Xlendi Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchorage in the inner bay at Xlendi in 3–6m over sand. Good holding throughout the sandy inner bay — snorkel to confirm anchor is on a clear sand patch and clear of rock, as the bay has rocky sides with scattered boulders near the cliffs. Protected from N, NE, E, and S by the enclosing headlands and cliffs; exposed to the W where the afternoon sea breeze (Maestral) can generate a short, uncomfortable chop from late afternoon. The bay is narrow with vertical limestone cliffs on both sides — an exceptionally dramatic setting. The village of Xlendi sits at the head of the bay with several restaurants, a small pebbly beach, and a swimming area. In some seasons mooring buoys for visitors are laid in the bay — use these in preference to anchoring if available, to protect the bottom. Anchor in the inner section closest to the village; avoid the outer bay where the chop is worst in W wind. 70m alarm radius accounts for short scope in the confined bay and ensures clearance from the rocky cliff sides.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Xlendi Bay is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Monitor VHF Ch 16 for Gozo Radio before entering Mġarr Harbour or approaching any Gozo anchorage. Ferry vessels have right of way at all times in the Gozo Channel.
2. Anchor in 3–6m. Malta's tidal range is negligible (<30cm) — no tidal depth correction needed. Wind-driven sea level variation up to 0.5m possible in strong winds.
3. Deploy at least 5:1 scope (30m chain at 6m depth). Verify the bottom is sand or mud — check for Posidonia seagrass (EU protected) before dropping the anchor.
4. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Xlendi Bay are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to W winds. The primary overnight hazard in Gozo is the Gregale NE gale (Nov–Mar): north-facing bays (Ramla, Marsalforn) become dangerous — seek shelter in Mġarr ix-Xini or Xlendi Bay immediately at any Gregale forecast.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below. 70m radius in 4–5m sand — confined bay with rocky sides. Snorkel to confirm anchor on sand and clear of rock. W exposure: afternoon Maestral sea breeze creates chop from ~14:00. Use mooring buoys if available.

Best May–October. May and June offer settled morning conditions with the Maestral not yet fully established. July–August: warm, busy with day visitors from Xlendi village, afternoon W sea breeze reliable. September and October are ideal — warm water, fewer visitors, and often calmer afternoons. Not recommended for winter overnight use due to W exposure and reduced services in the village.

Navigation Hazards

• W exposure — afternoon Maestral sea breeze from W creates uncomfortable chop from ~14:00; anchor in inner bay closest to village for best shelter
• Rocky cliff sides — snorkel to confirm anchor placement on sand and clear of boulders at the cliff base before leaving the boat unattended
• Confined swinging circle — the bay is narrow; ensure full swinging circle is clear of both cliff sides at all times
• Posidonia meadows — EU protected; identify sand gaps carefully before anchoring; use mooring buoys if available

Rules & Regulations

• EU member (not Schengen): No customs formalities for EU boats arriving from EU ports. Non-EU boats: Mġarr Harbour is the official 24/7 customs clearance point for Gozo — fly yellow Q flag on arrival. EES biometric recording required for non-EU crew since October 2025.
• Posidonia: EU protected throughout Maltese waters — anchor only in sand or mud patches. Fines apply. Use mooring buoys where provided.
• Anchoring fee: Free — use sand gaps; anchor clear of Posidonia; use mooring buoys in preference if available
• Restrictions: Rocky sides — snorkel to confirm anchor placement on sand and clear of cliff base rocks. Confined bay — short scope required; ensure swinging circle clears cliff walls on both sides. Avoid W of the bay in afternoon Maestral. Posidonia beds — EU protected; anchor in sand gaps only.

For a full overview, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Victoria (Rabat), Gozo (3.2nm)
• Restaurant: Village of Xlendi at the head of the bay has several restaurants serving fresh fish and Gozitan cuisine — some of the best seafood on Gozo. Dinghy landing at the small beach. No piped water or fuel at the anchorage. Nearest provisions in Victoria (Rabat) approximately 3nm inland by taxi or bus.
• Provisions: None on site — Victoria (Rabat), Gozo (3.2nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Arrive before 11:00 in summer to secure a good central position in the inner bay
2. Use mooring buoys in preference to anchoring when available — protects both Posidonia and your anchor
3. Restaurants at Xlendi village are excellent — accessible by dinghy at the small beach; evening meals here are a Gozo highlight
4. The cliffs are spectacular at sunset from the anchorage — the golden limestone glows in the evening light
5. Morning: the bay is typically calm; afternoon: W sea breeze picks up; plan dinghy trips accordingly