If you wish to spend a day on a really nice sandy beach in Malta, then Għajn Tuffieħa is the one. Għajn Tuffieħa (literally translated to Apple’s Eye), also known as Riviera. Of course, Malta is famous for its many beaches, but this one is many’s favourite and often considered as the most beautiful beach of the entire island.
Not to confuse this bay with its beautiful neighbour Golden Bay, which is very similar but more commercial. Għajn Tuffieħa instead is more secluded and wilder.
Where is Għajn Tuffieħa located
Għajn Tuffieħa is located on the north-west coast of Malta. The nearest villages are Manikata and Mgarr. It is in between Golden Bay and Ġnejna Bay. https://youtu.be/n3dk14bd58E
What to do in Għajn Tuffieħa
Approaching the entrance of this picturesque beach, immediately you can notice that this beach is usually more frequented by those slightly more adventurous. Leading you to the clear seas are clay slopes, this makes it necessary that who is visiting the beach needs to be somewhat fit. Walking around the bay, besides swimming is probably the only activity to do here. However, if one climbs on top of the bay, one will be impressed by the beauty of this location and why it is considered the best beach of Malta.
Read also: Best sandy beaches of Malta and how to get there.
These are the main activities to do here:
- Go swimming: this is a sandy beach, so the water gets deep quite slowly.
- Go walking: Walking intended as sightseeing will expose you to some really nice panoramic views.
- Go climbing: There is a part where you can actually climb.
- Take photos: If you are a picture maniac, this is heaven for you.
- Watch the sunset: The sunset here will take your breath away.
Where to eat in Għajn Tuffieħa
Before going to the beach, one can find a kiosk with basic snacks and drinks, and prices here are cheaper when compared to the restaurant down at the beach. With a restaurant being the only one on the beach, prices are quite on the higher end. We suggest that one takes some snacks and drinks with them to save some money.
Things to know before you go
Parking: Although a parking area is situated right before the entrance to the beach, there are rarely free spaces. So if you have the chance, come to this beach early to find a parking spot.
Comfort: You can reach the beach by going down 180 steps or by going around the bay. Wearing comfortable shoes is also key to visiting this beach if you want to walk off the usual paths. Taking sufficient water, especially in the warm summer months.
Facilities: Lifeguards, small restaurant with inbuilt toilets and showers.
Children: If you are going to the beach with children, then you should know that on the left side of this beach, there is a nudist area.
Blue Flag: This is a Blue Flag rewarded beach, which means that it had achieved high standards and cleanliness.
Conservation Area: All the area is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) due to unique geological features. Please make sure you respect nature and leave everything the same as you find it.
How to get to Għajn Tuffieħa
You can reach Għajn Tuffieħa by following buses which stop at 100 metres from the beginning of the beach.
44: Valletta – Għajn Tuffieħa, every 30 minutes.
101: Cirkewwa – Għajn Tuffieħa – Mgarr, every 60 minutes.
223: Bugibba – Għajn Tuffieħa, every 60 minutes.
225: Sliema – Għajn Tuffieħa, every 60 minutes.
TD5: from Sliema and St. Julian’s, every 60 minutes this bus runs only in the summer.
