Watchtower above Tuffieħa — a link in the 17th-century chain of towers on the western coast. The fire and smoke system relayed warnings to Mdina within minutes.
Malta's western coast was the island's weakest defensive point. The sandy beaches of Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa were ideal landing spots, which is why the Knights placed several towers close together here to ensure continuous observation. The watchtower above Tuffieħa was one link in this chain — part of the 17th-century early warning system that protected Malta's western flank.
Each tower had an assigned signalling procedure. By day, wet wood or straw was burned to produce smoke visible from a distance. By night, dry wood was lit for a bright flame. One fire meant a few suspicious sails, two fires meant a larger flotilla, three meant a full invasion. The tower above Tuffieħa relayed the signal to the tower at Dingli Cliffs, which passed it on to Mdina. The entire chain from coast to capital operated within a matter of minutes.
The tower stands on the cliff between Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa — western Malta's two most popular beaches. Today nobody searches for Ottoman sails, but the view from the tower across the sea and coastline remains one of the most beautiful on the island.
Practical tip: The tower is visible from the cliff trail linking Golden Bay with Għajn Tuffieħa. Free external access.
Right by Golden Bay. The tower is visible from the cliff above the beach.
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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.
Lascaris Tower above Għajn Tuffieħa (1637) — one of ten towers defending the western coast. Stands above Golden Bay, Malta's best sunset spot.
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.