Munxar, a tranquil village perched on the southern coast of Gozo, offers a serene escape where the rugged beauty of the island meets the timeless rhythms of rural life. Tucked away from the more traveled routes, Munxar is a place where the landscape seems to exude a quiet wisdom, its natural contours shaped by centuries of wind and sea. The village’s name, which means “bucksaw” in Maltese, reflects the sharp, saw-like cliffs that define its coastline, giving Munxar a distinctive and memorable charm.
As you approach Munxar, the landscape reveals its beauty in a series of terraced fields, olive groves, and ancient stone walls. The village itself is a cluster of traditional limestone houses, their warm golden hues glowing in the Mediterranean sun. Life in Munxar moves at a slower pace, and the village offers a peaceful retreat where the days are measured by the chime of church bells and the gentle breezes that sweep across the fields.
The heart of Munxar is its small, yet inviting village square, dominated by the Parish Church of St. Paul. This modest, yet elegant baroque church, with its simple façade and single bell tower, is the spiritual center of the village. Inside, the church is adorned with beautiful altars, statues, and a painting depicting the shipwreck of St. Paul, to whom the church is dedicated. On feast days, the church comes alive with the vibrant energy of the local community, as residents gather to celebrate with processions, music, and fireworks that light up the night sky.
Munxar’s connection to the land is evident in the surrounding countryside, where agriculture remains a vital part of village life. The fertile soil here yields an abundance of crops, from vegetables and grains to grapes and olives, which are harvested and enjoyed by the community. Walking through the fields and vineyards around Munxar, you can feel the deep-rooted connection between the land and its people, a relationship that has sustained the village for generations.
One of Munxar’s most striking features is its proximity to some of Gozo’s most breathtaking coastal scenery. Just a short walk from the village lies Xlendi Bay, a picturesque inlet that has long been a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The bay, surrounded by steep cliffs that plunge into the clear blue waters, offers a tranquil spot for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the beauty of the sea. The waterfront is lined with a few cafés and restaurants, where you can relax with a drink or a meal while taking in the stunning views of the bay and the surrounding cliffs. The ambiance here is relaxed and unhurried, making Xlendi Bay an ideal place to unwind and soak up the sun.
For those who enjoy hiking, the area around Munxar offers some of the most scenic trails on the island. The Munxar Walk, a popular route, takes you along the cliff tops, offering breathtaking views of the sea and the rugged coastline. The path leads past terraced fields, wildflowers, and ancient watchtowers, with the breathtaking cliffs of Ta’ Ċenċ visible in the distance. The walk is particularly stunning at sunrise or sunset when the sky is painted in shades of pink and orange, and the landscape is bathed in a soft, golden light.
Another gem near Munxar is the small, secluded cove of Mgarr ix-Xini. This hidden bay, with its crystal-clear waters and pebbly beach, is one of Gozo’s best-kept secrets. Once a quiet fishing spot, Mgarr ix-Xini has gained fame in recent years as the filming location for the movie “By the Sea,” starring Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. Despite its newfound popularity, the cove retains its peaceful charm, offering a quiet retreat where you can swim, snorkel, or simply relax by the water’s edge. The bay is also steeped in history, with a watchtower standing guard over the entrance, a reminder of the days when the Gozitan coast was vulnerable to pirate raids.
Back in the village, Munxar offers a taste of traditional Gozitan life, with its small shops, local crafts, and friendly residents who are always ready with a warm greeting. The village’s culinary offerings are simple but satisfying, with dishes that reflect the fresh, local produce of the surrounding countryside. Whether it’s a hearty plate of ftira—a traditional Gozitan bread topped with tomatoes, olives, and cheese—or a bowl of soppa tal-armla (widow’s soup), a local favorite made with vegetables, eggs, and Gozitan cheese, the food in Munxar is a celebration of the island’s rich agricultural heritage.
Munxar may be small, but it offers a deep sense of peace and connection to the natural world that is hard to find elsewhere. Whether you’re exploring the rugged coastline, wandering through the quiet streets, or simply sitting in the village square watching the world go by, Munxar invites you to slow down and savor the simple, enduring pleasures of life on Gozo. It’s a village where the beauty of the landscape is matched by the warmth of the community, making it a place you’ll want to return to time and again.