Caves in Malta

1: Ghar Dalam cave The cave served as the abode of the first neolithic settlers of these islands about 6000 years ago. Excavations carried out between 1933 and 1937, yielded an enormous quantity of animal bone deposits from the lower strata of the cave's subsoil.

These remains belonged to prehistoric elephants, hippopotami, deer and other animals which roamed all over Europe a quarter of a million years ago. The deposits confirm that at that distant age, the Maltese Islands formed part of the European mainland. Thousands of these bone deposits - some semi-fossilised, others cemented in hard rock, are now exhibited in showcases in the small museum on the site. Full-scale animal skeletons are also displayed to give an idea of the wild fauna that frequented these islands. The skeleton models are of modern animals.

The cave itself is 200 metres long, 18 metres wide and 3 to 6 metres high. It was formed several million years ago by chemical agents in rain water acting on the soft limestone. During the excavations a pillar was left standing in the cave to demonstrate the succession of the various layers and of the bone deposits.

The alabaster caves at Xaghra feature stalactites and stalagmites, and have an important place in Greek mythology, particularly the Calypso Cave, overlooking the red sand of Gozo's best beach, Ramla Ihamra. Calypso cave is believed to be the one referred to in Homer's Odyssey as being where the beautiful nymph Calypso kept Odysseus as a 'prisoner of love' for seven years. Two other caves at Xaghra are Xerri's Grotto and Ninu's Grotto, both more impressive than Calypso, but lacking the love story. Below Calypso Cave are the remains of a fortification built by the Knights of St John as a defense bastion.

Popularly known as Xerri's Grotto and Ninu's Grotto, are two underground caves with unusual alabaster forms of stalactites and stalagmites are located in the small town of Xaghra.

3: Calypso's Cave

These caves situated in the cliff face near Xaghra. This cave overlooking the red sands of Ramla Bay, offers some of the most spectacular views in Malta and Gozo.

4: Blue Grotto

This picturesque grotto and the neighbouring sea caves reflect the sheer brilliance of the underwater floral hues. This grotto is easily accessible by boat and an early morning is the ideal time to witness the grotto in its entire splendor.