Southern Region, Malta

Santa Luċija Beaches

Overview

Santa Luċija, a tranquil village in Malta's Southern Region, offers a peaceful retreat. While it's an inland location without its own coastline, it serves as a convenient starting point for discovering many of Malta's beautiful beaches. If you prefer a quiet base away from bustling coastal resorts but still want access to the sea, Santa Luċija can be a good choice, with several southern shores just a short journey away.

Our editor's picks highlight some of the island's most cherished coastal spots. Experience the popular golden sands of Golden Bay or the stunning natural beauty of Għajn Tuffieħa with its reddish shores. For a unique experience, consider a ferry trip to Gozo to see the distinctive Ramla Beach. In the south, closer to Santa Luċija, St. Peter's Pool offers a unique natural swimming lido, and the sandy expanse of Pretty Bay is also within easy reach.

Malta offers a diverse coastline, and near Santa Luċija, you can find both sandy stretches and rocky coves, many boasting clear waters ideal for swimming. Whether you seek popular spots or quieter bays, there's something for everyone. For a comprehensive guide to these and many other coastal gems, be sure to explore our longer list of beaches.

FAQ

Does Santa Luċija, Malta have its own beaches?

Santa Luċija is a small, inland village in the Southern Region of Malta and does not have its own beaches. It was developed as a residential area. However, several beaches in the south of Malta are relatively close by.

What are the closest beaches to Santa Luċija and how far are they?

The nearest beaches to Santa Luċija are in the surrounding southern coastal areas. For example, Pretty Bay in Birżebbuġa is approximately 4.8 km away. Other nearby options include Wied Ix-Xaqqa (around 6.5 km), Wied Diegu (around 5.7 km), Il-Mara (around 6.7 km), and Għar Lapsi (around 8.3 km).

How can I get to the beaches from Santa Luċija?

The most common ways to reach beaches from Santa Luċija would be by car (either rental or taxi) or by public transport (bus). Some guesthouses mention being a 5-10 minute drive to several southern beaches. Malta Public Transport operates bus routes that connect Santa Luċija to other parts of the island, including areas closer to the coast, though direct routes to specific beaches might require changes.

Are the beaches near Santa Luċija family-friendly?

Yes, some beaches accessible from Santa Luċija are known to be family-friendly. Pretty Bay, for instance, is a man-made sandy beach with amenities that cater to families. Mellieħa Bay, though further north, is renowned for its shallow waters, making it very safe for children. Always check specific beach conditions and facilities before you go.

Is Santa Luċija a good place to stay for a beach holiday?

Santa Luċija is a quiet residential village. While it offers a peaceful atmosphere and is relatively close to some southern beaches by car, it is not a typical beach resort town. If your priority is to have immediate beach access and a holiday centered around the sea, coastal towns might be more suitable. However, it can be a good base for exploring the southern region of Malta, including its beaches, if you don't mind a short commute.

What is the water like for swimming at the beaches near Santa Luċija?

The waters at Maltese beaches, including those in the south, are generally known for their clarity. Pretty Bay has light blue and green waters. Għar Lapsi is noted for its clear waters. Malta's sea is often clear due to the lack of rivers and minimal rainfall, along with a rocky coastline that doesn't produce much sediment. Water temperatures are comfortable for swimming from July to October.

When is the best time to visit beaches near Santa Luċija for swimming?

The best time for a beach holiday and swimming in Malta, including the areas accessible from Santa Luċija, is during the summer months, from June to August. During this period, the weather is warm and sunny, and the sea temperature is ideal for swimming and water activities. Comfortable swimming conditions generally extend from July through October.

Are there sandy beaches or rocky beaches near Santa Luċija?

You can find both types of beaches near Santa Luċija. Pretty Bay is a man-made sandy beach. Other nearby spots like Wied Ix-Xaqqa, Wied Diegu, and Il-Mara are natural and can be rocky or have small coves. Għar Lapsi is a rocky inlet. Malta offers a mix of sandy beaches and rocky coastlines suitable for swimming.

People Also Ask

What kind of amenities can I expect at the beaches near Santa Luċija?

Amenities vary by beach. Pretty Bay, being a popular sandy beach, offers family-friendly amenities. More secluded or natural beaches like Wied Ix-Xaqqa or Il-Mara may have fewer or no facilities. It's advisable to check for specific amenities at your chosen beach beforehand, especially if you need rentals, food, or restrooms.

Are there any quiet or hidden gem beaches accessible from Santa Luċija?

Some of the natural beaches and coves in the south of Malta, such as Wied Ix-Xaqqa or Wied Diegu, can offer a more secluded experience compared to larger, more popular bays. Exploring the coastline around Birżebbuġa and further south might reveal less crowded spots, particularly outside of peak season.

Is it easy to find accommodation in Santa Luċija with access to beaches?

Santa Luċija itself is primarily residential. While you might find some vacation rentals, it's not a major tourist accommodation hub. Some Airbnb listings in or near Santa Luċija mention being a short drive (5-10 minutes) to southern beaches like Pretty Bay, St. Thomas Bay, and St. Peter's Pool. For a wider range of hotels with direct beach access or beach-focused amenities, you would typically look at coastal towns.

How does Santa Luċija compare to Gozo for a beach holiday?

Santa Luċija in Malta is an inland residential village offering access to southern Maltese beaches, while Santa Luċija in Gozo is a tranquil hamlet itself closer to Gozitan coastal areas like Xlendi Bay. Gozo is generally considered more rural and laid-back with its own distinct beaches like Ramla Bay. If your main focus is a beach holiday with varied beach options and a quieter island feel, Gozo might be preferable. Santa Luċija, Malta, offers a residential base to explore mainland Malta's southern coast.

What are some popular activities at the beaches near Santa Luċija besides swimming?

Depending on the beach, activities can include sunbathing, snorkeling (especially at rocky coves like Għar Lapsi), and enjoying seaside cafes or restaurants at more developed beaches like Pretty Bay. Some larger beaches in Malta offer water sports like windsurfing or canoeing, though availability near Santa Luċija would depend on the specific beach.

Are there lifeguards at the beaches accessible from Santa Luċija?

Lifeguard services in Malta are typically present at the more popular and larger beaches during the main swimming season (usually June to September). For instance, Pretty Bay in Birżebbuġa has had lifeguard services. It's always best to check the specific beach you plan to visit for current lifeguard provisions, especially for smaller or more remote coves.

Can you easily visit other attractions in South Malta from Santa Luċija when not at the beach?

Yes, Santa Luċija's location in the Southern Region makes it a convenient base for exploring other attractions in this part of Malta. Nearby points of interest include the Tarxien Temples, the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum (booking essential), and the Chinese Garden of Serenity located within Santa Luċija itself. Fishing villages like Marsaxlokk are also within reach.

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Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Santa Luċija: Weather Today

📅 Saturday, July 26, 2025
Today will be a very hot day at the beach. Expect a high of 36.8 °C, so be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen. The sun will be strong, with a UV index of 8.5. The sea temperature is a comfortable 28.3 °C for swimming. However, the waves are high. The wind will be moderate, but occasional stronger gusts are possible. With very little cloud cover and no rain expected, it should be a bright, sunny day, but keep an eye on those waves.
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Air

Low / High26.3°C/36.8°C
Feels Like (High)41.2°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature28.3 °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 Hours12.7 hrs
UV Index8.5
Cloud Cover13%
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Wind

Speed22.7 km/h
Gusts49.7 km/h
DirectionW

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