Mgarr ix-Xini Bay is a small inlet on to the east of Ta’Cenc plateau. It is reached by a narrow road from Xewkija with stone walls and few passing places. This runs along the edge of the plateau with good views down into Weid Hanzira and across to Xewkija with the Rotunda dominating the landscape.
Below the road, small terraced fields drop down into the valley. The valley suddenly steepens before entering a deep gorge in the limestone before reaching Mgarr ix-xini.
There is a steep drop into the bay with a large area half way down with an ice cream and refreshment van and some parking. There is limited parking along the narrow beach with a cafe. The clear blue waters are a popular spot for scuba divers, snorkelling etc.
This is thought to be one of harbours used by the Knight’s ships. The entrance is guarded by a watch tower which alerted the citadel to trouble by firing mortars or lighting a bonfire. The dejma or local militia would then rush to the spot to hinder a landing. ???Mgarr ix-xini tower has been restored and is now open weekends in Summer. It can be reached by climbing up the rock cut steps behind beach on the opposite side to to the road and following the path. It is a typical Knight’s watch tower with on two storeys with a powder room on the roof.
