Mistra Bay
Xemxija · North-west · 35.958°N, 14.392°E
Mistra Bay is a small, wild and peaceful pebble bay tucked away on Malta's north-west coast, between Xemxija and the Selmun peninsula. Far from developed beaches, it is a natural spot with no sand and no services, frequented mostly by locals: families looking for clear, shallow water, anglers, kayakers and campers. Its gentle pebble slope and calm waters, sheltered from the wind at the back of the cove, make for peaceful swimming, provided you bring water shoes. The site, overlooked by an 18th-century Knights' battery and opening onto St Paul's Bay, also appeals to hikers heading for Selmun and Imġiebaħ. The flip side: the promenade is often cluttered with caravans and cleanliness is uneven.
Amenities at Mistra Bay
- Parking
- Family beach
Activities available at Mistra Bay
At Mistra Bay, the appeal is above all natural. The bay is best known as the starting point (or finishing point) of one of Malta's finest hikes, the coastal path that runs along the Selmun coast to Mellieħa, through almost lunar landscapes with sweeping views of St Paul's Island. The hike is nonetheless demanding, with very rough sections, and is not suitable for everyone, nor for young children. The bay is also an excellent starting point for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding towards Selmun and St Paul's Island.
Location of Mistra Bay
Mistra Bay lies on Malta's north-west coast, at the end of a green valley, between the village of Xemxija (St Paul's Bay) and the Selmun peninsula, in the locality of Mellieħa. The bay opens onto St Paul's Bay, with St Paul's Island just visible offshore.
The site is overlooked by Mistra Battery, a coastal fortification built in the 18th century by the Knights of Malta. The rugged coastline around it, dotted with caves and coves, and the fish farm pens set in the bay round off this largely unspoilt landscape.
Getting to Mistra Bay
By bus to Mistra Bay
Mistra Bay is very poorly served by public transport. There are two stops, Xemxija and Mistra, but both leave you with about a twenty-minute walk to the beach. The Xemxija stop, set high up, also means walking down over rough ground. By far the most practical way to reach the bay is by car or taxi.
* Summer fare Jun–Oct (€2.00 the rest of the year)
Calculate the current journey time on Malta Public Transport
By car to Mistra Bay
If you have rented a car during your stay in Malta, this is by far the most practical way to reach Mistra Bay, which is poorly served by buses. A road runs down to the edge of the bay, lined with informal parking along the promenade, often taken up by caravans in summer.
Without a car, a taxi or ride-hailing service is recommended. In Malta the three most common services are eCabs (a local provider), Uber and Bolt. From Xemxija or St Paul's Bay, the Trip to Mistra is short.
Reviews of Mistra Bay
Mistra Bay is not a classic seaside beach: it is a small pebble cove, wild and little known, sought out for its calm and natural setting rather than for sand. Far from the bus stops and overlooked by tour itineraries, it remains a local haunt, especially at weekends: families with children drawn by the shallow water, anglers, kayakers and picnic-goers.
Its strengths are consistent: clear water that is remarkably calm in a north-westerly wind, fine views over St Paul's Bay, and an unspoilt environment ideal for kayaking and hiking towards Selmun.
The limitations are just as real. The complete lack of services means you have to bring everything, the pebble shore calls for water shoes, and the charm of the place is regularly spoilt by the caravans along the promenade and by uneven cleanliness. Mistra Bay is for those seeking nature and quiet, not the comfort of a developed beach.
Strengths
- Small, wild and peaceful pebble bay, away from the crowds of developed beaches
- Clear, calm and shallow water, sheltered from the wind at the back of the cove
- Preserved natural setting: green valley, cliffs, caves and a Knights' battery
- Excellent starting point for kayaking (towards Selmun and St Paul's Island) and hiking
- Quiet family swimming thanks to the gentle slope and shallow water
- Restaurant right next to the bay
Weaknesses
- Pebble beach with no sand: water shoes essential, hard to lie down
- No services on site (no toilets, showers or sun loungers): bring everything
- Promenade often taken over by caravans and motorhomes
- Uneven cleanliness: litter sometimes present in the water and on the shore
- Very poorly served by buses, with an awkward walk from the stop
Frequently asked questions about Mistra Bay
Is Mistra Bay a sandy beach?
No. It is a pebble beach with no sand. Water shoes are strongly recommended and it is hard to lie down comfortably.
Are there any services on site?
No, the bay has no facilities (no toilets, showers or sun loungers). You need to bring water, food and shade. There is, however, a restaurant right nearby.
Is the swimming suitable for children?
Yes, the water is shallow, clear and usually very calm at the back of the cove, which suits quiet family swimming, with water shoes.
How do you get to Mistra Bay?
The most practical option is by car or taxi. Buses serve the area poorly: the Xemxija and Mistra stops involve about a twenty-minute walk, with the Xemxija stop set high up and followed by a rough descent.
What is there to do at Mistra Bay besides swimming?
The site is ideal for kayaking (towards Selmun and St Paul's Island), picnics and hiking. A path through almost lunar landscapes leads to Mellieħa, with views of St Paul's Island in the distance.
Is the beach calm and clean?
It is known for its quiet and wild setting, but the shore and promenade are regularly cluttered with caravans, and the cleanliness of the water and surroundings remains uneven.