About Little Armier Bay
Little Armier is a small sandy cove on the Aħrax peninsula at Malta's northern tip, a short walk east of the larger Armier Bay. It looks north-east across the channel to Comino and Gozo, with boats from the ferry route and the lagoons passing in the distance. Low rocky shore runs out on either side of the sand, and a line of boathouses separates it from its bigger neighbour.
This is a family beach in summer, with soft sand, shallow water and beach clubs that set out sunbeds and serve food and drinks. It is popular with Maltese families who come back every year, and it is a good alternative when Mellieħa Bay is too crowded. Out of season it is quiet, and the countryside around it is good for walking.
What Little Armier Bay is like
The beach is a short strip of fine, pale sand that slopes gently into clear, shallow water, with rock on both sides. It is a cosier version of Armier Bay next door, with the same sand and water but less space, so it fills up quickly on busy days. In summer much of the sand is taken up by beach club sunbeds.
The setting is rural rather than built up. Behind the beach there is scrubland, an unpaved car park and the boathouses that line this stretch of coast, many used as summer homes. The wider area, known as L-Aħrax, has no through traffic and feels a long way from the towns, even though Mellieħa is only a few minutes away by car.
When to go to Little Armier Bay
The cove faces north-east, towards Comino. It is sheltered in most winds, including those from the west and south, but northerly and north-westerly winds can push waves onto the beach and make the water choppy and cloudy. The north-westerly is Malta's most common wind, so on breezy days check before you go, and try Mellieħa Bay if it is rough.
June to September is the swimming season, and September and June are usually the calmest months. Weekends in July and August are the busiest, when local families arrive early and stay all day. Weekdays and late afternoons are calmer. In winter the beach clubs close and it is mostly walkers and the odd swimmer.
Swimming and safety at Little Armier Bay
Getting in is easy: walk straight off the sand into shallow water that deepens gradually, which suits young children and less confident swimmers on calm days. The rocky edges on either side are slippery and uneven, so keep small children on the sand side.
Don't count on a lifeguard here, so supervise children yourself. Kayaks and small boats use the bay in summer, so stay inside any marked swimming area. When the wind is from the north, waves break on the shore and the water gets rougher than it looks from the car park.
Things to do near Little Armier Bay
Armier Bay, the larger sandy beach, is a few minutes' walk west around a low rocky point. White Tower Bay, another small sandy cove, is about a kilometre further east along the coast road, with seagrass close to shore that makes it better for snorkelling. Kayak hire in summer lets you paddle along the rocky coast, and there is a dive centre a short walk away.
The countryside of L-Aħrax is open garrigue and fields, and quiet tracks run along the ridge and down to the coast. They are best walked in spring or autumn, as there is very little shade in summer.
Food and facilities at Little Armier Bay
In summer, beach clubs and kiosks rent sunbeds and umbrellas and serve food and drinks, and there is a restaurant a short walk away. Toilets and showers are available, and accessible facilities have been listed for the beach, including a walkway and a beach wheelchair. Most of this is seasonal, so between October and May bring what you need.
Frequently asked questions
Is Little Armier sandy?
Yes, a small sandy beach with rocky stretches on either side.
How do I get to Little Armier by bus?
In summer, route 49 serves the Armier stop near the beach. At other times, the closest buses stop on the Ċirkewwa road, a long walk away.
Is there parking at Little Armier?
Yes, a large unpaved car park by the beach, including Blue Badge spaces. Come early on summer weekends.
Is Little Armier good for kids?
Yes, on calm days. The sandy entry and shallow water suit children, but check the sea when a north wind is blowing.
What is the difference between Armier and Little Armier?
They are neighbouring sandy beaches on the Aħrax peninsula. Armier Bay is the larger one, and Little Armier is the smaller cove a few minutes' walk to the east, with boathouses between them.
Can you see Comino from Little Armier?
Yes. The beach looks north-east across the channel to Comino, with Gozo beyond.
Is Little Armier good for snorkelling?
It is mostly sand, so there is not much to see. White Tower Bay, about a kilometre east, has seagrass and more fish.
Are there sunbeds at Little Armier Bay?
Yes. Tortuga Beach Club, Palm Beach and Victoria Bar and Restaurant rent sunbeds.
Is there somewhere to eat at Little Armier Bay?
Yes, on the beach: Tortuga Beach Club.
