Wied il-Mielah Window: Gozo's Hidden Gem
Have you ever wondered where you can find a natural wonder on the Maltese Islands that not only stands the test of time but also offers a breathtaking experience for tourists seeking an alternative to the Azure Window?
Discover the last surviving window on the Island of Gozo. This massive limestone formation withstands the elements, providing a haven for rare seabirds and a playground for rock climbers and divers.
The Wied il-Mielah Window out the outskirts of Gharb promises an adventure for everyone, from exciting dives through hidden caves and rock climbing to serene walks through the valley.
In this article, we'll take you through the details of Gozo's Wied il-Mielah Window, covering the ideal way to get to this hidden gem, plan your visit, and things to do.
Where is Wied Il-Mielah?
Wied il-Mielah (which translates to "The Salt Valley") is located on the north-western coast of Gozo close to Dwejra, where the famous Azure Window once stood; the Wied il-Mielah Window is situated on the edge of the charming village of Zebbug, Ghasri, and Gharb.
Planning Your Visit to Wied Il-Mielah
Reaching the natural arch of Wied il-Mielah may be challenging without proper planning. Given its remote location and the lack of signs to guide you, below are the best ways to access the beautiful Wied il-Mielah Window and explore the beauty of this coastal wonder.
How to Get to Wied Il-Mielah Natural Arch
The Ideal Way: With Yippee Malta
In planning our Gozo Tour on Quad Bike and the Sunset Quad Bike Tour itineraries, we had the Wied il-Mielah Window in mind, along with other stunning destinations. To ensure you can explore these hard-to-reach and hidden links, we've introduced an all-inclusive Quad Bike adventure featuring a 570cc fleet of ATVs.
For your peace of mind, Yippee Tours provides a seamless experience, starting with a convenient pick-up service. Your adventure begins with a boat trip to the Island of Gozo, and we take care of transportation back to Malta, making your trip to Wied il-Mielah and other locations a hassle-free experience.
Public Transport
The closest bus stop to the Wied il-Mielah Window is the Pinu Bus Stop, with two available routes, Bus number 308 and Bus number 312. To reach the Wied il-Mielah Window from the bus stop, you must go on foot with a 40-minute scenic walk of 3km.
Driving
When reaching the Wied il-Mielah Natural Arch, driving is more convenient than public transport, ensuring a quicker arrival at this stunning natural arch. Using navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze for exact directions is highly recommended. While there is no official car park at the destination, open spaces are situated along the path leading to the Wied il-Mielah Window, providing parking options for your car. It's important to be alert to other vehicles coming your side through the valley, ensuring you arrive safely and smoothly.
Taxi
Gozo offers a wide range of taxi and cab services, ensuring easy access from anywhere on the island to the Wied Il-Mielah Window. Whether you prefer traditional white taxis or the comfort of ride-hailing apps like eCabs, Bolt, and Uber, numerous service options are available. Just confirm your final stop with your driver at the Wied Il-Mielah Window.
The Mini Version of the Azure Window
In Malta and Gozo, the spectacular Azure Window, an amazing limestone arch, was once a famous and iconic landmark prominently featured in the Game of Thrones series. It enriched the seascape of Dwejra Bay.
It was a must-visit attraction on the island of Gozo until March 8, 2017. Tragically, due to gale-force solid winds and huge waves, the country lost and mourned the collapse of this famous and historic Azure Window, forever altering the landscape.
In its place, the Wied Il-Mielah window has gained popularity, often referred to by locals as the mini version of the Azure Window. This untouched wonder now stands as a testament to the ever-changing beauty of the Mediterranean Sea and the remarkable landmarks it has formed over time.
Things to Do
Diving
Divers can explore the Mediterranean Sea at Wied Il-Mielah and experience the underwater world, which is accessible only by boat. Dive beneath the natural arch at 16 meters, discover a 30-meter reef to the west at 12 meters, and enjoy a swim through the reef and the bordering wall. At 20 meters, another cave leads to the surface.
For a deeper adventure, head west to find depths of 18-20 meters and venture further to 30-35 meters, where barracudas gather. To the east, the wall plunges to 50 meters, revealing an open sea teeming with marine life in the crystal clear waters. More info can be found here.
Rock Climbing
Climbing enthusiasts will enjoy the experience at this location, as it offers excellent big holds perfect for beginner and intermediate climbers. What adds to the excitement is these climbs are situated over the sea. A significant part is that climbers can swim between their cliff climbs during summer, combining the best of both worlds for an adventurous and refreshing experience.
Hiking and Trekking
Exploring Gozo's stunning coast through hiking is an amazing experience beloved by local sports enthusiasts. If you wish to visit the site of the former Azure Window, embark on a coastal hike that serves as the starting point for the incredible walk to the Wied Il-Mielah Window. Another option is the hike from Wied Il-Ghasri to Wied Il-Mielah, which offers breathtaking seaside views and a fantastic adventure for nature enthusiasts.
Photography Opportunities
The Wied il-Mielah Window is a prime spot for capturing remarkable photos and shooting great videos. Take advantage of the opportunity to wait for the perfect moment, especially during a breathtaking sunset, to seize stunning panoramic shots at the Wied il-Mielah Window.
Visiting Wied Il-Mielah Window with Yippee
Embark on a Tour with Yippee Tours to uncover the wonders of Gozo! Join our Quad Bike Sunset Tour or Quad Bike Gozo Tour for a journey through the island's hidden gems. Our multilingual drivers lead the way, ensuring an unforgettable experience for couples, families, and friends.
As the top-rated tour company in Gozo, Yippee Malta takes pride in offering guided tours that provide knowledge about the landscapes of Gozo. Choose Yippee Tours for your exploration of this lovely island, and take the opportunity to discover Gozo's secrets with us.
Author: Norbert Bezzina
