Central Region, Malta

Msida Beaches

Overview

While Msida is a charming harbour town, you won't find any swimming beaches within the town itself. Instead, its prime central location and excellent bus connections make it an ideal and affordable base for exploring the diverse coastline of Malta. From Msida, the entire island's range of beaches is within your reach, transforming it from a simple marina into a strategic starting point for your seaside adventures.

For a lively beach day close by, the urban sands of St George's Bay are a convenient choice. Families often head north to Mellieha Bay, Malta's largest sandy beach, known for its calm, shallow waters. For breathtaking scenery, the protected cove of Għajn Tuffieħa offers a more natural setting, while its popular neighbour Golden Bay is also a beautiful option for soft sand and sunsets. For a truly unique swim, head to the natural rock-carved basin of St. Peter's Pool, or take an essential day trip to the iconic Blue Lagoon on Comino for its world-famous turquoise waters.

Ultimately, staying in Msida allows you to experience a more local side of Malta while having the freedom to discover a new beach every day. Whether you prefer bustling shores with plenty of activity or secluded coves perfect for relaxing, you can easily find your perfect spot. To see all the possibilities, be sure to check out our full list of the best beaches the Maltese islands have to offer.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Are there any beaches in Msida?

No, Msida itself does not have any beaches. It is a harbour town with a large yacht marina and a waterfront promenade. The coastline within Msida Creek is not suitable for swimming. However, its central location makes it a good starting point to travel to beaches in other parts of Malta.

What are the closest swimming spots to Msida?

The nearest places for a swim are the rocky beaches along the Sliema and Ta' Xbiex coastlines, which are a short walk or bus ride away. These include Fond Għadir and Qui-Si-Sana. For a sandy beach, the closest option is the small, man-made beach at St. George's Bay in St. Julian's, which is also easily reachable by bus.
Fond Għadir Beach
Fond Għadir Beach
Qui-Si-Sana Beach
Qui-Si-Sana Beach
St George's Bay
St George's Bay

Is it safe to swim in Msida Creek or the marina?

Swimming in the Msida Creek marina is not recommended. The area has heavy boat traffic, and the water quality within the inner harbour is not ideal for bathing. For safer and cleaner swimming, it is best to travel to the designated bathing areas in nearby towns like Sliema or further afield.

How do you get to the big sandy beaches in the north from Msida?

Msida is a major hub for public transport, making it relatively easy to get to the popular sandy beaches in the north, like Golden Bay and Mellieħa Bay (Għadira Bay). Several direct bus routes, such as the 41, 42 and 47, pass through or near Msida on their way to the north. The journey typically takes between 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.
Golden Bay
Golden Bay
Mellieha Bay
Mellieha Bay
Għadira Bay
Għadira Bay

Is Msida a good place to stay for a beach holiday?

Msida can be a practical and budget-friendly base for a beach holiday if you don't mind travelling to the beaches. Accommodation is often more affordable than in prime tourist resorts. Its central location and excellent bus connections mean you can easily explore different beaches around the island. However, if you want to have a beach right on your doorstep, towns like Mellieħa or St. Paul's Bay would be a better choice.
See the full list of accommodation options here.

What's the vibe in Msida? Is it a party town?

Msida has a more residential and local atmosphere rather than being a tourist resort. It's a busy hub due to the University of Malta and Mater Dei Hospital nearby, so it has a significant student population. It is generally quiet in the evenings and is not a party destination. For vibrant nightlife, you would need to take a short bus ride to St. Julian's and Paceville.

Is it better to stay in Msida or Sliema for a holiday?

Choosing between Msida and Sliema depends on your priorities. Stay in Sliema if you want to be in a bustling tourist hub with many shops, restaurants, and direct access to rocky beaches and a long promenade. Stay in Msida if you are looking for more affordable accommodation and a more local, less tourist-heavy environment, while still having excellent transport links to the rest of the island, including Sliema.

Is Msida suitable for a family with young children?

Msida can be challenging for families with young children who want a beach-focused holiday, due to the lack of local beaches and the need to travel by bus to reach sandy shores. While it is a safe residential area, towns like Mellieħa, with its large, shallow sandy bay, are generally considered more convenient and suitable for families.

Are there any local beach quirks or traditions in Msida?

While Msida doesn't have beaches, it is famous for a traditional event during its village feast in July called 'il-Ġostra'. This involves participants running up a greased pole suspended over the sea in the harbour, trying to grab a flag. It's a unique cultural spectacle to watch from the promenade, even if you can't swim there.

Can you walk from Msida to Sliema or St. Julian's?

Yes, you can walk from Msida to Sliema and St. Julian's along the coast. The walk from Msida to the Sliema Ferries area takes about 30-40 minutes and continues along a scenic promenade. Continuing to St. Julian's would take another 20-30 minutes. It's a flat and pleasant walk with great views of the harbour and Valletta.

Local gems for everyone

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📍 2.5km - Msida
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St Julian's Bay

St Julian's Bay

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📍 1.1km - Msida
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Westin Rock Beach

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Fond Għadir Beach

Fond Għadir Beach

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📍 2.4km - Msida
Qui-Si-Sana Beach

Qui-Si-Sana Beach

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The fastest way to find the best Msida Beaches

Msida Beaches Map

Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Msida: Weather Today

📅 Saturday, July 26, 2025
Today looks like a very good day to be at the beach in Msida. The sun will be shining with very few clouds in the sky. The maximum air temperature will be 36.6 °C, so be sure to bring sunscreen and stay hydrated. The UV index will be high at 8.5. The sea temperature is a comfortable 28.4 °C for swimming. However, the waves are a bit high at 2.2 m, so exercise caution if you plan to swim. The wind might pick up at times, so secure your belongings.
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Air

Low / High26.6°C/36.6°C
Feels Like (High)41.1°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature28.4 °C
Wave Height2.2 m
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Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:05/20:11
Sunshine Hours12.8 hrs
UV Index8.5
Cloud Cover16%
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Wind

Speed23.2 km/h
Gusts51.5 km/h
DirectionW

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