Fungus-Rock-Gozo

The Hard-to-Find Site on the Mediterranean Island, South of  Sicily

Getting to the beautiful Azur Window on the coast of the south Mediterranean island of Gozo, Malta, can be a challenging adventure, but the rewards are worth the effort. Situated on the northeast end of Gozo near Dwejra Bay, the Azur Window is a natural rock formation that juts out into the Mediterranean Sea and forms a “window” to the sparkling, inky blue waters. Visitors can walk on top of the rocks and look “through” the Azur Window. That is, if they’re able to find Dwejra Bay in the first place.

Getting to Gozo

From the island of Malta, arriving at Gozo is easy: simply take the ferry from Cirkewwa(reachable by direct bus, line 45, from the capital Valletta) on the northwestern side of the island, to Gozo’s southern end.

From the ferry docks at Mgarr, it’s also fairly easy to catch a bus to Victoria, Gozo’s capital—just make sure you’re on the correct side of the road. (Remember, in Malta, they drive on the left, so buses going to Victoria will be on the side of the road furthest from the water.)

Getting to the Azur Window from Victoria

Gozo harbour

The trip gets difficult at the bus station in Victoria. Finding the right bus to the Azur Window—or, more aptly, in the direction of the Azur Window—is tricky, because bus schedules are fairly irregular, and since buses do not go directly to the site, asking someone which way to go is a must. Take the bus that goes to San Lawrenz (line 2 or 91), as this is closest to Dwejra Bay and the Azur Window. It’s also possible to rent a bike, but be prepared for a long ride.

Make the Trek or Find a Ride

Once at San Lawrenz, you either have to flag down a tour bus, bum a ride off of someone, or hunt for a taxi (the most expensive option by far). If not, then, well, you have to walk or bike, which wouldn’t seem so bad if it were a quiet country road. Theoretically, the journey could be pleasant, but the road from San Lawrenz to the Azur Window only partially fits the description of “quiet country road.”

Proceed with Caution

In the first stretch, the path consists of dirt and rocks, and you will wonder whether you’re going in the right direction. Then the road becomes paved, but there’s bad news: it starts to wind. Downhill. The curves would not be so treacherous if this were not a main road. But it is, so cars (and large, wide, frightening buses) will drive by as you meander—or hug the side of the road prepared to fall into the bushes to avoid getting hit—toward your destination.

About halfway down the hill, you will begin to wonder if this is worth it, and then you see the rocky shore in the distance. You’ve—almost—arrived, but there’s still a long way to go. After you’ve finally reached the bottom of the hill, you can take as long as you want to enjoy the scenery, and even grab a drink at the small café near the water.

Now all you have to do is find your way back. Last words of advice? Have a game plan established before making the trip all the way out to the Azur Window, one that includes a phone number for Gozo’s taxi service. Either that, or rent a car.