Marsascala, Marsascala

Where is Marsaskala?

Marsaskala sits on the south-eastern coast of Malta, around the long inlet of Marsaskala Bay and, to the south, St Thomas Bay. It lies east of Żabbar and Żejtun and belongs to the South Eastern District. The town wraps around the bay, with a promenade following much of the shoreline.

History of Marsaskala

Marsaskala developed from a small fishing community around its sheltered bay. The coast was fortified by the Order of St John: St Thomas Tower, a large bastioned coastal tower at St Thomas Bay, was built under Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt following an Ottoman raid in 1614. Salt pans cut into the coastal rock reflect a long tradition of sea-salt production. Through the 20th and 21st centuries the village expanded into one of the larger residential towns of the south-east.

What to see in Marsaskala

St Thomas Tower — a 17th-century coastal fortification built by the Order of St John at St Thomas Bay. St Thomas Bay — a bay with small sandy and rocky areas south of the main town. Marsaskala promenade — a seafront walk around the bay, lined with cafés and fishing boats. Coastal salt pans — rock-cut pans along the shoreline reflecting traditional salt production.

Transport in Marsaskala

Marsaskala is connected to Valletta and neighbouring south-eastern towns by Malta Public Transport bus routes. There is no rail or ferry service; local movement is mainly by bus or car. The promenade and town centre are walkable.

Living in Marsaskala

Marsaskala is a residential seaside town with a strong local (rather than tourist) character, popular for summer residences and year-round living. It offers a long promenade and bay access. Assessments of cost of living and housing should be based on current local data rather than general impressions.

Official name

Marsaskala / Wied il-Għajn

Island

Malta

District

South Eastern District

Notable site

St Thomas Tower; St Thomas Bay; promenade

Transport

Bus routes to Valletta and the south-east