Discover the hidden gems of the sleepy Gozitan town of Nadur.
Like most towns and villages in Gozo, Nadur is a sleepy little place where nothing much happens. That’s exactly its charm. It invites you to take a gentle stroll in the almost silent, picturesque streets around the main square of the parish church to discover a number of shops, eateries, snack bars, a police station and a primary school. You can also sneak a peek at local life at the Mnarja Band Club or the Nadur Youngsters football club.
Nadur's population of around 5,000 people makes it the third most populated Gozitan town after Xagħra and Victoria, but Nadur’s location on a plateau affords views across green valleys, the blue sea and the other islands. Expect also orchards with plums, peaches, apples, oranges and lemons; about 70 per cent of all Maltese citrus originates from Nadur.
Little is known about the history of Nadur as there are no historical documents or archaeological evidence. However, some of the farmhouses in Nadur are well over 300 years old, and a bronze statue of Apollo was uncovered in Nadur in 1744, suggesting occupation by the Greeks.
Places of Interest
St Peter & St Paul Basilica
The religious feast of Nadur is held in honour of St Peter and St Paul on 29th June. Interestingly, the name of the Catholic feast of Mnarja is said to be derived from luminaria (illumination), with possible roots in pagan seasonal rituals and customs connected with the beginning of summer. The parish was built in 1760 and refurbished in 1907.
Tal-Mixta Cave
Overlooking Ramla Bay, this large cave is impressive and offers marvellous views. You can hike the trail from Ramla Bay or venture along a series of unsigned winding country roads. In any case, it is worth the effort getting there.
The watch towers
History buffs can enjoy the legacy of Nadur as a lookout, which gave it its name. Its role in the defence of Gozo from corsairs left behind Ta’ Sopu watchtower, which was built by the Knights of St John. It is also known as Dahlet Qorrot Tower or San Blas Tower for the two bays lying on either side of it. Ta' Kenuna Tower was built by the British towards the middle of the 19th century as a telegraph link between Malta and Gozo. Come here for panoramic views of most of the island, the Gozo Channel, Comino and the northern part of Malta.
Beaches
San Blas Bay
San Blas Bay is a red sandy beach set at the end of a lush valley which can be reached only via a very steep slope. The beach is one of few beaches on the Maltese Islands that has trees on the water’s edge, much like its nearby, more famous big sister, Ramla Bay. There's also a kiosk offering shade and refreshments.
Dahlet Qorrot
Dahlet Qorrot is a picturesque location with colourful boat houses dug out of the rock. Its tiny bay leads to inviting crystal clear waters you just can't resist a dip in!
Nadur Carnival
The carnival in this tiny village is famous worldwide. The small spontaneous carnival first earned its reputation for the unusual costumes, masks and homemade carnival floats that verge on the macabre. Today, crowds flock to Nadur having put great effort into dressing up, with the speciality being "group costumes". Spontaneous theatre often arises in the streets as people play out their costume's roles.
The Gozo ftira
A visit to Nadur, or Gozo at that, is not complete without a Gozitan ftira straight from the bakery. A traditional ftira is a bread-based pizza with a topping of sliced potatoes, onions, tomatoes, olives, capers and anchovy or tuna, but nowadays several toppings are available. On the whole island of Gozo, the two most famous bakeries making Gozo ftira are Mekren's and Maxokk in Nadur.
Delicata Wine Festival
The local winery Delicata holds an annual wine tasting event complete with musical entertainment in Nadur, with the 2018 edition of the Delicata Wine Festival being held over three nights on 31st August and 1st and 2nd September at Gnien il-Kunsill.
Slow-paced and charming it may be, yet Nadur doesn't lack opportunities for the indulgence of the senses. A stone's throw from the Gozo ferry, make sure you visit Nadur on your trip to Gozo.