About Kalanka Bay
Il-Kalanka is a small rocky cove on the Delimara peninsula in the south-east of Malta, beyond Marsaxlokk and close to the old British fort at the southern end of the peninsula. Pale limestone ledges and low cliffs surround a pocket of deep, very clear blue water, and there is no beach as such.
People come to jump off the rocks, snorkel and spend a few hours on the ledges, usually as a quieter alternative to St Peter's Pool, a kilometre to the north. It suits confident swimmers. There is nothing here but the sea and the rocks, so come prepared.
What Il-Kalanka is like
The cove is a narrow inlet cut into the limestone, with flat ledges at different heights around it for sunbathing and jumping. From the car park above you walk down over rough rock, which takes a few minutes and needs proper footwear. The water is deep close to the edge, and on calm days you can see the bottom clearly from the rocks.
The rock looks as if it slopes gently into the sea in places, but it does not: the drop is sudden, and the only ways in are a ladder or a jump. There is a little shelter among the rocks but almost no shade.
When to go to Il-Kalanka
The cove faces south-east, which makes it a good place to watch the sunrise. It is sheltered in westerly, north-westerly and northerly winds, so it is often calm on days when the north-westerly is making Malta's west coast rough. North-easterly, easterly, south-easterly and southerly winds blow into the cove and make it unsafe, and a south-westerly can make it choppy.
July and August are the calmest months, but also the busiest. Arrive early on summer weekends, as the car park fills with people heading to all the Delimara swimming spots. May, June, September and October are quieter, and the water is still warm enough to swim well into autumn.
Swimming and safety at Il-Kalanka
Check the depth before every jump. There can be rocks just under the surface, and the safe landing spots change with the swell. If you are new to the place, jump only where you have seen others land safely, and start from the lower ledges.
There is no lifeguard, so do not swim alone. When waves are running into the inlet, currents become strong and climbing back onto the rock is dangerous, so stay out. Water shoes help on the sharp limestone, and snorkelling gear is worth bringing, as the visibility is usually excellent.
Things to do near Il-Kalanka
St Peter's Pool, the best-known swimming spot on the peninsula, is about a kilometre north, and Xrobb l-Għaġin is a little further along the coast. Fort Delimara, a British fort built in the 1870s, and Delimara Lighthouse, dating from 1854, stand near the southern tip of the peninsula, though neither is generally open to visitors.
Marsaxlokk, with its harbour of brightly painted luzzu fishing boats and seafood restaurants, is a short drive back along the peninsula. Boat trips from Marsaxlokk also call at the cove in summer, which is an easy way to see the coastline from the water.
Food and facilities at Il-Kalanka
There are no facilities at all: no toilets, showers, kiosks or bins you can rely on. Bring water, food, a parasol and something to sit on, and take your rubbish away with you. The nearest cafés and restaurants are in Marsaxlokk.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kalanka Bay sandy?
No. It is rocky, with entry by ladder or by jumping from the ledges.
Is there parking at Il-Kalanka?
Yes, a free parking area about 200 metres above the cove.
How do I get to Kalanka Bay by bus?
No bus reaches the cove. Take route 81 or 85 to Marsaxlokk and walk around 30 minutes, or more, along the Delimara road.
Is Il-Kalanka good for cliff jumping?
Yes, there are ledges at several heights. Always check the depth first, as there can be rocks under the surface, and stay out when the sea is rough.
Is Il-Kalanka quieter than St Peter's Pool?
Usually, yes. It is smaller and less well known, although the shared car park still fills up on summer weekends.
Can you snorkel at Il-Kalanka?
Yes. The water is deep and usually very clear. There is no gear hire, so bring your own mask and fins.
Can you get to Kalanka Bay by boat?
Yes. Boat trips to Kalanka Bay run with Luzzu Tours Malta, Rima Cruises and Sensi Watersports Malta.
