a

Ta' Ċenċ

North (Gozo)  >  Malta

Spectacular sea cliffs and biodiverse garrigue vegetation on the southern coast of Gozo, Malta's sister island.

Added* by Nathaniel Attard
Most recent update 12 Φεβρουαρίου 2020

Description

One of the best places in the Maltese Islands to see local species such as Γαλαζοκότσυφας, Μικρογαλιάντρα and Καστανοτσιροβάκος, against a backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea and jaw-dropping cliffs. Βραχοκιρκίνεζο and Πετρίτης also nest in the area. However, the cliffs are better known for the largest Αρτέμης, Αρτέμης (diomedea) colony in the archipelago, which is at least a 1,000 pairs strong. On summer nights a cacophony of these birds' calls can be enjoyed from land or even better join one of BirdLife Malta’s special sunset boat trips to see them! The cliffs hold two other seabird species, namely Υδροβάτης and Μύχος (της Μεσογείου), which are much harder to see. You might be luckier with spotting nesting Ωχροσταχτάρα.

The open garrigue and steppe habitat that dominate the area attracts migrants such as chats, wheatears, pipits, Hoopoes and Κοκκινοκεφαλάς but even species like Βαλτόμπουφος. Ta’ Ċenċ and the cliffs further west have a good record for rarer species too. Φοινίκουρος του Άτλαντα, Ερημοπετρόκλης, Μικρογαλιάντρα της Ερήμου and Διπλοκεφαλάς are to name some.

Details

Access

All the area is privately owned but you can walk along the many tracks. Park at Mġarr ix-Xini or Sannat village.

Terrain and Habitat

Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Valley , Steppe , Sea , Agriculture

Conditions

Flat , Rocky , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

No

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring migration

Route

Paved road , Unpaved road , Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

Remember not to use bright lights and not to leave any trash at coastal areas, especially cliffs which are home to shearwaters. Organic trash sustains rat populations which then feed on shearwater eggs and chicks. For more information on seabird conservation in Malta visit: https://birdlifemalta.org/arcipelagugarnija.

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

Show more birds Show less birds
Show more images Show less images

Comments & Tips

Give feedback
Rate this area