- Reading
- 3 min
- Access
- on foot
- Difficulty
- easy
Ghajn Tuffieha (Riviera Beach) is a reddish-sand beach between cliffs, reached by 200 steps. Less crowded than neighbouring Golden Bay. The name means "Spring of Apples".
Spring of Apples
Ghajn Tuffieha (pronounced "ajn tuf-FI-ha", meaning "Spring of Apples") is one of Malta's most picturesque beaches, set between cliffs on the northwest coast. The name comes from a former water spring in the valley above the beach, around which fruit trees once grew. The beach has distinctive reddish sand (thanks to iron in the clay of the surrounding cliffs).
200 steps
Access requires descending approximately 200 steps cut into the cliff. This barrier keeps Ghajn Tuffieha quieter than neighbouring Golden Bay (where cars can drive right up). The steps deter the crowds, leaving the beach to those willing to make the effort.
A knights' tower
On the cliff above the beach stands Ghajn Tuffieha Tower, a watchtower from 1637, built by the Knights of Malta. One of 13 Lascaris towers placed around the coastline. Now restored, it offers panoramic views of both bays (Ghajn Tuffieha and Golden Bay).
Practical tip: Parking on the cliff above (shared with Golden Bay). The steps are steep: about 5 minutes down, 10-15 up. Sunbeds and a bar on the beach in season. Sunset from Ghajn Tuffieha Tower is spectacular.
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Tip
The lower left part is more secluded. Western cliffs are ideal for trekking.
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Nearby
55 pts~160 m · ~2 min
Riviera Bay / Għajn Tuffieħa
Riviera Bay refers to the rocky swimming platforms on the northern edge of Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, offering flat rock sunbathing and deep water entry without the 200-step descent.
20 pts~360 m · ~5 min
Lascaris Tower (Għajn Tuffieħa)
Lascaris Tower above Għajn Tuffieħa (1637) — one of ten towers defending the western coast. Stands above Golden Bay, Malta's best sunset spot.
45 pts~540 m · ~7 min
Golden Bay
Golden Bay is one of Malta's few sandy beaches accessible by car. Golden sand, lifeguards, bar, and sunbeds. Radisson hotel on the beach. Popular sunset spot.