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Top 6 beaches in the south of Malta
Top 6 beaches in the south of Malta
The southern region of Malta offers more rocky and diverse coastlines that continue to impress tourists and locals alike. If you’re located further into the south and just want to spend a day sunbathing, or you’re a curious visitor willing to explore Malta’s coast, here are seven of the best beaches (in our opinion) located on the southern parts of Malta and Gozo.
St. Thomas Bay
St. Thomas Bay, known as ‘Ir-Ramla’ to the locals, is a large bay with smaller sandy banks and is located in the south of Malta, in the village of Marsascala. Marsascala is continuously being developed and is already a popular seaside resort for the locals who come to their summerhouses in the area during the summer months. St. Thomas Bay is popular because it is quiet and peaceful, and offers variety of small and shallow sandy beaches, flat rocks and concrete platforms all next to each other perfect for bathing. Situated around 1 km (10 minute walk) from the centre of Marsascala, St. Thomas Bay is perfect for windsurfers looking for a beautiful spot and ideal wind.
St. Peter's Pool
St. Peter’s Pool is one of the most beautiful and stunning natural swimming pools in Malta and is located close to Marsaxlokk at the tip of Delimara Point. The sea at St. Peters Pool is crystal clear with an amazing azure and light green colours and offers excellent snorkelling opportunities. The flat rocks around St Peter’s Pool provide perfect sunbathing areas and the high rocks offer some shade from the strong sun. This natural swimming pool is may not suitable for small children at all times and can have rubbish floating around in it on windy days. Nevertheless, stunning St. Peter’s Pool is a real treat for those looking for a special spot out of the busy tourist areas.
Pretty Bay
Located in Birżebbuġa, Pretty bay is one of the few sandy beaches in the south. The build-up of buildings around the beach give the bay a special charm and even though it is artificially built with sand, it is actually quite lovely and natural looking. There are plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants along the shore and this is why this beach is extremely popular with the Maltese. The downside to Pretty Bay is that the view of the Malta International Freeport can be an eye sore to many. When visiting Pretty Bay, don’t forget to stop by Għar Dalam, the Cave of Darkness that has semi-fossilised remains dating back over 250,000 years!
Għar Lapsi Beach
Għar Lapsi is a secluded beach just off Siġġiewi and is extremely popular among local swimmers and divers. It’s a hidden gem with an excellent view of a little island called Flfla and is situated just 1km off from the famous ‘Blue Grotto’. The rocky shoreline forms a natural swimming pool with crystal clear and fantastic blue-green water perfect for snorkelling. The natural pool leads to the open blue sea, providing an excellent area for diving and underwater photography.
Żurrieq Valley
Żurrieq Valley is located by the popular site ‘Blue Grotto’, and boasts beautiful panoramic views of the blue Mediterranean Sea and the small island of Filfla. The water is accessible through a dock and since it’s rather deep, it is only recommended for those who know how to swim well. In summer, this small dock gets very busy with the traditional Luzzus to take tourists around the Blue Grotto Caves and cliffs . The bay is also very popular with divers as there is the Um El Faroud wreck and also offers excellent snorkelling and underwater photography opportunities with several caves located nearby.
Kalanka Beach
Situated within the parameters of Marsaxlokk, tucked into Malta’s South coast, jaw-dropping Kalanka Bay is one of Malta’s seaside gems. The beach is known for its smooth flat rocks, picturesque views, and sheer plunges into the sea. With deep crystal-clear waters abounding with marine life, Kalanka Bay is ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and cliff diving, whilst its smooth flat rocks are the perfect spot for sunbathing, picnicking or simply watching the sunrise. The bay is home to the magnificent Il-Kalanka Lighthouse and is not far from the unique Il-Kalanka tal-Gidien Saltpans. The beach offers a taste of seaside tranquillity at its best, and is certainly worth a visit!
