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9 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 14 AUGUST 2026 CULTURE 10 hidden gems in Malta and Gozo most tourists miss Malta has the Blue Lagoon. Malta has Valletta. Malta has Mdina. But if you only visit the places that appear on every postcard, you'll miss the side of the islands that locals quietly keep to themselves. Beyond the famous sights are secret valleys, dramatic caves, cliff-top viewpoints and ancient sites that feel wonderfully undiscovered IF your idea of a holiday includes fewer selfie sticks and more "how is this place not famous?", start here. Wied il-Ghasri, Gozo Wied il-Għasri is the kind of place that reveals itself at the last second. From above, it looks like ordinary Gozitan countryside: stone walls, tiny fields and wind- ing lanes. Then the earth sudden- ly splits open into a narrow lime- stone gorge filled with startlingly turquoise water. Tucked between Għasri and Żebbuġ on Gozo's northern coast, this hidden inlet feels less like a beach and more like a se- cret passage between land and sea. The real luxury here is not only the view, it is also the silence. Mixta Cave, Gozo High above Ramla Bay, Mix- ta Cave frames one of the most spectacular views in the Maltese Islands. The cave's arched open- ing acts like nature's own picture frame, with red sand, blue sea and rolling countryside perfectly arranged beyond it. The walk from Nadur is part of the adventure, following a quiet country road that builds antici- pation with every bend. Come at sunrise or sunset, when the light turns the cave golden and the crowds thin out. Your camera will thank you. Ghar Lapsi, Siggiewi Everyone rushes to the Blue Grotto; locals often head to Għar Lapsi instead. This rocky cove below the Dingli cliffs is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and sim- ply doing nothing at all. Crystal-clear water fills natu- ral pools, while the tiny island of Filfla sits dramatically offshore. Divers love the underwater caves and reefs, but even if you never put your head below the surface, the setting is worth the trip. Xrobb l-Ghagin Nature Park, Marsaxlokk A few minutes from Marsax- lokk's colourful harbour lies a completely different world. Xrobb l-Għaġin offers rugged cliffs, coastal walking trails and sweeping Mediterranean views with surprisingly few people around. The site is also home to a wildlife rehabilitation centre and marine research facilities, making it one of Malta's most meaningful nature destinations. It is peace- ful, educational and refreshingly wild. Wied iz-Zurrieq Beyond the Blue Grotto, Zurrieq Most visitors stop at the Blue Grotto viewpoint, snap a photo and leave. The smarter move is to keep walking. The paths around Wied iż-Żur- rieq reveal dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and panoramic sea views that feel far removed from the tour-bus circuit. Think of it as the Blue Grotto's quieter, mood- ier sibling. The Red Tower, Mellieha Saint Agatha's Tower is im- possible to miss once you spot its bold red walls rising above Mellieħa Bay. Built in 1649, this watchtower once guarded Mal- ta's northern coast from pirate raids. Today it guards something equally precious: one of the fin- est views in Malta. On a clear day you can see Gozo, Comino and much of the northern coastline stretched out before you. Ghajn Tuffiefa Sunset Viewpoint Golden Bay gets the crowds; neighbouring Għajn Tuffieħa gets the atmosphere. Climb the steps above the beach and fol- low the cliff path as evening ap- proaches. As the sun sinks into the Med- iterranean, the sandstone cliffs glow orange and the sea turns molten gold. Bring a drink, stay a little longer than planned and resist the urge to check your phone.a Misrah il-Maqluba, Qrendi Malta has plenty of dramat- ic scenery, but few places come with a legend attached. Accord- ing to local folklore, Il-Maqluba was created when the ground collapsed to punish a sinful vil- lage, leaving only a pious wom- an's home untouched. Today the huge sinkhole beside St Matthew's Chapel is a peace- ful natural monument surround- ed by ancient carob trees and benches. It is an ideal spot for a quiet pause and a reminder that Malta's history is never far from myth. Il-Blata tal-Melh, Rabat If you are searching for raw coastal scenery, this is it. Il-Bla- ta tal-Melħ is a remote stretch of salt-cut rock facing the open sea, where wind, waves and salt spray dominate the landscape. There are no beach clubs, no kiosks and very little shade… just cliffs, sea and a sense of glo- rious isolation that is increas- ingly rare on a small island. Ta' Bistra Catacombs, Mosta Hidden beneath the modern landscape of Mosta lies one of Malta's largest catacomb com- plexes. First recorded in the nineteenth century and later excavated in stages, the site continues to reveal new archae- ological discoveries. Exploring Ta' Bistra feels like stepping into a quieter chapter of Malta's past, far from the is- land's headline attractions. Final tip: leave room to get lost. The best hidden gems in Mal- ta share one thing in common: they reward curiosity. Take the side road. Follow the coastal path. Stop in the village square. Ask a local for their favourite swimming spot. You might not find a souvenir shop at the end of the journey, but you'll probably find the sto- ry you remember most. Maqluba SInkhole, Qrendi St Matthew's Chapel