Full detailed history of Marsalforn
Antiquity and early harbour use
Marsalforn’s bay is described as having been used for anchorage since antiquity, benefiting from a naturally sheltered coastal shape.
Several summaries also place Marsalforn’s early story within a broader Roman-era context on Gozo.
Marsalforn as Gozo’s main port (to the 16th century)
Multiple sources state that until the 16th century Marsalforn functioned as Gozo’s most important port.
It is described as a point where food supplies from Sicily were unloaded and where passengers embarked for routes to Sicily and beyond.
Late 16th–early 17th century: strategic proposals
In the period of the Knights of St John, accounts note that officials considered shifting Gozo’s focus toward a new town overlooking Marsalforn’s port,
but these plans were not realised due to local opposition and practical concerns.
From port to fishing village
As Mġarr developed as Gozo’s principal harbour, Marsalforn’s role diminished and it is commonly described as remaining for centuries a quieter coastal settlement,
strongly linked to fishing and small-scale harbour life.
20th century: tourism and urban growth
Marsalforn’s transformation into a resort accelerated in the 20th century. Visitor-focused sources describe the town as a postcard seaside destination
since the early tourism years of the late 1960s–1970s.
Heritage-trail material adds that heavy urbanisation included apartment blocks, hotels and restaurants, with sustained building through the late 20th century.
World War II
During World War II, Marsalforn is recorded as having been bombed in 1942.
Things to see and do in Marsalforn
Promenade walks and harbour atmosphere
A simple walk along the bay is the classic Marsalforn experience—especially near Il-Menqa—where fishing activity and the harbour setting are part of the everyday scene.
Swimming and snorkelling
Marsalforn has a small beach area and several rocky swimming points. Visitor guidance highlights different swimming zones and notes that exposed rocky points should be avoided in rough weather.
Diving
Marsalforn is widely described as one of Gozo’s main bases for diving, supported by multiple dive centres and easy access to coastal entries.
Walk to Qbajjar and Xwejni
A favourite short coastal route is the walk from Marsalforn to Qbajjar and onward to Xwejni to view the salt pans (best seen year-round, and actively harvested in summer).