Riviera Beach (Għajn Tuffieħa), Mġarr, Malta

Għajn Tuffieħa Bay — also known as Riviera Bay — is widely considered one of the most beautiful and unspoilt beaches in Malta, a crescent of reddish-gold sand tucked beneath green clay slopes on the island’s rugged north-west coast, in the district of Mġarr just south of its busier neighbour, Golden Bay. Its distinctive warm-coloured sand comes from the blue clay of the surrounding cliffs, washed down over thousands of years. Because it can be reached only by descending a long staircase of around 200 steps cut into the hillside, it stays noticeably quieter and wilder than the more accessible bays nearby — part of the appeal for those who make the effort. The bay lies within Malta’s Majjistral Nature and History Park, so its slopes remain refreshingly free of development.

What to See

The reward at the bottom of the steps is a lovely natural beach of soft red-gold sand and clear water, framed by cliffs and with far fewer facilities than Golden Bay — a simple café or kiosk in season, but no big hotels — which keeps the atmosphere relaxed and natural. Above the bay, on the headland to the south, stands the Għajn Tuffieħa Tower, a coastal watchtower built in 1637 as one of the chain of Lascaris towers that guarded Malta’s shores; the clifftop paths around it, part of the Majjistral park, give superb views over the bay and along the coast. Walkers can continue over the headland to the tiny, even wilder Qarraba beach beyond, or link up with the path to Golden Bay next door. As a west-facing bay, it is also a fine spot for the sunset.

How to Get There and Practical Information

Għajn Tuffieħa lies on the north-west coast of Malta near Manikata, in the Mġarr district, about a 40-minute drive or bus ride from Valletta; the bus stop, served by several routes, is called “Riviera,” shared with neighbouring Golden Bay. From the car park and bus stop at the top, the beach is reached only on foot, down a staircase of roughly 200 steps — an easy walk down but a stiff climb back up, especially in the summer heat, and with no wheelchair or pushchair access. The beach is free to use, with only minimal facilities, so it is worth bringing water, sun protection and anything else you need for the day. Come early or late to enjoy it at its quietest, and consider pairing it with the clifftop walk to the watchtower or a visit to Golden Bay next door.