Ghajnsielem
Għajnsielem is the first village which you get to once you get off the ferry. From the picturesque port of Mgarr and from the ferry itself, you would be able to the chapel of Lourdes, the parish church, as well as Fort Chambray. As in most of the villages, one can find all the basic amenities in this village, including supermarkets, pharmacies, bars, restaurants and bakeries.
Religious places
In Għajnsielem, you can find 4 churches, the biggest of them being the parish church. It is a Lombard-Gothic-style church dedicated to our Lady of Loreto. This church has a very particular architecture both on the inside as well as on the outside. Locals call this church the rocket, because of the look of the bell tower.
3 minute walk from the parish church, one finds the old parish church and the mysterious “Pjazza tad-Dehra” (square of the apparition) where it is believed that Our Lady spoke to one Anglu Grech, a local shepherd.
The Lourdes Church, which cannot be missed from the ferry upon entry to the port, is a chapel with the convent of Dominican Nuns. Although small from the inside, it is a treasure to see if you’re lucky to find it open. From the front of the church, you can admire a breathtaking view of the port of Mġarr and its surroundings.
The church alongside the convent of the friars of St Anthony, is another majestic church in the village of Għajnsielem, which was built in the early 1900s. From the parapet in front of the church, you can admire an awe-inspiring view of Comino and the Mediterranean waters surrounding it.
History
Fort Chambray, was meant to be Gozo’s Valletta. Unfortunately though, it never grew enough and made it far enough to reach the intended purpose it was built for.
Although today it is privately owned, one can still admire the magnificent walls of the fort from the nearby areas, or perhaps by a walk around the fortification.
Ix-Xatt l-Aħmar is a very popular bay with the locals from Għajnsielem. It has spectacular views and there are various points where you can settle to spend a little time to relax on the beach before or after having a dip in the salty Mediterranean waters.
This bay is also a very popular diving spot, offering various diving wrecks, namely MV Cominoland, MV Karwela, and MV Xlendi, which offer a habitat to the marine life in the area.
If you are not into the mood to dive into the Mediterranean sea, you can opt to have a walk around the coast of ix-Xatt l-Aħmar, which offers spectacular views of the open waters as well as the sister islands of Comino and Malta. Such walks are on rocky grounds, however it is good to note that these are very accessible, even to the amateur hiker.
Mgarr Harbour
Mgarr Harbour is nowadays Gozo’s main port. Apart from the transport ferries which take passengers between Malta and Gozo, one also finds transport to Comino island from Mgarr. Evidently, you would also notice the fishing boats moored along the marina in the harbour.
Mgarr harbour is a lovely spot to be in during sunset, where you can enjoy a stroll alongside the marina, or perhaps a dinner or a beer in a local bar or restaurant.
Activities around the year
- Feast of Our Lady of Loretu, the parish saint, celebrated in August
- Betlehem f’Għajnsielem a live crib during the Christmas season.
- Other activities include St Patrick’s day, organized by the local council.