Spend the Perfect Day at Ġnejna Bay in Malta

If you’re visiting Malta, chances are you want to take advantage of the island’s gorgeous swimming spots. In the summer months, Malta’s beaches and coastal spots come alive thanks to warm sun and crystal-clear and calm waters. But if you’re looking for something a little more peaceful and scenic than the busy resort areas, Ġnejna Bay is a fantastic choice.

Tucked away on the island’s western coast, this quiet gem is perfect for a relaxed day by the sea. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with the whole family, it’s a great spot to unwind and soak up nature.

Below, we’ve rounded up some handy tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your visit to Ġnejna Beach.

Ġnejna Bay is a beloved beach among the Maltese and visitors alike. For starters, the water here is famously clean and clear, ideal for a refreshing swim or a bit of gentle snorkelling. The beach itself is a mix of sand and pebbles, with shallow entry points that are great for families and casual paddlers.

Rugged cliffs formed from clay slopes and limestone cliffs, plus unspoilt countryside form the backdrop, giving the whole area a peaceful, untouched feel. There’s also less noise and fewer crowds than at other popular beaches in Malta, making it perfect for a laid-back dip and beautiful photo opportunities.

The area is also home to water sports operators, giving you easy access to fun activities for you and your group.

Getting to Ġnejna Bay from Valletta is fairly easy, you just need a little bit of planning. If you’re using public transport, the best way to find your route is by using the Tallinja app or visiting the Malta Public Transport website. These tools give you the most up-to-date bus schedules and route options based on your starting point and time of travel. Ġnejna is a bit off the beaten track, so checking the timing in advance is a good idea to avoid long waits or missed connections.

Another quick tip, if you decide to walk from Mġarr to Ġnejna Bay, keep in mind it’s a steep slope downhill, which is relatively easy on the way down, but the return walk back can be tough, especially under the summer sun.

If you’re renting a car, the drive takes around 40 minutes. From Valletta, head towards Mosta and on to Mġarr, then follow the signs to Ġnejna. The final stretch is quite narrow and winding, but it rewards you with gorgeous countryside views. There’s a small car park right by the beach, but get there early in summer, especially on weekends, as it fills up fast. If there’s a parking attendant on duty, he may request a small tip.

Before heading to Ġnejna Bay for a laid-back day of swimming and sunbathing, here are a few friendly tips to help you make the most of your visit:

• Watch your step: Access to the beach involves a short flight of steps, which might not be ideal for visitors with mobility issues or very young kids in strollers.
• Great for little swimmers: The water is generally shallow and calm near the shore, making it a safe and fun spot for children to paddle around.
• Sandy… with a twist: Ġnejna Beach has a mix of golden sand and gravel, so it’s a good idea to bring beach shoes or sandals for extra comfort.
• Check the wind and jellyfish forecast: Before heading out, look up local beach reports. Strong winds can stir up the sea and bring in seaweed, and jellyfish sometimes make an appearance.
• Keep it casual: Ġnejna is more about nature than luxury. You won’t find fancy restaurants here, just a couple of kiosks for cold drinks, snacks, and the occasional ice cream.
• Basic but handy facilities: Public toilets are available nearby, though they’re simple and may not be the most modern.

While Ġnejna Bay is best known as an idyllic beach spot for laid-back swims and sunsets, there’s plenty more to see and do in the surrounding area, especially if you’re in the mood for a little adventure or culture alongside your beach towel.

For a splash of excitement, check out the Ġnejna watersports options available right at the bay. Local operators offer everything from banana boat rides and wakeboarding to water skiing and the ever-popular “crazy sofa” that’s sure to leave you laughing. You can also rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats, or canoes to explore the coastline at your own pace.

Self-drive boats are also available for hire, perfect if you want to venture farther out into open waters with friends or family. It’s a great way to admire the bay’s golden cliffs and quiet coves from the sea.

If you’re more into hiking boots than boat rides, you’re in luck. Ġnejna is surrounded by some of Malta’s most scenic walking trails. From gentle coastal rambles to steep cliff climbs, the area is a dream for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Make sure to spot Ta’ Lippija Tower, perched on a rocky outcrop above the bay. Built in 1637 by Grand Master Lascaris-Castellar, it once formed part of a strategic network of watchtowers used to guard the coast from pirates and invaders. A rewarding walk will also take you to Fomm ir-Riħ, a remote stretch of coastline reached by a path that hugs dramatic cliffs. It’s a quiet spot to take in sweeping views of Malta’s wild, unspoiled landscape.

Just a few minutes’ drive inland lies the rural village of Mġarr, one of Malta’s most authentic country towns. It’s a peaceful, down-to-earth place where winding lanes open onto rolling fields and family-run restaurants serve traditional dishes.

At the village’s heart is the Parish Church of the Assumption, an elegant dome-topped church that dominates the skyline. Around the church square, you’ll find a handful of eateries famous for fenkata (rabbit stew), bebbux (snails), and other Maltese favourites. If you’re hungry after your beach visit, this is the perfect spot to refuel.

Just a 10-minute drive from Ġnejna Beach sits one of Malta’s lesser-known archaeological treasures. Skorba Temples are a prehistoric complex dating back to around 3600 BC and form part of Malta’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Though smaller and less crowded than the temples at Ħaġar Qim or Mnajdra, they offer a powerful glimpse into the island’s ancient past and are among the oldest free-standing structures in the world.

If you’re staying at one of our award-winning AX Hotels in Sliema, Qawra, Valletta, or Rabat, our helpful team is on hand to offer personalised suggestions and tips to help you plan the perfect escape to Ġnejna Bay. From scenic route ideas to nearby attractions and trusted transport options, we’ll make sure your seaside day out is as smooth and memorable as possible.