About Tax-Xama’ Bay
Tax-Xama' is a pocket beach of about 100 square metres of sand at the end of Sqaq tax-Xama', an alley off the seafront in the old part of St Paul's Bay, beside the Tal-Għażżelin headland. Boulders and scrub border it on one side and a concrete ramp on the other, and L-Għażżenin Bay is about 250 metres along the shore.
It is a residents' beach, popular with neighbours and with members of the sailing club nearby, and it has the only sand on this stretch of the bay. People come for a short swim in sheltered water rather than a day on the beach.
What Tax-Xama' is like
The sand is a narrow strip at the foot of the alley, with room for only a few groups of towels. The boulder scree and maquis on one side give it a slightly wild look for a town beach. A slipway and shallow shoals just offshore break up the waves, which is why the water here is usually so calm.
The size of the beach changes with the seasons, as winter storms move the sand around. In 2021 the Malta Tourism Authority put forward a plan to widen it temporarily by pumping in sand from offshore, while warning that waves and currents would erode any extension within months.
When to go to Tax-Xama'
Like the rest of the south shore of St Paul's Bay, Tax-Xama' is sheltered from most winds, including the common north-westerly. Avoid it in north-easterly or easterly winds, which blow down the bay onto the sand, and expect it to be choppy in a northerly. With so little space, weekday mornings are the time to find a spot, and late afternoons are the busiest.
Swimming and safety at Tax-Xama'
The calm, sheltered water suits a gentle swim, but there is no lifeguard, so stay with children. Water shoes help on the rocks either side of the sand.
Water quality has been a recurring problem. Bathing has been advised against for short spells in the past, after pollution and after a failure at the sewage pumping station across the road. When there is a problem, warning signs go up on the beach, so look out for them, especially after heavy rain.
Things to do near Tax-Xama'
Wignacourt Tower, Malta's oldest surviving watchtower, begun in 1610, is a short walk away and opens as a small museum of fortifications. The seafront promenade leads east to Buġibba and west to Xemxija and Mistra Bay, about a kilometre away. Cafés, restaurants and shops are a few minutes' walk from the beach, but there are no toilets or showers at the sand itself.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tax-Xama' beach sandy?
Yes, it's a small sandy beach bordered by boulders on one side and a concrete ramp on the other.
Can you swim at Tax-Xama'?
Usually, yes. The slipway on the right-hand side has had temporary bathing bans after pollution, so check official notices first.
Is there parking at Tax-Xama'?
Only limited street parking nearby. There's no car park for the beach.
Is Tax-Xama' good for small children?
It can be, on calm days. The water is sheltered and there is a little sand, but there is no lifeguard, the beach is tiny and you should check for any bathing warnings first.
