The name 'Wied il-Mielaħ' translates to 'Valley of Salt' in Maltese.
The window's rectangular shape is distinct from the arching curve of the former Azure Window.
It is situated at the mouth of a valley that serves as a seasonal watercourse.
The limestone forming the arch belongs to the Upper Coralline Limestone formation, the hardest rock type in the Maltese archipelago.
The site remains one of the few significant natural rock arches remaining on the island of Gozo.
Wied il-Mielaħ Window is a natural limestone arch located on the northern coast of Gozo, Malta. It gained international prominence as the primary alternative to the Azure Window following the latter's collapse in 2017. The arch spans a narrow valley, known as a 'wied', created by water erosion over millennia. Visitors can access the formation via a trail that leads directly to the rock face. The structure is carved into the cliffside, framing the Mediterranean Sea through a rectangular aperture. It remains a focal point for geologists and sightseers observing the island's ongoing coastal transformation.
From the trail head directly facing the aperture to capture the full rectangular frame of the sea.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip as the terrain leading to the arch is rocky and uneven.
Visit on a calm day; the trail can be slippery and hazardous if rainfall has recently occurred.
Bring your own drinking water as there are no facilities or vendors at the site.
Do not attempt to swim directly under the arch during rough sea conditions, as currents in the narrow gorge are unpredictable.
Avoid climbing or walking on top of the arch to prevent structural damage and for personal safety.
