6 Incredible Rock Formations Across Malta And Gozo
The Azure Window has been the backdrop to our childhoods, the desktop to our laptops, and the go-to image to send to friends who are coming over to Malta for a holiday. But nature has taken its course and it’s time we looked around us and started celebrating what we’ve still got, instead of mourning what we’ve lost. At least the memorial happens and someone tries to rebuild it.
Check out 6 of the most gorgeous rock formations around Malta and Gozo… but please avoid traipsing all over them lest we have a second or third Azure.
1. Wied Mielaħ – Għarb, Gozo
As soon as the sad news of the Azure Window hit us we instantly began to look for a replacement. Tonnes of photos of Wied Mielaħ surfaced on social media in an attempt to assuage people’s grief about the original window. But we think this rock formation will become way more than just a runner-up in years to come. #beaut
Photo: Robert Mifsud / Facebook
2. Għar Qawqla – Marsalforn, Gozo
Known as one of the best places for swimming and snorkelling in Gozo, this rock just off the Marsalforn bay is a haven for summer fun. It’s dangerous to swim there when the seas are rough, but when that’s the case this rock is pretty enough to just head over for some epic Instagram shots.
Photos: @ga_walker / Instagram
3. L-Aħrax Tal-Mellieħa – Mellieħa, Malta
This beautiful cave hidden away on the coast near Armier Bay is a hotspot for crazy summer diving/jumping Youtube videos. It’s known as L-Aħrax Tal-Mellieħa which translates to ‘harsh rock’ – you’ll understand why if you’re walking along it barefoot.
Photo: Alex Turnbull / Facebook
4. Fungus Rock – Dwejra, Gozo
This little guy may not have enjoyed the attention of it’s larger neighbour, but its long and interesting history does make it a true Dwejra gem. The Knights discovered something growing on it way back when, which they thought was a fungus, but was actually a parasitic flowering plant. They thought it had healing powers, and declared the rock ‘out of bounds’.
People are still studying the stuff that grows on it today, and it’s a killer place for snorkelling.
5. Ras id-Dawwara – Rabat, Malta
Okay – this is part cave, part cliff, part bay. But it’s all amazingly beautiful and will provide beyond-adequate consolation to anyone who’s missing the window. It’s a fave for hikers – and it’s not hard to see why.
Photos: Walks Around Malta & Gozo / Facebook
6. Blue Grotto – Qrendi, Malta
If the Azure Window was the first picture you’d send to a friend to describe Malta, the Blue Grotto was easily the second.
The way that the sunlight hits the cave and water surrounding creates a magnificent range of blue shades, and in some places mirrors the wonderful phosphorescent colours of the underwater flora. It truly is one of Malta’s most stunning natural rock formations.
