About Rinella Bay
Rinella Bay, Ir-Rinella in Maltese, is a small sandy bay in Kalkara, on the coast just east of the entrance to the Grand Harbour. It sits at the bottom of a short valley, with Fort Ricasoli's walls on one side, the Mediterranean Film Studios and their big water tanks beside it, and houses and a quiet road around the back.
It is the nearest sand to Valletta and very much a local beach: families from Kalkara and the Three Cities, an evening swim after work, a few boats at moorings. It is small, with no sunbeds or beach clubs, and that is most of its appeal.
What Rinella Bay is like
The beach is a short strip of sand at the head of the bay, with rocks on either side. The sand shelves gently into the water, so younger children can paddle in the shallows, and there is a marked swimming area that keeps boats away from swimmers. The seabed is sandy in the middle and rocky towards the sides, which is where to go with a mask.
This is a working bay as well as a beach, with small boats moored offshore and the film studio's tanks next door. Bring a towel or mat rather than counting on space on the sand, and shade of your own, as there is none on the beach.
When to go to Rinella Bay
The bay opens to the north, so it is sheltered from most winds, including Malta's prevailing north-westerly, and it is calm on most summer days. Avoid it in a northerly wind, which sends waves straight in, and expect it to be choppier in north-easterly or easterly winds.
Weekday mornings are the quietest time. Summer weekends and evenings are busier with local families, and the bay is the setting for local summer events, when street parking fills up quickly. The sand is small, so on a busy afternoon it can feel full.
Swimming and safety at Rinella Bay
With a gentle slope, sheltered water and a marked swimming area, Rinella is one of the easier places near Valletta for children, but there are no lifeguards, so keep a close eye on them. Stay inside the marked area, as boats use the rest of the bay.
Wear water shoes if you are heading for the rocky sides, where the rock is uneven and slippery near the waterline.
Things to do near Rinella Bay
Fort Rinella, a short walk uphill, is a Victorian battery built between 1878 and 1886 to house a single Armstrong 100-ton gun. The gun arrived in Malta in 1882, was never fired in anger and is still there. The battery is run as an open-air museum by a heritage foundation, with re-enactments and demonstrations.
Fort Ricasoli, the large 17th-century fort guarding the harbour mouth, towers over the bay. It is not generally open to visitors, but it has appeared in many films. Kalkara village, its creek and the Three Cities waterfront are a short drive or bus ride back towards the harbour, with restaurants and cafés. Xgħajra, with its rocky promenade, is about 2 km along the coast to the east.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rinella Bay sandy?
Yes, it has a small sandy beach in the middle with rocks on either side.
How do I get to Rinella Bay by bus?
Take route 3 from Valletta towards Kalkara and get off at the Rinella stop.
Are there lifeguards at Rinella Bay?
There are no lifeguards, so keep an eye on children.
Is Rinella Bay good for children?
Yes, on calm days. The sand slopes gently and there is a marked swimming area, but there are no lifeguards, so supervise children closely.
What is the big gun near Rinella Bay?
It is the Armstrong 100-ton gun at Fort Rinella, a Victorian battery a short walk uphill from the bay. It entered service in 1884 and is now part of an open-air museum.
Which wind is best for Rinella Bay?
It is sheltered from most winds, including the common north-westerly. Avoid it in a northerly wind, and expect chop in north-easterly or easterly winds.
