St Peter's Pool
Marsaxlokk · South-east · 35.833°N, 14.562°E
St Peter's Pool is less a beach than a spectacular natural pool carved into the rock, at the tip of the Delimara peninsula near Marsaxlokk. There is no sand here, but broad slabs of flat limestone that drop into remarkably clear turquoise water, shaped like a sheltered basin. The site owes its fame to its cliff jumps, which can be tackled at various heights, and to its snorkelling in deep, crystal-clear water. Left completely wild, with no facilities, it appeals to Maltese and travellers alike in search of a raw, photogenic setting far from the usual beaches. Getting there is tricky and part of the adventure: a car, sturdy shoes and bringing everything with you are your best bets.
Amenities at St Peter's Pool
- Parking
- Snack bar
- Snorkeling
Activities available at St Peter's Pool
At St Peter's Pool, the prime activity is swimming in turquoise water of rare transparency, extended by cliff jumps and first-rate snorkelling over the rocky seabed. The site can also be discovered from the sea: boat trips set off from the nearby port of Marsaxlokk and call in at the basin and the surrounding coves. Remember to bring a mask and snorkel, as there is nowhere to hire any on site.
Where to stay near St Peter's Pool
St Peter's Pool is a wild site: no accommodation is to be found in the immediate vicinity. The nearest options are in Marsaxlokk and its lively harbour, or in Birżebbuġa and its Pretty Bay beach. It is above all a day-trip stop: most visitors head to the basin for a few hours, from the centre or the north of the island.
Location of St Peter's Pool
St Peter's Pool sits at the tip of the Delimara peninsula, east of Marsaxlokk and its colourful fishing harbour, in the south-east of Malta. The basin, a natural horseshoe-shaped hollow lined with limestone cliffs, faces the open sea; a small cave is tucked away at its western end. All around stretches a wild peninsula, dotted with the Delimara lighthouse, the fort of the same name and several neighbouring rocky coves. The family-friendly sandy beach of Pretty Bay, in Birżebbuġa, lies about ten minutes away by car, on the other side of Marsaxlokk bay.
Getting to St Peter's Pool
By bus to St Peter's Pool
Reaching St Peter's Pool by bus is an adventure in itself. No line serves the site directly, and you always have to change buses, for a journey that can prove very long. The closest stop to the site is Delimara, in Marsaxlokk, served by line 119 with a connection; from there, allow another fifteen minutes or so on foot to the basin. From the airport, allow about an hour; from the north of the island (St Paul's Bay, Mellieħa), the trip can exceed two hours by bus. A car is by far preferable.
* Summer fare Jun–Oct (€2.00 the rest of the year)
Calculate the current journey time on Malta Public Transport
By car to St Peter's Pool
A car is strongly recommended for St Peter's Pool. If you have opted for a car rental, follow the direction of Marsaxlokk and then the Delimara peninsula, guided by the 'St Peter's Pool' signs. The final road is narrow and ends on a stony track where two vehicles passing each other becomes tricky: caution and patience are called for.
There is a car park on site, sometimes charging a fee (around €3); free parking is available a little further on, towards the Delimara lighthouse. From the car park, a last stretch on foot, over rocky and uneven ground, leads to the basin: sturdy closed shoes are essential. Between this track, the rocks and water access by ladder or by jumping, the site is not suitable for people with reduced mobility or for pushchairs.
Without a car, the simplest option is a car with driver. The white Maltese taxis are not recommended; go for eCabs (a local service), Uber or Bolt. Another pleasant option in fine weather is to reach the site by boat from the port of Marsaxlokk, provided the sea is calm.
Reviews of St Peter's Pool
St Peter's Pool stands out as a must-see site in the south of Malta, sought after above all for its setting: a horseshoe-shaped natural pool cut into the limestone, where the turquoise water reaches striking transparency. The cliff jumps, which can be tackled at several heights, are its signature attraction, complemented by first-rate snorkelling and broad, flat slabs for drying off in the sun. Many describe it as one of the finest swimming spots on the island.
The flip side is that this is a completely wild site: no sand, no facilities, no shade or lifeguard, and water access via a ladder or by jumping from the rock. Access, above all, calls for planning: the final road is narrow, the last stretch is covered on foot along a stony path, and coming without a car is an uphill struggle.
The crowds are the other drawback: in high summer the basin fills up fast and cleanliness suffers (cigarette butts, litter), to the point that some visitors leave disappointed, with a sense of an overrated site. The place must therefore be earned, but it amply rewards those who come early in the morning or off season, by car, well shod and self-sufficient. It is also wise to check the weather, as the sea here quickly turns rough.
Strengths
- Spectacular natural pool carved into the limestone, with turquoise water of rare clarity
- Cliff jumps from several heights, the star attraction of the spot
- Excellent snorkelling spot in deep, crystal-clear water
- Broad, flat rock slabs, ideal for settling in under the sun
- Wild, photogenic setting, far from the usual sandy beaches
- Calm and magical early in the morning or off season, before the crowds arrive
Weaknesses
- Entirely rocky coast: no sand, water access by ladder or by jumping
- No facilities (no toilets, showers, shade or lifeguard): everything must be brought along
- Tricky access, unsuitable for people with reduced mobility: stony track, rocks and a barely viable bus route
- Very busy and sometimes dirty (cigarette butts, litter) at peak season
- Site exposed to wind and swell, swimming sometimes impossible and unsupervised
Frequently asked questions about St Peter's Pool
Is St Peter's Pool a sandy beach?
No. St Peter's Pool is a natural pool carved into the limestone. The coast is entirely rocky, with no sand: broad, flat slabs serve for settling in, and water access is by a ladder or by jumping from the rock.
Can you cliff jump at St Peter's Pool?
Yes, it is even the star attraction of the spot: several rock platforms let you dive into deep water from various heights (up to around six or seven metres). Caution is still in order, as depth and crowds vary, and the site is unsupervised.
How do you get to St Peter's Pool?
By car preferably: head for Marsaxlokk and then the Delimara peninsula, along a road that ends in a narrow track. By bus, no line serves the site directly; you have to change (the closest stop, Delimara, is served by the 119), then walk about fifteen minutes. The journey can be long from the north of the island.
Are there any facilities at St Peter's Pool?
Very few. The site has stayed wild: no toilets, showers, shade or lifeguard. A car park (sometimes charging a fee) and, in season, an ice cream van near the entrance round out the picture. Bring water, snacks, a parasol and a mat, and take your litter away with you.
Is swimming suitable for children?
Not really. The water is deep, access is by a ladder or by jumping, the rocks can be slippery and there is no lifeguard on hand. The site suits confident swimmers and jumping enthusiasts better than young children.
When should you visit St Peter's Pool?
Early in the morning or outside high season, to avoid the crowds that flock here in summer. It is also better to pick a windless day: exposed to the swell, the basin quickly turns rough and swimming can prove dangerous.
Does St Peter's Pool have the Blue Flag?
No. It is an undeveloped natural site, which is not among the Maltese beaches awarded the Blue Flag label.