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Għajn Tuffieħa: The Serene Apple's Eye

Discover Għajn Tuffieħa, Malta's serene 'Apple's Eye' beach with stunning red sands, clear waters, and dramatic natural beauty.

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Għajn Tuffieħa, also known as Riviera Beach, is a picturesque bay on Malta's northwest coast, near Mġarr. Its Maltese name translates to 'Apple's Eye,' offering a tranquil escape with red sands, clear turquoise waters, and dramatic clay cliffs. A descent of approximately 200 steps leads to this natural haven, making it less crowded than neighboring Golden Bay.

A brief summary to Għajn Tuffieħa

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for the steep descent and ascent to the beach.
  • Bring your own snacks and drinks to save money, although there are a snack bar and restaurant available.
  • Visit in the late afternoon to enjoy the stunning sunset views.
  • Check for jellyfish before swimming.
  • Arrive early to secure a parking spot, especially on weekends.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Valletta, take direct route 44. From Sliema, St. Julian's, Bugibba, Qawra, and St. Paul's Bay, take direct route 225. Alternatively, routes 101 and 223 also serve the area. Get off at the 'Riviera' bus stop, a couple of meters from the stairs leading to the bay. A single bus ticket costs €2.

  • Car

    From Valletta, drive north for approximately 30 minutes. Follow signs for Golden Bay, then take the road leading to Għajn Tuffieħa Beach. Parking is available near the entrance, but spaces are limited, especially on weekends. Parking is free, but tipping the attendant a few euros is customary. During the summer, temporary parking may be available in a nearby field. Be aware that there are around 200 steps to descend to reach the beach.

  • Walking

    It is possible to walk from Golden Bay to Għajn Tuffieħa, which is located 345 meters south of Golden Bay. Follow the path along the coast. Be prepared for some uneven terrain and moderate elevation changes.

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Discover more about Għajn Tuffieħa

Għajn Tuffieħa enchants visitors with its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. Unlike the bustling Golden Bay nearby, Għajn Tuffieħa offers a more secluded experience, favored by locals and tourists seeking tranquility. The bay is framed by dramatic clay cliffs and slopes covered in greenery, creating a stunning backdrop to the reddish-golden sands and clear blue waters. The beach is accessible via a steep descent of roughly 200 steps, which helps to keep the crowds at bay and preserve its unspoiled charm. Once on the beach, you can relax on the sand, swim in the clear waters, or explore the rocky coastline. Snorkeling is popular, with diverse marine life inhabiting the bay. Għajn Tuffieħa is also known as Riviera Beach, a name derived from the abandoned Riviera Martinique hotel that overlooks the bay. The Gaia Foundation manages the hillside behind the beach as a national park, working to prevent erosion by planting native trees. The Għajn Tuffieħa Tower, an old defense tower built in 1637 by the Knights Hospitaller, stands atop the cliffs west of the bay, offering panoramic views. Amenities include sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, as well as a snack bar and a restaurant. Staying until late afternoon is highly recommended to witness the picturesque sunset from the beach.

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