Central Region, Malta

Taʼ Xbiex Beaches

Overview

Ta' Xbiex offers a unique coastal experience in Malta, centered around its stunning yacht marina and scenic promenade rather than traditional sandy shores. The town's coastline is primarily rocky, providing designated spots where locals and visitors can take a refreshing swim with incredible views of Valletta's fortifications. While it's an ideal location for a tranquil holiday, it's important for visitors to know that Ta' Xbiex is not a typical beach resort town. Its charm lies in quiet waterfront strolls and its position as a peaceful base for exploring the islands.

For those looking for a convenient dip, the local Rock Beach is the easiest spot to access. However, the true appeal of Malta's diverse beaches requires a short journey. From Ta' Xbiex, you can easily reach some of the island's most celebrated spots. These include Mellieha Bay, Malta's largest and most popular sandy beach, and the unspoiled, scenic cove of Għajn Tuffieħa, which is perfect for sunset views. For a completely different and thrilling experience, the natural swimming hole of St. Peter's Pool offers a memorable day of cliff jumping and snorkeling.

Beyond our top picks, Malta has even more to offer. The famous Golden Bay is another fantastic sandy beach that is well worth a visit. Each beach provides a different atmosphere, from bustling family-friendly shores to secluded, natural havens. To discover more hidden gems and find the perfect spot for your beach day, be sure to explore our complete guide to the best beaches across the island.

FAQ

Does Ta' Xbiex have a beach?

Ta' Xbiex does not have traditional sandy beaches. Its coastline is primarily rocky, featuring a long promenade that overlooks the Marsamxett Harbour and a large yacht marina. There is a small, rocky swimming area with ladders for water access, offering impressive views of Valletta's fortifications.

Can you swim in the sea at Ta' Xbiex?

Yes, you can swim in Ta' Xbiex, mainly at designated rocky spots along the coast where ladders are installed for safe entry and exit from the water. These areas are popular with locals for a quick swim. However, swimming is generally not permitted within the main marina for safety reasons.

Is Ta' Xbiex a good place for a beach holiday?

Ta' Xbiex is ideal for a quiet, relaxing holiday centered around its scenic marina and promenade, but it is not recommended if your main priority is a beach holiday. It's a peaceful town with great restaurants and stunning views, better suited for couples or travelers seeking a tranquil base to explore Malta.

How do you get to sandy beaches from Ta' Xbiex?

To reach Malta's famous sandy beaches like Golden Bay or Mellieħa Bay from Ta' Xbiex, you'll need to use public transport or a car. The bus system is well-connected; you can take a direct bus or a bus to the main terminal in Valletta to connect to routes heading north. The journey typically takes between 40 to 60 minutes.

Is it better to stay in Ta' Xbiex or Sliema?

Choose Ta' Xbiex for a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere with easier parking and beautiful marina views. Opt for Sliema if you want to be closer to more extensive shopping, a wider variety of restaurants, and a livelier promenade with more rocky beach clubs and swimming spots. Sliema is generally busier than Ta' Xbiex.

What is the promenade in Ta' Xbiex like?

The Ta' Xbiex promenade is a long, scenic walkway that stretches along the Marsamxett Harbour, offering spectacular views of the Valletta skyline and the yacht marina. It's a popular spot for leisurely walks, especially at sunrise, and connects Ta' Xbiex with the neighboring towns of Msida and Gzira.

Is Ta' Xbiex suitable for families with children?

Ta' Xbiex can be a good base for families looking for a quieter area. It has a pleasant seafront playground with views of the harbour. However, the lack of sandy beaches directly in the town might be a drawback for families who want easy beach access for young children.

What is the water quality like for swimming in Ta' Xbiex?

Generally, the sea water in designated swimming areas is clean. However, like many harbour areas, the quality can occasionally be affected by boat traffic or sewage overflows, especially after heavy rainfall. Authorities issue public warnings and post signs if bathing is not recommended, so it's always best to check for any current notices.

People Also Ask

Are there sunbeds and umbrellas available at the swimming spots?

The rocky swimming areas in Ta' Xbiex are natural and do not have facilities like sunbed or umbrella rentals. Visitors typically bring their own towels to lay on the flat rocks. For full facilities, you would need to visit a private lido or travel to one of Malta's larger sandy beaches.

What is the best time of year to swim in Ta' Xbiex?

The best time for swimming in Ta' Xbiex is during the summer months, from June to September, when sea temperatures are warm, typically ranging from 22°C to 27°C. The shoulder months of May and October are also pleasant, though the water will be cooler.

Is it easy to walk from Ta' Xbiex to Sliema or St. Julian's?

Yes, it is very easy to walk from Ta' Xbiex to neighboring towns. A continuous seaside promenade connects Ta' Xbiex to Gzira and then on to Sliema, making for a flat and scenic walk. The walk to the Sliema Ferries area takes about 20-30 minutes, while continuing to St. Julian's would take closer to an hour.

Are there any hidden swimming spots in or near Ta' Xbiex?

While Ta' Xbiex itself has its main rocky bathing area, the real 'hidden gems' require a short walk. The coastline around Manoel Island, accessible via a bridge from Gzira, offers more secluded spots for a swim with unique views. Additionally, walking towards Sliema reveals numerous rocky beaches like Fond Għadir.

Local gems for everyone

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Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Taʼ Xbiex: Weather Today

📅 Saturday, July 26, 2025
It's a beautiful day to be at the beach in Taʼ Xbiex! Expect a very warm day with a high of 37 °C. The sun will be strong, with a UV index of 8.5, so be sure to apply sunscreen. The sea temperature is a pleasant 28.4 °C, though the waves are a bit high. The wind might pick up at times, so consider that when planning your activities. Overall, it's shaping up to be a fantastic beach day!
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Air

Low / High26.5°C/37°C
Feels Like (High)42.8°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 Hours12.7 hrs
UV Index8.5
Cloud Cover16%
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Wind

Speed23.2 km/h
Gusts50.4 km/h
DirectionNW

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