Driving Through Time: The Scenic Road to Gozo's Ancient Salt Pans
Located on the northern coast of the Maltese island of Gozo, the Xwejni Salt Pans are one of the highlights of the island.
Where are the salt pans of Gozo?
Hidden close to the quaint village of Xwejni, mere minutes from the bustling resort town of Marsalforn, the Xwejni Salt Pans are a must-visit attraction on the island. A venture here provides a captivating glimpse into the age-old tradition of salt collection. The intriguing landscape, dotted with a mosaic of salt pans, offers a picturesque view of nature’s alchemy at work. Here, shallow square pools trap seawater, which, under the sun and wind's relentless embrace, evaporates, leaving behind crystalline salt.
Can you drive to the salt pans of Gozo?
Originating near Xwejni Bay (within Żebbuġ, Gozo's boundaries), the road, named Triq Is-Sagħtrija, leads straight to the salt pans. Although paved, it's weathered over time, leading to occasional potholes. However, the 3.2 km (1.98 miles) drive is a scenic treat, offering panoramic vistas of Gozo's rugged beauty.
What makes the salt pans of Gozo so special?
For over a millennium, Gozo's salt pans have been a testament to time, with historical records tracing their existence back to the 11th century. Stretching for about three kilometers along the coast of Xwejni Bay, these salt pans offer more than just picturesque views fit for your Instagram feed. Carved meticulously into limestone, these shallow, rectangular pools resemble a vast checkerboard from a bird's-eye view. Each pool is brimming with seawater, a step in the timeless process of salt collection in this ancient landscape.