Authoritative list of notable caves
This page focuses on well-known and widely referenced caves. The Maltese Islands contain many smaller cavities and sea niches; this list prioritises places most often cited in heritage, travel, and local reference sources.
Għar Dalam (Birżebbuġa, Malta)
Malta’s most famous prehistoric cave, known for fossil deposits and early evidence of human presence. Today it’s interpreted as a heritage attraction, with displays that connect geology, Ice Age fauna, and Malta’s earliest chapters.
Għar il-Kbir Cave Complex (Buskett outskirts, Malta)
A large, multi-chambered cave complex historically used as informal dwellings. Its scale and layout make it one of Malta’s best-known cave-habitation sites, illustrating how soft limestone landscapes supported shelter and rural life.
Zamberat’s Cave (Mellieħa outskirts, Malta)
Although less documented than Malta’s major cave systems, Zamberat’s Cave represents an important example of natural cave formation within the island’s limestone terrain.
Blue Grotto / Il-Ħnejja (Wied iż-Żurrieq, Malta)
A dramatic cluster of sea caves famous for light effects and vivid blue water, typically experienced by boat. It’s a flagship coastal landmark where wave-cut chambers, arches and reflective surfaces create Malta’s most iconic marine “grotto” scenery.
Għar Ħasan (Malta)
A well-known Maltese cave referenced for its rugged setting and local folklore. Often approached as an outdoor heritage/nature stop, it represents the islands’ wider limestone cave-scapes beyond the headline show-caves.
Għar Lapsi Sea Cave (Malta)
A coastal cave associated with the Għar Lapsi inlet, popular with swimmers and snorkellers when conditions allow. It’s a classic example of wave-carved Maltese limestone, best appreciated alongside the surrounding shoreline and rock pools.
Ninu’s Cave (Xagħra, Gozo)
A compact limestone cave with stalactites and stalagmites, accessed via a private property setting. Its appeal lies in close-up formations and an intimate “local discovery” feel—one of Gozo’s most unusual visitor experiences underground.
Xerri’s Grotto (Xagħra, Gozo)
A beautifully decorated grotto known for dense calcite formations in a tight, atmospheric space. Like Ninu’s Cave, it’s reached via a private entrance—highlighting how some of Gozo’s cave highlights sit literally beneath everyday buildings.
Tal-Mixta Cave (near Ramla Bay, Gozo)
Famous for its “window” view over Ramla Bay, Tal-Mixta is a spacious cave-like shelter rather than a deep system. It’s a favourite for short hikes, photography and sunset light, pairing geology with a standout coastal panorama.
Calypso’s Cave (Gozo)
Long associated with Homeric tradition and Gozo’s storytelling landscape, this cave-site is best known for views over Ramla Bay. Even when access changes, the “Calypso” identity remains a powerful cultural marker for the island.
Għar ix-Xiħ (Xewkija / Mġarr ix-Xini area, Gozo)
An archaeologically significant cave-site facing the Mġarr ix-Xini valley mouth. Reported finds span long periods of use, making it important for understanding occupation and activity around Gozo’s valleys and coastal approaches through time.
Ras id-Dawwara (Gozo)
A coastal cave feature referenced in listings of Maltese caves, tied to Gozo’s rugged headlands. It’s typically approached as part of cliffside exploration—best treated with care due to exposure, loose rock and changing sea conditions.
Ras il‑Wardija Nymphaeum (Gozo)
The sanctuary is thought to have been dedicated to one or more deities: Astarte is a leading candidate, given typical Punic religious practice, and recent research suggests strong evidence of her cult here..
Xlendi Cliffs & Caves (Xlendi, Gozo)
The Xlendi area includes multiple cliff and shoreline caves that punctuate Gozo’s southwest coast. They’re valued for scenic walking routes, swimming spots and photographic drama—where carved limestone meets deep water and steep geology.
Caroline’s Cave (Xlendi, Gozo)
A well-known Xlendi cave reached by steps and a coastal path. It’s celebrated as a picturesque, sheltered sea cave and a local story-location, often highlighted as the most recognisable of the caves along the Xlendi cliffs.
Dwejra Inland Sea Tunnel Cave (Gozo)
A natural tunnel linking the Inland Sea to the open coast at Dwejra, experienced by boat in calm conditions. The passage showcases wave-sculpted rock and dramatic lighting—an essential stop for understanding Gozo’s powerful coastal geomorphology.
Binġemma Troglodyte Caves / Cave Settlement (Malta)
A cluster of caves in the Binġemma area associated with troglodyte use and later sheltering traditions. It’s a fascinating, less “touristy” example of how Maltese cave landscapes were adapted, reused and remembered across generations.
Santa Marija Caves (Comino)
A group of sea caves along Comino’s coast, popular for boat trips, snorkelling and diving thanks to clear water and light-filled chambers. The setting pairs small-cove exploration with classic Comino seascapes away from built-up shorelines.
Il-Maqluba Sinkhole (Qrendi, Malta)
A dramatic sinkhole created when an underlying cavern collapsed, leaving a near-circular “hole” in the landscape. While not a walk-in cave, it is directly connected to Malta’s karst geology and the processes that shape caves underground.
Il-Ħabs Cave (near Għar ix-Xiħ, Gozo)
A lesser-known cave mentioned in association with Għar ix-Xiħ and local tradition. It’s best treated as a minor point of interest within a broader Mġarr ix-Xini valley visit, adding texture to Gozo’s cave-linked stories and landscapes.
L-Għar l-Iswed (Black Cave) (near Baħrija , Malta)
L-Għar l-Iswed is a little-known cave in Baħrija’s western countryside.
FAQs
Is this a complete list of every cave in Malta, Gozo and Comino?
No—there are many small cavities, fissures and sea niches. This page prioritises caves that are widely referenced and most likely to be searched, visited, or cited in Maltese natural/heritage context.
Why do some “caves” have limited access?
Access can change due to safety, conservation, private property, coastal erosion, or seasonal sea conditions. For sea caves, conditions can shift quickly—always follow local guidance and avoid entering unsafe caverns.