Il Kalanka was a perfect escape from the busy streets of Valletta. It’s a pristine rocky beach with turquoise, crystal-clear water, enough space for sunbathing, and perfect cliffs for jumping.
It was on our Malta itinerary; if it isn’t on yours, you should certainly add it, and trust us, you will love this beach.
It’s located near the famous St. Peter’s Pool, offering a similar stunning experience and crystal-clear waters—but with fewer people, making it a more relaxed alternative.
Our guide will cover all the essential information, such as parking and entrance fees, the best time to visit, how to get there, our honest review, and more.
Key Highlights
⭐️ Best time to visit: May, June, September, October
⭐️ Parking: free
⭐️ Entrance: free
⭐️ Access: Best reached by car or boat
⭐️ Great for: Cliff jumping, swimming, sunbathing
⭐️ Nearby attractions: St. Peter’s pool, Marsaxlokk
Quick Overview
The best months to visit Il Kalanka are May, June, September, and October. During off-season months, there are much fewer people, the water is still warm, and the temperature is amazing.
There is a free parking area 200 meters above the beach. The beach is free to access without an entrance fee.
The beach is best for sunbathing, swimming, and cliff jumping. Just be careful and check the water depth before the jump.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any beach facilities, so bring enough food and water.
Where to stay in Malta
Choosing the best area to stay in Malta is essential to have the best time and holiday according to your ideas. Each location is different and suits different needs.
We stayed in St. Julian’s Bay during the off-season. It didn’t feel too loud or crowded, and the wide selection of dining options felt very practical.
Recommended hotels in Malta
Check availability
Where is Il-Kalanka
Il Kalanka Beach is on Malta’s southeast coast, specifically in the Delimara area. It’s a short drive from the well-known St. Peters Pool.
How to get there
Getting to Il Kalanka is relatively easy, but it depends on the type of transportation you choose. I’ll describe all the options.
By car or scooter
The most convenient and easiest way to get to the beach is by car. Driving gave us the freedom to explore Malta at our own pace. We came prepared and booked a car in advance with Discover Cars, which offers full coverage insurance.
Renting with Discover Cars gives you flexibility because you can cancel with full refunds up to 48 hours before vehicle pickup.
The road leading to Il Kalanka is well-maintained, and we didn’t have a problem with navigation. Just set directions in Google Maps and follow the path. Leave your car at the parking area and walk down a bit.
While booking with Discover Cars, don’t forget to get full coverage insurance that protects you from unexpected costs in case of accidents, theft, or damage, giving you peace of mind while traveling.
By public transport
Malta’s bus network is extensive, but unfortunately, the bus won’t drop you right at the beach, which is inconvenient.
You can take the bus to the nearest village, Marsaxlokk, and walk from there. It will take you around 30 minutes to reach the beach.
If you are going from Valletta, take the #81 or #85 bus. If you’re coming from St Julian’s or Sliema, take bus TD2 to Valletta, then transfer to bus 85, which will take you to Marsaxlokk.
By taxi
Taking a taxi is a good option if you can’t rent a scooter or car and want to get there directly. However, it’s also the most expensive, but you won’t need to take the bus and transfer from bus to foot.
By boat tour
You can also reach Il Kalanka by boat. While strolling around Marsaxlokk, locals offered us a boat tour to visit Il Kalanka, St. Peters Pool, and a few more places.
The prices start from 5€ per person during the off-season. This might be higher during the high season, and they will probably wait for more people to fill up the boat. I am not sure since I didn’t ask about it.
What to expect
When we visited Il Kalanka Beach, we discovered it’s not a typical sandy stretch but rather a rocky haven with a lot to offer.
Dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal clear turquoise water, rugged rock formations, and sea views immediately blew us away.
We visited Malta in early December during the off-season, and it was undoubtedly a good decision because we had the beach all to ourselves.
That day, the weather was perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The sun was shining, and the wind was calm and warm. The water temperature was around 24 degrees Celsius. We didn’t expect such excellent conditions at that time.
During summer months it must be even warmer but also expect more people. So, if you plan to come during the summer months and want to enjoy the beach without the crowds, we recommend arriving early in the morning.
We don’t recommend swimming when the waves are high, and the sea is not calm. The currents are strong, and it’s dangerous.
Il Kalanka is perfect for cliff jumping, with many spots to choose from, each with a different height.
Always check the water depth before your first attempt because you never know if some hidden rocks are underwater.
There are two ways to get to the water: jump or use the ladder. Even when it looks like there is gradual access, it isn’t.
The beach faces southeast, making it a perfect spot for watching a sunrise.
The water has excellent visibility, and it’s ideal for snorkeling. Bring your snorkeling gear because you can’t rent any at the beach.
One of the surprises during our visit was discovering that the water was free of jellyfish. I was super happy because I don’t like them. Who does, right?
Even when there are no trees, you can hide in the shadows. It’s not much of it, but you can hide from the intense summer sun.
TIP: If you love discovering hidden gems like Il-Kalanka Beach, you’ll enjoy exploring Gozo, Malta’s smaller sister island. Check out all the best things to do in Gozo.
Beach facilities
Unlike more developed beaches in Malta, Il Kalanka has no facilities—no restaurants, changing rooms, or restrooms. Therefore, be sure you bring enough water and food.
But on the other hand, it feels more natural, which adds to its charm.
Best time to visit Il-Kalanka
As mentioned, the best months to visit Il Kalanka and Malta are May, June, September, and October, when the weather is warm but not too hot, and the sea is perfect for swimming.
During off-season months, you can enjoy the beach without the crowds at any time of the day.
If you want to visit Malta during the summer (July and August), the best time to visit the beach is early morning or before sunset. This will allow you to avoid the crowds and enjoy relaxed vibes and breathtaking sunsets or sunrises.
TIP: While Il-Kalanka Beach is perfect for swimming and relaxing by the sea, Tal-Mixta Cave in Gozo is the best for incredible panoramic views.
The best tours in Malta
Final thoughts on Il Kalanka
Il Kalanka Beach is a fantastic escape from the busy streets of Valletta. Ideal also for families with kids. It’s very similar to St. Peters Pool but with fewer people. Hopefully, you will enjoy your time on the beach.
We would be happy if you shared your experience or any thoughts about the beach, and we wish you happy travels!
