About L-Għażżenin Bay
L-Għażżenin Bay, also spelled Għażżelin, is a small rocky cove in the old part of St Paul's Bay, on the south shore of the bay a short walk from Wignacourt Tower. Locals call the stretch of rock between the tower and the point below the boċċi club il-Qala tal-Għażżelin. It is a neighbourhood swimming spot of flat limestone ledges, with the sandy pocket beach at Tax-Xama' about 250 metres along the shore.
People come here for a quick, uncomplicated swim in calm water, close to home or between errands in town. It is an official bathing water site, sampled through the summer, and was rated good under the EU classification.
What L-Għażżenin Bay is like
You get in from flat limestone ledges straight into the sea. The seabed is mostly rock with scattered outcrops, so a mask is worth bringing, and water shoes help on the ledges. There is no sand to sit on, and only limited flat rock for towels on busy days.
The cove is surrounded by town: the seafront road, houses, the Malta Young Sailors' Club and the boċċi club on the point. It has none of the scenery of the island's wilder bays, but the water is sheltered and you are a few steps from cafés and restaurants.
When to go to L-Għażżenin Bay
St Paul's Bay opens to the north-east, and this cove on its southern shore is sheltered from most wind directions, including the common north-westerly. Avoid it in northerly, north-easterly or easterly winds, which push waves down the bay and onto the rocks. Early mornings are the quietest time for a swim.
Swimming and safety at L-Għażżenin Bay
There is no lifeguard, so keep a close eye on children and swim with someone else. Boats move around St Paul's Bay, so stay close to the shore and use a float if you swim out. The rock can be slippery near the waterline.
Water quality is the thing to check. The cove is monitored as an official bathing site, but short bathing advisories have been issued in the past after sewage overflows in this part of St Paul's Bay, including one in May 2024. If you see warning signs on the shore, stay out of the water.
Things to do near L-Għażżenin Bay
Wignacourt Tower, begun in 1610 under Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt, is the oldest surviving watchtower in Malta. It is run as a small museum of Maltese fortifications by Din l-Art Ħelwa. From here the seafront promenade runs east towards Buġibba, about a kilometre away, and west towards Xemxija, where Il-Fekruna is a popular entry point for divers. Qawra Point, the nearest reef dive, is about 2.5 km away around the bay.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at L-Għażżenin Bay?
Yes. It is an official bathing water site, rated good in 2026, though temporary advisories have been issued after sewage overflows, such as one in May 2024.
How do I get to L-Għażżenin Bay by bus?
Get off at the Tonn stop in St Paul's Bay, served by routes 41, 42, 49, 221, 222, 223, 225 and 250.
Is L-Għażżenin Bay sandy?
No. It is a rocky cove where you swim from flat limestone ledges. For a little sand, Tax-Xama' is about 250 metres along the shore.
Is L-Għażżenin Bay good on windy days?
In most winds, yes, including the common north-westerly. It gets rough in northerly, north-easterly or easterly winds, which blow straight down St Paul's Bay.
