocky cliffs to discover this gem, then cool off in the blue waters. Don't miss sunbathing! - a must for tourists seeking the perfect summer day. Include a stop at the white statue of the virgin mary in your itinerary.
Traditional Food and Drinks
Indulge the true taste of the Maltese Islands! We all love a Cisk, the traditional Maltese beer, or the famous Kinnie with some Galletti and the mouthwatering cheese "Il-Gbejna". What about Twistees? Try them while relaxing traditionally.
Things to know before visiting this beautiful beach
Visitors should pack sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water to protect themselves from the sun before visiting. The sea is safe to swim in, but watch out for Red Flag alerts when the sea gets rough.
Visitors can find a parking lot, public toilets, restaurant/snack bars, sunbeds, and umbrellas. However, camping is illegal, no wifi, not wheelchair accessible, and barbecues aren’t allowed.
FAQs
What does ‘Ir-Ramla l-Hamra’ mean in Maltese?
Ir-Ramla l-Hamra means "the Red Sand" in Maltese. It is a descriptive name that captures the unique character of the beach's vibrant red sand. Locals commonly refer to it simply as "Ir-Ramla," reflecting the nickname for this stunning coastal gem.
Are there showers at Ramla Bay?
There are no showers at Ramla Bay. We advise you to plan accordingly and bring any necessary supplies, such as towels or wet wipes, to freshen up.
Does Ramla Bay have lifeguards?
Yes, Ramla Bay has lifeguards on duty during the summer month. Their dedicated services are part of the beach management provided by GAIA Foundation, offering peace of mind as you enjoy your beach experience.
Author: Norbert Bezzina
