The 17th century Isopu Tower, looking out onto a breathtaking view of Dahlet Qorrot and San Blas bays, has been restored and now forms part of a trail offering tourists an alternative view of Gozo.

The cliffs surrounding the tower, considered to be a prime example of garigue because of its rare species, have been listed by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority as a special area of conservation while trees will be planted on a disused quarry that has been refilled with building waste.

Environment Minister George Pullicino explained that the restoration of the tower, built in the 1650s by the Order of St John, took three years and was possible thanks to the local council, Mepa and Din l-Art Helwa.

The tower had been in a dilapidated state as parts of it had weathered while other parts went missing along the years. Its wide walls, a stone spiral staircase and most of the arches inside had to be built from scratch, based on the original plans, by one man, Leli Saliba, at a cost of some Lm20,000.

"We want to bring small groups of tourists for walks in this area. It's a way of conserving our natural heritage and to give visitors to Gozo added value," Nadur mayor Chris Said said.

Since last year, the council started organising walks along a trail which starts along the road to Dahlet Qorrot leading to citrus orchards in Rihan valley where tourists are allowed to pick fruits before walking up to Isopu Tower where they can taste local delicacies.