Living in Malta means putting up with crowded beaches for half the year. When summer hits, finding a patch of sand at Għadira or Golden Bay feels like a competitive sport. We watch the ferries pack hundreds of people heading to the Blue Lagoon and silently shake our heads. When we want a real beach day—the kind where you hear the waves instead of a beach club’s speakers—we head somewhere else. We head to Imġiebaħ Bay.
Also known by some of us as Selmun Bay, this rugged little cove in the north of the island is where you go when you need to disconnect. It is raw, completely undeveloped, and beautiful. You will not find sunbed rentals, ice cream trucks, or easy parking here. You just find nature.
If you are ready to trade convenience for absolute tranquility, you are in the right place. In this guide, I will share exactly how we locals tackle a day at Imġiebaħ Bay. You will learn how to navigate the notorious drive, what you absolutely must pack, and how to make the most of this unspoiled coastline.
Why Imġiebaħ Bay remains our local sanctuary
Most of Malta’s sandy beaches have surrendered to commercialization. Imġiebaħ Bay survives untouched mostly because it makes you work for it. The island naturally filters out the casual tourists who want a cold drink handed to them on a sunbed.
What you get instead is a dramatic landscape. Vibrant green garrigue vegetation covers steep clay slopes that roll right down to a patch of dark, golden sand. The water is exceptionally clean and clear because we do not get heavy boat traffic out here.
It is also one of the few wild spots left where we can bring our dogs. You will often see a few locals throwing tennis balls into the surf for their dogs to chase. The atmosphere is laid-back, respectful, and wonderfully quiet. This is the Malta we grew up with, preserved perfectly in a tiny northern cove.
Surviving the drive past Selmun Palace
We need to talk about getting there, because the drive is half the adventure. You start by heading up towards Selmun Palace. The roads up to the palace are fine, but once you pass it, the real test begins.
You must turn down a winding, narrow country lane lined with traditional rubble walls. I cannot stress this enough: it is barely wide enough for one car. Every local knows the anxiety of approaching a blind corner on this road. If you meet someone coming the other way, one of you is going into reverse. You have to reverse until you find a tiny gap in the wall to tuck your car into.
Drive slowly. Watch out for farmers, stray cats, and potholes.
At the end of this lane, the road opens onto the cliff top. Parking is chaotic and incredibly limited. If you arrive late on a Sunday in July, you will not find a spot. From the parking area, you face a ten-minute hike down a steep, uneven path of dirt and loose gravel. Do not try to walk down in flip-flops. Wear proper running shoes.
How we spend a perfect day at the cove
Because you do not have facilities to distract you, a day at Imġiebaħ revolves entirely around the environment.
Swimming in the clear Mediterranean
The water here is magical. The center of the bay has a sandy bottom that slopes gently, making it really easy to walk in. Because the cove is sheltered, the water stays remarkably still on a good day. You can float on your back and look up at the towering clay cliffs surrounding you. There is no background noise—just the wind and the sea.
Snorkeling the rocky borders
While the middle of the bay is sandy, the edges are framed by large limestone boulders. Bring your snorkeling gear. The underwater landscape around these rocks is full of life. You will spot Mediterranean parrotfish, sea bream, and the occasional octopus hiding in the crevices. The water clarity is usually excellent, giving you perfect visibility along the reef.
Hiking the clay slopes
If you get tired of swimming, take a walk up the surrounding clay slopes. The paths offer incredible panoramic views over the sea toward St. Paul’s Islands. In the spring, these hills are covered in wild thyme and coastal chamomile. Just be careful near the edges, as the clay can crumble easily, especially after our rare winter rains.
The local survival guide: What you must pack
Imġiebaħ Bay punishes the unprepared. Once you hike down that cliff, you do not want to hike back up because you forgot something. Here is exactly what I pack for a day down there.
- Excessive amounts of water: Bring double the water you think you need. The hike back up to your car in the afternoon heat is exhausting. You will need a cold drink waiting for you.
- Serious sun protection: There is zero natural shade on the beach. You must bring a sturdy umbrella. Pack a hat, UV-protective clothing, and plenty of sunscreen.
- Proper footwear: I wear sneakers for the hike down and pack water shoes in my bag. The sand mixes with pebbles near the water line, and the rocks can be sharp if you go snorkeling.
- Food in secure containers: Pack your lunch, but put it in airtight containers. If you leave a sandwich wrapper open, the local ants will find it in minutes.
Timing your visit to beat the rush
Timing is everything in Malta. If you try to visit Imġiebaħ Bay in the middle of August at noon, you will end up frustrated by the parking situation.
To get the best experience during the summer, arrive before 8:30 AM. You will secure a parking spot, claim a great patch of sand, and enjoy the morning calm. Alternatively, head down late in the afternoon for a quiet evening swim as the sun starts to dip.
The absolute best times to visit are our shoulder seasons. May, June, September, and October are glorious. The sea is warm enough for swimming, but the intense summer heat has passed, and you might just have the entire cove to yourself.
Always check the wind before you pack your car. Imġiebaħ is highly exposed to the Northeast wind (the Grigal). When the Grigal blows, the sea turns rough, the currents get strong, and the bay fills with seaweed. Save your trip for a day when the wind is blowing from the south.
Keeping our island beautiful
This beach remains a sanctuary because we take care of it. There are no garbage bins down on the sand, and nobody is coming to clean up after you.
We take the “leave no trace” rule very seriously here. Bring a garbage bag and carry all your waste back up the cliff with you. Do not leave fruit peels or cigarette butts behind. If you bring your dog, clean up after them. We love sharing our island’s beauty, but we rely on everyone to help preserve it.
Imġiebaħ Bay takes a bit of effort to reach, but that effort buys you peace. The next time the crowded resort beaches start to feel overwhelming, pack your bag, wear good shoes, and drive up past Selmun Palace. A quiet, golden slice of Malta is waiting for you.