About Perched Beach
Perched Beach is the small man-made sandy beach on the Buġibba promenade, at the stretch called Dawret il-Gżejjer, between Buġibba Square and Qawra. It was created in 2006 by covering about 2,000 square metres of rocky shore with imported sand, raised above sea level behind the natural rock edge. That is why it is called perched: you sit on sand, but you get into the sea from the rocks below.
It is the only sand in Buġibba and Qawra, so on summer days it is packed with hotel guests and families who want a towel on sand rather than rock. It holds Blue Flag status, and with a ramp from the promenade it is one of the more accessible beaches in Malta. Treat it as a convenient town beach for a swim and a drink, not a natural bay.
What Perched Beach is like
The sand is coarse crushed stone, chosen to match the colour and grain of natural Maltese beaches, and it feels rougher underfoot than places such as Golden Bay. It is spread over a flat terrace between the promenade and the original rock, which was left in place along the seaward edge. The project was designed to be reversible, so the rocky shore could be restored if needed.
Small bridges and ladders lead from the sand over the rocks and into the water, and in summer extra platforms are put out to help people get in. The sea is deep almost at once, over a rocky bottom. From the beach you look north-west across the water towards St Paul's Islands, where St Paul is said to have been shipwrecked.
When to go to Perched Beach
Perched Beach faces north-west, which makes it one of the more exposed spots in the area. It is best in south-easterly, southerly or south-westerly winds. Avoid it in westerly, north-westerly, northerly or north-easterly winds, when waves break on the rocks below the sand and getting in and out becomes difficult. Malta's prevailing wind is north-westerly, so this beach is often lively even in summer. On those days, try the rocks at Qawra Point or the sheltered stretches of St Paul's Bay instead.
The beach is small, and in July and August the sand fills up by mid-morning. Come early for a spot, or late afternoon when people start to leave. Out of season the lido and water sports close and the beach is quiet.
Swimming and safety at Perched Beach
Use the ladders and platforms rather than climbing over the rocks, which are slippery and sharp, and wear water shoes. Children can play safely on the sand, but there is no shallow water to paddle in: as soon as they are in the sea they are out of their depth. Lifeguards are normally on duty during the summer bathing season, but not outside it.
When the sea is rough, stay on the sand. Waves can surge over the rocks at the edge, and climbing back out onto the ladders is much harder than getting in. Jet skis and boats operate off this stretch of coast in summer, so stay close to the shore.
Things to do near Perched Beach
Buġibba's seafront promenade runs in both directions from the beach, west to Buġibba Square and east to Qawra Point and its watchtower, which is about 1 km away and has deeper, clearer water for snorkelling. In the grounds of the hotel opposite are the remains of Buġibba Temple, a small Neolithic temple from around 2800 BC. Its two finest carved blocks, one decorated with fish, are now in the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.
Water sports operators along the front offer jet skis, canoes, banana rides and parasailing in summer, and boat trips leave from Buġibba for Comino and the Blue Lagoon. A dive centre is just along the promenade, and the Qawra Point reef is the nearest shore dive.
Food and facilities at Perched Beach
A beach club on the sand rents sunbeds and umbrellas and serves food and drinks, and there is a public toilet near the beach. Restaurants, cafés and bars line the promenade, and Buġibba Square is a few minutes' walk away. There are no showers, so bring water to rinse off the sand.
Frequently asked questions
Is Perched Beach in Buġibba sandy?
Yes, but the sand is man-made. It was laid on a section of rocky coast above sea level, so you step down to the water.
Is Perched Beach wheelchair accessible?
It has a ramp onto the sand, one public toilet and parking bays for wheelchair permit holders. Access into the sea itself is limited.
How do I get to Perched Beach by bus?
Take any bus to the Buġibba terminus, such as route 31 or 48 from Valletta, then walk a few minutes along the seafront.
When was Perched Beach made?
It was created in 2006 by laying about 2,000 square metres of imported sand on a section of rocky shore, raised above sea level.
Is Perched Beach a Blue Flag beach?
Yes, it holds Blue Flag status, which covers water quality, safety and beach management.
Is Perched Beach good for small children?
The sand is fine for playing, but the sea is deep straight away off the rocks, with no shallow area, so children need close supervision in the water.
Are there sunbeds at Perched Beach?
Yes. Nine Lives, Kora, Qawra Palace Resort seafront lido and 1 other rent sunbeds.
Is there somewhere to eat at Perched Beach?
Yes, on the beach: Nine Lives.
