Ramla Bay

Why practise here

The practice surface here is open sand rather than rock, and the map point is the middle of the beach. From map data neither sunrise nor sunset falls over the sea, and the beach is popular, so a winter or early-morning visit is the better fit. Stay on the sand, clear of the dunes and of the protected areas behind them.

Getting there

Start: Marsalforn Bay, on the official one-way Ramla Walk via Ix-Xagħra. The sheet gives 8 km, and map data gives 7 km.

The walk: 8 km, Moderate, with some steep inclines and a few rocky areas..

Surface: Roads and paths, with clay footpaths in places.

Transport: Bus stop Ir-Ramla - Ramla is about 430 metres in a straight line from this point on map data. Map data also shows free and paid parking.

Directions

What to watch for

• Sudden gusts.
• After heavy downpours, valley crossings may be unsafe for some hours.
• L-Għar ta' Kalippu (Calypso Cave) above the bay is marked closed on map data, so do not go there.
• The hunting rule covers the beach and 50 metres outward from its line. Hunting may take place on land beyond that in season.

Hunting may be legal around here in season, so mid-morning can be a better choice than dawn from September to January. More on staying safe.

Rules

• Stay off the dunes.
• Stay out of the meadow area behind the beach, which is marked no access on map data.
• Do not pick plants, take short cuts or climb rubble walls.
• Follow beach flags and any lifeguard instructions if you swim.
• Contact ERA ([email protected]) before running any organised or paid class here, because this is a Natura 2000 site. Do not assume small groups are exempt.
• ERA's current page asks for at least one month's notice for groups under 50 and an environmental permit for 50 or more. Its published figures vary, so confirm with ERA.
• ERA's 2022 rules also name the Ramla l-Ħamra Red Tower area among places needing notification. Those rules appear to be superseded but are still online.

Inside a Natura 2000 Special Area of Conservation. Ramla l-Ħamra is listed as a protected beach.

Sunrise and sunset through the year

Calculated for this location, in Malta time. Cliffs and hills can hide the sun for a little longer.

What we haven't confirmed

• We haven't confirmed a mat position. The map point is the centre of the beach, not a surveyed spot.
• We haven't checked where the protected beach line runs.
• We haven't confirmed whether a paid class on the beach needs a permit, or who would issue one.
• We haven't confirmed why Calypso Cave is closed.
• We don't know how busy it is outside summer, and we found no source on sea swell.
• We haven't confirmed phone signal here.

Sources

• OpenStreetMap map data
• Visit Gozo: Ramla Walk sheet
• Visit Gozo: Ramla Bay
• EEA Natura 2000 map service
• BirdLife Malta: 2025 hunting guide
• S.L. 549.42, hunting seasons, hours and distance rules
• ERA: activities affecting Natura 2000 sites
• ERA: general rules for activities, 2022 version
• Civil Code, Cap. 16
• Lovin Malta: beach flag system, 2023