St. Thomas Bay Sandy Beach: reviews and practical tips

A sandy and flat rock bay embraced by locals in Marsaskala

St. Thomas Bay Sandy beach (Bajja ta' San Tumas) blends a small strip of sand with wide flat rock slabs. The water here is clear and shallow, framed by the Munxar peninsula.

This is not a cove in the strict sense. The bay opens at the entrance to Marsaskala on the southeast coast of Malta, and an inner creek shelters boathouses and a small harbor.

Why visit St. Thomas Bay Sandy beach

You come here less for a postcard-perfect beach than for an everyday swimming spot popular with residents. You will find a deeply indented bay bordered by concrete boathouses and surrounded by apartment buildings, well-liked by locals and windsurfers alike.

This is a living place rather than a preserved site, and that is its main appeal. You get to see Malta the way the Maltese actually use it.

Swimming, snorkeling, and windsurfing

You can set up your towel on the strip of sand or on the rocky slabs to sunbathe before heading into the water. Snorkeling is popular here, and depending on the season, water sports like windsurfing liven up the bay.

Along the waterfront, a few bars and cafes serve as convenient pit stops. Walking paths wind between small patches of green space.

St. Thomas Tower and the Munxar peninsula

From the bay, you can walk along the coast toward the Munxar peninsula. It features historic coastal defenses, including St. Thomas Tower, built in 1614, and the batterie de Riħama.

The tower has been restored, and the reopening of its museum was announced for 2025.

Friendly tip: swimming conditions depend on the weather each day. Check the state of the sea on site before laying down your towel, and keep the walk toward the tower as a reliable backup plan.