Xwejni & Qbajjar
Walk the northern coast of Gozo around Xwejni and Qbajjar, with traditional salt pans, rocky bays, limestone coast and sea views.
Location
Find Xwejni & Qbajjar
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Walking information
Do not walk across or interfere with working salt pans. The northern coast is exposed to sun and wind, with little shade. Wear suitable footwear and take care on uneven limestone, especially after rain or when the rocks are wet.
The Xwejni coast
Xwejni lies on Gozo’s north coast, west of Marsalforn. The coastline combines a sandy bay with broad limestone shelves and the famous salt pans cut into the rock beside the sea.
The salt pans
The geometric pans are a traditional working landscape where seawater is evaporated to produce sea salt. Some sections remain active, particularly during warmer months. The pans should be viewed from established paths and roads rather than crossed.
Qbajjar Bay
Continuing east towards Qbajjar brings the walk to a rocky bay surrounded by low limestone formations. It provides a natural break between the salt-pan landscape and Marsalforn.
Coast and countryside
The sea remains close throughout this stretch, while inland are fields, rubble walls and country tracks. The contrast between agriculture, salt production and exposed coast is one of the main attractions.
Combining the walk
Xwejni and Qbajjar can be combined with Wied il-Għasri for a longer northern Gozo walk, or with Marsalforn. The official Saltpans Walk continues much farther and forms a 12 km circuit from Victoria.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the Xwejni salt pans?
They lie along the north coast around Xwejni and the coast towards Qbajjar and Marsalforn.
Can I walk around the salt pans?
Yes, but stay on established routes and never walk across working pans.
Can Xwejni and Qbajjar be combined?
Yes. They are close together and form a natural short coastal walk.
How long is the full Saltpans Walk?
The published circular route from Victoria is about 12 km and passes Wied il-Għasri, the salt pans, Xwejni and Qbajjar.
When are the salt pans active?
Salt production is seasonal and is most visible during the warmer part of the year.
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