About Qarraba Bay
Qarraba Bay is a small cove on Malta's north-west coast between Għajn Tuffieħa and Ġnejna, below Mġarr. It sits on the southern side of Il-Qarraba, a knob of rock joined to the mainland by a narrow neck of clay, the only clay isthmus in the Maltese Islands. Bare, eroded clay slopes rise behind a strip of reddish sand at the water's edge.
There is no road, no building and no facility of any kind, so the bay is far quieter than Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa a few hundred metres away. It suits walkers on the coastal route to Ġnejna who want a swim on the way, and anyone happy to carry in everything they need for a few hours of peace.
What Qarraba Bay is like
The sand is a narrow, reddish strip at the bottom of the slopes, with rock along the edges of the cove. The clay above is almost bare, because it is easily stripped by rain and sea spray, and the shapes of the slopes change from one winter to the next. Between Qarraba and Ġnejna the walk crosses a strange grey landscape of gullies and mounds, and from the top of the headland you can see Għajn Tuffieħa, Qarraba and Ġnejna bays at once.
When to go to Qarraba Bay
The cove faces south-west, with the headland partly blocking the north-westerly, so it can be calmer than Golden Bay or Għajn Tuffieħa in Malta's most common wind, although it may still be choppy. It is at its best in northerly, north-easterly or easterly winds. Avoid it in south-easterly, southerly, south-westerly or westerly winds, which push waves straight in.
July to September has the most calm days. In midsummer, go in the morning, as the slopes have no shade and the climb out is tough in the heat. In spring and autumn the bay is a pleasant stop on a longer walk, but stay away after heavy rain, when the clay turns slippery and unstable.
Swimming and safety at Qarraba Bay
There are no lifeguards, and the nearest help is at Għajn Tuffieħa, so swim with someone else and stay out when waves are breaking on the sand. Water shoes are useful on the rocky edges.
The bigger risk is the ground. The clay slopes around the bay are loose and prone to slips and landslides, and the trails here are not formally marked. Keep to the worn path, keep well away from cliff edges and overhangs, and don't sit directly under the slopes. Proper shoes with good grip make the descent much safer, and walking poles help on the way back up.
Walks near Qarraba Bay
The coastal walk from Golden Bay to Ġnejna passes right by Qarraba. Heading south from Għajn Tuffieħa, the path crosses the headland past a red rocky outcrop, a good viewpoint, then drops towards the cove. From the bay, a steep, dusty path climbs along the clay towards Ġnejna, with Lippija Tower on the ridge above it. A loop from Golden Bay through Għajn Tuffieħa, Qarraba and Ġnejna is about 6 km with some steep sections, and BirdLife Malta runs guided walks on this stretch, cancelled in bad weather because so much of it is on clay.
For food, drinks, toilets and shade, the nearest options are at Għajn Tuffieħa and Golden Bay to the north, or Ġnejna to the south.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Qarraba Bay?
On foot. Park at Għajn Tuffieħa or Golden Bay and follow the path over the headland, then down a steep, slippery slope to the cove.
Are there facilities at Qarraba Bay?
No. There are no kiosks, toilets or lifeguards, so bring everything you need.
Is Qarraba Bay sandy?
It has a small strip of reddish sand at the foot of clay slopes.
What is special about Il-Qarraba?
The headland is joined to the mainland by a narrow neck of clay, the only clay isthmus in the Maltese Islands. The clay is almost bare and erodes quickly.
Can you walk from Qarraba Bay to Ġnejna?
Yes. A steep, loose path climbs from the bay over the clay towards Ġnejna. It is slippery in places, so wear shoes with good grip and avoid it after rain.
