This calm fishing village on Malta's eastern coast has a protected bay lined with colorful luzzu boats and waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood.
Marsascala, a coastal town in southeastern Malta, has grown from a small fishing port into a residential area where local families spend their summers. You can climb the massive St. Thomas Tower from 1614, watch salt harvesting at the ancient coastal salt pans, or swim in the clear waters of St. Thomas Bay. Fishing boats dock in the harbor throughout the day, while locals walk along the waterfront promenade in the evenings, stopping for ice cream and watching the sunset.
Getting to Marsascala
Buses 91, 92, and 93 connect Marsascala to Valletta, with the journey taking about 80 minutes. The town sits 12 kilometers from Valletta and the same distance from Malta International Airport. Many streets lead down to the central harbor area, making it easy to navigate on foot.
Swimming and Beaches
St. Thomas Bay has a small sandy beach and shallow waters where children can wade safely. The coastline between Marsascala Bay and St. Thomas Bay includes several smooth rock platforms where locals sunbathe and enter the water. The headlands of Ras iż-Żonqor and Ras il-Gżira protect the bay, keeping the water calm on most days.
Historical Towers Along the Coast
St. Thomas Tower, built in 1614, stands on the headland at St. Thomas Bay. It's the largest coastal watchtower in Malta, built after Turkish forces landed in the area. Mamo Tower, dating from 1657, has an unusual St. Andrew's Cross layout and once included a drawbridge. De Redin Tower at Zonqor Point marks the boundary between Marsascala and Zabbar, while Briconet Redoubt near the parish church dates from 1715 and retains its original structure.
Local Life in Marsascala
The population of 12,000 residents grows to over 20,000 in summer when Maltese families move to their summer homes. Each evening, locals walk along the promenade on Salini Street, eating ice cream and watching the boats in the harbor. During the feast of St. Anne in late July, the town holds processions and firework displays, followed by the Summer Carnival in August.
Traditional Salt Pans
The rocky coastline contains a network of salt pans carved into the limestone. Local families collect sea salt using traditional methods, especially during the hot summer months between June and September. From the promenade, you can see these shallow pools where seawater evaporates in the sun.
Day Trips from Marsascala
You can walk 4 kilometers along the coast to reach Marsaxlokk, where fishermen sell their catch at the Sunday market and painted boats bob in the harbor. Take a direct bus to Valletta, or travel 18 kilometers inland to the medieval city of Mdina. The Sant'Antnin Family Park spans 85,000 square meters with playgrounds and walking paths.
