Is there a beach in Gzira?
Yes, the local secret is called Stone Beach on Manoel Island. While there is no sandy beach in Gzira, this spot offers flat rocks, clear water and the best swimming views towards Valletta.
If you start walking from the Gzira waterfront, you will have to cross a little bridge that you find next to a petrol station.
From here, you just continue straight until the far end of the island. It takes around 15 minutes to get there.
Some parts of Manoel Island are wild and unmaintained, but it is a popular escape for locals.
Stone Beach
Stone Beach is a mix of rocks and flat concrete platforms. In summer, there is a good amount of people swimming and sunbathing here, while in spring and autumn, it’s more local and on some days you may be on your own.
We once went swimming here in early November — the water was cold but crystal clear. In summer that isn’t always guaranteed.
View towards Tigne Point
Clear water at Stone Beach (mid April)
From the beach you can look straight across to Valletta’s skyline. We love this view in the evening when the sun lights up the old limestone buildings in yellow and orange tones (see cover).
Fort Manoel
Just behind the beach stands Fort Manoel, a perfectly restored 18th-century fort built by the Knights of St. John that is named after Portuguese Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena.
It’s usually closed to the public, but sometimes it opens for special events or guided tours. If you happen to be in Malta on one of those days, it’s absolutely worth a visit.
The inside of the fort is beautiful — limestone arches, courtyards and views over Valletta that make you realise how close yet separate Manoel Island really is from the rather commercial waterfront.
Entrance gate to Fort Manoel
Bagpipers and drummers inside the fort
View towards Valletta from Fort Manoel
Can I walk to Stone Beach?
15-minute-walk to Stone Beach
Location Stone Beach (see cross)
Want to read about other beaches in Malta? Browse through our beaches section!