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Imġiebaħ Beach, also called Selmun Beach, is a wild stretch on Malta’s north‑east coast. It’s my favourite winter beach because it is located between several of my favourite hikes.
Written by Laura Jasenaite, Malta travel expert with 15+ years living on the islands.
I have lived in Malta since 2011 and usually go there with my dog. It’s one of the few sandy beaches that allow dogs, and the long, narrow road leading to it makes access difficult, keeping it quieter.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to get there, what to expect on the beach, and which nearby hikes to try.
Last updated: 19 September 2026
Quick answers
Where is it? On the northeast coast of Malta, below Selmun Palace, near Mellieħa. It is also called Selmun Beach.
Is it worth the effort? Yes, if you like wild places and a quiet day. No, if you want sunbeds, a bar or an easy walk to the sand.
How do I get there? By car on a long single-lane road, or on foot from Mellieħa or Selmun Palace. There is no direct bus to the beach.
Are dogs allowed? Yes. It is one of the few sandy, dog-friendly beaches in Malta. Dogs usually have to be on a leash.
Are there facilities? None. No sunbeds, no toilets and no food or drink, so bring everything you need.
Don’t have time to plan every detail?
I’ve already done it for you. Get my complete 7-day Malta itinerary with routes, timings, and local tips included, so you can enjoy the islands stress-free.
Get the guideMy top reasons to visit Imġiebaħ Beach
Winter hikes. I hike this area from the end of October until around May. It is one of my favourite places in winter. Combine the beach with a walk on the Selmun Palace circular hike and the surrounding cliffs.
Scenery. Rocky shore, cliffs and open views, with green hills in spring.
Space. There are always some people, because nowhere in Malta is truly empty, but you have room to spread out. You can’t compare it with busy beaches like Golden Bay.
Dog-friendly. My dog loves this beach. Dogs are usually kept on a leash.
Shade in the afternoon. The left side of the beach is rocky, and the limestone formations give some natural shade in the afternoon.
What might make you not like Imġiebaħ Beach?
There are no facilities, sunbeds, or bars, so bring water, food, and anything else you may need. The road is long and only one lane wide. It is not a bad road, but if another car comes toward you, someone will have to reverse, which is not fun.
The beach also changes. After a storm, it can be covered in pebbles, stripped of sand or piled with seaweed. The community cleans it up, and then it changes again. Every visit looks a little different.
If you want a beach with facilities, see my guide to the best beaches in Malta, Gozo and Comino.
How do I get to Imġiebaħ Beach?
By car
The road down is narrow, long and only one lane wide. Drive slowly and be prepared to reverse if another car appears. There’s a free, unpaved car park near the beach (Google Maps).
If you don’t have a car, renting one is the easiest way to reach places like this. I suggest Discover Cars, and picking up at the airport gives you a wider choice.
On foot
There are two routes. The first is down the village road from Mellieħa. The second is a hike from Selmun Palace, which is longer, but you walk through countryside and along clay cliffs. For the route, see my Selmun Palace circular hike.
By kayak or paddleboard
From Għadira Bay you can paddle across in about 30 minutes. You can rent equipment at Għadira.
| Getting there | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Google Maps |
| Nearest bus stop | Mellieħa (village road) or Barkazza (15 minutes from Selmun Palace, for the hike) |
| Walk from the bus stop | 30-50 minutes |
| Bus frequency | Every half an hour |
| Parking | Free car park near the beach (Google Maps) |
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I want it!What to see near Imġiebaħ Beach
Selmun Palace. The Knights of St John built it in 1783 as a hunting lodge. You can’t go inside, but you can still admire the Baroque design from outside.
St Paul’s Island. Walk along the limestone coast from the beach to Għajn Ħadid Bay, then up to the clay cliffs, where you can view the rocky shore and St Paul’s Island. Legend says Paul was shipwrecked here on his way to Rome, and a statue of him stands on the island.
Tips for visiting
Best time to go: I prefer autumn to spring. The crowds thin out, and the hiking weather is best. Summer is hot, and there’s little shade.
Bring everything: water, food, an umbrella, a bowl and water for your dog.
Safety: watch for falling rocks and slippery paths, and don’t underestimate the sea. Check my jellyfish guide before you swim.
Frequently asked questions
Planning the rest of your trip?
My 7-day itinerary shows which beaches and hikes fit which day.
Get the guidePlanning more than one beach day? See my first-timer’s guide to the best things to do in Malta and my guide to hidden gems in Malta.
Last reviewed: September 2026.
