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Għajn Tuffieħa (Maltese for ‘Apple’s Eye’, also known as Riviera Beach) is located on the north-west coast of Malta, behind a small village called Manikata.
Unlike nearby Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa Bay is less accessible but almost looks untouched by man, with natural beauty all around you. The beach itself is smaller than that of Golden Bay, which means during peak season it does get a little busy at times.
With clay slopes and high cliffs are situated on either side of the bay, red sand and clean, clear water, it easily ranks #1 on my list of best beaches in Malta. I still remember the first time I set foot on this beach. It left me in awe and I’m sure your experience will be similar.
Getting down to the beach requires a descent of a tall flight of steps (over 100), which means you’ll want to retain some of your energy for the way back up. If you’re not terribly worried about your condition, it’s the perfect place for a really chilled out afternoon of swimming and sunbathing and watching the clouds passing by.
Take a catamaran boat tour with Sea Adventure Excursions that stops at beaches like Għajn Tuffieħa, the Blue Lagoon (and Crystal Lagoon) and Mellieħa Bay for swimming and snorkelling.
Sun beds and umbrellas are for hire here, and a snack bar is located on the side of the beach with some pretty decent food (as opposed to the regular grub you find in other places). Although there’s a parking area at the top of the steps, car spaces are rarely vacant there and cars line both sides of the main access road for hundreds of meters on busy days. It’s very easy to reach by bus, however (more info below).
Towards the South, there’s a slope beyond which you’ll find Ġnejna beach. The cliff on the North side features another one of Malta’s coastal watch towers, Għajn Mixkuka Tower, as well as a small abandoned hotel in a rather derelict state, which for some reason hasn’t yet been demolished. I wouldn’t consider it a negative – It actually adds to the secluded feel of Għajn Tuffieħa.
Although great for swimming during the summer months, Għajn Tuffieħa is known for its strong undercurrents off-season. If you decide you want to brave the lower temperatures and go for a swim there anyway, keep an eye on the flag system which will be a good indicator of whether the sea is safe. The best rule of measure remains “do as the locals do”. As is the case at Golden Bay, lifeguards are on duty here only during the summer months.
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Għajn Tuffieħa is one of the few beaches that’s easy to reach by public transport, with a bus route passing by on its way to Golden Bay. The actual bus stop is called Riviera.
The following bus routes will take you to Għajn Tuffieħa:
Għajn Tuffieħa is my favourite beach, as listed in my Top 10 Best Beaches in Malta.
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Wonderful beach, not many reviews mention that there is a windy path up from the beach, far, far easier than the 200 steps! It’s also great for swimming in calmer weather. Our favourite on Malta itself! The bus stop is about three hundred yards from the steps/path down to the beach.
You’re completely right, Charles, thank you for adding that info!