Dwejra Gozo: Azure Window, Inland Sea & Hidden Malta Gems

Dwejra: Gozo's Most Spectacular Coastal Destination in Malta

Dwejra is a small village on the northwest coast of Gozo, Malta's sister island, and it remains one of the most visited and photographed locations in the entire Malta archipelago. This charming Maltese village sits perched on dramatic limestone cliffs overlooking some of the most breathtaking Mediterranean seascapes you'll experience anywhere in Malta.

The village of Dwejra in Gozo, Malta, is famous for hosting the legendary Azure Window—a natural limestone arch that collapsed in 2017 but remains an iconic symbol of Malta's natural beauty. Even after the arch's collapse, Dwejra continues to draw thousands of visitors annually who come to explore the dramatic geology, crystal-clear waters, and unique coastal features that make this corner of Gozo, Malta so special.

The Iconic Azure Window Site in Gozo, Malta

What Happened to Malta's Azure Window?

The Azure Window was once the most photographed natural monument in Malta. This massive natural arch, formed over millennia by wave erosion through the Maltese limestone, stood majestically at the entrance to the Inland Sea in Gozo. In March 2017, the arch dramatically collapsed during a winter storm, shocking the world and making international headlines.

Today, visiting the Azure Window site in Gozo, Malta, means witnessing the powerful forces of nature that continue to shape the Malta islands. The rocky remnants visible in the water mark where this wonder of Malta once stood, creating an emotional and educational experience for visitors exploring Gozo's coastline.

Visiting the Former Azure Window Location

You can access the Azure Window viewpoint in Gozo, Malta, directly from Dwejra village. Walk to the clifftop near the Dwejra ticket office in Gozo, where:

• Stunning views of the collapse site are free to access
• Professional photographers still visit daily to capture the dramatic Gozo seascape
• The site offers perfect photo opportunities of Malta's raw coastal beauty
• Information boards explain the geology and history of this Malta landmark

The experience of standing where the Azure Window once dominated the Gozo, Malta skyline remains profoundly moving and humbling.

The Inland Sea: Malta's Unique Underground-Connected Wonder

Understanding Gozo's Inland Sea

Located directly adjacent to the Azure Window site in Gozo, Malta, the Inland Sea is perhaps the most extraordinary natural feature in the entire Malta archipelago. This saltwater lagoon sits at sea level but is completely enclosed by towering limestone cliffs on three sides, creating an otherworldly protected harbor within Gozo.

The Inland Sea connects to the open Mediterranean through a narrow tunnel carved naturally through the Maltese limestone—a geological marvel you can only find in Gozo, Malta. This connection creates a fascinating tidal ecosystem and makes the Inland Sea one of the most unique swimming and boating destinations in Malta.

Swimming and Boating in the Inland Sea, Gozo

The Inland Sea is accessible from Dwejra in Gozo, Malta, and offers several ways to experience its magic:

Swimming Options:

• The calm, protected waters are perfect for swimming in Gozo, Malta


• Water temperatures remain pleasant from May through October in Malta


• Small sandy areas along the Maltese shoreline provide entry points


• The water clarity in this Gozo, Malta location is exceptional

Boat Trips:

• Local boatmen in Dwejra, Gozo, Malta offer trips through the tunnel (€10-15 per person)


• These small traditional Maltese boats navigate the narrow passage to open sea


• The tunnel experience is unforgettable—a true highlight of visiting Gozo, Malta


• Boat operators work from small wooden vessels typical of Malta's maritime heritage

Exploring Dwejra Village in Gozo, Malta

Getting to Dwejra, Gozo, Malta

Reaching this spectacular part of Gozo, Malta is straightforward:

• From Valletta, Malta: Take bus route 301 or 302 to Gozo (€2 return from Malta)
• On Gozo, Malta: Bus 301 runs directly to Dwejra village
• Driving in Malta: Rent a car and drive to Dwejra in Gozo for maximum flexibility
• Parking: Free parking available in Dwejra village, Gozo, Malta

What to Do in Dwejra, Gozo Besides the Azure Window

Dwejra in Gozo, Malta offers much more than the former arch:

General's Rock (Fungus Rock)
This distinctive mushroom-shaped rock island sits offshore from Dwejra, Gozo, Malta. Historically, Maltese authorities guarded this rock because of the unique Maltese fungus that grew here—a plant thought to have medicinal properties throughout Malta's history.

Ta' Ċenċ Cliffs
East of Dwejra village in Gozo, Malta, these dramatic vertical cliffs rise 100+ meters from the Mediterranean. The Ta' Ċenċ site in Gozo offers:

• Some of the highest sea cliffs in Malta


• Spectacular viewpoints across the Maltese islands


• Important habitat for rare species native to Gozo, Malta


• Perfect locations for sunset photography in Malta

Coastal Walks in Gozo, Malta
From Dwejra, Malta, walking trails lead east and west along Gozo's dramatic cliffs, offering postcard-perfect views of the Mediterranean and neighboring Malta islands.

Where to Eat in and Around Dwejra, Gozo, Malta

After exploring the natural wonders of Dwejra in Gozo, Malta, several dining options await:

In Dwejra, Gozo:

• Local restaurants serve fresh Maltese seafood


• Simple family-run eateries offer authentic Gozo cuisine


• Prices are reasonable (€12-18 for main courses in Malta)

Nearby in Gozo, Malta:

• Ta Frenc in San Lawrenz, Gozo, Malta offers fine dining with Mediterranean views


• Ta Rikardu in Xagħra, Gozo, Malta serves traditional Maltese cuisine


• Both restaurants showcase the culinary excellence of Gozo, Malta

Best Times to Visit Dwejra, Gozo, Malta

Timing your visit to Dwejra in Gozo, Malta matters:

• April-May and September-October: Perfect weather in Gozo, Malta; fewer crowds than summer
• June-August: Busiest season in Malta; expect crowds but enjoy warmest weather
• Winter (November-March): Quieter in Gozo, Malta, but occasional storms may limit boat access to the Inland Sea
• Blue Hour (sunset): Visit Dwejra in Gozo, Malta around 7-8 PM in summer for magical light

Practical Information for Visiting Dwejra, Gozo, Malta

Essential Details

• Entry to viewpoints: Free access to Azure Window site in Dwejra, Gozo, Malta
• Boat tunnel trip cost: €10-15 per person in Gozo, Malta
• Time needed: 4-6 hours to properly explore Dwejra, Gozo, Malta
• Best access: Visit early morning (8-9 AM) to avoid crowds in Dwejra, Gozo
• Facilities: Limited facilities in Dwejra village, Gozo, Malta; bring water
• Wear: Comfortable hiking shoes suitable for rocky terrain in Gozo, Malta

Conclusion

Dwejra in Gozo, Malta represents the raw, unfiltered beauty of the Maltese islands. Whether you're standing at the site where the Azure Window once dominated the skyline, swimming in the serene Inland Sea, or hiking along the dramatic cliffs of Gozo, you're experiencing landscapes found nowhere else in Malta. This corner of Gozo, Malta, continues to inspire artists, photographers, and travelers from around the world who come to witness the Mediterranean's most dramatic coastal scenery. A visit to Dwejra in Gozo, Malta is essential for anyone exploring the wonders of Malta.