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| Ramla il-Hamra Bay |
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On Gozo is one of the Maltese islands best sand beaches and one of the most charming. Ramla is best reached via Nadur, Marsalforn or Xaghra.
Ramla is Gozo's largest sandy bay and one of the most beautiful on the Maltese Islands. The beach here is of a deep, reddish-gold hue. The bay is surrounded by countryside and nestles below steep terraced hills and the mythical Calypso's Cave.
There are no hotels or tourist developments nearby, but the beach side has several snack bars and cafes. The beach has its own landmark - a white statue of the Virgin Mary. Ramla is a superb spot to while away the hours - even in peak summer months, there always seems to be space on beach. In winter, you can find yourself alone. |
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The area is excellent walking country. Swimming here is safe and the waters are clear and clean. There are some smooth, underwater boulders a few metres out in the central strip, but these are easily negotiated. On windy days, white surf rolling on the sand is an added attraction and fun for young bathers. The best approach to the bay is from Nadur or Xaghra, down a bamboo-lined valley. The road from Marsalforn, via Calypso's Cave, is rather steep and rough though it is passable by car. Of historical interest in the bay are some Roman ruins burried under the sand near the present-day cafes, and a 'fougasse' - a kind of primative mortar developed by the Knights which was fired from a rock-cut shaft to defend the bay during the 18th century |
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Its name translates as sand and here the sand forms a long red expanse bordered by ideal sea on one side and lush vegetation on the other. It is a popular spot for picnics all through the year. In the summer the sand is raked daily and kept to a high standard.
Mobile kiosks offer snacks and cold drnks. Facing the sea, on the hillside to the left is Calypsos Cave, reputed to be, like many other caves, where Odysseus lived for seven years with the enchantress Calypso before returning to his ever faithfull wife Penelope as she sat forever weaving. Below the Cave are the remains of a Roman Villa and touching the water, a redoubt. In the middle of the sand is a simple statue of Gozo`s favourite saint, Santa Marija.
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