Joseph Rapa discovered the natural cave in 1888. It is located in the rear of No 15 January Street, about 75 m from the parish church, in the village of Xaghra. The cave is well illuminated by electric lights.
It was immediately considered remarkable because of the prolific number of natural stalactite and stalagmite formations. It is entered via a 4 m descent down a flight of steps, which end in a large chamber approximately 20 m by 8m. The calcification of water dripping from the cave ceiling formed numerous magnificent columns standing side by side like some petrified forest. In the past the cave must have been even more spectacular because there is evidence of numerous straw stalactites, which have now been broken off. There are even a few helictites. The formations are now dry and mainly the same colour as the surrounding rock, although some are semitransparent and it is possible to see the rings formed as they grew.
Updated Jun 12, 2008
Calypso Cave is situated in Xaghra and overlooks the red sands of Gozo's finest beach, Ramla l-Hamra. This cave is alleged to be the cave referred to by Homer in "The Odyssey". Some are even convinced that Gozo is the Island of Ogygia and the cave to be the one where the beautiful nymph Calypso kept Odysseus as a "prisoner of love" for seven years.
The cave itself is not that impressive but it does generate a feeling of excitement due to its links with Greek mythology. Apart from that, one can also enjoy a breath taking view of the picteresque Ramla l-Hamra Bay. On the shore below Calypso Cave one can also see the ruins of a fortification built by the Knights of Malta in the mid-18th century to serve as defence against invading forces.
Updated Jun 12, 2008
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Reviews and photos of Xaghra attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Xaghra sightseeing.

Calypso Cave is situated in Xaghra and overlooks the red sands of Gozo's finest beach, Ramla l-Hamra. This cave is alleged to be the cave referred to by Homer...
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1

Ix-Xaghra (pronounced: shara) is built on a hill to the central north-east of the island of Gozo. It lies just under four kilometres from Rabat, the town of the island, and is aptly described as the...
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Ggantija Temples were built 3600 BC so with its 5000 years those are ones of the oldest buildings in the world. As of today, they are mostly ruins remained from the temples at 1/3rd of the original......
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This stones are the main reason to visit Xaghra, this old Tempel was built in something like 5600 years ago. The creative ability, technical organization, and mobilisation of manpower needed for the...
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Lovely town in the north eastern part of Gozo. Visit the nice baroque church of Lady of Victories. In the ouskirts, you can visit the Ggantija Temples ( The Giants Feet), that's said to be the oldest...
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Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady constructed: 1815-78 . . * Xaghra, population 4,200 the Gozo island town with the Ggantija megaliths . .
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