Calypso's Cave

Seven years in a nymph's embrace

In Homer's Odyssey, Odysseus, after fleeing the island of Circe, was cast by the sea onto the mysterious island of Ogygia, home to the beautiful nymph Calypso. Calypso fell in love with Odysseus and kept him captive for seven years, promising him immortality if he would stay forever. Only the intervention of Zeus and the messenger Hermes compelled the nymph to release the hero.

Gozo as Ogygia?

The tradition identifying Gozo with Ogygia dates back at least to the 17th century. The cave atop the cliff above Ramla Bay has long been called Calypso Cave. Homer described Ogygia as an island "far out at sea" with a cave surrounded by meadows and trees, which fits the location above Ramla Bay. However, this identification is a tourism myth, not a proven fact. Other Mediterranean islands also claim the title of Ogygia.

Viewpoint

The cave itself is small and partly closed for safety reasons. But the viewpoint above it offers one of the finest vistas on Gozo: a panorama of all of Ramla Bay with its orange sand, turquoise water, and green valley.

Practical tip: The cave is closed to entry, but the viewpoint above is easily accessible from the road. Come in the morning when the light brings out the colours of Ramla Bay's sand. Combine with a visit to the beach below (15-minute descent).