Marsaskala City
Coastal city in Malta with scenic views
A south-eastern harbour, Marsaskala draws boaters and shore diners to St. Thomas Bay, seaside promenades and fish restaurants; watch for local festa parades and short coastal walks to rocky coves.
Marsaskala at a Glance#
Costs: USD 80-140 per day - affordable compared with Malta’s main tourist hubs.
Safety: Generally safe - low violent crime; typical petty theft risk.
Best Time: April-October - warm swimming season; shoulder months less crowded.
Why Visit Marsaskala?#
A seaside town on Malta’s southeast coast, this bay-front community is known for its sheltered St. Thomas’ Bay, family-friendly promenades and clusters of waterfront fish restaurants serving lampuki and grilled catch. Summer festas, small sandy coves and rocky snorkeling spots give visitors plenty of low-key seaside options, while nearby historic forts and village chapels add local color. The relaxed harbor atmosphere pairs easily with Maltese culinary traditions and coastal walks.
Best Things to Do in Marsaskala#
Marsaskala Bucket List#
St. Thomas Bay - Popular sandy bay with shallow waters and seaside cafés for relaxed afternoons.
Marsaskala promenade - Harbourfront walk with seafood restaurants, evening passeggiata, and local cafés.
Marsaskala Fishing Harbour - Working fishing harbour where boats unload fresh catch, lively mornings on weekends.
St. Peter’s Pool (by boat) - Clifftop natural swimming pool popular for cliff jumping, crystal-blue water, and sunbathing.
Zonqor Point - Zonqor Point grassy headland with coastal plants and migratory birdwatching.
Small coastal coves - Hidden coves around the bay for quiet swims and pebble beach picnics.
Marsaxlokk - Traditional fishing village known for brightly painted luzzu boats and Sunday market.
Blue Grotto - Short drive for boat trips into sea caves and scenic coastal cliffs.
Best Time to Visit Marsaskala#
Marsaskala is best from late spring to early autumn (May-October) for sun, swimming and lively seaside cafés. Winters are mild but wetter and much quieter.
June - September
24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F)
Hot, dry Mediterranean summer perfect for swimming, boat trips, and late evenings by the sea; beaches busy and temperatures can feel intense in August.
December - February
10°C to 16°C (50°F to 61°F)
Mild, rainy winter with calm seas and far fewer tourists; ideal for exploring villages and historic sites but not suited for sunbathing or consistent beach weather.
March - May & October - November
15°C to 23°C (59°F to 73°F)
Pleasant, warm shoulder seasons with fewer crowds - great for snorkeling, cliff walks, and sampling local food; bring a light jacket for cool evenings.
Marsaskala's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 10°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (516 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (101 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
How to Get to Marsaskala#
Marsaskala is reached by road from Malta International Airport (MLA) - taxis are the fastest option while Malta’s bus network (Tallinja) is the cheapest. There is no rail service on Malta, so buses and cars handle all public land transport.
Malta International Airport (MLA): Malta’s main airport at Luqa is the gateway to Marsaskala. From MLA you can take a direct taxi (about 15-25 minutes) or use public buses which link the airport to Valletta and other hubs; total travel time to Marsaskala via public bus is typically 30-45 minutes depending on transfers. Taxi fares are commonly €20-€30; bus fares are around €2 per trip with a Tallinja card or cash fare slightly higher.
Other connections: There are no other major airports on the island; arrivals are routed through MLA and continue by road to Marsaskala.
Train: Malta has no train network.
Bus: Malta Public Transport operates multiple bus routes serving Marsaskala from Valletta and other towns. Route numbers and directness vary by time of day - from the airport you may need to transfer in Valletta or Paola. Single fares with a Tallinja card are about €2; journeys are affordable but can be slower than taxis due to stops and transfers.
How to Get Around Marsaskala#
Public buses (Tallinja) are the economical way to reach and move around Marsaskala; taxis and car hire give faster, more flexible door-to-door travel. The town itself is compact and walkable.
- Tallinja buses (public) (€2-€3) - Malta’s Tallinja buses connect Marsaskala with Valletta, Sliema and other towns. They are cheap and run frequently on main corridors but may require a transfer from the airport. Buy a Tallinja card for the best fares and easier boarding.
- Taxi / Ride-hail (€20-€35) - Taxis from the airport to Marsaskala take roughly 15-25 minutes and are practical for groups or late arrivals. Use official taxi ranks at the airport and agree the fare or use metered services where available.
- Car rental (€25+/day) - Hiring a car lets you explore the south-east coast and nearby bays; parking in Marsaskala is available though can be limited in peak summer. Malta drives on the left and roads can be narrow in historic areas.
- Bicycle / Scooter (€10-€30/day) - Short trips along the coast can be done by bicycle or scooter rental in summer; this is enjoyable but be mindful of traffic and the hilly terrain in places. Helmets and local rules are recommended.
- Walking - Marsaskala’s seafront and town centre are easily explored on foot; walking is the best way to enjoy the promenade, restaurants and small bays.
Where to Stay in Marsaskala#
St. Thomas Bay / Waterfront - $35-80/night
Small coastal town with mainly guesthouses and self-catering apartments. Limited cheap hotel choices; good for travelers wanting seaside walks and local cafés.
Marsaskala guesthouses (multiple listings) - Simple rooms and self-catering apartments listed
Various small guesthouses (TripAdvisor) - Budget rooms close to the waterfront
St. Thomas Bay - $70-140/night
A few comfortable B&Bs and modern apartments for couples or families. Options are limited compared with Malta’s larger towns; book in summer.
Private apartments and B&Bs (Airbnb) - Comfortable mid-range apartments near the sea
Local boutique B&Bs (Booking listings) - Small B&Bs with basic breakfast options
Nearby St. Julian’s / Valletta - $140-300+/night
Marsaskala has no large resorts; for luxury you’ll need St. Julian’s or Valletta (20-40 minutes). Great seafront villas and premium city hotels nearby.
Nearby luxury hotels (St. Julian’s / Valletta) - Reachable by short drive or bus
Sliema/St. Julian’s upscale hotels - Larger hotels with full facilities
Where to Eat in Marsaskala#
Family-run fish restaurants line the Marsaskala promenade, offering fresh seabream, meze plates, and casual waterfront dining popular with locals and weekend visitors.
Casual cafés and pastizzeria-style takeaways serve coffee, pastizzi, and simple Maltese snacks - easy options for a quick meal while exploring the bay and seafront.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Marsaskala’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Marsaskala#
Shopping in Marsaskala is focused on small shops, boutiques and supermarkets serving residents and holidaymakers. You’ll find beach supplies, souvenir stalls and bakeries rather than large malls. For more extensive retail and fashion options, head to larger centres like Sliema or Valletta.
Nightlife in Marsaskala#
Marsaskala’s nightlife is local and relaxed-seafront restaurants, wine bars and cafés are the main evening draws. It’s family-friendly and quieter than Malta’s main party hubs; for clubs and busy nightlife, St. Julian’s and Paceville are the usual destinations. During the summer festival season there are more late-night events and occasional live performances along the promenade.