Woman enjoying the sunset view over the Valletta skyline from Manoel Island in Gzira.

Are there beaches in Gzira?

In short: Beaches in Gzira

Is there a sandy beach?
No. Gzira is a seaside town known for its long promenade and marinas. There are rocky access points, but you won't find a traditional beach.

Can you swim?
Yes, but only off the rocks or concrete steps along the coast. The water is clean enough, but it gets deep immediately.

Our Tip: For a quick dip after work we walk to Manoel Island. It is a peninsula surrounded by the urban areas of Gzira and Sliema. For a real beach day with sand we take a Bolt to Golden Bay or Riviera Beach (approx. 25 mins).

Our favourite swimming spot in Gzira is locally known as "Stone Beach". It’s not a sandy beach, but it has flat rocks, clear water and the best swimming views towards Valletta.

How to get to “Stone Beach”

From Gzira waterfront you first need to cross the little bridge next to the petrol station. Welcome to Manoel Island! Now simply continue straight along the road until you reach the far end of the island. It takes around 15 minutes to walk.

Some parts of Manoel Island are wild and unmaintained, but it acts as the “green lung” for Gzira and Sliema.

What is Stone Beach like?

It is a mix of rocky coast and flat concrete platforms. In summer, there is a good amount of people swimming and sunbathing here. 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.

Crystal clear water at Stone Beach on Manoel Island, the best swimming spot in Gzira.

Clear water at Stone Beach (mid April)

The walking path leading from Gzira promenade towards the swimming zone at Stone Beach.

View towards Tigne Point

A swimmer enjoying the water at Stone Beach with the historic Valletta skyline in the background.

Swimmer at Stone Beach

From the bathing spot 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).

Swimming underneath Fort Manoel

What makes this spot special is the scenery. Just behind the swimming spot there is Fort Manoel, a perfectly restored 18th-century fortress built by the Knights of St. John (named after 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. Inside the fort there is a huge square surrounded by beautiful historic buildings. From the highest point within the fort you have an amazing view towards Valletta.

The impressive baroque main entrance gate to the 18th-century Fort Manoel.

Entrance gate to Fort Manoel

Bagpipers and drummers performing inside the historic courtyard of Fort Manoel.

Bagpipers and drummers inside the fort

View from inside Fort Manoel looking across Marsamxett Harbour towards Valletta.

View towards Valletta from Fort Manoel

Map showing the 15-minute walking route from Gzira waterfront to Stone Beach.

Location & Map

15-minute-walk to Stone Beach

View from Valletta looking across Marsamxett Harbour towards Manoel Island and Gzira.

Location Stone Beach (see cross)

Want to read about other beaches in Malta? Browse through our beaches section!