Ħalfa Rock
Deserted small islet and limestone rock in the Maltese archipelago / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Ħalfa Rock (Maltese: Il-Ġebla tal-Ħalfa or Il-Blata tal-Ħalfa) is a deserted small islet and limestone rock on the south-east coast of the island of Gozo in the Maltese archipelago. The small islet is typified by a small maritime labiate garrigue environment, with germander and prasium shrubs, with the occurrence of the endemic Maltese Pyramidal Orchid as well as endemic coastal communities based on the Maltese Sea-Lavender and the sub-endemic Maltese Crosswort.[1][2]
Native name: Il-Ġebla tal-Ħalfa | |
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Geography | |
Location | between Gozo and Comino, south of Sicily, Mediterranean Sea |
Coordinates | 36°01′45.2748″N 14°19′51.7692″E |
Archipelago | Maltese Islands |
Adjacent to | Mediterranean Sea |
Area | 0.0048 km2 (0.0019 sq mi) |
Administration | |
Region | Gozo |
Local council | Qala |
Demographics | |
Population | 0 |
Additional information | |
Time zone | |
• Summer (DST) |
The rock has an area of approximately 0.48 hectares (1.2 acres). The maximum length of the islet is 95 metres (312 ft), and the average width is about 50 metres (160 ft). The island is protected by law. Ħalfa Rock is located approximately 65 metres (213 ft) from the south coast of the Qala municipality. It is part of a geological formation making up the island of Comino, and the upper areas of Qala. The rock is administratively a part of the Qala local council area.
The islet appears devoid of human heritage, with no record of habitation. However, a circular fougasse exists on the islet - forming part of the Tal-Qassis ridge defensive system overlooking the channel between Qala and Comino.[3] Ħalfa Rock sits in a secluded shingle beach, with large pebbles and golden sand. A chain of submerged rocks, collectively known as Ġebel tal-Ħalfa lie within 400 metres (1,300 ft) of this islet.[4] The rock has acted as a marker in the annual Malta-Gozo-Malta Open Water Swimming Competition.[5][6]