Xerri’s Grotto Xagħra
Discover Xerri's Grotto, a stunning natural cave system hidden beneath a family home in Xagħra, Gozo. Found by accident, it's a unique underground wor...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the heat indoors
Xerri’s Grotto Xagħra
Best Time
Escape the heat indoors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Xerri's Grotto, a stunning natural cave system hidden beneath a family home in Xagħra, Gozo. Found by accident, it's a unique underground world of stalactites and stalagmites.
"One of the most unique experiences in Gozo, led by a descendant of the discoverer."
💰 Donation-Based Entry
Entry is by donation, with a suggested minimum of €3. Feel free to give more if you enjoyed the tour!
🚶♀️ Guided by Descendants
Tours are led by family members who share personal stories and insights about the grotto's discovery.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stalactite & Stalagmite Formations
Marvel at intricate natural sculptures, with formations resembling animals and everyday objects.
Family Discovery Story
Hear the fascinating tale of how the grotto was found by a local digging a well over a century ago.
Underground Home Tour
Experience a unique tour led by a descendant of the original discoverer, right from their family home.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Cave Beneath the Streets
Intimate & Authentic Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Donation-Based Entry
Entry is by donation, with a suggested minimum of €3. Feel free to give more if you enjoyed the tour!
🚶♀️ Guided by Descendants
Tours are led by family members who share personal stories and insights about the grotto's discovery.
⏳ Short & Sweet Tour
Expect a tour lasting around 30 minutes, perfect for a quick and memorable stop.
🏠 Hidden Gem
From the outside, it looks like a normal house. Don't miss this unique underground attraction!
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Donation-Based Entry
Entry is by donation, with a suggested minimum of €3. Feel free to give more if you enjoyed the tour!
🚶♀️ Guided by Descendants
Tours are led by family members who share personal stories and insights about the grotto's discovery.
⏳ Short & Sweet Tour
Expect a tour lasting around 30 minutes, perfect for a quick and memorable stop.
🏠 Hidden Gem
From the outside, it looks like a normal house. Don't miss this unique underground attraction!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Xerri's Grotto for its unique charm and the personal touch of tours led by descendants of the discoverer. The fascinating story and the natural beauty of the stalactites and stalagmites are highlights. Some note it's not a large attraction, but its intimate scale and historical significance make it a worthwhile stop.
"Well worth a visit and very beautiful to see. The tour was great and very interesting. We were shown round by a little old Maltese lady who was the granddaughter of the man who discovered it while digging it out for a well. She told stories and the names of different stalactites and rock formations that have been passed down through generations. The tour lasted about 30 minutes and has no set price, all she asked is for a small donation minimum of 3 euros. But feel free to donate more as it's well worth it."
lucid dream factory
"One of the most unique experiences in Gozo. The cave is 8 meters below the ground, and the tour is led by a descendant of the man who discovered it, which makes it even more special. She explains things really well."
Рахилка Симонова
"Not very big, but worth a visit if you're nearby. The story - finding a cave while digging a well, and the spending years to dig it out - is fascinating. We were given a tour by the great-great-great-great-grandson 🙂"
Erik Fors-Andrée
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Xerri's Grotto is located in the village of Xagħra on the island of Gozo. You can reach it by car or public bus. Many visitors combine a visit with nearby archaeological sites like the Ġgantija Temples. 
Yes, buses run to Xagħra from various points on Gozo. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the grotto. Check local bus schedules for the most convenient routes.
The grotto is situated directly beneath a family home in Xagħra. The entrance is unassuming, blending in with the residential street.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Xerri's Grotto operates on a donation basis. While there's no fixed price, visitors are encouraged to make a minimum donation of €3, with the option to contribute more.
Advance booking is generally not required for Xerri's Grotto. Tours are often spontaneous and depend on the availability of the family members who conduct them.
Opening hours can be flexible as tours are conducted by the family. It's best to arrive during typical daytime hours when local businesses are usually open.
Yes, the grotto is generally suitable for all ages. The tour is not physically demanding, though it involves walking through cave passages.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll be guided through the underground cave by a descendant of the discoverer, who will share stories and point out unique stalactite and stalagmite formations.
Tours are usually around 30 minutes long, offering a concise yet fascinating experience.
As it's a family-run attraction within a home, extensive facilities are limited. Restrooms might be available, but it's best to use facilities before your visit.
Photography is generally allowed inside Xerri's Grotto, allowing you to capture the unique formations.
The grotto maintains a cool, constant temperature year-round, making it a welcome escape from the summer heat.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique stalactite and stalagmite formations offer fantastic photo opportunities. Look for interesting shapes and textures to capture.
While generally permitted, it's always good practice to ask your guide if flash photography is acceptable to preserve the delicate formations.
Given the underground lighting, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod for longer exposures can be beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The story of its discovery while digging a well is also engaging for younger minds. The tour is brief, making it ideal for keeping children's attention spans in mind. It's a great way to escape the heat for a bit and experience something truly unique. The donation-based entry also makes it a budget-friendly option for families looking for memorable activities in Gozo.
💰 Budget Travelers
It's a perfect addition to a day of exploring Xagħra and its surroundings, such as the nearby Ġgantija Temples. The short duration of the tour also means it won't take up a significant portion of your day, allowing you to fit in other activities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Accidental Discovery
+1 What began as a quest for water turned into the uncovering of a natural wonder, a testament to the unexpected treasures that can lie beneath our feet.The family then dedicated themselves to clearing the passages, painstakingly removing rocks to reveal the full extent of the grotto. This effort transformed a simple well-digging project into the preservation of a unique geological site. The story of its discovery is a central part of the visitor experience, adding a personal and historical layer to the natural beauty.
Today, the grotto remains a family-run attraction, offering visitors a rare glimpse into a natural formation discovered and nurtured by local hands. It’s a powerful reminder of how history and nature can intertwine in the most ordinary of places.
A Living Geological Museum
Visitors often delight in identifying familiar figures within the rock, with common comparisons including giraffes, turkeys, and even streaky bacon. These natural sculptures are not just visually striking but also tell a story of geological time. The slow, steady process of mineral deposition has sculpted a unique underground landscape. The intimate setting of the grotto allows for a close appreciation of these delicate formations, making the tour feel both educational and awe-inspiring.
Unlike larger, more commercialized caves, Xerri's Grotto offers a more personal encounter with these geological wonders. The guided tours, led by those with a direct connection to the grotto's discovery, enhance the appreciation for its natural beauty and the history it holds.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit