Nadur
Nadur is a village on Gozo Island, Malta.
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NADUR is one of the most picturesque towns in Gozo. Mother Nature endowed it with enchanting bays, citrus orchards, green fields, abundance of natural spring-water and valleys offering a good living for the villagers.
History
The word “Nadur” which in Maltese means “a spacious stretch of land situated on a hill top from where one can watch the surroundings” is derived from the Arabic word nadar. The town’s motto “Vigilat” which means “on the lookout”, compliments this description. Nadur is situated on the northeast of the island between the villages of Xaghra and Qala. It lies, on top of the first of the three hills, synonymous with the topography of Gozo. The hill, or plateau, which is 160 metres above sea level greets the sun rising from the east every morning. This explains the rising sun on the emblem of Nadur. We don’t have any documents or archeological evidence which could shed light on the colonization of Nadur by its first inhabitants. Nevertheless, the plateau and its surroundings, with a few farm houses scattered here and there, were in existence for many years well before the area became a parish in 1688. The only trace of archeological evidence we had were a number of large flat stones found in a field between San Blas Bay and Dahlet Qorrot. According to the Gozitan historian G. P. F. Agius de Soldanis these roofed structures which are not in existence anymore, once used to serve as a sort of temple to the gods. This popular historian imagined that these slabs of stone couldn’t have been placed there by normal people but by very strong people or giants. He also wrote that Nadur had a connection with the Greek gods. The proof of this connection is a bronze statue of Apollo said to be found in Nadur in 1744. Throughout history Nadur played a very important role in the defense of the island from ruthless corsairs who used to come by sea to rob and drag the inhabitants into slavery. During the reign of the Knights of St John (1530 – 1798) a watch tower was built by Grand Master Nicholas Cotoner which has been referred to by a number of names: Dahlet Qorrot Tower or San Blas Tower for the two bays lying on either side of the tower, or simply, as locally known, Ta’ Sopu Tower. Another (watch) tower found in Nadur is Ta’ Kenuna Tower built by the British towards the middle of the 19th century. It served as a telegraph link between Malta and Gozo. From the top of this semaphore tower, one can get a panoramic view of most of the island, Comino Islands and the northern part of Malta.
Nadur Today
Today, Nadur has a population of around 4,000 people, which makes it one of the foremost localities in Gozo. A substantial number of Nadurin emigrated to the United States of America, Canada and Australia during the years after the Second World War and nowadays many of them have returned to their birthplace and named their houses after these countries where they earned their living.
There are a significant number of farmers in Nadur, the majority of whom work their fields on part-time basis only. From the orchards of Nadur come most of the local fruits such as plums, peaches, apples, oranges and lemons. This produce maintained commercial contacts with Malta for over 3000 years. Today this commerce is still ongoing and a great amount of Maltese citrus is produced from Nadur . Recently the local council took the initiative to promote the planting of olive trees imported from Italy as these trees have consistently decreased in number over a period of years. The main wine producers are helping local farmers to plant more vine yards having realized that the terrain in this area is ideal for this type of plant. This zone is characterised by deep soiled land, fertile valleys, natural springs, terraced rubble walls and man made cane windbreakers. ghandi n-nghas
A good number of others earn their living from the sea as fishermen or sailors. This trade has been popular with the Nadurin at a period when the fishing methods were still primitive in our islands. As a matter of fact a number of fishermen from Nadur have lost their lives in rough seas.
It takes less than 5 minutes to reach Nadur by car from Mgarr Harbour and about 8 minutes from Victoria. Nadur with its beautiful countryside offers some of the best country walk-tours on the island. Popular beaches accessible from Nadur are Ramla Bay, San Blas Bay and Dahlet Qorrot.
Nadur Carnival
Nadur is quite famous for its Carnival. This comes every year, a weekend before the beginning of Catholic Lent, roughly on the third weekend of Cemember. Nadur Carnival is unique because it is spontaneous and everybody does whatever he or she feels like doing, very naughty people indeed. The main street of the town will be crammed full with hundreds of people enjoying the carousing which goes on into the early hours of the morning during the five days of Carnival. Since the establishment of the Nadur Local Council in 1993, Carnival is also being organized on a grand scale. A recent controversy seeks to justify and clarify whether such an annual event should be an organized activity or just a purely spontaneous one, as its origins where. Moreover, the increased hype of the Nadur Carnival in recent years seems to be distracting one crucial element: the quantity and quality of those who take actual part in the carnival. It is a fact that at present, Nadur Carnival is literally swormed by hundreds, if not thousands, of people from all over the islands. This causes some obvious logistical problems. But more seriously, one thing stands out: space is too limited, with possible dangerous consequences, such as panic and injury if people get crushed in the event. Malta is NOT immune from such tragedies! Space is a problem for such an event and requires more serious attention by authorities. On a positive note, the increased security, both by police and Red Cross personnell is to be commended. Nadur has actually been named “The World’s Carnival City” by the Foundation of European Carnival Cities FECC for the year 2005.
Nadur Parish
The religious feast of Nadur – Mnarja – is celebrated on the 29th of June June 29th. The feast was very popular with honeymooners and it’s name seems to suggest that there is a possible connection with the beginning of Summer. It is derived from luminaria (illumination), and in fact it is a festival rooted in Maltese seasonal rituals and customs.
The beloved titular statue, that of St. Peter and St. Paul, was made in Marseilles in 1882. It is one of the many masterpieces that grace this grand church. On good Friday a beautifully-made set of statues are taken out for the holy procession depicting the passion and crucifixion of Jesus. On Easter morning a statue of The Risen Lord is also joyfully paraded.
Nadur was made a parish by Bishop Cocco Palmeri on the 28th April, 1688 with Rev. Bernard Haber as first parish-priest. Its population was then 532 and its territory included Ghajnsielem, Qala and Comino. The parish church, dedicated to SS. Peter and Paul, is a very artistic monument of both architecture and painting, rich in marble works and decorations, erected on the site of a former smaller church and which is also the highest point in town.
Nadur MUSEUM
Maybe a daily reality in Nadur that is often underestimated is the enormous commitment by the MUSEUM lay catechists who teach Christian formation to almost all youngsters. There are two Museum houses in Nadur. Although both of them boom with activity particularly in the evening during catechism classes, their activities are not limited to just that. For example, the Nadur Boys Museum has quite a full-year calendar of events and activities that target human needs from a holistic perspective, and not just the spiritual needs. Anyone who sets foot in this house of Christian formation understands the vigor and commitment which enriches the lay catechists' life, known as 'Soci', in their vocation. The Nadur Boys Museum calendar of events covers formation from a holistic point of view, and besides daily catechism classes, one finds: drama (plays, etc.), religio-cultural events (Christmas pageant and program, static Christmas crib, static Last Supper exhibition, etc.), sports all year-round (indoor and outdoor), varied formation (meetings for parents, youth, adults, and old boys), use of the mass media (publications and use of local parish radio station), etc. Nadur Museum (Boys section) has from the very start been a promoter of evangelization through the mass media. Monthly publications are sent to hundreds of youth in Nadur and to teenagers. Copies are also sent to old boys who now live overseas. Recent publications that have been very well received by the general public are the story books, Il-Hbieb Isejhu Bl-Istejjer, now in its 4th volume, that synthesize the monthly publications from this house of Christian formation. Information and to visit the official website of Museum Malta, go to http://www.sdcmuseum.org/
SS Peter & Paul Basilica
The construction of the present temple was begun on the 28th September 1760 on the design of the Maltese architect Giuseppe Bonnici (1707 – 1779). In 1907 work was taken in hand once again – this time to construct the aisles, dome and façade, on the Italian Renaissance design of Prof. F.S. Sciortino. The ceiling, depicting episodes connected with SS Peter and Paul, was painted by the Maltese Lazzaro Pisani, while the architectural decorations are the work of the Roman Pio Cellini. Principal force behind all these new projects was Archpriest Martin Camilleri (1910 – 1921). The parish has its own community radio station Radjuluminaria.
Kelinu Grima Maritime Museum
The Kelinu Grima Maritime Museum.
This is the only MUSEUM in Gozo. It has among its exhibits some of the rare and priceless items like authenticated pieces of timber from Lord Nelson’s flagship, HMS Victory as well as the first U.S. warship USS Constitution together with one of Lord Louis Mountbatten’s gold epaulette, which he wore during his duty in the Mediterranean. The Museum with all the various model crafts of all shapes and sizes and the hardy men who guided them to their destinies in times of peace and war, is a living epitome of love and dedication to the sea.
All the items were painstakingly collected by Michael Grima, an ex-Primary School Teacher from Nadur who selflessly devoted most part of his time to the collection of the memorabilia. Michael Grima, as a collector, made friends with some of the world’s outstanding seamen of his days, including Admirals who gave him souvenirs that they deemed worthy of exhibition including complete personal uniforms, or parts of it. He also received flags or pennants that once flew atop their ships. A number of them donated their own photographs. Michael Grima donated his entire collection to the parish church.
Guide To Country Walks in Nadur
Guide To Country Walks in Nadur
With its beautiful countryside Nadur offers some of the best country walk-routes on the island. For the benefit of all those who wish to leave their homes and have a beautiful healthy walk in Nadur here are six country walks which should take you to places that many can only enjoy on post-cards!
Walk A: Church of SS Peter & Paul, Maritime Museum, Belvedere, Ta’ Kenuna Tower and Maltese Garden.
Departure point is from the town’s main square. Proceed to the left into a side square where you will find Nadur Pharmacy. Leaving 28th April 1688 Square, turn again to the left into Triq Cicciano and you will be in Triq il-Kappillan where on the right hand side there is The Kelinu Grima Maritime Museum.
After the visit to the museum turn left and walk a few steps to reach Triq Xandriku. Continue walking to your right and then make a sharp turn left into Triq il-Madonna Ta’ Fatima where you will find a neat playing field, garden and belvedere. It is an ideal place to linger for a few minutes. From here you will get a magnificent view of Mgarr Harbour and the channel between the islands with the Gozo ferries plying across it. After enjoying the picturesque view of the islands and Mgarr Harbour continue to walk along Triq il-Madonna Ta’ Fatima in the direction of the tower which you will see in front at the far end. This street comes to a cul de sac and can be left behind by passing through a narrow path at its end along side the external rubble walls of a nearby spacious house. You will come to another belvedere which will lead you to the Ta’ Kenuna Tower and garden.
Ta’ Kenuna Tower was one of the three semaphore towers built by the British in 1848 on the cliffs on the southwest of the hill 130 meters above sea level. Its purpose was that of a telegraphy link between the two islands to pass on signals to ships and other posts.
The Nadur Local Council with the help of the Maltacom sponsored the restoration works of the tower. A beacon to warn ships that they are nearing land, as well as a number of communication antennas were recently installed on the roof. One can even ask permission from the watchman to go on top of the covered roof of the tower for a panoramic view of Gozo, Comino and Malta.
The surrounding area has been transformed into a Maltese Garden with indigenous plants, amongst which one can observe the Maltese National Plant, Maltese Rock-Centaury,“Widnet il-Bahar” – Palaeocyanus crassifolius, wild flowers and shrubs.
Useful information:
Grading: Very easy going short walk. Duration: From the square to the tower is 20 minutes. without the stoppage time to enjoy the panoramic views.
Don’t miss: The panoramic views of the island, Comino Islands, Għajnsielem, a glimpse of the village of Xaghra, and the Citadel.
Places of Interest: Basilica of SS Peter & Paul, Kelinu Grima Maritime Museum, Ta’ Kenuna Toawer and Maltese Garden.
Walk B: San Blas Bay, Mistra Rocks, Ta’ Sopu Tower Start your walk from SS Peter Paul Square. In the square one finds the Police Station and two commercial banks. Proceed from Triq Dicembru Tlettax. This street is the main thoroughfare of the town where one finds two clubs, Nadur Youngsters’ Football Club and Mnarja Band Club, side by side with a number of shops, a restaurant and some bars. When you reach the band club go down Triq Cimcem.
Triq Cimcem: This is an old street with alleys and characteristic old houses. There is an old house converted into an art and craft farm where you can order your personalised hand painted presents and cards. Craft courses are also given to tourists. The house at the lower end of this street has a statue of Our Lady of Safe Haven in a small niche with the inscription Porto Salvo underneath.
Once you reach it, walk across Triq San Gwann and the first side street on the right leads you to a popular bakery called Tal-Maxokk. This innocuous place is easy to miss if you use your sight but if you let your sense of smell guide you, you should easily end up outside the net curtain of this bakery which is guaranteed to have the best fragrance in town! Once you step inside the small, dark room you will most likely stumble on a couple of industrious women adding toppings onto the local pizzas called simply ftajjar in Maltese. One can order the pizza here and collect it at the end of the walk. Retrace your steps into Triq San Gwann and walk down till you find a more ornate niche with a painting of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu. Here you come to a bifurcation, one leading to Triq it-Tigrija and another to a short street, called Triq il-Kavallier Guze Camilleri. Take this street and walk down the side walk so that you come to another street called Triq San Blas.
Triq San Blas: This street is a typical village street with houses on both sides the majority of which, are newly built and with names hailing the country to where the owners had at one time emigrated. Along the street, if one is lucky enough, one may still see some women working the Gozo lace in front of their homes. In the upper part of this street one finds a typical village babery called Ta’ Pitra bakery which makes Maltese bread and Gozitan ftajjar.
Walk down this street to its very end when you come to a small charming grove and playing field. Here one finds a masterfully constructed ‘girna’ with its intricate style of masonry. From this vantage point one will long remember the exquisite view of the valley with its terrace orchards.
The Girna: The Girna is a Corbelled Stone Hut. Typically, the walls slope gradually inwards as they rise,
the gap at the top being bridged over by large undressed stones. The dome-shaped Girna is found in great numbers on the upper coralline outcrops of the north and west regions of Malta. Strangely, it is hardly ever seen in Gozo. The Girna is used as a store for agricultural tools and a shelter from the rain.
Now take the road on the left and go down a very steep concrete track. After a hundred metres or so
you arrive at a delightful, little, secluded, sandy beach, San Blas Bay.
San Blas Bay has been voted one of the world’s ten best secret beaches by the Sunday Times of London in 2004. This 90 metre red-sand paradise is devoid of bars, empty of café and nearly always free of people because it is not so easy to get here.
Once you’re got your breath back leave the bay and start ascending the steep track. When you reach the first level turn abruptly to the left and follow a little path running under the cliffs through passages running among citrus trees and continue until further walking is not possible. From here, though, you can have a good view of Mistra Rocks. Retrace your steps and walk up the steep track till you come to the playing field and grove. Continue your walk towards the Military Station and a number of glass houses, follow a path, to your right, to a hard stone quarry which is now being rehabilitated.
Myrtle Valley: From the cliffs you will get a good overview of Wied ir-Rihan (Myrtle valley). Before the quarry was in use there used to be a number of natural springs with water running all year round. The fields are very fertile and nowadays farmers are utilising new technical and scientific methods to grow various crops, vegetables and even flowers in glasshouses as well as in the open through the use of drip irrigation and similar effective methods. If you follow the man made path on the plateau down towards the sea, you will come to a gentle drop and you will instantly see a strikingly preserved tower in front of you, perched on the high, rocky cliffs' edge.
Ta’ Sopu Tower: Ta’ Sopu Tower is one of the watch towers built along the coast of Gozo during the reign of the Knights of St. John (1530 – 1798). In fact it was the last one in a series of towers built in Gozo. Similar towers include Garzes Tower(1605) Xlendi Tower (1650), Dwejra Tower (1652),and Mgarr ix-Xini Tower (1661). This last tower was dismantled in 1848 and its stones were used to build the arch that bridges Wied il-Kbir in Ghajnsielem. The site is now occupied by a five-star hotel which unfortunately has been closed in December 2005. We can state that before the coming of the Knights there existed no towers or any sort of fortifications in Gozo except the Gozo Citadel. The coast used to be guarded by the Gozitan themselves. When it was constructed it was called La Torre Nuova (The New Tower). Through out its history, it has been referred to by a number of names: Dahlet Qorrot Tower or San Blas Tower for the two bays lying on either side of the tower, or Rdum Tower for the Mistra Rocks on which it is situated. For our study we are going to keep the name Ta’ Sopu Tower.
This tower is perched 120 metres above sea level. The position of this tower is a bit curious. It cannot be reached from the sea because of a labyrinth of rocks and the high cliffs. The tower, although set on a high level above the sea, cannot be seen from any place in Nadur except San Bas Bay and Dahlet Qorrot Bay. This is because the cliffs on which the tower is built continue to rise to form a higher ridge called il-Qortin or Mistra Rocks. On the rocky land one can find a diversity of flora which need to be protected from man’s destruction. Here one can come across pennyroyal, Mediterranean thyme, cape sorrel, rosemary, borage, squirting cucumber, Maltese savory, various types of thistle, daffodils, and fennel. One can find many natural holes in the rocks which catch the rain water and thus attract migratory birds, which unfortunately fall victims to the numerous nets set up near this tower by bird trappers.
On the west lies San Bas Bay and on the east Dahlet Qorrot Bay and Qala Point. The best view one can get of Dahlet Qorrot is from this tower.
One can enjoy a bird’s eye view of this bay together wth the surrounding small inlets of San Filep, Ghajn Berta and Rdum iz-Zghir. To the north, the tower faces the open sea, On the east side, on a clear day, one can see St Paul’s Bay, St Julian’s and as far as Dragonara Point. On the west side one can easily see Ghajn Damma, where in olden times there used to stand a small tower called Marsalforn Tower. Qolla s-Safra in Marsalforn is also visible from Ta’ Sopu Tower. This tower, apart from being part of the defense of the island, was also one of the signaling posts. Francois Charles de Bourlamaque, Brigadier of the French Army in his report about the fortifications of Gozo and Comino dated 24th October 1761 wrote : Cette tour est bonne pour les signaux. (This tower is good for signals). He came to Gozo with a retinue of five military engineers in mid-July to inspect the fortifications and make recommendations for strengthening the defenses.
The tower started being built in 1667 but most of the work was carried out in 1669 and 1670 during the reign of Grand Master Nicholas Cotoner (1663 – 1680.The expenses for the masonry work was forked out by the local administration called the Universitas and so this means that it was paid for from the taxes imposed on the Gozitans. The Universitas also paid for the salaries of the soldiers working in the tower and was responsible for any maintenance needed from time to time. The Order of St John was asked by the Grand Master to provide the artillery needed after he visited the tower on 19th April 1670 and ordered the supply of these armaments himself. On the façade of the tower facing the land there are four escutcheons (now undecipherable through weather erosion of the stone) affixed to the wall above the entrance and drawbridge. (On other towers there are only two coats of arms). The two most important of the four on Sopu Tower are that of the Grand Master Nicholas Cotoner and the other of the Governor of Gozo, Ludovic Xedler y Gomez. The other two coats of arms probably represented the Gozo Universitas and the Seneschal. This tower had its own Castellano (Capo Mastro) who was a Bombardier in charge of the soldiers working in the tower. During the night there used to be three persons on duty. All the personnel were paid by the Gozo Universitas, (300 years ago in April 1702 the Castellano of the Tower was GioMaria Gafa’ who was paid 2.52 Euros every four months or 7.56 Euros annually. This detail is registered in the Archives of the Gozo Univeritas volume 9 manacle 1701 – 1702 page 27r {NAG, UG, Acta, 9/1701 – 1702, f.27r}. Ta’ Sopu Tower remains renowned for its inadequacy to defend the island against the French invasion of Gozo on the 10th June 1798! The French Commandant had chosen an inlet between Sopu Tower and Ramla Bay called Rdum ta’ Vnuta. When the Gozitans saw the ships loaded with French soldiers making their way towards land, the soldiers on guard in the Tower started firing on the incoming armada. But their efforts were soon neutralized by the cannons on L’Etoile and La Pluvier. Needless to say, on the tower there were only two cannons available. Therefore Reynier’s troops soon landed without any further resistance. The tower remained in operation until 1st April 1873, after which, no more soldiers were stationed for guard duties in the tower. Since then, it has been abandoned. During World War Two the tower was not utilized for defense but some bombs were still dropped in its vicinity. Fortunately none hit the tower. Until a couple of years ago the tower has been in total abandonment and the elements of nature have left their mark. But, in spite of the fact that 333 years have passed, the tower is still standing. Today, thanks to the collaboration of the NGO, Din L-Art Helwa together with Nadur Local Council, the proper repairs and restorations were carried out and the tower has been restored to its former glory, and thus saved from total destruction forever.
By going along the cliff's edge on the right hand side of the tower, you will be in a strategic point to enjoy excellent views of Wied Rihan and a bird’s eye view of San Filep inlet and Dahlet Qorrot Bay. Further on in the distance, one can see in the distance parts of Malta, Bugibba and Portomaso Tower. The Garigue: This garigue area is the ideal habitat for bee keeping. Busy bees collecting pollen from the plant of the Mediterranean Thyme, Thymus capitatus, are a common sight. The honey produced from this area has a distinctive flavour which makes it one of the most sot of honeys produced in these islands. These cliff habitats harbour a large number of endemic and relict species. One in particular, the Bracken Fern, Pteridium aquilinum, is confined to this area. It used to be very common and sometimes noxious, nowadays; it has become a rare species. Another wild flower which is indigenous to these parts is the narrow leaved Rock-Rose, Cistus monspeliensis, which flowers in spring.
Now retrace your steps along side the quarry and by passing the Military Station you come to Triq San Blas again which will lead you back to the village centre. Useful Information:
Grading: Not so easy, at least half way
Duration: This is a two hour walk with time for a couple of short rests. Don’t miss: View of Mistra Rocks, San Blas Bay, Wied ir-Rihan, Dahlet Qorrot Bay.
Places of Historical Interest: Ta’ Sopu Tower
Walk C: Dahlet Qorrot Bay, Grejgel Valley, L-Imsaqqfin Start your walk from the main square in front of the church and pass through Triq Dicembru Tlettax and Triq Cimcem until you arrive at Triq San Blas. Go down Triq San Blas until the street forks into two. Take the one to the right and you will be walking down the road to Dahlet Qorrot. At this point the scenery changes and here there are no houses. As you look down, you will see Il- Buskett and one of the most picturesque and fertile valleys, Wied ta’ Grejgel, characterised by terraced fields, orchards of citrus fruits and the spread-eagled carob trees.
Ta’ Grejgel Valley: In days gone by this valley, like other valleys in the Nadur area, had an abundance of water. This valley, so uniquely rich in vegetation, is blessed with fresh water springs, a much relished Godsend for all year round cultivation as well as its flora and fauna. So much so that Grand Master Wignacourt reserved for himself and his entourage huge chunks of Nadur for the shooting of hares and birds during the hunting season. In November 2003 this valley was named the best valley n Malta and Gozo for its beauty.
This road offers easy walking until it suddenly dips steeply. Walk down for a couple of minutes and keeping constantly to the left hand side. On the way you will come to a bamboo gate. Do not go beyond this gate since the land is privately owned.
L-Imsaqqfin: For a number of years hard stones used to be cut from this place. The historian Agius de Soldanis wrote that prior to the old quarry there were several large flat boulders forming roofed structures which he believes are of prehistoric origin. These roofed structures were called l-“Imsaqqfin” and were thought to be old temples dedicated to the gods. There is no trace of these stones left and so modern archaeologists do not mention this site as part of prehistoric Gozo.
Just before the road dips steeply down towards the bay, on your left, there is a footpath on the side of the high cliff ridge. This pathway leads to a lovely walk among the typical terraced fields, sheltered with windbreakers containing fruit trees and various crops including cabbages, beans and peas, potatoes, tomatoes or onions depending on the season. A number of natural springs are still visible and the farmers also channel the water to small open reservoirs. Among the fields one can occasionally see a few sizeable rocks with extraordinarily flat surfaces. The farmers use these flat surfaces to dry all sorts of produce such as figs, tomatoes, etc. From here one can have a glimpse of the Ta’ Sopu Tower to the left and to the right an extensive view of the sea inlet known by the locals as San Filep Bay together with small islands of rock jutting out from the emerald blue sea. The pathway can lead you to Wied ir-Rihan Valley but this area soon turns into private property and it is advisable to retrace your steps and go down the steep road to Dahlet Qorrot Bay.
Dahlet Qorrot Bay: It is believed that the name Dahlet Qorrot is derived from the name of a Turkish Commandant named Qorrot who once disembarked in this place. This inlet was formerly the place where the ferry moored after crossing from Malta when the strong wind was south-westerly. The locals have dug out small caves in the globigerina limestone which they call boat houses as they shelter their small boats in them during winter. These have now turned into small retreats for the summer which give protection from the scorching sun. During summer time, part-time fishermen parade all their fishing boats and the bay is quite popular with local swimmers. From here one can see the Ta’ Sopu Tower perched vigilantly on the cliffs.
From this point go up the same steep road and continue walking for about half a kilometre. Make a left turn across the green valley and go up the hill on the other side. This dirt road is very steep and after some occasional showers may be slippery. So take care if you go walking during the winter months! Once you are up there the scenery in the valley below up to Dahlet Qorrot and beyond, is really exceptional. Useful Information:
Grading: Up hill walking most of the way.
Duration: The walk down to Dahlet Qorrot Bay takes about one and a half hours.
Don’t miss: The picturesque valleys, views of San Blas and Dahlet Qorrot Bay.
'Walk D:
Myrtle Valley, Ghajn Berta
Start your walk from the main square in front of the church and pass through Triq Dicembru Tlettax and Triq Cimcem until you arrive at Triq San Blas. Walk all the way down Triq San Blas until you come to a third bifurcation. Here one can see local farmers depositing crates full of fruits to send to Malta on lorries. This is actually a collecting station. The person in charge has been doing this for many years.
Take Triq Wied ir-Rihan on the right and walk along until you leave the buildings and come to a valley called Wied ir-Rihan named after the shrub Myrtle (Myrtus communis) which one finds growing in this area. Again one sees lots of citrus trees and terraced fields where traditional agricultural techniques are being replaced by modern ones.
Proceed down the road along the valley. At one spot you may encounter local men playing “íl-partita” which is a local crude version of bowling. A few steps further down the remains of an old quarry with the old rusting machinery still in place is both a blemish and an eye sore to this beautiful spot. A few metres down the road you come to a dead end with a space surrounded by terraced fields. Wied ir-Rihan is on your right while the high Mistra cliffs on the left. The sea coast is within walking distance.
Ghajn Berta: This inlet is called Ghajn Berta where one finds a fresh water spring and forms part of the Dahlet Qorrot Bay. It is one of the secret beaches known only to locals. On the left hand side there used to be a stone quarry just under the Mistra cliffs. This quarry has been reclaimed and now transformed into an olive grove.
You can find your way back to Triq San Blas or else you can take a different route through Wied ta’ Grejgel. This you can do by covering your footsteps uphill till you come to the first buildings. Just before you reach the buildings there is a path on your left leading into the valley. Take this path and cross the valley. Proceed along the valley until you reach a large pig farm. Turn right and follow the road uphill towards a hard stone quarry. This road passes right through the quarry which is still in use. On a dry and hot summer day the place can be quite dusty! Leaving the quarry walk down till you come to a house on its own on the left hand side of the road. Turn left into an alley leading to an open space in the fields. Proceed across the garigue till you reach a farm house called “Ta’ Gori Farm House”. Keep going forward and follow the path till you come down to Dahlet Qorrot Road. From here you can retrace your way up Dahlet Qorrot road towards Triq San Blas as in the previous walk.
Useful information:
Grading: It is an easy going walk apart from a couple of up hills.
Duration: The whole walk will take about two hours.
Don’t miss: Mistra Cliffs, Ghajn Berta inlet.
Walk E: Il-Mixta Cave, Napoleon’s Landing site, Rdum il-Kbir
Leave SS Peter Paul Square and walk down the whole length of Triq il-Knisja. When you arrive at the crossroads follow the street signs indicating Ramla Bay by walking down Triq tal-Hanaq. In the upper part of this street there is a traditional bakery, called “Tal-Makren Bakery” which bakes Maltese bread and local pizzas called “ftira”. The local folks quite often take their dishes for roasting in the wood- bake oven. After leaving Triq tal-Hanaq turn to the right and take the road to Ramla Bay, pass the playing field and keep going down towards Ramla. On the left hand side of the road there is a belvedere from which a panoramic view of Ramla Bay can be seen. As you leave the belvedere and just before the final stretch of road is reached take the side road on the right. Continue along this road till you reach a plateau, called Ta’ Xurdin, where one finds a cluster of modern bungalows. Turn to the left and keep on walking till you get to a bifurcation, turn your right of the newly built cattle farm and move on until another couple of old houses are reached. These houses are constantly guarded by a number of watch dogs. The dogs are however harmless since they are invariably kept on sheltered rooftops, always willing to announce with their barking, the arrival of unexpected visitors.
From this plateau one can get a breath taking view of Ramla Bay, Xaghra and Marsalforn. One can follow the path leading to a natural cave overlooking Ramla Bay called l-Ghar tal-Mixta. The entrance to this grotto is through a rock hewn passage and steps. This large cave was used as shelter for cattle and even the peasants used to live in it to look after their herds. From inside the cave one can get a marvellous view of the golden sands bay of Ramla with the statue of the Holy Mary -Star of the Sea- in the middle and Calypso’s Cave overlooking the bay on the opposite side. Far away one can see the Qolla s-Safra (Marsalforn) jutting out into the blue sea.
Go back along the same road until you come to Ta’ Xurdin where, on your left, you will come across a road, going down towards the sea coast. Take this road, pass the cluster of old houses and continue further down the steep road which leads to the beautiful fruit orchard and cliffs called Ta’ Vnuta. It must have been below these cliffs that the French approached the shore for a surprise landing on Gozo on 10th July 1798.
Ascending the road back to Ta’ Xurdin if you take a path in the fields to your left you will come to the edge of the cliffs known as l-Irdum il-Kbir (Great Cliffs). From here one will get a fantastic view of San Blas Bay and the substantial stretch of the blue Mediterranean Sea.
During the walk, along the footpaths, one is likely to meet with a multitude of local flora and fauna.
On leaving the cliffs one comes to the bungalows at Ta’ Xurdin. One can hence get back to the main Ramla road from where the way back to the centre of the village is quite easy.
Useful information:
Grading: Not easy especially last part
Duration: The walk from the square to the Mixta Cave takes about one hour.
Don’t miss: Bird’s eye view of Ramla Bay and San Blas Bay and the beautiful Northern Gozitan coastline.
Walk F: Bingemma Valley
Leave SS Peter Paul Square and walk down the whole length of Triq il-Knisja. When you arrive at the cross road follow the street signs indicating Ramla Bay by walking Triq tal-Hanaq. In this street there is a traditional bakery, called “Makren Bakery” which bakes Maltese bread and local pizzas called “ftira”. The local folk also take their dishes for roasting in the wood-bake oven.
After leaving Triq tal-Hanaq turn to the right and take the road to Ramla Bay. When you reach Johnny’s Supermarket turn right and passing right through a housing estate take the old Ramla Road. Follow the road. Just before you reach the valley you will come to a small belvedere, from where you will get an aerial view of San Blas Valley and Bingemma Valley.
San Blas Valley: As you reach a small limestone quarry, which has been rehabilitated, take a sharp turn to the right and follow the road down into the valley. Here the characteristic scenery is obvious with terraced rubble walls separating the various small fields of citrus fruit trees. Here a number of natural springs used to provide all the water needed for irrigation. But nowadays they have dried up and only in winter water trickle into the water cisterns purposely built by the farmers.
Nevertheless the valley provides a tranquil and green surrounding and the scenery will be enhanced by the bird’s singing accompanied by the distant rumbling of tractors and grass cutters of the farmers working in the fields. The sight of the citrus fruits in the trees is quite tempting. It’s good to know that the farmers will generously offer a couple of oranges to quench one’s thirst upon request.
When you get to a small pumping station turn right and follow the road up through Bingemma Valley.
Bingemma Valley: The scenery is more or less the same but now you will see some very old olive trees. In days gone by olive trees were cultivated on a large scale. In this valley one can still find quite a number of these centuries old evergreen trees. Here the farmers grow various other crops and they have opted for modern methods especially drip irrigation.
Move up the road until you reach the building when you come to Ramla Road again. From here you will get a splendid view of Ramla Valley and Ramla Bay with the village of Xaghra on the other side of the valley. From here you can retrace your way to the village centre and the square.
Useful information:
Grading: This walk takes you to Bingemma Valley where the road is a bit steep.
Duration: The walk from the square to Johnny’s Supermarket takes about 25 minutes. The complete circuit starting and ending at Johnny’s Supermarket takes about 45 minutes. Allow a further 20 minutes for your way back to the square.
Don’t miss: San Blas Valley, citrus orchards and olive groves.
If you would like more walking-guides we suggest you buy the book: "Guide to Country Walks in Nadur" from leading bookshops. You can order your copy by sending an email to: [email protected] and a copy will be sent to you by post.
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