Kalkara Beaches

Overview

Kalkara offers a unique Maltese coastal experience, perfect for those seeking a quiet holiday with a local feel rather than a bustling resort town. It provides a peaceful atmosphere ideal for relaxation and exploring the historic waterfront. While not a primary beach destination, it is home to Rinella Bay, the only sandy beach within the Grand Harbour area, making it a convenient spot for a swim.

Our editor's picks highlight the variety of swimming spots accessible from Kalkara. For a quick dip with fantastic views of Valletta, the local beach of Rinella Bay is your go-to spot. Adventurous swimmers will love St. Peter's Pool, a stunning natural limestone pool perfect for a thrilling plunge. To experience the coast like a local, head to St Thomas Bay to escape the main tourist crowds. For a classic day on a large, lively shore, the popular Golden Bay is also within reach.

While Kalkara's charm lies in its tranquil, authentic setting, a wider array of coastal experiences is just a short trip away. From dramatic rocky coves to expansive sandy shores, the region offers something for every type of beachgoer. For more inspiration and to discover other beautiful locations, be sure to explore our complete guide to the area's best beaches.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Kalkara a good place for a beach holiday?

Kalkara offers a unique and authentic Maltese experience, different from the island's main tourist hubs. It's ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed, quiet holiday with a local feel. The town itself is charming and historic, with a beautiful waterfront. While it has a small sandy beach, Rinella Bay, it's not primarily a beach resort destination with large, bustling beaches. It's better suited for those who enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, coastal walks, and easy access to historical sites like the Three Cities and Valletta.

Rinella Bay

Can you swim in Kalkara?

Yes, you can swim in Kalkara. The main swimming spot is Rinella Bay, which is the only sandy beach in the Grand Harbour area. The bay features clear, relatively shallow water, making it suitable for swimming. It has a central sandy section, a quieter quay, and a rocky area. The water is generally clean, though its proximity to the harbour means occasional boat traffic.

Rinella Bay

What is Rinella Bay like?

Rinella Bay is a small, charming beach mostly frequented by locals. It has a sandy area in the middle, a quay on one side, and a rocky section on the other that is dog-friendly. The bay offers beautiful views of Valletta and Birgu. You'll find amenities like a public toilet, a shower, and a few restaurants and take-aways nearby. It's a great spot for a relaxed beach day away from the major tourist crowds.

Rinella Bay

Is Kalkara suitable for families with children?

Kalkara can be a good choice for families seeking a quieter holiday. Rinella Bay's sandy part and shallow waters are suitable for children. A major family-friendly attraction in Kalkara is the Esplora Interactive Science Centre. However, for families looking for large beaches with extensive facilities and classic resort entertainment, other locations in Malta like Mellieħa Bay might be more suitable.

Rinella Bay

Mellieha Bay

Can I find beachfront accommodation in Kalkara?

Yes, there are some accommodation options, primarily apartments and guesthouses, located directly on or with views over Rinella Bay and the Kalkara waterfront. These properties offer the convenience of being just steps from the sea. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for properties with direct sea views, as options are more limited than in larger tourist resorts.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Rinella Bay

What's the best time of year to visit Kalkara for swimming?

The best time for swimming in Kalkara is from June to September. During these summer months, the sea temperature is warm and pleasant, and the weather is consistently sunny. Late spring (May) and early autumn (October) can also be good, with comfortable water temperatures and fewer crowds, although the weather is slightly less predictable.

Are there other beaches near Kalkara?

While Rinella Bay is the only beach directly in Kalkara, several other popular swimming spots are a short drive or bus ride away. These include St. Thomas Bay in Marsascala, which has both sandy and rocky areas, and the famous St. Peter's Pool near Marsaxlokk, a natural rocky pool popular for diving and snorkeling. Xgħajra beach is another nearby rocky beach option.

How do you get to Kalkara's beaches from Valletta?

To get to Rinella Bay in Kalkara from Valletta, you can take the bus number 3, which runs regularly and stops close to the bay. Another option is to take the ferry from Valletta to Birgu (Vittoriosa) and then enjoy a scenic walk of about 15-20 minutes to Kalkara. Driving from Valletta takes around 15-20 minutes.

Rinella Bay

People Also Ask

Is it better to stay in Kalkara or Marsaxlokk for beaches?

Choosing between Kalkara and Marsaxlokk depends on your preferences. Kalkara offers a quieter, more residential feel with one small sandy beach (Rinella Bay) and is very close to the historic Three Cities. Marsaxlokk is a famous fishing village with a bustling market and is closer to stunning natural swimming spots like St. Peter's Pool and Kalanka Bay, which are rocky. If you prefer a sandy beach in town, Kalkara is a better choice, but for dramatic rocky coves, Marsaxlokk is a great base.

Rinella Bay

St. Peter's Pool

Il-Kalanka

What is the vibe and atmosphere like in Kalkara?

Kalkara has a tranquil and authentic Maltese atmosphere. It's a small, quiet waterfront town that feels more residential than touristy. The vibe is laid-back and relaxed, especially compared to bustling areas like Sliema or St. Julian's. Evenings can be lively in a local way, with residents enjoying the waterfront and Rinella Bay, sometimes having barbecues.

Rinella Bay

Are there any hidden gem beaches or swimming spots in Kalkara?

Besides the main Rinella Bay, a lesser-known spot is the rocky coastline around Fort Ricasoli and the area known as Wied Għammieq. These areas don't have sandy beaches but offer tranquil spots for a dip in the sea with beautiful views, away from any crowds. They are more suited for adventurous swimmers who are comfortable with rocky access to the water.

Rinella Bay

What is the nightlife like in Kalkara?

Kalkara's nightlife is very low-key and relaxed, centered around a few local bars and restaurants along the waterfront where you can enjoy a drink with a view of the harbour. It is not a party destination. For a vibrant nightlife scene with clubs and busy bars, you would need to travel to areas like St. Julian's or Paceville.

Kalkara Beaches

Overview

Editor's Pick

Rinella Bay

St. Peter's Pool

Golden Bay

St Thomas Bay

FAQ

Is Kalkara a good place for a beach holiday?

Can you swim in Kalkara?

What is Rinella Bay like?

Is Kalkara suitable for families with children?

Can I find beachfront accommodation in Kalkara?

What's the best time of year to visit Kalkara for swimming?

Are there other beaches near Kalkara?

How do you get to Kalkara's beaches from Valletta?

Grand Harbour Swimming

Rinella Bay

Fort St Angelo Rocky Beach

Tigné Point

Xgħajra Beach

People Also Ask

Is it better to stay in Kalkara or Marsaxlokk for beaches?

What is the vibe and atmosphere like in Kalkara?

Are there any hidden gem beaches or swimming spots in Kalkara?

What is the nightlife like in Kalkara?

Southern Coast Gems

St Thomas Bay

Pretty Bay

Il-Kalanka

Xgħajra Beach

Explore More Local Beaches

Għar Aħmar Bay

Wara L-Jerma Bay

Żonqor

Mellieha Bay

Kalkara Beaches Map

Kalkara: Weather Today

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