Ta’ Sopu Watchtower, Victoria (Rabat), Gozo

Tower in Victoria (Rabat), Gozo

San Blas Tower
San Blas Tower
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Matthew Curmi

Ta’ Sopu Tower sits on a rugged clifftop on Gozo’s northeast coast, between the little inlets of San Blas Bay and Daħlet Qorrot, with the kind of “end of the road” feeling that makes a place instantly memorable. The tower itself is compact and sturdy, built from honey-colored limestone that seems to glow in late-day light, and it watches over a coastline that’s all terraces, rocks, and open sea.

What makes this stop special is the combination of history and pure scenery: you’re not just ticking off a monument, you’re stepping into a landscape. It’s one of the top sights in Gozo for travelers who like their viewpoints quiet and their heritage places untamed, and it fits beautifully into a walking tour of Gozo that threads together coastal bays, village squares, and a few well-chosen historic landmarks.

History and Significance of the Ta’ Sopu Tower

Ta’ Sopu Tower dates to 1667, when coastal defenses were a constant concern and small watchtowers formed an early-warning network around the islands. Built during the era of the Order of Saint John, it was positioned high above the sea so signals could travel quickly and so lookout lines covered the northeastern approaches to Gozo.

The tower is closely tied to the local story of Nadur and Gozo’s communities, reflecting how island life had to be organized around protection, trade routes, and the reality of threats arriving by sea. Its location above the mouth-area routes and coastal inlets wasn’t chosen for drama-it was chosen for control and visibility, which is exactly why the views still feel so commanding today.

In later history, Ta’ Sopu is often remembered for its recorded action during the French arrival in 1798, when it is noted for firing toward the invading fleet-an unusually direct moment for a small coastal tower. After years of decline, restoration brought it back as a visitable landmark, and today it stands as a compact, powerful reminder of how seriously even remote stretches of Gozo were once defended.

Things to See and Do in the Ta’ Sopu Tower

Start by circling the tower and taking in the setting: the cliffs fall away sharply, the sea opens out toward the horizon, and the coastline folds into small bays that look almost hidden from above. The best “wow” moment is often the first clear view down toward Daħlet Qorrot, where the inlet’s shape and the dark rocks create a striking contrast with bright water on calm days.

If the interior is open, the visit becomes more than a viewpoint. Inside, you can appreciate the thickness of the walls, the practical, compact layout, and the way defensive architecture was designed to do a job rather than impress-yet somehow ends up feeling atmospheric anyway. When roof access is available, the panorama is the headline: this is Gozo’s raw coastline on full display, and it’s easy to linger.

Even when you can’t go in, Ta’ Sopu Tower is still worth it for the walk and the photography. Come early for softer light and fewer people, or aim for late afternoon when the limestone warms up and the sea often turns a deeper shade of blue. Pair it with a short coastal ramble and you’ll quickly see why this spot feels like one of the must-see places in Gozo for anyone who wants a quieter alternative to the island’s busier classics.

How to Get to the Ta’ Sopu Tower

Most travelers reach Gozo via Malta International Airport and then continue by road to the Gozo Channel ferry at Ċirkewwa, crossing to Mġarr Harbour before heading on to Nadur. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Victoria (Rabat), Gozo on Booking.com.

Malta doesn’t have a national rail network, so there’s no train option for this route; plan on buses, taxis, or driving instead. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

By bus, aim to get to Nadur first, then continue toward the San Blas/Daħlet Qorrot side of the village and finish on foot along the last stretch to the clifftop. Services and frequencies can be limited in the quieter areas, so it’s wise to check timings and build in buffer time for the return, especially outside peak season.

By car, drive from Victoria (Rabat) or Mġarr toward Nadur, then follow signs toward San Blas and Daħlet Qorrot and continue to the end of the coastal road; you'll usually find informal parking near the final approach and then a short walk on uneven ground to the tower.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Ta’ Sopu Tower

  • Entrance fee: Free
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours
  • Official website: https://www.visitmalta.com/en/attraction/sopu-tower-gozo/
  • Best time to visit: Go early for calmer light and a quieter feel, or late afternoon when the limestone and sea colors are at their most dramatic. If you’re coming mainly for photos, avoid the harshest midday sun.
  • How long to spend: Allow 30-60 minutes for the viewpoint and a relaxed explore, longer if you’re linking it with a coastal walk or nearby bays. The real value here is time to linger.
  • Accessibility: The approach and surrounding paths can be rocky and uneven, with steps or rough ground depending on where you park. It’s not an easy site for limited mobility, but the views can still be enjoyed from nearby points with careful planning.
  • Facilities: There are no on-site facilities, so bring water and sun protection, and plan cafés or rest stops back in Nadur or by the busier bays. Mobile signal can be variable in exposed coastal pockets.

Where to Stay Close to the Ta’ Sopu Tower

For the easiest all-round base, stay in Victoria if you want central access to Gozo's main sights and the simplest transport connections, but choose Nadur or the northeast villages if your trip is focused on coastal walking and quieter bays.

If you want to wake up close to the tower’s landscape, Nadur is the practical choice, keeping you near San Blas, Daħlet Qorrot, and the northeast coastline. Quaint Boutique Hotel Nadur is a convenient village-base with an easy drive to the clifftop and a local feel for evenings when you’d rather stay quiet than head into the busier zones.

For a strong “arrive, settle, explore” option near the ferry and with sweeping views, Grand Hotel Gozo is well placed for quick arrivals and departures, and it’s a comfortable hub if you’re mixing Gozo’s coast with day trips. If you prefer being in the middle of everything with dining and attractions on your doorstep, The Duke Boutique Hotel makes a smart base for a culture-heavy itinerary while still keeping the tower within easy reach by road.

Is the Ta’ Sopu Tower Worth Visiting?

Yes-especially if you like places that feel genuinely off the main circuit. The tower’s small, but the setting is huge: cliff edge, open sea, and a coastline that feels wilder than most of Gozo’s better-known viewpoints.

It’s also a rewarding stop because it’s flexible. You can treat it as a quick scenic detour, a short hike goal, or a meaningful historical add-on to a northeast Gozo day that includes bays and village stops, without needing to commit a large chunk of time.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

Ta’ Sopu Tower works best for families as a “short adventure” rather than a long, information-heavy visit. The approach feels exploratory, and the cliffside scenery is instantly engaging, but it’s important to keep the visit structured and relatively brief.

Because the site is exposed, plan a clear boundary for kids near cliff edges and bring snacks and water so you’re not rushing back. Pairing the tower with a nearby bay stop can turn it into a satisfying half-day: viewpoint first, then somewhere calmer for a break.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, Ta’ Sopu Tower is a quiet, cinematic stop-one of those places where you can sit in the wind, watch the sea, and feel like you’ve found your own corner of Gozo. Late afternoon is especially atmospheric, when the light softens and the coastline looks almost sculpted.

If you're building a slower day, use the tower as the highlight between a scenic drive and a relaxed meal back in Nadur or Victoria. It's not a “big-ticket” attraction, but it's precisely the kind of place that creates strong travel memories because it feels personal.

Budget Travelers

This is an easy win for budget travelers: the views cost nothing, the experience is high-value, and it fits naturally into a day that can be done by bus plus walking if you plan timings well. Bring what you need-water, sun protection, and a snack-so you’re not dependent on nearby services.

To keep costs low and stress lower, base yourself in Victoria for transport flexibility, then string together free or low-cost coastal stops in the northeast. The tower is ideal as a “anchor viewpoint” that makes the rest of the day's wandering feel purposeful.

History Buffs

History lovers will appreciate Ta’ Sopu Tower for what it represents: a small, working piece of a wider defensive system, built for visibility, signaling, and deterrence rather than grandeur. The simplicity of the structure is the point-it shows how coastal defense was designed to be practical and resilient.

To deepen the experience, visit with a mindset of reading the landscape: why this height matters, how the bays function as landing points, and how communication between towers would have worked. Pairing it with other Knights-era sites on Gozo gives the tower more context and turns a scenic stop into a coherent historical route.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.3 (142)

Torri ta’ Sopu in Nadur sits in a peaceful, unspoilt location offering some of the best views on Gozo; visitors note a well-laid path to the site but say the tower itself can be tricky to access, and those who visited during opening hours enjoyed guided tours of the tower’s lower level and friendly local conversation, with entry operated on a donation basis though not required.

Wilfred Mangion
a month ago
"Very beautiful scenes and location. Unspoilt. Shhhh! Don't tell anyone."
J R
a month ago
"Came here during the opening hours by coincidence and got a great tour of all the tower's history and features (including the lower level!), as wellas a nice chat about all things Malta and Gozo in general. You can donate, but there is no expectation to do so - it's free...."
W il
5 years ago
"Breathtaking place! San Blas Tower, also known as ‘it-Torri ta’ Isopu’, is situated on the cliff between San Blas and Dahlet Qorrot. It was built in1667 during the reign of Grandmaster Nicholas Cottoner at the expense of the Universita of Gozo. The guns of this Tower opened fire on the French fleet in June 1798, a distinction which no other Tower can claim!..."

FAQs for Visiting Ta’ Sopu Tower

Getting There

It sits on the northeast coast of Gozo, on the cliffs between San Blas Bay and Daħlet Qorrot, just outside Nadur. It feels remote, even though it’s only a short drive from Victoria.
Head toward the San Blas/Daħlet Qorrot side of the village and follow the coastal road until it ends, then continue on foot to the clifftop. The last stretch is more of a rough approach than a paved promenade.
From the ferry, go via Nadur first, then continue toward San Blas/Daħlet Qorrot and finish on foot near the clifftop. If you’re using buses, it’s often easiest to connect through Victoria depending on the day’s schedule.
You can usually park informally near the end of the coastal road and walk the final minutes, but spaces are limited and the road is narrow. Driving is often worth it if you’re pairing the tower with other northeast coastal stops in the same outing.

Tickets & Entry

The clifftop viewpoint area can be enjoyed freely, which is why many visitors come even when the tower isn’t open. Interior access depends on opening days and on-site arrangements rather than a standard ticketed system.
When open, you’re usually able to step inside, see the compact defensive spaces, and sometimes reach upper levels for broader views. The experience is simple and atmospheric rather than museum-like.
For regular sightseeing, many people just arrive for the viewpoint, but interior access can be tied to specific openings and events. If the inside is a priority, it’s best to check announcements shortly before you go.

Visiting Experience

If you’re moving quickly, 20-30 minutes is enough to enjoy the views and take photos. If you want to slow down and absorb the landscape, plan closer to an hour.
It’s worth it if you’re already exploring the northeast coast and want a quieter, dramatic viewpoint. If you’re focusing purely on Gozo’s headline highlights, it works best as a bonus stop rather than a must-do.
A strong mini-route is Ta’ Sopu Tower plus San Blas Bay and Daħlet Qorrot, with a longer extension to Ramla Bay if you want beach time. It’s an easy way to build a varied half-day without backtracking too much.
Light cloud can make the coast look dramatic, but strong wind and rain can make the clifftop feel exposed and slippery. In poor conditions, choose safer viewpoints closer to villages and save this for a calmer window.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Most general tours focus on central highlights, but some nature-focused walks and northeast itineraries include it. It’s more common as a self-guided stop for independent explorers.
Independent works well for the viewpoint, but a guided opening can add historical context and access inside. If you enjoy military history, a guided visit can turn a scenic stop into a more meaningful one.
A simple loop is the tower plus a walk toward one of the nearby bays and back, keeping the route short and scenic. It’s best done in good light, with time to pause for photos rather than rushing.

Photography

Yes-its biggest strength is the combination of a solitary tower and a wide-open seascape. The cliffs and inlets create strong lines that look great in both wide shots and detail frames.
Early morning gives softer contrast and fewer people, while late afternoon often brings warmer tones on the limestone. On hazy days, the coast can look especially layered and atmospheric.
For the viewpoint area, photography is straightforward. If you’re visiting during an interior opening, be mindful of any guidance on tight spaces and respect other visitors moving through narrow areas.
The most iconic shots usually come from slightly back from the cliff edge, framing the tower with the sea beyond. If you walk a little along the coastal edge, you can often find angles that include the bays below for extra depth.

Accessibility & Facilities

The final approach can be uneven, and there may be steps or rough ground depending on where you start. If mobility is a concern, consider visiting mainly for the views from the nearest stable points and avoiding the roughest paths.
There typically aren’t facilities at the tower itself. Plan for restrooms, water, and breaks in Nadur, Victoria, or at busier coastal areas before or after your visit.
There are spots to pause on rocks or low walls in the surrounding area, but they’re informal and exposed. If you want a comfortable break, it’s better to time your rest for a café stop in the village.
It can work with older kids who are steady on uneven ground, but it’s not stroller-friendly. For younger children, keep it short, hold hands near edges, and treat it as a quick viewpoint rather than a long wander.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Nadur village is the most convenient place to eat nearby, with a local pace and a few casual options. For more variety, Victoria is the easiest upgrade and still close enough to keep your day efficient.
A simple plan is to do the tower first, then reward yourself with a village lunch in Nadur or a longer meal in Victoria. It’s a nice balance between wild coastline and easy comforts.

Safety & Timing

It’s peaceful, but it’s also remote and very dark after sunset with limited lighting. If you go late, bring a torch and keep the visit short and careful, especially near cliff edges.
Early morning feels quiet and expansive, while later in the day can feel more dramatic as shadows deepen on the cliffs. If you want the “remote Gozo” feeling, morning is hard to beat.

Nearby Attractions to the Ta’ Sopu Tower

  • San Blas Bay: A small, beautiful bay with a secluded feel and striking water color, best paired with the tower on the same outing.
  • Daħlet Qorrot: A rugged inlet with traditional boat shelters and a raw, local coastline atmosphere just below the tower’s clifftop zone.
  • Ramla Bay: Gozo’s famous red-sand beach, ideal for a swim or a long break after a more exposed coastal visit.
  • Nadur Belvedere: A village viewpoint with wide panoramas that’s easy to reach and a good alternative when the coast is windy.
  • Ta' Kola Windmill: A well-preserved heritage site in Xagħra that adds cultural depth to a day built around northeast Gozo.

The Ta’ Sopu Watchtower 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: Torri ta’ Sopu, Nadur, Malta
Victoria (Rabat), Gozo: 6 km
Official Website

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