About Ghajn Tuffieha (Riviera)
Għajn Tuffieħa Bay, often called Riviera Bay, is a sandy bay on Malta's north-west coast, about 350 metres south of Golden Bay as the crow flies. The name means 'spring of apples', and the nickname comes from the Riviera Martinique Hotel, which closed in 1988 and still stands derelict on the cliff above. Steep clay slopes and cliffs frame the bay, and the sand is a deep reddish-orange.
It is smaller and less developed than Golden Bay, and the long staircase down keeps the numbers lower too. People come for the setting, the sunsets and a swim in a bay that feels largely untouched. It is part of a Special Area of Conservation and the Natura 2000 network, protected for its geology and coastal habitats.
What Għajn Tuffieħa Bay is like
The beach is a single crescent of reddish sand, flanked on both sides by clay slopes and limestone cliffs. The bay is about 290 metres long and 205 metres wide. Behind the sand, rain has carved gullies into the soft blue clay, and these slopes are the subject of erosion studies by the University of Malta. Vegetation was planted on them in the past to slow the erosion. Keep off the slopes: they are fragile and unstable.
On the northern cliff stands Għajn Tuffieħa Tower, a 1637 watchtower also called Għajn Mixkuka Tower, alongside the abandoned hotel. There are no other buildings in sight, which is a large part of the bay's appeal. Apart from the beach bar at the foot of the steps, the bay is undeveloped. Besides the steps, there is a gravel track down to the beach. At least one loggerhead turtle nest has been found here; it was moved to Golden Bay because it was too close to the sea.
When to go to Għajn Tuffieħa Bay
Although it faces west like Golden Bay, the headlands on either side shelter Għajn Tuffieħa from most wind directions. The exception is a westerly or north-westerly, which blows straight in and builds surf on the beach; avoid it on those days. South-westerlies tend to make it choppy. Because the north-westerly is Malta's most common wind, summer included, check the forecast before you tackle the steps.
In summer the bay is busiest from late morning on weekends and public holidays. Early mornings are quiet and the light on the clay slopes is lovely, while late afternoon brings the sunset crowd. Lifeguards cover the summer season only, and there can be strong undercurrents off-season. Spring, when the slopes are green and the sea is starting to warm, is a good time for a walk combined with a short swim.
Swimming and safety at Għajn Tuffieħa
The sand slopes gently at first, but the bay is deeper than it looks: about 7 metres on average and up to about 16 metres. In calm weather it is an easy, pleasant swim. When waves build, though, currents form, especially in north-westerly winds, and in July 2025 the Malta Red Cross listed Għajn Tuffieħa alongside Golden Bay as high hazard during rough seas because of rip currents.
In season there is a lifeguard and safety ropes along the bay. A red flag means bathing in shallow water only. If you are caught in a rip, swim parallel to the shore before heading back in. Out of season, follow the local rule of thumb: if nobody who knows the beach is swimming, stay out. Remember that you have to climb the stairs again at the end of the day, so save some energy and water for the way back.
Things to do near Għajn Tuffieħa Bay
The headland to the north is worth the walk. The tower was restored in 2000 but damaged in a storm in February 2023, and from the cliffs around it you look down on both Għajn Tuffieħa and Golden Bay. Keep away from the edges, as the rock is undercut in places. To the south, a coastal path crosses the clay slopes towards Ġnejna Bay and Lippija Tower. BirdLife Malta runs a guided loop of about 7.6 km on this stretch, which it cancels in bad weather because the clay becomes treacherous.
The whole area lies within or next to Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park, which has walking routes, more than 350 wild plant species and spring orchids. The Roman baths at Għajn Tuffieħa, about 1.2 km inland, gave the area some of its fame, but Heritage Malta lists them as closed and they have been largely backfilled.
Food and facilities at Għajn Tuffieħa Bay
Facilities are deliberately limited. In summer there is a beach bar and kiosk at the bottom of the staircase, plus sunbed and umbrella hire. There is little natural shade, so bring an umbrella or rent one, along with plenty of water.
Sunbed hire has been a sore point: in June 2024 the beach bar drew criticism for laying large towels on parts of the public sand. If you want toilets, a range of restaurants and water sports, Golden Bay is a short drive or a walk over the headland.
Frequently asked questions
How many steps are there at Għajn Tuffieħa?
About 200 steps. There is no ramp or lift, and the climb back up is tiring.
Is there parking at Riviera Bay?
Yes, a free car park sits at the top of the steps. It fills by mid-morning in summer.
How do I get to Għajn Tuffieħa by bus?
Route 44 from Valletta ends at the Tuffieħa stop, and route 101 from Ċirkewwa and Mellieħa stops at Riviera. Both are a short walk from the steps.
Is Għajn Tuffieħa good for kids?
The sand and shallow water are good for children, but the long staircase makes the trip hard with small kids and gear.
Why is Għajn Tuffieħa called Riviera Bay?
The nickname comes from the Riviera Martinique Hotel on the cliff above the bay, which closed in 1988. Għajn Tuffieħa itself means 'spring of apples'.
Is the sand at Għajn Tuffieħa red?
It is a reddish-orange sand, darker than most Maltese beaches, set against grey-blue clay slopes.
Is Għajn Tuffieħa quieter than Golden Bay?
Usually, yes. It is smaller and reached by a long staircase, so it draws fewer people, though it still gets busy on summer weekends.
Are there sunbeds at Ghajn Tuffieha (Riviera)?
Yes. Singita Miracle Beach rents sunbeds.
Is there somewhere to eat at Ghajn Tuffieha (Riviera)?
Yes, on the beach: Singita Miracle Beach.
