Discover Gharb: coastal paths, crafts and history

Għarb brings together a rural area and a part by the sea. The village square, church, paths, crafts and cultural traditions offer further points of interest for planning your trip. Depending on whether you are interested in the landscape, history or local crafts, different places come to the fore. The sections below organise these themes and distinguish the Ta’ Ġurdan Walk from shorter paths and other cultural sites.

Landscape and village history

Much of Għarb is rural, while another part lies by the sea. The description of the area therefore sets land and coast side by side. On the Ta’ Ġurdan Walk, the coastal side features as part of a specific route; the village square and church offer a different point of reference. This distinction provides a thematic guide between landscape and local history.

Cross, church and local history

The Cross of the Square, which dates from the 17th century, stands in the village square. The Għarb parish church and collegiate basilica is also a landmark of local history: it was built in 1699 and consecrated in 1729. Construction and consecration are two separate historical dates. On Ta’ Għammar Hill, 14 white Carrara marble statues depict the Stations of the Cross. The number, material and subject make this artwork a cultural point of interest in its own right.

Għarb’s history also includes its coastal watchtowers. During the Great Siege of Malta, they were the first to signal the arrival of reinforcements from Sicily in 1565. This links the area to a specific event in its military history. Along with the church, cross and statues, this aspect of local history offers a different focus from the coastal paths or crafts.

Two different walks

The Ta’ Ġurdan Walk starts and ends in the village square of L-Għarb. Along the route, it reaches the Wied il-Mielaħ valley after a coastal walk. This identifies the starting point, endpoint and one destination on the route: the village square marks the beginning and end, while Wied il-Mielaħ is reached after the coastal section. If you plan to follow this exact route, check the path conditions before setting out, as they can change.

Another option for an outing is St Demetrius Chapel. From Għarb, it can be reached via a short path towards the coastal cliffs. In contrast to the Ta’ Ġurdan Walk, what is described here is chiefly the short path from Għarb to the chapel; for the walk, the start, end and further route are specified. This lets you distinguish between two different destinations without treating them as one combined route. Conditions on site can also change.

Crafts and local products

Below Ta’ Dbiegi Hill in Għarb is Ta’ Dbiegi Crafts Village, a group of workshops and craftspeople. A description from January 2025 mentions handmade pottery, mouth-blown glass, leather goods, traditional baked goods, Gozo lace and silver filigree for visitors. Individual businesses and product availability may change. The products listed range from handcrafted items to baked goods, giving the village a distinct focus alongside landscape and history.

Għarb’s shepherds also make Gozo cheese. This adds a connection to local food production alongside the workshops. Crafts and cheese are different points of interest: one showcases the workshops and products represented in the Crafts Village, while the other is about cheese-making by Għarb’s shepherds.

Village feast and religious tradition

Għarb’s village feast celebrates the Visitation of Our Lady and is widely known for its Inforiata tradition. During the celebration, an elaborate carpet of flower petals covers the street. If you want to experience the feast, check the specific dates and programme before your trip, as both may vary.

Another cultural tradition is associated with Frenċ tal-Għarb. In religious tradition, he was regarded as a healer and believed to help people recover from physical and mental ailments. Thus, in Għarb, visible sites such as the church and Stations of the Cross statues sit alongside traditions and stories that are part of the area’s cultural history.

Discover more destinations: Marsaxlokk, Ta’ Xbiex, Dingli, San Lawrenz, Gozo, Żebbuġ, Attard, Għargħur

Go to the main travel overview: Malta.