Gozo’s Living Tradition by the Sea
Tucked away on the northern coast of Gozo, just past the peaceful village of Marsalforn, lies one of the island’s most fascinating and picturesque coastal features—the Xwejni Salt Pans. Stretching out along the rugged shoreline in geometric harmony, these centuries-old salt pans are not just a beautiful sight—they’re a living tradition, passed down through generations of Gozitan families.
Visiting the Xwejni Salt Pans is like stepping into a landscape where nature and heritage blend seamlessly. As the Mediterranean sparkles in the distance and the wind carries the scent of the sea, the pans shimmer under the sun, forming a mosaic of shallow pools and stone-carved paths that tell the story of Gozo’s enduring relationship with the sea.
The Xwejni Salt pans are a Heritage Carved in Stone
The Xwejni Salt Pans date back over 350 years, a testament to the islanders’ resourcefulness and deep connection to their land. Hand-carved into the soft limestone along the shoreline, these pans were traditionally used for the manual harvesting of sea salt—a process that continues today with minimal change.
Sea water is channeled into the shallow pools, where it is left to evaporate under the intense Gozitan sun. After days of careful monitoring, the remaining salt is hand-scraped and collected—a practice that remains entirely natural and environmentally friendly.
The families who tend the pans during the warmer months, often descendants of the original salt farmers, are proud guardians of this unique craft. If you’re lucky, you may even see one of them at work and have a chance to chat or buy freshly harvested sea salt—a true taste of Gozo.
Beauty Beyond the Tradition
Beyond their historical and cultural value, the salt pans offer some of the most visually captivating views on the island. The contrast between the orderly lines of the pans, the golden limestone cliffs, and the vivid blues of the sea creates a photographer’s dream. At sunrise and sunset, the light dances across the water-filled basins, turning the area into a palette of gold, silver, and blue.
The surrounding area is equally worth exploring. From Xwejni Bay’s calm waters and rocky shorelines to the nearby Wied il-Ghasri gorge, the northern coast offers plenty of scenic and peaceful spots for walking, swimming, or simply taking in the quiet majesty of Gozo.
A Coastal Treasure on the Waves of Heritage Tour
While the Xwejni Salt Pans are easily reachable by road, there’s a truly special way to admire them—from the sea. On Bluewaves Watersports’ upcoming experience, Waves of Heritage, you’ll get a unique view of this historic coastal feature as part of an unforgettable journey around Gozo and Comino.
Aboard a vintage-style wooden speedboat, the Waves of Heritage tour takes you past Gozo’s dramatic northern cliffs and coves, revealing the island’s secrets from the water. As the boat cruises along the coast near Marsalforn, your captain will point out the shimmering Xwejni Salt Pans, clearly visible from the sea. Their rhythmic, geometric layout stands out beautifully against the raw, natural shoreline.
It’s a breathtaking sight—watching history etched into stone as the sea gently laps against it—while hearing stories of how generations of Gozitans have kept this ancient salt-making tradition alive.
Once on land, the journey continues by traditional Maltese bus, winding through Gozo’s villages and historic sites, blending adventure with culture at every stop.
Waves of Heritage
A Historic Exploration of Gozo & Comino’s Heritage
🌊 Coming Soon from Bluewaves Watersports
🛥️ Cruise past Gozo’s northern cliffs, salt pans, and secret coves aboard a retro-style wooden speedboat
🚌 Ride through historic streets on a classic Maltese bus
📖 Learn the legends behind iconic places like the Blue Lagoon, Comino, and Gozo’s inland villages
📷 Enjoy panoramic views, including the timeless salt pans of Xwejni
This one-of-a-kind tour is a celebration of Malta’s coastal beauty and rich heritage, blending sea, land, and story into a single, unforgettable experience.
👉 Be among the first to experience it. Discover more