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Għar Lapsi is a small rocky cove on the south-west coast of Malta, near Siġġiewi. It is a local spot. I rarely visit the beach there alone; I usually go in winter and spring while hiking, often ending with lunch. Before the storm, it was one of the island’s easiest natural pools to access, and I expect it will be again once it reopens.
Written by Laura Jasenaite, Malta travel expert with 15+ years living on the islands.
Għar Lapsi is closed to the public in 2026
Storm Harry hit Malta in January 2026 and wrecked the access ramp, the slipway and the fishermen’s garages, and part of the cliff gave way. The beach is closed for swimming, snorkelling and diving while the government rebuilds it. I expect it to reopen in 2027, but there is no official date yet.
Open now: the car park, the playground, the toilet next to the playground, and Ta’ Rita restaurant. The restaurant by the boats was destroyed. Last checked 19 September 2026.
Last reviewed: September 2026
How to get to Għar Lapsi
Għar Lapsi is on the south-west coast, near Siġġiewi. With a car, everything in this corner of the island is quick to reach: Għar Lapsi, the Blue Grotto, Ħaġar Qim and Dingli Cliffs are all a short drive from each other. If you are renting for the trip, compare car hire prices here.
Planning the south-west of Malta?
My 7-Day Itinerary has the routes, best times to go, location links and restaurant tips, so you are not working it out on the day.
By public transport, it takes longer. The distances are short, but the buses are infrequent. From the airport, take the bus that goes via the Blue Grotto. There is no stop at the beach, so you walk the last 25 minutes, about 1.8 kilometres, from the Bajjada stop. Buses run about every 60 minutes.
Taxis are a realistic way to hop between places. They are not expensive, but you may wait a long time, because most taxis are on the east side of the island, not the west. Book ahead and do not expect one to turn up in five minutes.
- Location: Google Maps.
- Nearest bus stop: Bajjada.
- Parking: car park near the beach. The car park is big. Sometimes there is a parking attendant, and you are expected to tip.
How to combine Għar Lapsi with other places nearby
You can visit Għar Lapsi on the same day you explore other nearby attractions. I usually treat it as a lunch break and a swim or just a rest stop.
These are the other attractions I recommend combining with Għar Lapsi:
Blue Grotto: the sea caves and the deep blue water are a few kilometres away. You can take a boat ride to see the caves up close. See my Blue Grotto guide.
Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra: two of Malta’s UNESCO temple sites, dating from about 3600-3200 BC. See my Mnajdra guide and the list of UNESCO sites in Malta. You can hike from Għar Lapsi to the temples along the coast, which is what I do in winter and spring. My scenic hike from the temples to the natural pool has a route.
Dingli Cliffs: the highest point on the island, good for a walk and the view. See my Dingli Cliffs guide.
Lunch: Ta’ Rita is the restaurant that is open at Għar Lapsi now. It is very local, with lots of Maltese people eating there, and I sometimes finish a hike with lunch here.
If you don’t have a car or prefer not to arrange transport, a guided half‑day tour includes Ħaġar Qim, the Limestone Heritage Park in Siġġiewi, and the Blue Grotto, with pickup included – half-day tour of Ħaġar Qim, Limestone Heritage Park and the Blue Grotto.
What Għar Lapsi is like
Note that the photos below were taken before the storm.
The cove sits away from the towns and sees little boat traffic, so the water remains very clear. I like sitting with my feet in the water, watching small fish. Filfla, the uninhabited island, can be seen in the distance.
It’s easy to get in. There are ladders, and the water is shallow, so children can enter without difficulty. There’s also a renovated playground nearby.
Before the storm, snorkelling and diving were both possible, with very good visibility. Divers can explore a cave system about 40 metres long, while snorkellers can see rock formations and fish.
Who Għar Lapsi is not for
It is small and rocky. If you want sand, sunbeds and umbrellas, this is not the place, because there are no rented sunbeds or umbrellas. Some rocks are slippery, and the way down the slipway is steep, which is hard with a pushchair or if you have mobility problems. There are no lifeguards, so take care in the water.
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I want it!Tips for visiting the area
- Go in the early morning or late afternoon.
- Wear sturdy shoes for the coastal path. The rocks are slippery in places.
- Bring some cash for the parking attendant.
- Bring sun protection, because there is no shade, and check the jellyfish report before swimming.
Għar Lapsi: FAQ
Skip the planning
Everything I know about the south-west, the Blue Grotto, Ħaġar Qim and where to eat, is in my 7-Day Itinerary.
If you are building a full trip, my first-timer’s Malta travel guide shows how the south-west fits with the rest of the island. More: hidden gems map, trekking guides and the best sunset spots.
