South Eastern Region, Malta

Żabbar Beaches

Overview

While the historic city of Żabbar is set slightly inland, it serves as an ideal base for exploring the authentic and rugged coastline of southeast Malta. Unlike a typical resort town, Żabbar offers a genuine Maltese experience, placing you just a short journey from some of the island's most beautiful swimming spots. This makes it perfect for travelers who want to combine cultural immersion with easy access to the sea, enjoying a quieter atmosphere away from the main tourist hubs.

The coastline near Żabbar presents a diverse array of beaches to suit any preference. For a convenient and popular choice, head to St. Thomas Bay in the neighbouring town of Marsaskala. Adventurous swimmers and photographers will be drawn to the world-famous natural sea-filled crater of St. Peter's Pool, while its quieter neighbour Il-Kalanka offers a similar stunning landscape with fewer crowds. For families seeking sand and shallow waters, Pretty Bay is the region's best option, and for the ultimate day trip, the iconic blue waters of Comino Beach are an unforgettable experience.

The beaches in Malta's south are celebrated for their natural, unspoiled character, offering a distinct alternative to the larger, more developed sandy beaches in the north. Here, you'll find a captivating mix of rocky inlets with crystal-clear turquoise water and smaller, charming sandy coves. For those eager to discover even more hidden gems and local favourites, our comprehensive guide provides a longer list of beaches waiting to be explored.

FAQ

Does Żabbar have its own beach?

While the historic city of Żabbar is not directly on the coast, it has a small stretch of coastline within its locality. However, for sandy beaches and popular swimming spots, residents and visitors typically travel a short distance to nearby coastal towns like Marsaskala and the area around Marsaxlokk. The closest beaches are generally within a 2-to-6-kilometer radius from Żabbar's center.

What are the best beaches near Żabbar?

The most popular and accessible beaches near Żabbar are St. Thomas Bay in Marsaskala and St. Peter's Pool near Marsaxlokk. St. Thomas Bay offers a mix of sand and rock with clear waters, making it family-friendly. St. Peter's Pool is a natural rocky swimming pool famous for its clear turquoise water and opportunities for cliff jumping, attracting a more adventurous crowd.

How do you get from Żabbar to the nearest beaches like St. Thomas Bay?

You can easily reach nearby beaches from Żabbar by car or public transport. The drive to St. Thomas Bay in Marsaskala is very short, typically under 10 minutes. Several bus routes, such as the 91, 92, 93, and 124, connect Żabbar with Marsaskala, with journey times often being around 10-15 minutes. A dedicated pedestrian and cycling track also connects the two towns for those who prefer to walk or cycle.

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

Żabbar is an excellent base if you want to experience an authentic Maltese town with rich history and culture while still having easy access to the sea. It is not a typical resort town. It appeals to travelers who enjoy a quieter, more local atmosphere and don't mind a short bus ride or drive to reach the southern coast's swimming spots. For those who want to wake up and walk directly onto a sandy beach, towns in the north of Malta might be more suitable.

Can you find accommodation with beach access near Żabbar?

While Żabbar itself is mostly residential and inland, you can find holiday rentals, apartments, and hotels with sea views and easy beach access in the neighboring town of Marsaskala. Many properties in Marsaskala are within walking distance of St. Thomas Bay and the town's promenade, offering a good compromise between a coastal location and proximity to Żabbar.

Are the beaches near Żabbar sandy or rocky?

The coastline in the south of Malta, near Żabbar, offers a mix of both. St. Thomas Bay in Marsaskala has a small sandy beach as well as extensive flat rocky areas that are popular for sunbathing. Other famous spots like St. Peter's Pool and Il-Kalanka are natural rocky pools with no sand. Rinella Bay, a bit further afield, is a sandy beach popular with locals.

Which is better for swimming: St. Peter's Pool or St. Thomas Bay?

It depends on your preference. St. Thomas Bay is more versatile, with a small sandy area for easier access and calmer waters, making it suitable for families and casual swimmers. St. Peter's Pool is a natural, deep rocky inlet, ideal for strong swimmers, snorkeling, and cliff jumping. It has a more rugged, natural vibe but can be crowded and offers less space for lounging.

How do the beaches in the south near Żabbar compare to the famous beaches in the north of Malta?

The southern beaches near Żabbar, like St. Thomas Bay and St. Peter's Pool, are generally considered more rugged, less crowded, and more popular with locals than the large, sandy beaches in the north like Mellieħa Bay and Golden Bay. Northern beaches are more developed for tourism with extensive facilities and are almost all sandy. The south offers a more natural and authentic coastal experience, often centered around rocky inlets and smaller bays.

People Also Ask

Are the beaches near Żabbar suitable for families with children?

Yes, some are. St. Thomas Bay in Marsaskala is a good option for families as it has a small, shallow sandy beach and a promenade with cafes nearby. Rinella Bay is another sandy, family-friendly option. However, spots like St. Peter's Pool are less suitable for young children due to the deep water, lack of easy entry points, and cliff-like surroundings.

What is the best time of year to visit the beaches near Żabbar?

The best time for a beach holiday is from June to August when the weather is hot and the sea temperature is ideal for swimming. However, these are also the busiest months. For a great experience with fewer crowds and pleasant swimming conditions, consider visiting in the shoulder months of May, September, or early October.

Are there any hidden gem beaches or quiet swimming spots near Żabbar?

Yes, for a quieter experience, consider Il-Kalanka, which is located near St. Peter's Pool but is often less crowded. It offers similar beautiful rock formations and clear water. The coastline between Xgħajra and Marsaskala also features several rocky spots frequented by locals that are perfect for a quiet swim away from the main tourist areas.

What is the water like for swimming near Żabbar?

The sea in the south-eastern region of Malta is known for being very clear and clean, with a beautiful turquoise color, especially in rocky coves like St. Peter's Pool. Water temperatures are comfortable for swimming from late spring to mid-autumn. As many spots are rocky, wearing water shoes can be a good idea for comfort and safety.

Local gems for everyone

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The fastest way to find the best Żabbar Beaches

Żabbar Beaches Map

Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Żabbar: Weather Today

📅 Saturday, July 26, 2025
It's a glorious beach day in Żabbar! Expect a very warm day with a maximum air temperature of 33 °C. The sun will be strong, so be sure to apply sunscreen, as the UV index will reach 8.5. The sea temperature is a balmy 28.5 °C, perfect for swimming. However, the waves are a bit high at 2.1 m, so exercise caution if you plan to swim. There's very little cloud cover, promising plenty of sunshine. The wind might pick up at times, so secure your belongings. Overall, it's a fantastic day to enjoy the beach, just keep an eye on the sea conditions.
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Air

Low / High26.8°C/33°C
Feels Like (High)38.5°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature28.5 °C
Wave Height2.1 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 Cover14%
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Wind

Speed27.3 km/h
Gusts48.6 km/h
DirectionW

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