About St. Peter’s Pool
St Peter's Pool is a natural swimming hole on the Delimara peninsula, a short drive from Marsaxlokk in the south-east of Malta. Flat, pale limestone ledges ring a small, deep bay of clear turquoise water, with a small cave at its western end and low cliffs around it. It is one of the most photographed swimming spots in Malta.
People come to sunbathe on the slabs, jump into the deep water and snorkel. It has no sand and no facilities, so it suits confident swimmers who are happy to bring everything with them. In July and August it gets very busy, so early mornings and the shoulder months are the best times to enjoy it.
What St Peter's Pool is like
The bay is small, only about 60 metres across, with wide, almost level rock shelves around it that work like a natural lido deck. The water is deep almost everywhere you can get in, and clear enough to see the rocky bottom from the ledges. The cliffs behind are soft limestone that is wearing away, and fences and warning signs have been put up since 2022 to keep people back from the worst sections.
Parts of the cliff above the main shelf are cracked, and areas beneath them have been cordoned off. Keep to the open shelf away from the cliff foot, and respect any barriers.
When to go to St Peter's Pool
The pool faces east, so easterly and south-easterly winds push waves straight in and make it dangerous, and southerly winds can make it choppy. In westerly, north-westerly and northerly winds it is usually flat calm, and in July and August that means calm on most days.
The car parks fill early on summer weekends, often before 9am, and the rocks can be packed by late morning. Weekday mornings are much better, as are May, June, September and October, when the water is still warm. Late afternoon is quieter too, although the cliffs shade parts of the shelf as the sun moves west.
Swimming and safety at St Peter's Pool
You get in by natural rock steps or by the ladders near the jumping spots. The water is deep straight away, so this is not a place for children who cannot swim well, and there is no lifeguard. If you jump, do it where others are jumping, check the depth first, and never jump when the sea is rough or swell is surging against the rocks.
In rough seas, climbing back out is the dangerous part, and people have needed rescue here. Wear water shoes, as the rock is sharp and slippery near the waterline. Snorkelling is good on calm days along the rocky edges and around the cave at the western end.
Things to do near St Peter's Pool
Marsaxlokk, the fishing village a few minutes' drive away, is known for its harbour of painted luzzu boats, seafood restaurants and its Sunday fish market. Boat trips from the Marsaxlokk waterfront run to St Peter's Pool in summer and are an easy way to arrive without parking. On the way up the peninsula you pass Tas-Silġ, an archaeological site with remains spanning prehistory to Roman times, and the small Tas-Silġ church.
Further along the peninsula are Il-Kalanka, a smaller rocky cove about a kilometre south, Delimara Lighthouse (1854) and Fort Delimara, a British fort from the 1870s. Few of these sites are open to the public, so treat them as things to see from the road.
Food and facilities at St Peter's Pool
There are no public toilets, showers, sunbeds or shade at the pool. Bring plenty of water, food, sun protection and a parasol, and take your rubbish home. The nearest reliable cafés and restaurants are in Marsaxlokk.
Frequently asked questions
Is there parking at St Peter's Pool?
Yes. There's a paid car park close to the pool (about €3 a day, cash) and a free area further away. Both fill early in summer.
Can you get to St Peter's Pool by bus?
Not directly. Buses get you to the Delimara area or Marsaxlokk, then it's a 20–40 minute walk, so a car, taxi or water taxi from Marsaxlokk is easier.
Is St Peter's Pool sandy?
No. It's a rocky spot with flat limestone ledges and deep water straight off the rocks.
Is St Peter's Pool safe for swimming?
It's fine for confident swimmers on calm days, but there's no lifeguard and people have needed rescue in rough seas, as recently as September 2026.
Can you jump at St Peter's Pool?
Yes, it is one of Malta's best-known cliff jumping spots, with ledges at several heights. Jump only where others are jumping, check the depth first, and stay out when the sea is rough.
When is St Peter's Pool least crowded?
Early on weekday mornings, and in May, June, September and October. Summer weekends are the busiest, with car parks often full before 9am.
Why is part of St Peter's Pool fenced off?
The cliffs are eroding. Fences, signs and cordons keep people away from the unstable sections. Stay behind any barriers.
Can you get to St. Peter’s Pool by boat?
Yes. Boat trips to St. Peter’s Pool run with Charlie's Boat Trips, Luzzu Tours Malta, Marsaxlokk waterfront boat trips and 3 others.
