Discover the best of Malta’s north-west coast with this guide to Mġarr Malta bays, kayaking hiking, and beach hopping. Mġarr is a charming rural village surrounded by three stunning bays; Ġnejna, Għajn Tuffieħa, and Golden Bay, perfect for a day of adventure. Paddle along the coastline to hidden caves, hike scenic trails with breathtaking views, or relax on golden-red sand beaches. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker, a casual hiker, or just looking to explore Malta’s coastal gems, Mġarr has something for everyone.
Getting Around in Malta
Most of the places in this guide are accessible by public transport, though buses can be slow, crowded, and hot—especially during summer. Renting a car offers more flexibility, but keep in mind that traffic is heavy during peak hours and parking can be difficult. Alternatively, Bolt is a convenient and affordable taxi option, particularly cost-effective if you’re sharing the ride.
Starting Your Day in Mġarr
Start your day early in Mġarr, a small rural village in Malta’s North West. Known for its countryside, nearby beaches, and a handful of restaurants serving traditional Maltese food, Mġarr makes the perfect base for a day outdoors.
Mġarr is home to three beautiful bays: Ġnejna, Għajn Tuffieħa, and Golden Bay—though technically, the latter falls within Mellieħa’s boundaries. You’ve probably heard of Għajn Tuffieħa and Golden Bay, two of Malta’s most iconic beaches, famed for their reddish sand and stunning sunsets. But the nearby Ġnejna Bay often flies under the radar.
Ġnejna Bay & Kayaking to Santa Marija Cave
For the best beach conditions, especially if you’re planning water activities, make sure the wind isn’t stronger than force 3 from the west. The Malta International Airport weather forecast is the most reliable.
I recommend spending the day beach hopping between all three, starting at Ġnejna Bay. Here, you can rent a kayak from Ġnejna Watersports, right on the beach, and paddle along the rugged coastline. A highlight is the Santa Marija Cave, a hidden gem only accessible by water. It takes around 30–40 minutes to reach the cave by kayak, depending on your pace. The route is manageable even for those with little kayaking experience.
⚠️ Safety note: Always check wind conditions before setting off, especially if you plan to visit the cave. If the wind exceeds force 3, the journey becomes difficult and unsafe. When in doubt, give Ġnejna Watersports a quick call to confirm if conditions are suitable.
Golden Bay & Apple’s Eye
From Ġnejna Bay, continue to Golden Bay and enjoy panoramic views from Apple’s Eye. It’s a great spot for lunch or a drink while soaking in the scenery. Afterwards, head down to the beach for a swim. Watersports are available here too, but they are pricier and honestly, nothing beats the unique experience of kayaking to Santa Marija Cave.
Scenic Walk to Għajn Tuffieħa Tower
Once you’ve soaked up the sun at Golden Bay, make your way toward Għajn Tuffieħa, but skip the main road. There’s a much nicer way to get there. Head towards Apple’s Eye, and instead of following the road all the way to Għajn Tuffieħa, walk about 40 meters up the hill. On your right, you’ll spot a narrow trail; that’s your path. It’s a short and easy walk, less than a kilometer. As you reach the Għajn Tuffieħa Tower, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of all three bays.
Sunset at Għajn Tuffieħa
You’ll notice that Għajn Tuffieħa sits between Ġnejna and Golden Bay, and you might wonder—why wasn’t it the next stop after Ġnejna? The reason is simple: Għajn Tuffieħa is one of the best spots on the island to catch the sunset.
To reach the beach, you’ll need to descend around 200 steps, it’s worth it. From the top, you’ll see dramatic cliffs and clay slopes framing the bay’s red sands. Stay for sunset if you can—swimming as the sun dips into the horizon is a magical experience.
Optional Hike to Qarraba Hill
If you’re up for a little more adventure, consider a short hike to Qarraba Hill. The coastal trail from Għajn Tuffieħa to Qarraba features clay ridges, limestone cliffs, and hidden coves. From the hilltop, you’ll enjoy even more panoramic views of the sun setting over the bay.
Dinner in Mġarr
After a full day, if you’ve still got energy, head back to Mġarr for dinner. I recommend United Restaurant, a local favourite for authentic Maltese cuisine, or Bottega Frawli; an amazing wine bar with delicious platters and the best focaccias I’ve ever had in Malta. It’s one of my absolute favourite spots!
More Malta Adventures
I truly hope you enjoy exploring Malta as much as I enjoy discovering these hidden gems in my own country. I can’t wait for you to experience them for yourself. If you enjoy days out like this, don’t miss my other guides:
Happy Travels! x
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