Explore Għajn Tuffieħa Bay – Malta’s Most Beautiful Beach

Last updated: 19 September 2026

Quick answers

• Where is it? On the northwest coast of Malta, between Golden Bay and Gnejna. On Google Maps it is called Riviera Beach.
• How do I get there? About 30 minutes by car from Valletta, or by bus to the Riviera stop, 50 metres from the stairs. Buses run about every 30 minutes.
• Is it easy for everyone? No. There are 187 steps and no ramp, so you cannot get a wheelchair or pushchair down.
• When is it busiest? July and August. May is quiet, and it gets quiet again from the end of September.
• Is it safe to swim? Usually yes, and there are lifeguards during the day in the summer months. In stormy weather, there are currents and high waves, so stay out of the water.
• Is there food and a toilet? Yes: a restaurant with drinks and food, a toilet and a shower. It is the only option, so many people bring their own drinks in a cooler bag.

Where is Għajn Tuffieħa Bay?

Għajn Tuffieħa Bay is on the northwest coast of Malta. It is one of three beaches separated by rocky hills: Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa Bay and Gnejna. Għajn Tuffieħa is in the middle, 345 metres south of Golden Bay. It is possible to hike between these beaches and enjoy the scenery.

Għajn Tuffieħa Bay names

In Maltese, Għajn Tuffieħa means “Apple’s Eye.”, but people rarely use this name. In English, they refer to it as Riviera Beach or Riviera Martinique. This name comes from the Riviera Martinique hotel, which closed in the 1980s. It stands abandoned atop the hill, watching the waves and bathers on the beach below (you can see it in the image above).

My top reasons to visit Għajn Tuffieħa Bay

• The beach is beautiful, with red sand and crystal-clear water.
• It is the best beach in Malta to watch the sunset. An hour before nightfall, the bay takes on a magical atmosphere. The light creates beautiful silhouettes, and the area becomes quiet and peaceful.

• It is wild and natural, with unspoiled rocks and cliffs. The shallow water deepens gradually, which suits children and anyone uncomfortable in deep water.
• The rocky hills around the beach give amazing views, and there are hiking paths to explore. I like to hike early in the morning and have a refreshing dip afterwards.
• It is less busy than Golden Bay, partly because of the 187-step descent. The walk down and back up can be hard for families or older people, which stops many visitors.
• You can rent stand-up paddleboards in summer and explore the nearby coastline. Learn more about paddle boarding in Malta. In winter, there are surf lessons on this beach.
• Snorkelling is fantastic along the rocky sides, with lots of marine life. See my snorkelling in Malta guide.

How do I get to Għajn Tuffieħa Bay?

It is relatively easy to get to Għajn Tuffieħa Beach. Just note that on Google Maps this place is called Riviera Beach, not Għajn Tuffieħa. By car, it is a 30-minute drive north of Malta’s capital, Valletta. Alternatively, take a bus from Valletta, Sliema or St. Julian’s to Golden Bay. Għajn Tuffieħa Beach is just one bus stop from Golden Bay.

There is a small public car park near the beach, so arrive early to get a spot. Parking is free, but you need to tip the attendant a few euros. During the summer, temporary parking is sometimes available nearby in a field. The cashless car park is at Golden Bay. From there it is a 10-15 minute walk to Għajn Tuffieħa.

• Location: link to Google Maps
• Nearest bus stop: Riviera
• Walking distance from the bus stop: 50 meters from the stairs that lead you down the beach
• Frequency of the buses: every 30 minutes
• Parking available: Għajn Tuffieħa public parking (limited availability), temporary parking in summer (not always available), new cashless car park in Golden Bay

Need advice on renting a car in Malta? Here is my guide with insider tips. You can also compare prices on DiscoverCars.

Things to do at Għajn Tuffieħa Bay

Għajn Tuffieħa Beach offers plenty to do. If you are adventurous, you can snorkel and explore the crystal-clear water. Many types of marine life live on either side of the bay, including fish, crabs and octopuses. You can also spot stingrays and flying fish over the sandy bottom. A depth of 2-4 metres makes snorkelling safe in calm weather.

My favourite thing to do here is swim along the rocks on the left side of the beach, where you’ll see plenty of fish. Occasionally I find octopus, and overall it’s nice to explore the waters among the rocks.

Hiking around the bay

You can take a hike and explore the surrounding area. From the left side of the beach, you can reach the clay cliffs, the il-Qarraba Peninsula or even hike to Gnejna Bay.

Be careful on the il-Qarraba Peninsula. Accidents can happen there; people can fall between the rocks. Watch each step, wear proper shoes and stay away from the edge, especially in windy or stormy weather.

The tower

You can also walk towards Golden Bay and visit the Għajn Tuffieħa Tower. The view is fantastic. From the tower, you can see the Lippija Tower in Gnejna Bay. The towers were designed so that you could always see another tower and send signals in case of an attack.

Għajn Tuffieħa Tower was built by the Knights of St. John in 1637. It was armed with a 12-pounder gun and kept under guard by a captain and three men. Coastal erosion has threatened it, and part of the tower was damaged in a storm in early 2023. You cannot go inside, but you can get close to it.

Sunset at Għajn Tuffieħa Beach

One of the most popular things to do here is to sunbathe, swim and watch the sunset. The sunset time changes through the year, so check a weather app on the day. It can be as late as 8:30 pm in June and early July, and around 7 pm in September. For more places, see my guide to the best places to see sunsets in Malta.

Food and drink

There is a restaurant on the beach where you can get drinks and food. It is the only option, so a lot of people bring their own drinks in a cooler bag. Bring water and snacks if you plan to stay all day.

Is it safe to swim at Għajn Tuffieħa? Currents and rough weather

On a calm day, the water is clear and lovely for swimming. In stormy weather, it is different. There can be strong currents (rip currents) and high waves, and the beach is not built up or sheltered. Please take this seriously.

• Check the weather and sea conditions before you go. If it is stormy, stay out of the water.
• Do not go close to the rocks in rough seas.
• There are lifeguards on the beach during the day in summer months. Swim where they can see you and follow their flags and advice.
• If a current pulls you out, do not fight it. Stay calm, keep floating and swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, then swim back in.

When to visit and how to avoid the crowds

This beach is usually busy. It is busiest in July and August. May is quiet, and from the end of September it is quiet again. To avoid the crowds, arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Remember sunscreen and a hat, as the sun is very intense. Wear comfortable shoes if you want to hike; flip-flops are not a good idea. Bring your snorkelling gear and your camera, and respect the marine life and vegetation.

Confirm that the beach is jellyfish-free with my jellyfish guide.

Għajn Tuffieħa Beach: FAQ

If you’re coming to Malta, visit Għajn Tuffieħa Beach. The red sand, clear water and stunning views make it an amazing place to visit. You can snorkel, hike, relax, soak up the sun and enjoy the sunsets.

Planning more than one beach day? See my first-timer’s guide to the best things to do in Malta for how it all fits together.