MarsalfornOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Roman Port to Fishing Village

Marsalforn's origins date to Roman times, when its natural harbor served as Gozo's most important port. Until the 16th century, it was the primary gateway for imported food supplies from Sicily and the main departure point for passengers traveling to Licata and other continental ports.

This prominence declined with the development of Mġarr Harbour. By the 17th century, Marsalforn had lost its status as the principal seaport and became a fishing town, inhabited by a small community of fishermen and their families for several centuries.

A Capital City Almost Was

During the rule of the Knights of St. John, a proposal was made to move Gozo's capital from the landlocked Citadel to Marsalforn. Grandmaster Lascaris, considering military engineer Giovanni de' Medici's plans for a fortress overlooking the bay, visited Gozo on June 21, 1643, to view the site for the new capital. The Knights sought papal permission to finance the project through a tax on Gozitan wheat. The plans did not proceed due to protests from the Gozitan people, who considered themselves too poor to afford additional taxes and found the idea of relocating their homes from Victoria inconvenient.

Modern Development and Wartime Scars

Marsalforn remained a fishing village until the late 20th century. The growth of tourism in Gozo, particularly in the 1960s and 70s, changed the locality. Apartments and hotels were built to accommodate visitors, and Marsalforn expanded towards Qbajjar Bay and inland. The village maintains its identity as a fishing village, particularly in the Il-Menqa area. The town shows scars from World War II; on April 12, 1942, Marsalforn was hit by bombs during the siege of Malta. A WWII memorial was installed on May 19, 2019, commemorating an attack on March 3, 1942.

• —Marsalforn Salt Pans (Is-Salini) — These salt pans, some dating back to Roman times, are used to harvest salt from mid-May to late August. Their checkerboard pattern along the coast, near Qbajjar and Xwejni Bay, creates a distinctive landscape. Salt collection can be observed, and salt can be purchased from local vendors.
• —Qolla l-Bajda Battery — This coastal battery, built by the Knights of St. John in the 18th century, stands as a reminder of Gozo's defensive past. It offers views of the coastline and the surrounding area.
• —Marsalforn Parish Church — Dedicated to Saint Paul's Shipwreck, this church, built in 1730 and restored in 1939, features a steeple and clock tower visible from the bay. Local legend states Marsalforn was the embarkation point for Saint Paul when he left the Maltese Islands for Sicily.
• —Għar Qawqla — This limestone formation was once a natural arch connected to the mainland. The arch collapsed during the 20th century, leaving a 3-meter-tall pillar standing about 7.9 meters from the shore. It is a location for swimming and jumping into the sea, with a shallow natural pool nearby.
• —Il-Menqa (Small port of Marsalforn) — This small harbor contains traditional, brightly colored fishing boats known as luzzijiet. Fishermen can be observed bringing in their daily catch or mending their nets.
• —Statue of Christ (Tas-Salvatur) — This 12-meter statue stands on a hill near Marsalforn and offers views of the village and the surrounding countryside. The walk to the statue from the town center takes about 25 minutes.

For balanced weather, moderate crowds, and pleasant sea temperatures, consider May, June, September, and October. During these shoulder seasons, average daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 29°C, and the sea is warm enough for swimming.

July and August are the hottest and busiest months, with average highs reaching 28°C to 34°C, and occasional heatwaves exceeding 40°C. This is peak season for beaches and watersports, but also for crowds and prices. The sea is warmest from August through October. The quietest time to visit is from November to March, when temperatures are milder (16°C to 21°C), but some restaurants and businesses may have reduced hours or be closed. This period can also bring short, sharp storms and rough ferry crossings to Gozo.

Malta International Airport (MLA) is the closest airport to Marsalforn. From the airport, take a bus or taxi to the Ċirkewwa ferry terminal on Malta, then a car ferry to Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. The ferry crossing takes less than 30 minutes.

Once in Gozo, Marsalforn can be reached by bus. Route 322 offers a direct connection from Mġarr Harbour, taking approximately 30-40 minutes. Alternatively, take routes 301 or 323 to Victoria, then transfer to route 310 to Marsalforn. Buses generally run every hour, with more frequent services in summer. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Bolt, Uber, and eCabs are available on Gozo. Renting a car is another option, with several rental services on the island, especially at Mġarr Harbour and Victoria.

Marsalforn is walkable, especially the promenade and coastal paths. For parking, there is a public parking area next to the Three Hills Gardens, and spots are often available around Marsalforn Beach. Supermarkets like Ta' Dirjanu, Lighthouse Supermarket, and Popeye (open until 01:00) provide groceries.