About Slugs Bay
Slugs Bay is a tiny pocket beach on the Marfa Ridge, on the northern shore of Mellieħa Bay, looking back across the water towards Mellieħa village. It is a few square metres of sand at the foot of a cliff slope, reached by a difficult path. Little or no development has touched it, and rocks jutting out of the water make it hard to reach even by sea.
People come for the seclusion and for a swim in clear water away from the crowds at Għadira across the bay. It holds only a handful of people, so it suits couples, small groups and walkers more than families with lots of gear. In late summer the slopes around it are dotted with sea daffodils.
What Slugs Bay is like
The beach is a small patch of sand wedged between rocks at the bottom of a steep slope, with rocky shore on both sides and boulders in the shallows. The terrain above is typical of the Marfa Ridge: bare, wind-worn limestone and scrub, with wide views over Mellieħa Bay. The rare sea daffodil (Pancratium maritimum) grows abundantly here in August. Enjoy them where they are and leave them be.
The name has two competing explanations. One story says it comes from a dark brown sea slug found in the bay. Another is that British servicemen gave the name to the sea cucumbers in the shallows, mistaking them for slugs. Either way, look closely at the rocks and seabed and you are likely to see some of the small marine life the bay is named after.
When to go to Slugs Bay
Slugs Bay faces south across Mellieħa Bay, which makes it one of the few spots in the north that is best in north-westerly or northerly winds, when the ridge behind shelters it. That is useful, because the north-westerly is Malta's most common summer wind. Avoid it in easterly, south-easterly, southerly or south-westerly winds, which push waves straight onto the little beach and leave no sand to sit on. North-easterly and westerly winds tend to make it choppy.
With room for perhaps ten people, timing matters. Arrive early on summer weekends, or come on a weekday. Early mornings and late afternoons are also kinder for the walk, as the path has no shade. Outside high summer the bay is usually empty, but the path is harder going after rain.
Swimming and safety at Slugs Bay
Swimming here means picking your way over rocks, so water shoes make a big difference. On calm days the water is clear, and the rocky sides are the place to snorkel. There are no lifeguards or facilities, so swim with someone else and stay out when waves are breaking on the beach.
The path down is the main hazard: it crosses loose, steep ground along the cliff slope. Go slowly, keep your hands free with a backpack rather than a bag, and do not attempt it in flip-flops or after dark. Bring water, sun protection and shade, and pack out everything you bring in.
Things to do near Slugs Bay
Slugs Bay sits on the same ridge as St Agatha's Tower, the Red Tower, built in 1647 to 1649 to guard Mellieħa Bay and now open to the public under Din l-Art Ħelwa. Further along the ridge, the L-Aħrax area leads to Aħrax Tower, restored and reopened in 2021, and down to Armier and Little Armier, where you will find kiosks, toilets and an easier swim.
Across the water, Mellieħa Bay has every facility you could want, and the Għadira Nature Reserve behind it is one of Malta's most important wetlands for migrating birds, open to visitors in the cooler months. Combining a morning at Slugs Bay with lunch in Mellieħa village or at Għadira makes for an easy day.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Slugs Bay?
On foot. Park near L-Aħrax or the Armier road and walk about 15 minutes down a rocky path, which is steep in places.
Is Slugs Bay sandy?
Yes, but the patch of sand is very small, only enough for a handful of people.
Are there facilities at Slugs Bay?
No. There are no kiosks, toilets or lifeguards.
Why is it called Slugs Bay?
The name is said to come from a dark brown sea slug found in its waters. Another account says British servicemen used the name for the sea cucumbers there, mistaking them for slugs.
Is Slugs Bay good in windy weather?
It is sheltered from north-westerly and northerly winds, Malta's most common, but becomes rough in easterly and southerly winds that blow straight onto the beach.
Is Slugs Bay suitable for children?
Not really. The path down is steep and rough, the beach is tiny and rocky in the water, and there are no lifeguards or facilities.
