Calypso Cave

This tranquil retreat in Gozo was once home to the renowned witch Calypso... according to folklore. This is also one of the most beautiful caves in Malta. You may read all about how the lovely Calypso lived in Ogygia and kept Odysseus as her sweetheart for seven years in The Odyssey. Historians believe that Ogygia is Gozo because of the striking similarities between the ancient island and Gozo. The fortifications created by the Knights of St. John as a defense system against adversaries may be seen right beneath the cave.

Calypso's Cave is a natural cave in Xaghra, Gozo, on the western side of the Ramla Bay. Because of the risk of collapse, the cave is currently inaccessible to the public. The cave is sometimes confused with Tal' Mixta Cave, which is on the opposite side of the bay and within the Nadur local council's boundaries.

The cave is thought to be a complicated labyrinth that extends down to sea level at certain locations, but stone boulders block the entrance a few meters inwards. Although the cave's inside and exterior are not particularly noteworthy, the breathtaking views of Ramla Bay and the valley make the trip worthwhile. The remains of the Marsalforn tower, a stronghold built by the Knights of Malta in the early eighteenth century to protect against sea-ward invasions, can also be seen on the shore below Calypso Cave.

To get to this cave, leave Xaghra and take Racecourse Street. A souvenir shop with a stone archway is located on the left before the road stoops in route to Ramla Bay. A set of rock-cut stairs can be found through the archway and over a 'karst garden.' A platform may be found downstairs, and the cave's entrance is a one-metre-high archway. There is no price to enter. Because there is no artificial illumination inside, a portable torch is useful.

Elevation: 77m

Location: Gozo, Malta