Xlendi Tower Open Weekend – FREE ENTRY
15 & 16 August 2026 – Xlendi Tower, Munxar, Gozo
15th Saturday : 09.00 – 12.00 & 13.30 – 16.00
16th Sunday: 09.00 – 12.00 & 13.30 – 16.00
The Munxar Local Council, in collaboration with Heritage Malta’s Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit, invites you to step back in time and dive beneath the surface – virtually. Between 15th and 16th August, the historical Xlendi Tower will once again open its doors to the public for aspecial open weekend on Gozo’s scenic south-west coast.
Visitors can explore the tower’s rich cultural history and enjoy panoramic views of Xlendi Bay, before discovering a hidden underwater world. This year’s event features an immersive Virtual Reality experience, offering a virtual dive into the Xlendi Underwater Archaeological Park and the Phoenician Shipwreck. Inside the tower, there will also be a display of underwater artefacts, offering insight into centuries of maritime history that lie beneath Gozo’s clear waters.
The seabed of Xlendi is a testament to the millennia of human activity around the Maltese Islands. Hidden beneath the azure waves off Ras il-Wardija is a remarkable archaeological site- the Phoenician shipwreck, dating back to the 7th century BC. And Just beneath the Xlendi Tower lies the world’s first Deep water underwater archaeological park, opened to the diving public in 2023.The Xlendi Underwater Archaeological Park is proudly sponsored by the Malta Airport Foundation.
The Xlendi Tower will be open between 09:00-12:00 and then 13:30-16:00 on both days. Entrance is FREE for all visitors and no pre-booking is required.
Visit our website for more information.
Cruising to Ta’ Ċenċ
16 August 2026 – 9.30 – 17.30 – Bugibba Jetty, Dawret Il-Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta
On Sunday 16th August, Heritage Malta invites you to a unique day cruise through the idyllic seascapes of Ta’ Ċenċ and the Blue Lagoon.
As the boat skirts the southern coast of Gozo, participants will first enjoy spectacular views of Ta’ Ċenċ. Renowned for its dramatic coastline and protected nature reserve status, Ta’ Ċenċ is a place of rugged, unspoilt beauty. Its towering cliffs plunge steeply into the sea, creating one of the most striking coastal panoramas in the Maltese Islands. These impressive cliffs are also an important habitat for two species of shearwater, making the area a site of both geological and ecological significance.
The cruise will then sail alongside the island of Comino, offering spectacular views of the Blue Lagoon, famed for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and one of Malta’s most iconic and sought-after natural attractions.
Participants will depart from Buġibba Jetty at 9:30am and return to the same location by 5:00pm. On the return journey, the boat will stop in the beautiful waters off Santa Maria Bay, providing the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing swim.
So, slather your sunblock, don a cap, and join us at Buġibba Jetty for a day of discovery and relaxation. Refreshments and snacks will be available for purchase from the boat’s bar.
Tickets cost €45 for adults, €40 for seniors and students, and €35 for Heritage Malta members.
Visit our website for more information.
Xlendi Shipwreck Festival
21 & 22 August 2026 – 18.00 – 23.00 – Xlendi Beach, Waterfront ,Gozo
Heritage Malta’s Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit, with the support of the Munxar Local Council and the Malta Airport Foundation, invites you to an evening celebration of Xlendi’s remarkable maritime past. The Xlendi Shipwreck Festival will take place on the vibrant Xlendi waterfront on the 21st and 22nd of August, offering a unique opportunity to uncover the secrets of Gozo’s underwater heritage.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Xlendi Bay, this two-night event will feature an engaging programme for all visitors. Experience an immersive Virtual Reality dive showcasing the Xlendi Underwater Archaeological Park and the Phoenician Shipwreck, giving you the chance to explore these extraordinary sites without leaving the shore. The festival will also include a display of artefacts recovered from the seabed off Xlendi, and a 3D print model of the Phoenician shipwreck.
The festival will be held between 6 pm and 11 pm each evening along the Xlendi waterfront. Entrance is free and no prebooking is required. Join us to discover the fascinating stories hidden underwater and celebrate Gozo’s rich maritime heritage in an innovative and interactive way
Visit our website for more information.
Cruising to Filfla
23 August 2026 – 10.00 – 17.00 – Sliema Ferries, Opposite McDonald’s, Sliema ,Malta
On the 23rd of August, Heritage Malta is inviting you to discover some of Filfla’s secrets and Malta’s Grand Harbour, located in Valletta, as one of the most stunning natural harbours in the Mediterranean.
Discover how Filfla was formed, the etymology of its name, the island’s allure for pirates, its use as a bombing target, the creatures and plants that now call Filfla their home, and countless other facts during the boat ride along the eastern and southern coast of Malta. And keep your eyes skinned – sightings of seabirds, turtles, and dolphins are possible!
Steeped in history, the Grand Harbour has served as a strategic maritime hub for centuries, from the Neolithic to the Phoenicians to the Knights of St John and the British Empire. The harbour is surrounded by imposing fortifications, including Fort St Elmo, Fort St Angelo and Fort Ricasoli, which reflect its military importance. Today, the Grand Harbour remains a vital part of Malta’s identity, blending historic architecture with modern cruise terminals and marinas, and with maritime events that keep the harbour lively and accessible. The waterfront is lined with charming historic promenades and vibrant cafes, offering panoramic views of the sea and surrounding cities like Birgu and Senglea.
The boat departs from Sliema Ferries at 10.00 sharp and returns at 17.00. There will be no disembarkation on Filfla and no swimming around it, but on the way back to Sliema the boat will make a stop in the beautiful waters of Il-Ħofriet for those who feel like a dip.
So slather your sunblock, don a cap, meet us at Sliema Ferries and be ready for a day of fun and learning. Refreshments and snacks will be available to purchase at the boat’s bar.
Tickets for adults at €45, seniors and students at €40, and Heritage Malta members at €35 will be available at Heritage Malta museums and sites, and online HERE.
Visit our website for more information.