Blue Hole in Gozo, Victoria (Rabat), Gozo

Natural Phenomenon in Victoria (Rabat), Gozo

Gozo Blue Hole
Gozo Blue Hole
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Luca Aless

On Gozo’s rugged west coast near Dwejra Bay, the Blue Hole is a circular, deep-water plunge pool carved into limestone, just a few steps from the open sea. From the cliff edge you can see the water shifting through electric blues depending on the light, and when conditions are calm it’s easy to understand why this spot is one of the best places to visit in Gozo for travelers who like nature with a bit of adrenaline.

What makes the Blue Hole special is how quickly it goes from “pretty viewpoint” to “real swim-and-sea conditions.” There's no sandy beach entry here-just rock, steps, and the Mediterranean doing its thing-so it feels raw, close-up, and memorable. It also fits naturally into a walking tour of San Lawrenz if you're building a west-coast loop that mixes viewpoints, short coastal paths, and a few standout stops around Dwejra.

History and Significance of the Blue Hole

The Blue Hole is a natural feature formed by thousands of years of wave energy and weathering, creating a near-vertical shaft in the limestone that connects to the open sea through submerged openings. It sits beside the former Azure Window area, so it also carries that sense of “living coastline,” where the landscape keeps evolving and reshaping itself over time.

For Gozo, the Blue Hole has become more than geology: it’s a symbol of the island’s west coast-wild, wind-sculpted, and built for big views. Over the years it’s also gained international recognition among divers, because the underwater terrain here is unusually dramatic for a shore entry, with swim-throughs, arches, and changing light that can feel almost theatrical.

It’s worth remembering that this is not a constructed attraction with barriers and lifeguards. Its significance is tied to how real it feels: the sea, the rock, the exposure, and the responsibility to judge conditions sensibly before you go in.

Things to See and Do in the Blue Hole

Start from the clifftop platform and simply look down into the water before you do anything else. The best “wow” moment is often that first view into the deep blue, especially when the sea is calm enough that you can see the depth gradients and the shape of the shaft.

If you’re swimming or snorkelling, treat the entry like a technical step rather than a casual beach dip. In calm conditions, the visibility can be excellent, and you can hug the rock edges to explore the walls and shallow areas before deciding whether to move toward the sea connection. When the sea is active, waves can surge into the hole and rebound off the rock, which is why this is a “choose your day” spot.

For certified divers, the Blue Hole is the headline shore dive on Gozo’s west coast, often combined with nearby underwater features that make the route feel varied even on a single entry. If you’re not diving, it’s still a strong stop: the surrounding coastline is dramatic, and you can build a full mini-route by pairing the Blue Hole with viewpoints and short walks around Dwejra.

How to Get to the Blue Hole

Most trips start via Malta International Airport (MLA), then continue to Gozo by ferry from Ċirkewwa to Mġarr Harbour. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Victoria (Rabat), Gozo on Booking.com. From Mġarr, you can drive or take a bus toward San Lawrenz and Dwejra Bay, then walk the final rocky approach to the Blue Hole area.

Malta and Gozo do not have a passenger rail network, so trains are not part of getting here. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. By bus, it's usually simplest to route via Victoria (Rabat) and connect onward to the Dwejra/San Lawrenz direction, then continue on foot from the nearest stop.

If you’re driving, follow signs for San Lawrenz and Dwejra, park in the Dwejra Bay area, and walk a short distance over uneven limestone to reach the Blue Hole viewpoint and entry area.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Blue Hole

  • Entrance fee: Free
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours
  • Official website: https://www.visitmalta.com/en/attraction/blue-hole-natural-attraction-gozo
  • Best time to visit: Aim for calm-sea days with light wind; the experience changes completely depending on conditions.
  • How long to spend: 30-60 minutes for viewpoints and photos; 2-3 hours if you’re adding a swim, snorkel, or a Dwejra coastal loop.
  • Accessibility: Expect uneven rock surfaces and step-based access; it’s not suitable for wheelchairs and can be tough for anyone unsteady on rough ground.
  • Facilities: The wider Dwejra area has basic amenities, but shade is limited, so bring water and sun protection.

Where to Stay Close to the Blue Hole

For a culture-heavy itinerary, stay in Victoria so you can walk the Citadel area in the evenings and day-trip to the coast; for a nature-first Gozo stay with easy sunset access, base yourself around San Lawrenz and the west coast.

For the most convenient base near Dwejra, Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz is ideal if you want comfort, spa facilities, and quick access to the coastline. If you prefer staying central for flexible bus connections and easy evenings in town, The Duke Boutique Hotel is a strong pick. For a quieter, countryside-leaning stay with a resort feel, Hotel Ta’ Cenc & Spa pairs well with coastal drives and relaxed pacing.

Is the Blue Hole Worth Visiting?

Yes, with one clear condition: it’s worth visiting when you respect the sea. As a viewpoint alone it’s striking, but on a calm day it becomes a genuinely special swim or snorkel experience that feels unique to Gozo’s west coast.

It’s also a smart stop because it pairs so easily with the rest of Dwejra. Even if you decide not to enter the water, you’ll still come away with dramatic scenery, cliff-walk atmosphere, and a strong sense of the island’s wilder edge.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (3,727)

Blue Hole Viewpoint in San Lawrenz offers dramatic coastal vistas and clear, wavy water ideal for divers, boat trips through nearby caves, and watersports when conditions permit; the approach involves uneven, rocky paths and some steeper sections that can be challenging for small children, so wear sturdy shoes, and you’ll find parking for cars and buses plus a few food trucks and a small bar nearby to round out the visit.

Jimmy Spike
a month ago
"A must visit natural wonder! Perfect for divers, with crystal clear waters and stu ing underwater formations, and hikers. The hike to the siterequires sturdy shoes but rewards you with breathtaking coastal views. Ideal for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Be mindful of uneven terrain and strong waves...."
Martina Vodičková
3 months ago
"A beautiful sunset with an amazing view. The spot is a bit more challenging to reach with small children: expect some rocks, stones, and steepersections. Definitely worth it, just be careful while walking. But nice view :)..."
Marko Prstac
2 months ago
"We arrived here by sightseeing bus. Travel by car is also possible since there is enough parking spots for buses as well as cars. The view is trulyamazing, if not the best one of whole our trip to Malta. The cliffs can be seen from each and every corner, water was clear and a bit wavy. There are couple of food trucks and a small bar to keep you going for the rest of your trip. Chapel as well as view on the village below where the blue hole is per se is also beautiful and deffinetly worth seeing...."

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This is best approached as a scenic stop rather than a guaranteed swim, especially with younger children. The rocks are uneven and the sea conditions can change fast, so a careful “look and explore the coastline” visit is often the safest and most enjoyable family plan.

If you do plan to get in the water, choose a very calm day, keep the visit short, and stick to confident swimmers with proper footwear. Pairing the Blue Hole with a more sheltered swimming spot elsewhere on Gozo can make the day feel balanced.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

The Blue Hole is at its most romantic when you treat it like a sunset-and-scenery moment, not a checklist. Arrive in softer light, linger on the viewpoints, and build in time for a slow walk around Dwejra so the experience feels spacious rather than rushed.

If you’re both confident swimmers and conditions are calm, a quick dip can be a memorable shared moment. If not, the coastline still delivers that “end of the world” feeling that makes Gozo’s west coast so special.

Budget Travelers

This is one of the best-value natural stops on Gozo because it costs nothing to visit and delivers big impact. Keep costs down by using buses via Victoria, bringing water and snacks, and treating the Blue Hole as part of a longer self-guided Dwejra walk.

If you want to dive, that’s where costs come in, so it can be worth comparing a couple of dive centres and choosing a package that suits your level rather than booking the first option you see. Even without diving, you’ll still get a standout Gozo experience for free.

FAQs for Visiting Blue Hole

Getting There

It’s on Gozo’s west coast at Dwejra Bay, near San Lawrenz, beside the Inland Sea area. Once you’re in Dwejra, it’s a short walk over rock to reach the viewpoint and entry zone.
Start from the main Dwejra parking and follow the footpaths toward the shoreline viewpoints. The route is short but uneven, so move slowly and watch for sharp limestone.
Take a bus or taxi toward San Lawrenz and Dwejra, then walk the last section from the nearest stop or parking area. Build in extra time if you’re relying on buses, especially outside peak hours.
Yes, you can park in the Dwejra Bay area, then walk the final stretch. Driving is often the easiest way to time the visit around calm conditions or sunset without worrying about bus schedules.

Tickets & Entry

Yes, it’s a natural site with free access. The only costs you might encounter are optional activities like diving services or boat trips in the wider Dwejra area.
Not for a viewpoint visit or a casual look, as you can simply turn up. If you’re diving, booking ahead is sensible in peak season so you get the right guide-to-diver ratio and timing.
People often underestimate the sea state here, especially when the surface looks calmer from above than it is at water level. If you see strong surge, foam lines, or waves rebounding off rock, treat that as a clear signal to stay out.

Visiting Experience

It can be excellent when the sea is calm, with clear water and dramatic rock walls. When conditions are rough, it can become hazardous very quickly, so it’s not a “swim no matter what” location.
As a viewpoint, yes-it’s still an impressive stop with dramatic scenery. As a water entry, it’s not suitable for non-swimmers because there’s no gentle, shallow beach-style access.
Pair it with the Inland Sea viewpoints and a short coastal walk around Dwejra for a complete west-coast loop. Adding a nearby watchtower or cliff viewpoint turns it into a satisfying 1-2 hour outing without needing extra transport.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Often, especially tours that focus on the west coast and Dwejra Bay. It’s a popular stop because it’s visually striking and quick to incorporate into a wider itinerary.
Most people don’t need a guide for a simple visit, because the site is easy to understand on arrival. A guide adds the most value if you want deeper context on coastal geology, safety decisions, or a structured walking route.
Begin at the Dwejra parking area, visit the Blue Hole viewpoint, continue along the coastal paths for a few additional angles, then return via the Inland Sea area. It’s flexible and easy to shorten if wind or heat is high.

Photography

Yes, particularly for the contrast between pale limestone and deep blue water. The best photos usually come from taking your time to find a safe angle that shows both the hole and the open sea beyond.
Early and late light tends to bring out the water colour and texture in the cliffs. If the sun is harsh and overhead, your photos can look flatter, so softer light usually wins.
There are typically no formal restrictions for casual photography at an open natural site. The main limitation is practical: the ground can be slippery or uneven, so prioritise safe footing over “one more step for the angle.”

Accessibility & Facilities

Access is challenging because the final approach involves uneven rock and step-like surfaces. Many travelers with limited mobility still enjoy the broader Dwejra viewpoints, but the Blue Hole edge and entries may not be comfortable or safe.
Facilities in the wider Dwejra area are basic and can be seasonal, so it’s best to treat this as a short outdoor stop. If you want a guaranteed sit-down break, plan it in San Lawrenz or back in Victoria.

Food & Breaks Nearby

San Lawrenz is the closest village for a simple, practical meal. For the widest choice and a more relaxed post-coast reset, Victoria is the easiest place to base your food stop.
A nice rhythm is coast first, meal second, rather than trying to eat in the most exposed part of Dwejra. You’ll enjoy the views more when you’re not rushing to find shade or supplies.

Safety & Timing

The area becomes very dark and uneven underfoot, so it’s not ideal after sunset unless you have a torch and you know the terrain. Sunset is a great time to be there, but plan to walk back before it gets properly dark.
Look for surge, wave rebound, and how the water behaves against the rock edges-if it’s pushing and pulling strongly, skip entry. When in doubt, locals and dive centres are usually the best real-time check because conditions can change quickly.

Nearby Attractions to the Blue Hole

  • Dwejra Inland Sea: A sheltered, lagoon-like inlet connected to the open sea through a tunnel, great for scenery and calmer-water viewpoints.
  • Dwejra Tower: A 17th-century coastal watchtower with panoramic views that make the west coast feel wonderfully dramatic.
  • Fungus Rock viewpoint: A striking offshore islet with deep local lore and excellent photo angles from the cliffs.
  • Wied il-Mielaħ Window: A natural limestone arch that makes a strong alternative “iconic rock” stop on Gozo.
  • The Citadel (Victoria): Gozo's historic fortress heart, ideal for pairing coastal wildness with culture, museums, and town atmosphere.

The Blue Hole in Gozo appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Victoria (Rabat), Gozo!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours

Price:

Free

Address: Blue Hole, San Lawrenz, Malta
Victoria (Rabat), Gozo: 5 km
Official Website

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