Ghajn Tuffieha Bay

Għajn Tuffieħa Bay — commonly known as Riviera Beach — is one of Malta's most beautiful and unspoiled sandy beaches. Located just south of Golden Bay along the island's dramatic northwest coast, it is separated from its famous neighbour by a rocky headland and reached via a flight of roughly 200 concrete steps cut into the clay cliff. This descent acts as a natural filter, keeping the beach quieter and less crowded than nearby Golden Bay.

The bay is framed by striking red-orange clay slopes that give the sand its distinctive warm colour. The cliffs glow magnificently in the late afternoon sun, attracting photographers and painters. The water here is a deep, rich blue that deepens quickly from the shore, making Għajn Tuffieħa better suited to confident swimmers. When northwesterly swells roll in, the bay produces some of Malta's most consistent surf conditions, drawing local bodyboarders and surfers.

Facilities are intentionally minimal — a small seasonal kiosk at the top of the steps sells drinks and snacks, but there are no sunbed concessions on the beach, preserving its natural character. The area around the bay is managed as a conservation zone, and the clay hills support unique flora. For those seeking a more authentic, less commercialised Maltese beach experience, Għajn Tuffieħa is hard to beat.