Xlendi Bay is ideal for families with young children as the beach is shallow. If you are a more adventurous swimmer, you can also enjoy snorkelling around the reefs near the beach. In addition to the small sandy beach, you can also access it from the flat rocks on the left side of the bay. Although Xlendi Bay is very popular for its beauty, it still retains a pleasant atmosphere without being overcrowded with tourists. During the winter months there is a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. You can enjoy the picturesque bay, spend a day on the beach, have lunch by the sea and then go for a swim.
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.
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.
