Xewkija
Xewkija is a charming village situated on the island of Gozo, Malta, renowned for its rich history and vibrant culture. Established in the early 16th century, Xewkija is one of the oldest settlements on Gozo. The village’s name, derived from the Arabic word “shouka,” meaning thorn, reflects its historical roots. Over the centuries, Xewkija evolved from a small hamlet into a thriving community, playing a significant role in the island’s agricultural and maritime activities.
One of Xewkija’s most notable historical landmarks is the Rotunda of Xewkija, officially known as the Church of St. John the Baptist. Completed in 1971, this stunning church is renowned for its impressive dome, which is one of the largest in Europe. It stands as a testament to Xewkija’s enduring architectural heritage and its importance in Maltese history.
Where Xewkija Sits on the Island
Xewkija falls within the Gozo and Comino District, in the Gozo Region. Because of its position roughly midway between the ferry terminal and the capital, most people describe it as one of the most centrally placed villages on the island. It is home to around 3,300 residents, and its name comes from the Arabic word for “thorn,” a nod to its early agricultural roots.
Xewkija borders Fontana, Għajnsielem, Munxar, Sannat, Victoria and Xagħra. As a result, you can reach Mġarr Harbour, Victoria, and most of the rest of Gozo within a short drive.
Xewkija is the oldest village on Gozo, and it sits almost exactly halfway between Mġarr Harbour and Victoria. Its skyline is dominated by one of the most extraordinary churches in Europe, a landmark visible from almost anywhere on the island. So whether you want genuine village history or one of the most convenient locations on Gozo, Xewkija deserves a serious look. Your next chapter starts here.
Schools in the Area
Xewkija itself stays relaxed and village-scaled, with no major school directly in the centre. Because it sits so close to Victoria, families have easy access to a wide range of church, state and independent schools serving the whole island, just a short drive away.
Lifestyle In Xewkija
Xewkija offers a lifestyle shaped by remarkable local ambition. The village became Gozo’s first parish outside Victoria back in 1678, and centuries later, its residents set out to build something extraordinary: the Rotunda of St John the Baptist, completed in 1978 after more than twenty years of largely voluntary labour from the village’s own skilled stonemasons and craftsmen. Its dome, at 75 metres high and weighing an estimated 45,000 tonnes, ranks among the largest unsupported domes in Europe, and it dominates the skyline from almost every corner of Gozo.
Beyond the church itself, Xewkija holds further layers of interest. A restored Knights-era windmill sits within the village, alongside the historic Tal-Ħniena Chapel, and visitors can even take a lift up into the Rotunda’s dome for sweeping views across the island. The village square around the church has become a genuine social hub too, with a lively mix of bars and restaurants drawing both residents and visitors.
Because of its central position, history, and everyday convenience, Xewkija suits a wide range of buyers, from those drawn to its heritage to those simply after an easy, well-connected base on Gozo. Property here ranges from traditional village townhouses to newer homes on the outskirts.
Feast Celebrations
Xewkija celebrates its patron, St John the Baptist, twice a year: the Nativity on 24 June, and the Martyrdom on 29 August. Around the Rotunda, the celebrations bring processions, concerts and fireworks that reflect the same community pride that built the church itself. Every July, the village square also hosts the Gozo edition of the Malta International Food Festival, adding a further highlight to the local calendar.
Restaurants and Dining
Xewkija’s square, framed by the Rotunda, is one of the better spots on Gozo for eating and drinking. Giovanni’s Kitchen at the Quaint Hotel offers something more considered, while Vini e Capricci by Abraham’s is a local favourite for deli grazing and themed dining evenings. For something more casual, the Universal Sport Bar is the village’s go-to spot to catch a match. Nearby, Magro Food Village adds a further draw, where visitors can sample and buy local cheeses, jams and honey straight from the source.
Grocery Shops and Everyday Amenities
Xewkija covers everyday basics well for a village of its size, with local shops and services spread around the village centre. For a fuller weekly shop, residents can also reach Victoria, home to Gozo’s widest range of supermarkets and services, within a short drive. Magro Food Village, right on the village’s edge, also adds a useful stop for local produce and speciality goods.
Transport Links
Xewkija sits directly on Gozo’s busiest bus corridor, with routes 301 and 303 linking Mġarr Harbour to Victoria via the village, and additional stops serving the local industrial estate. Because route 301 runs every thirty minutes, more frequently than any other route on Gozo, Xewkija benefits from some of the best public transport on the island. For drivers, its central position keeps journeys to Mġarr and Victoria comfortably short.
Special Designated Areas (SDA)
Xewkija does not currently have a Special Designated Area. So if you are a non-EU buyer who specifically needs SDA status, which removes the standard property permit requirement, you may want to look at areas such as Kempinski Residences in San Lawrenz or Fort Chambray in Għajnsielem instead. That said, Xewkija remains fully open to EU buyers, and non-EU buyers can also purchase here through the standard Acquisition of Immovable Property (AIP) permit process. Either way, its central position and easy ferry access keep steady, long-term interest alive.
Nearby Beaches
Xewkija sits inland, so it has no coastline of its own. Even so, its central position works to its advantage. Mġarr ix-Xini, a tranquil, sheltered bay popular for swimming and snorkelling, sits just a short drive away, while Xlendi and its picturesque cove are also within easy reach. So while Xewkija itself stays landlocked, a proper stretch of Gozo’s coast is never far off.
Nightlife in Xewkija
While Xewkija may be more tranquil compared to bustling cities, its nightlife offers a unique, relaxed experience. The village is known for its local taverns and bars, where visitors and residents can enjoy traditional Maltese cuisine and drinks. Popular spots include cosy pubs and cafés that provide a friendly atmosphere perfect for socialising.
Local events and festivals play a significant role in the village’s nightlife. The annual festa celebrating St. John the Baptist, held in late June, transforms Xewkija into a lively hub of activity. The streets come alive with vibrant parades, traditional music, and fireworks, offering a glimpse into Maltese cultural celebrations.
Why Choose Xewkija
Xewkija offers something genuinely rare on the island: extraordinary local history, one of Europe’s great domes, and a position that puts almost all of Gozo within easy reach. Because of this, it continues to attract buyers who want a well-connected base with real character. Whether you are drawn to the Rotunda, the village square, or simply its central convenience, Xewkija offers a genuinely distinctive home at the heart of Gozo.
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