Wied il-Għasri — Attraction in Għasri

Għasri Valley (Maltese: Wied il-Għasri) is a sea canyon on the Maltese island of Gozo. The gorge continues on the land towards the village of Għasri. The valley is known for its quiet beach, which is 300 metres (980 ft) inland from the sea. The sea is only accessible via a narrow cove with high cliffs on both sides.1] On the edge of the valley, next to an underwater cave, it is commonly believed that Maltese salt pans were built and maintained.[2 It contains a secluded beach which is popular with tourists and divers alike.46In the 18th century, the inner part of Wied il-Għasri was owned by a Maltese clockmaker who decided to dig a well in a cave entrance in the sea, creating what is known today as Għar il-Qamħ.8

Għasri (Maltese: L-Għasri) is an administrative unit of Malta, in the western part of the island of Gozo, with a population of 525 people (as of March 2014).[1] By population, it is the smallest village in Gozo after San Lawrenz, and the third-smallest in the Maltese Islands, after Bidnija and Mdina. Għasri, however, has a relatively large area.The village lies between the hills of Żebbuġ and Għammar. The name has Arabic origins and refers to the period of the day in between the afternoon and the evening. Għasri is reached by forking right on the Victoria-Għarb road just after the Aqueduct.

A lighthouse on Ġurdan hill, better known as the Giordan Lighthouse dominates Għasri. The famous lighthouse rises 180 metres above sea level and was inaugurated in 1853. Its beam can be seen up to 50 kilometres away. Upon the hill around the lighthouse there are 360-degree views of Gozo that lure many hikers, who ascend the steep path to the hilltop.

A view of the Gurdan Lighthouse. From the Village Square, a road leads to the fabulous valley of Wied il-Għasri. On the way, there are a number of typical farmhouses, most of them available for short or long lets, as well as an old chapel dedicated to the Patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Wied il-Għasri area is a marvelous country walk or cycling site especially in Winter and Spring. The valley ends in the sea, between high cliffs with a secluded inlet where visitors can swim, snorkel and dive -- the sea around Wied il-Għasri is popular among divers. In Għasri valley one can find saltpans.

The village church, designed by a local priest, Dun Ġużepp Diacono, was built early in the twentieth century. Its foundation stone was laid on 6 September 1903, and it was dedicated to the Corpus Christi, otherwise known as Christ the Saviour in the Eucharist on 9 January 1916. The village was established a parish by Bishop Giovanni Maria Camilleri on 16...

Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of Gozo's more popular attractions lies a true hidden gem - Wihed il-Ghasri. From the moment you set foot in this serene paradise, you are greeted by the gentle rustle of the wind and the rhythmic melody of the waves lapping against the shore.

The allure of Wihed il-Ghasri lies not only in its breathtaking natural beauty but also in its secluded charm. As you meander along the winding paths that lead down to the pristine shoreline, you can't help but feel a sense of anticipation building with each step.

Upon reaching the small beach nestled within the valley, you are greeted by a sight that seems straight out of a postcard. The azure waters glisten under the warm Mediterranean sun, inviting you to take a refreshing dip and immerse yourself in the tranquility of your surroundings.

The beach may be small, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in charm. The crystal-clear waters beckon swimmers and snorkelers alike to explore the underwater wonders beneath the surface.

One of the most enchanting aspects of Wihed il-Ghasri is its peaceful ambiance. Unlike some of the more crowded beaches on the island, here you can truly unwind and reconnect with nature in all its glory. Whether you're lounging on the sand with a good book, taking a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, or simply basking in the beauty of the scenery, Wied il-Ghasri offers a sanctuary of serenity amidst the chaos of modern life.

For those seeking a respite from the stresses of everyday life and a chance to reconnect with the natural world, Wied il-Ghasri is the perfect destination. It's a place where time seems to stand still, and every moment is imbued with a sense of pure,...

The approach is via narrow roads often with parked cars strewn hither and thither. There is an area for parking with a smoothie trailer (cash only!) You won't need a 4x4 but it is pretty bumpy and unpaved. Our hire car, a Peugeot 308 estate handled it ok. After parking, now it's taking in the view of the gorge before tackling the steps down. There aren't facilities at the bottom other than a pebbled, dried riverbed meeting the sea. Scrabbling tentatively allows you to get to spots to jump into the water, there also looks like clips for a sport climb route. I'd strongly advise swimming or wet shoes if you're adventurous and wish to experience this thrill. Getting into the water for swimming is straight forward, snorkeling is recommended and visibility was reasonable. The pebbles gave way to rocks, then to boulders and slabs. Lots of variety of fish. By this time the water is quite deep 2-3m. Just as the channel begins to open out, there are a couple of big slabs that are about 1m below the surface. You could probably anchor should you wish to explore this from a boat but is a reasonable swim, 50m ish. The water gets noticeably colder, I was without a wetsuit, visibility was better. It's worth the effort of the steps, swimming is good,...