Kercem Holidays
Holidays in Kercem - Perfect for scenic walks and bike rides
Kercem, located just 5 minutes from the capital city Victoria, is an ancient village offering a quiet secluded base, set amongst some of the most beautiful scenery on Gozo. Located in the south-east of the island, Kercem lies between the picturesque Lunzjata Valley and the stunning cliffs of Xlendi, and is a rural retreat, perfect for scenic walks and bike rides.
Kercem Holidays – a relaxed village holiday close to the coast
Kercem lies just south-west of the capital of Gozo, the relaxed little sister island of Malta. The village is only minutes drive from the shops, restaurants and sights of Victoria and a short drive from the charming seaside resort of Xlendi, which offers excellent swimming, snorkelling and diving in crystal clear waters, as well as peaceful waterside eateries. It is also close to Sannat and Gozo’s dramatic Ta’ Cenc cliffs.
Kercem itself is a quiet Gozitan village with its own parish church and village shop. It is joined to the neighbouring village of Santa Lucija, which is smaller and more historic with a pretty little chapel and traditional rural feel. Beyond St Lucija is one of Gozo’s more fertile areas – very pleasant for country walks.
When to go to Kercem
Village life in Gozo is friendly and relaxing at any time. Kercem is never crowded, except on very occasional fiesta weekends when bunting, food and fireworks mean that it is fun to be out and involved. Summer is the best time for sun and sea, and busiest at the coast, while spring is perfect for walking in the lush countryside. Seawater remains warm throughout the autumn, though it can get windy, and if you are looking to sightsee rather than sunbathe, even winter can be very pleasant and is much the cheapest time for a holiday in Kercem.
The weather in Kercem
Summers are hot and dry with temperatures often reaching 30ºC in July and August, and rising well into the twenties throughout September and October. Spring is drier than autumn and fresher but still warm with the daytime high averaging 23 ºC in May. Even in January you can expect five hours a day of sunshine and highs around 15ºC.
Getting the best deal to Kercem
Kercem does not have great numbers of holiday homes, so it is worth booking early to avoid disappointment. The best bargains are to be had in the winter and there are excellent prices in spring and autumn too – in fact, anytime outside the peak summer months and Maltese school holidays (which run well into September). Take a look at our best deals below or grab a late bargain here.
Airport and transport need to know
Your flight to Malta is just three hours to Malta International Airport (MLA) from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Bristol, Leeds-Bradford, Edinburgh or East Midlands Airport.
It is less than an hour’s drive from MIA to the Gozo Ferry at Cirkewwa. Taxi fares from the airport are regulated and this trip should cost €32 (about £25). Agree this with your driver before getting in. Much cheaper is the express bus costing €2.20 (under £2) and taking a bit over an hour.
The Gozo Ferry runs every forty-five minutes and it takes 25 minutes to make a pleasant crossing to Gozo. The return fare is just €4.65 (under £4) and takes you to Gozo’s Mgarr port.
Gozo has taxis and buses (http://www.arriva.com.mt) but if you are based in Kercem you will have a more enjoyable holiday if you hire a car.
Best Beaches in Kercem
Gozo is surrounded by some of the clearest blue seas in the Mediterranean and there is great range of places to swim. The two small resorts of Marsalforn and Xlendi offer swimming with bars and restaurants nearby, while Gozo’s gorgeous red sandy beaches are relatively undeveloped. There are also plenty of rocky shores, coves and inlets ideal for snorkelling and diving.
Ramla Bay, a broad sweep of red sand, backed by protected dunes, is Gozo’s favourite beach. It is perfect for families as well as adults of all ages and although it gets crowded in summer, especially at weekends, you can usually find space for your sunbeds and even a beach game. Two shady cafes at the western end of the beach provide drinks, ice creams and food as well as a few beach basics.
The closest beach to Kercem is Xlendi Bay. A tiny sandy beach offers a gentle slope into shallow waters for children while most people laze along the rocks jumping into deeper water or taking the steps provided. There are several excellent restaurants along the seafront and plenty of places to buy drinks and ice cream. A couple of Gozo’s most established dive companies are based here and the bay is great for both divers and snorkellers.
If isolation is more your thing, just along the coast from Xlendi is the steep rocky inlet of Mgarr Ix-Xini, once a hiding place of smugglers and pirates. The drive down to it is narrow and potholed and the final stretch very steep. There is no sand, but the water is perfect for snorkelling and diving – and this place is never crowded. In the peak summer months a little hut kitchen serves delicious fresh fish at shaded outdoor tables.
