Il-Furjana Beaches

Overview

Il-Furjana, a historic fortified town in Malta, offers a unique base for exploring the island's rich culture and stunning coastline. While Il-Furjana itself doesn't have sandy beaches, its central location and excellent bus connections make it easy to reach Malta's famed seaside spots. Visitors often wonder if it's a good location for a beach-focused holiday. If your priority is history and convenient island-wide travel, with beach trips as part of the adventure, Il-Furjana is an excellent choice. For those seeking daily lounging on sandy shores, a stay in a northern beach resort might be preferable, though Malta's compact size means beaches are never too far away.

From Il-Furjana, you can easily venture to some of Malta's most celebrated beaches. Mellieha Bay, the island's largest sandy beach, is a top pick, especially for families, due to its shallow waters. The picturesque orange-gold sands of Golden Bay make it one of the most famous and photographed beaches in Malta. For a more tranquil and scenic experience with stunning sunsets, Għajn Tuffieħa offers breathtaking natural beauty. Adventurous visitors will enjoy the unique cliff-diving and swimming opportunities at the natural rocky pool of St. Peter's Pool.

While these editor's picks highlight some of the best coastal experiences, Malta offers a diverse range of beaches to suit every preference, from bustling sandy stretches to secluded rocky coves. Many guides also feature Paradise Bay for its beautiful setting. Our comprehensive list of beaches will provide further inspiration for your seaside excursions. Although Il-Furjana's immediate waterfront is characterized by harbours and fortifications, some locals do swim off the rocks, particularly in areas like Marsamxett Harbour. However, for classic beach days, a short journey to the island's renowned beaches is recommended.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Are there any sandy beaches directly in Il-Furjana (Floriana)?

Il-Furjana itself is a historic fortified town and doesn't have sandy beaches. Its coastline is characterized by harbours and fortifications.

Where can I swim if I'm staying in Il-Furjana? Are there any swimming spots?

While Floriana lacks sandy beaches, you can find spots for a dip in the sea off the rocks along the Valletta/Floriana waterfront, particularly in areas like Marsamxett Harbour. Some locals swim in these areas, but they are not formal, serviced beaches. Always be cautious about boat traffic and water quality in harbour areas.

How far is Il-Furjana from Malta's popular sandy beaches and how do I get there?

Il-Furjana is centrally located, making it a good base for exploring, but Malta's main sandy beaches like Mellieħa Bay, Golden Bay, or Paradise Bay are in the north of the island, typically a 30-60 minute bus ride or drive. The main bus terminus in Floriana offers excellent connections to these beaches.

Mellieha Bay

Golden Bay

Paradise Bay

What is the water like for swimming around the Il-Furjana / Valletta waterfront?

The water in the harbour areas around Il-Furjana and Valletta can be deep and is generally clear, but it's within working harbours. This means you should be aware of boat traffic. These are not shallow, walk-in beaches, but rather access points from rocks or quays. Water quality is generally monitored, but it's different from open sea beaches.

Is Il-Furjana a good place to stay for a beach holiday in Malta?

Il-Furjana is ideal if you want a cultural holiday focused on Valletta and Malta's historic sites, with easy access to the rest of the island via its bus terminus. If your primary goal is daily lounging on sandy beaches, you might prefer staying in a dedicated beach resort in the north like Mellieħa. However, you can still easily visit beaches from Floriana.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Are there any lidos or beach clubs easily accessible from Il-Furjana?

While Il-Furjana itself doesn't have lidos, nearby Sliema (a short bus or ferry ride away) offers several popular lidos and beach clubs with pools, sunbeds, and direct sea access from rocky platforms. Some Valletta waterfront areas might also have seasonal setups.

Is it better to stay in Il-Furjana or Sliema if I want some beach time but also sightseeing?

Il-Furjana offers unparalleled access to Valletta's history and Malta's main bus network for island-wide exploration. Sliema provides more direct access to rocky beaches, lidos, a bustling promenade, shops, and restaurants, with good ferry connections to Valletta. If easy swimming access is a higher priority alongside sightseeing, Sliema might be a better balance. If history and central bus transport are paramount, with occasional beach trips, Floriana is excellent.

Are the swimming spots near Il-Furjana suitable for families with young children?

The swimming spots directly around the Il-Furjana/Valletta waterfront are generally rocky with deep water access and may not be ideal for young children who need shallow, sandy areas. For families, it's recommended to travel to Malta's sandy beaches in the north, such as Mellieħa Bay, which have shallow waters and amenities.

Mellieha Bay