Ix-Xlendi Bay is a fantastic place for swimming, snorkelling and diving! The sandy beach is ideal for people of all ages as it extends into shallow waters. If you're feeling adventurous, the long rocky coastline that runs along the beach provides an exciting opportunity to swim and snorkel in deeper waters. The reef formations also make it an ideal spot for beginners. Ix-Xlendi is also a charming Gozitan fishing village with a number of excellent restaurants, bars and hotels.
The ix-Xlendi tower is the oldest free-standing coastal watchtower in Gozo. It was built during the reign of Grand Master Lascaris in 1650. It was designed to defend ix-Xlendi Bayand keep out smugglers, pirates and quarantine evaders (the Knights Hospitaller were accomplished medics and had a strict quarantine policy for ships arriving from diseased areas). The Tower is 35 feet square and rises to a height of 30 courses. It has an architecturally unique platform jutting out seawards.
Come and explore Caroline's cave, a hidden gem nestled within the cliff sides on the right. This cave is one of many, but it stands out as the most famous. It can be reached by stairs and was once owned by a wealthy lady named Caroline from Rabat. Caroline was a generous soul who founded the Augustinian sisters and donated her land, including this cave, to them. The sisters used this cave as a secret hideaway whenever they went swimming, so they wouldn't be seen by others in the bay. On the same side of the bay, you'll find Catherine of Siena Cave, which is renowned for its crystal-clear blue water. In the 17th century, the locals who lived around this cave built a church just above it, dedicated to St. Catherine. This is how the cave got its name. Come and discover the rich history and natural beauty of these caves for yourself.
The Arzella Apartments are conveniently located just steps from Xlendi's best restaurants, such as Mobydick and Pirates Galley.
The national Maltese dish is rabbit in many ways.The most traditional is the stewed rabbit in wine with potatoes and vegetables, but it is often served with pasta. You can often find this dish under the local name "Stuffat tal-fenek". Another very common dish in Malta is fresh seafood, which you will find in most of the restaurants. Common fishes are tuna, swordfish, perch. The most popular local fish is lampuki (known as Acanthocybium or Dorada). Other traditional Maltese dishes include:
Aljotta - fish soup with garlicBragioli - beef roulade in wine stuffed with capers, olives and egg or other ingredients
Stuffat tal-females - The national dish of Malta, a rabbit stewed in wine with potatoes and vegetables
Ftira - stuffed Maltese bread
Lampuki - Maltese fish specialty
Pastizzi - puff pastry bags with ricotta or other fillings
Ravjul - ravioli pasta with ricotta
Ross-il-forn - Baked dish of rice, eggs, minced meat and onions
The traditional Maltese side dish is local bread, which is considered one of the best breads in the world.
