Għajn Barrani

Għajn Barrani (English: Foreigner’s Spring) is a stretch of cliffs located along the north of Gozo, Malta, from Marsalforn to Ramla Bay. The area consists of flat terrain, rocks and clay slopes.[1][2]

Swimming area in Għajn Barrani

It contains a hidden beach due to its secluded position.[3][4]

History

During the Invasion of Gozo in 1551, the Ottoman Turks used to stop with their galleys at Għajn Barrani due to the fresh water arising from its springs.[5] It is assumed that the name Għajn Barrani originates from this event.

Wildlife

Għajn Barrani contains various native trees, including pears, plums, olive trees and grape vines.[6] The clay slopes also have a range of endemic species, including Hyoseris frutescens[7], Matthiola incana[8], Trifolium squamosum, Ononis oligophylla,[9] Juncus acutus,[1] Darniella melitensis[10] and Atriplex halimus.

Protection status

Għajn Barrani is enlisted as a protected area by Natura 2000.[1][11][12]

  • Passage view of Għajn Barrani
    Passage view of Għajn Barrani
  • Flat terrain in Għajn Barrani
    Flat terrain in Għajn Barrani
  • Landscape in Għajn Barrani
    Landscape in Għajn Barrani

See also

References
  1. "L-Inħawi ta' Għajn Barrani (MT0000001)". Natura 2000. European Environment Agency. Retrieved 2021-04-30.
  2. "Għajn Barrani". VisitGozo. Retrieved 2021-04-30.
  3. "5 Hidden Beaches In Gozo To Visit This Summer". Air Malta Blog. 2018-08-05. Retrieved 2021-05-02.
  4. Collins, Nicola. "The Best Secret Beaches in Malta to Visit". Culture Trip. Retrieved 2021-05-02.
  5. F. Attard, Anton (2015). "The Lore of Turkish Raids on Gozo" (PDF). University of Malta. Retrieved 2021-04-30.
  6. "Għajn Barrani (l/o Xagħra)". Times of Malta. Retrieved 2021-05-02.
  7. "Għajn Barrani area". Times of Malta. Retrieved 2021-05-02.
  8. "Għajn Barrani area". Times of Malta. Retrieved 2021-05-02.
  9. Mifsud, Stephen (2002-08-23). "Ononis oligophylla (Few-leaved Restharrow) : MaltaWildPlants.com - the online Flora of the Maltese Islands". www.maltawildplants.com. Retrieved 2021-05-02.
  10. "BioSnippet Issue 6" (PDF). ERA. 2019. Retrieved 2021-05-02.
  11. Caruana Dingli, Petra; Galea, Martin (2016). "THE FUTURE OF NATURE PARKS IN MALTA" (PDF). Din l-Art Ħelwa. p. 43. Retrieved 2021-05-02.
  12. "Tree Protection Areas". ERA. Retrieved 2021-05-02.

36°04′00″N 14°16′10″E


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