Known locally as Ramla il Hamra (red sandy beach), Ramla is the largest sandy bay in Gozo and one of the most beautiful on the Maltese islands.
It is located at the bottom of a rich and fertile valley on the northern side of the island, overlooked by the village of Xaghra.
Ramla Bay's appeal lies in the deep, reddish-gold hue of the sand and the beautiful surrounding countryside, which is not only ideal for rambling but is also the site of some rich historical treasures - Roman ruins which are buried under the sand near the present-day cafés, as well as a ‘fougasse', a primitive mortar developed by the Knights which was fired to defend the bay during the 18th century.
Today, the bay has its own landmark - a white statue of the Virgin Mary.
This is a tranquil spot, with no hotels or tourist developments tainting the natural beauty of the landscape. Even in the summer, there is usually plenty of space on the beach. The waters here are clean and safe for swimming.
According to legend, the nearby Calypso's Cave is where Odysseus lived with the enchantress Calypso.
Ramla Bay has several snack bars and cafés offering refreshments for bathers and walkers. The beach is a popular picnic spot, yet the landscape is never spoiled since the sand is raked daily during summer, making it a well-kept area.
The bay is best approached from Nadur or Xaghra, via a bamboo-lined valley.
