San Blas Bay

San Blas Bay is a small cove on the north-east coast of Gozo, in the territory of Nadur, a little east of Ramla Bay. The sand has the same reddish tint as Ramla's, but the setting is tighter and wilder: a narrow beach at the foot of a green, terraced valley, with rocks at either end. Visit Malta lists the coves of the Nadur coast among Gozo's good spots for snorkelling and the San Blas valley among the island's best walking areas.

The way down is the reason the beach stays quieter. You leave the car at the top and walk down a narrow, very steep lane to the sand, and the climb back up in summer heat is hard work, so it is not a good choice for anyone with limited mobility or with lots of gear to carry. The reward is a less crowded beach with clear water. Snorkellers should head for the rocks at the sides of the cove. Visit Gozo lists deckchair hire and a small refreshment kiosk; check availability and bring water, food and shade, and take everything away when you leave.

Planning a visit

• Reddish sand with rocks at both ends of the cove.
• Steep walk down from parking at the top; the return climb is tough.
• Deckchair hire and a small kiosk are listed by Visit Gozo; check seasonal availability.
• Best for a quieter swim and for snorkelling around the rocks.

San Blas works well as part of a walking day on Gozo's north-east coast; see coastal walking and hiking for routes. If you want the same sand with lifeguards and cafes, Ramla Bay is close by, and the rock swimming at Hondoq ir-Rummien looks across to Comino from the south-east corner of the island.