L-Aħrax Point

L-Aħrax Point is the northernmost tip of Malta, beyond Mellieħa. The best-known feature here is the Inland Sea, also called Dragonara Cave or the Coral Grotto: an entrance at around 5 metres leads through a short tunnel into a small grotto whose roof has collapsed, leaving a large round opening to the sky.

Surfacing inside, with daylight pouring in, is the highlight, and the grotto is popular with photographers around midday. The walls carry golden cup corals, tubeworms and starfish, and the water inside is often a little warmer than outside. Outside the cave the reef drops away to around 18 metres.

Shore entry over the rocks is awkward and involves a long swim, so most centres dive it by boat. The point is fairly sheltered from south-easterly winds but can be choppy with some surge.