Golden Bay & Għajn Tuffieħa — Mellieħa / Mġarr

What are Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa?

These are two adjoining sandy beaches on the north-west coast of Malta, separated by a rocky headland. Golden Bay is a wide, accessible beach with a hotel above it and full summer facilities. Għajn Tuffieħa, the next bay south, is more natural and secluded, reached by descending a long flight of steps, and is backed by reddish clay slopes.

Where are they?

Both beaches lie on the north-west coast, within the area of Mellieħa and Mġarr. A coastal path over the headland links the two, and a third beach, Ġnejna, lies a little further along.

Landscape and history

The bays sit at the mouths of valleys where fertile land meets the sea — the name Għajn Tuffieħa refers to a spring. An old coastal watchtower stands on the headland between the beaches, part of the chain of towers built by the Knights to guard the coast. The clay slopes behind Għajn Tuffieħa are prone to erosion and are managed as a protected natural area.

What to see

• The broad sands of Golden Bay, busy in summer.
• The quieter, more natural beach of Għajn Tuffieħa below its steps.
• The coastal walk and watchtower on the headland between them.
• Spectacular west-facing sunsets.

Significance

Together the bays offer two contrasting experiences — easy, family-friendly Golden Bay and wilder Għajn Tuffieħa — within a short walk of each other. They are among the best-loved beaches on the main island and a classic spot for watching the sun go down.

Visiting

Golden Bay is easy to reach by road and bus and has summer facilities including sunbeds and kiosks. Għajn Tuffieħa is reached on foot down a long stairway and has fewer amenities, which keeps it quieter. Strong currents can occur; heed any flags or warnings.