Riviera Beach
Riviera Beach: A Maltese Coastal Gem
Għajn Tuffieħa: The Serene Riviera Beach
Discover Għajn Tuffieħa, Malta's tranquil Riviera Beach: red sands, clear waters, and stunning sunsets await on the island's northwest coast.
Għajn Tuffieħa, also known as Riviera Beach, is a picturesque bay on Malta's northwest coast, near Mġarr. This tranquil beach, known for its red sands and clear turquoise waters, offers a more secluded and natural environment compared to its neighbor, Golden Bay.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Għajn Tuffieħa
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Mġarr, MT
Monday
9 am-5 pm
Tuesday
9 am-5 pm
Wednesday
9 am-5 pm
Thursday
9 am-5 pm
Friday
9 am-5 pm
Sunday
9 am-5 pm
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Getting There
Public Transport
From Valletta, take direct route 44. From Sliema, St. Julian's, Bugibba, Qawra, and St. Paul's Bay, take direct route 225. Get off at the 'Riviera' bus stop, which is a few meters from the stairs leading to the bay. Buses run every 30 minutes. A single bus fare costs approximately €2.
Driving
From St. Paul's Bay, drive towards the northwest coast, following signs for Golden Bay. Then, take the path leading to Għajn Tuffieħa Beach. Limited parking is available at Għajn Tuffieħa public parking. There is also temporary parking in summer and a new cashless car park in Golden Bay. Parking fees vary, but expect to pay around €1.50 per hour.
Local tips
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Arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a good spot on the beach and avoid parking difficulties.
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Be prepared for the 200-step descent to the beach and save some energy for the climb back up.
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Stay until late afternoon to witness the stunning sunset views over the Mediterranean Sea.
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Check the sea conditions and flag warnings before swimming, as strong undercurrents can occur, especially during winter.
Discover more about Għajn Tuffieħa
Għajn Tuffieħa, meaning 'Apple's Eye' in Maltese, is a stunning bay and sandy beach located in Mġarr on Malta's northwest coast. Often called Riviera Beach, it lies just south of Golden Bay, offering a more serene escape. The beach is characterized by its reddish-golden sands and clear Mediterranean waters, framed by dramatic cliffs and clay slopes.To reach Għajn Tuffieħa, visitors descend approximately 200 steps, which helps maintain its unspoiled atmosphere. The surrounding landscape features lush greenery, including acacia and tamarisk trees, enhancing the area's natural beauty. On the cliffs overlooking the bay stands the Għajn Tuffieħa Tower, a historic watchtower built in 1637 by the Knights Hospitaller.Għajn Tuffieħa is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports. Snorkeling is popular due to the clear waters and diverse marine life. A Blue Flag certification ensures high standards of cleanliness and service. Visitors can rent sunbeds and umbrellas and enjoy refreshments from the snack bar. The beach is particularly enchanting at sunset, offering picturesque views.
A brief summary to Għajn Tuffieħa
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