The famous St. Peter’s Pool was our first beach visit in our Malta Itinerary. As I walked down the rugged path leading to the beach, I could already catch glimpses of the turquoise water, incredible limestone rock formations, cliff-jumping spots, and sea views.
It’s no wonder this place is one of the best beaches in Malta. It’s located near the village of Marsaxlokk and another beautiful beach, Il-Kalanka.
We came in the morning at the start of December and couldn’t have asked for better weather. The sun was shining, with just a few clouds in the sky. The water temperature was still pleasant, and there were no other people!
With no further delay, we can get straight to the point. 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, so keep reading.
Key Highlights
⭐️ Best time to visit: May, June, September, October, and early morning to avoid the crowds
⭐️ Parking fee: 3€ during high season, for free during off-season
⭐️ Entrance fee: free
⭐️ Access: Best reached by car or boat
⭐️ Best for: sunbathing, cliff jumping, swimming
⭐️ Top attractions nearby: Il-Kalanka Beach, Marsaxlokk
Quick Overview
St. Peter’s Pool is quite popular and attracts many tourists daily; therefore, if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a peaceful time on the beach, we highly recommend coming early in the morning during the peak season in July and August.
During the off-season, you can visit anytime during the day, and you won’t meet many people, which was our case when we visited Malta at the start of December.
There is a parking fee 3€ during peak season and no parking fee during the off-season. The beach is free to access all year round.
The most convenient way to reach St. Peter’s Pool is by car or scooter, but you can also take a bus and walk or join a boat tour from Marsaxlokk.
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 on Malta
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Where is St. Peter’s Pool
St. Peter’s Pool is located on Malta’s southeastern coast, near Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village. It is a 10-minute drive from Marsaxlokk and roughly 25 minutes from Valletta, Malta’s capital.
How to get to St. Peter’s Pool
St. Peter’s Pool is easily accessible, and I will explain all transportation options in detail.
By car
Driving a car is the most common way to get around Malta. We rented our car in advance with Discover Cars and picked it up right after landing at the International Airport, which was very convenient.
Renting with Discover Cars gives you flexibility because you can cancel with full refunds up to 48 hours before vehicle pickup.
So, from wherever you’re going, just set the directions to St. Peter’s Pool parking and follow the route. Be careful after turning from the main road because the last 250 meters is an unpaved narrow road.
Just drive slowly and you’ll be fine but to be honest it has to be crazy driving this narrow road during peak season.
From the parking, it’s just a 5-minute short walk to the beach.
We highly recommend renting a car from Discover Cars. Their full-coverage insurance 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 connects most major cities, but unfortunately, the bus won’t drop you right at the beach.
So, to get to St. Peter’s Pool by bus, you need to get to Marsaxlook first and walk from there. The scenic walk through Malta’s landscape will take around 30 minutes.
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
A taxi is a good option if you’re not a driver and want to get there directly. It’s also the most expensive, but you can split the bill while traveling with friends. At least you won’t need to take the bus and transfer from bus to foot, saving you a lot of time.
TIP: Looking for another breathtaking place to see? Head to Tal-Mixta Cave in Gozo for stunning panoramic views over Ramla Bay.
By boat
The last and most exciting option is a boat tour from Marsaxlokk. The small boat driven by a local will take you to St. Peter’s pool, offering stunning coastal views, before dropping you off at the pool for swimming and cliff jumping.
For peace of mind, you can book your tour and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, or you can walk along the harbor and find a local operator.
What to expect
As we approached St. Peter’s Pool, the first thing that struck us was the breathtaking turquoise, crystal-clear water. This natural swimming spot felt like it had been cut out of a postcard.
We came early, around 9 am, and just one guy meditated on the rock. We had the whole place almost just for ourselves, and it was definitely because we came during the off-season in early December.
If you’re planning your vacation in Malta during the summer, we recommend coming here early to avoid people. During the day, it can get crowded quickly.
The smooth limestone edges around the pool made for the perfect sunbathing spot. You should find a free space for towel even if there will be many people.
Fortunately, flying a drone isn’t prohibited in the area, so I immediately took out our drone and snapped some beautiful photos.
The smooth rock formations create natural platforms, making it easy to get into the water. On the left side of the rock, you can easily walk in. However, the surface is very slippery, so be careful there.
You can also slide in if you don’t want to walk in. The rocks are smooth, and there aren’t any sea urchins, so you certainly won’t get hurt. I was super happy when I discovered that the water is free of jellyfish.
For the more adventurous, cliff jumping is a popular way to get into the water, which was a highlight for me as I love jumping into the water!
If you’re the type of person who can’t stay long in the sun, then you should bring an umbrella with you as there are not enough natural shade areas.
St. Peter’s Pool faces southeast, making it a perfect spot for watching a sunrise. However, it’s not the best place for sunsets.
Swimming
We decided to dip and swim right after I landed with the drone. We thought the water would be refreshing, but we were surprised right after we stepped in. The water was around 24 degrees Celsius, and it felt amazing!
The water is crystal-clear, making it perfect for snorkeling. Even though there aren’t any corals, you can see some fish and breathtaking rock formations.
The currents can be strong, especially on windy days. If the water is rough, staying onshore is safer, as the waves can become powerful and may push you against the rocks.
Cliff jumping
Cliff jumping is one of the most exciting things to do at St. Peter’s Pool. The natural limestone cliffs offer several spots, each at a different height. Therefore, it’s suitable for beginners and experienced jumpers.
The water is usually deep enough. However, you should always check the water depth before your first attempt.
The most popular jump is from 3 to 4 meters in the middle of the U-shaped pool. It has a deep and clear landing area.
Beach Facilities
St. Peter’s Pool lacks facilities like restaurants, bars, showers, and toilets. If you want to stay longer, bring enough water and food because the nearest facilities are in Marsaxlokk, which is 10 minutes away by car.
Since there are not enough waste bins, please take all your trash with you and leave no trace behind. Let’s keep this place clean.
Best time to visit St. Peter’s Pool
The best time to visit St. Peter’s Pool is early morning to avoid the crowds during summer. If you come later, the beach will be packed with dozens of people.
The best months to visit are May, June, September, and October. These are off-season months, which means you will encounter fewer people.
The water temperature is still warm and ideal for swimming during off-season months.
Since the beach faces southeast, come to enjoy sunrise rather than sunset.
Other places worth to visit nearby
Il-Kalanka Beach
Il Kalanka is another gem in Malta, located just a 5-minute drive from St. Peter’s Pool. It’s a very similar beach made of limestone rock formations with crystal-clear water, perfect for swimming and cliff jumping.
However, this place is less crowded and has more relaxed vibes. If you’re visiting St. Peter’s Pool, we highly recommend to check it out. You may like it more.
Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is a charming fishing village known for its colorful boats, harbor market, fresh seafood, and peaceful atmosphere.
You can stroll along the promenade, buy souvenirs, and indulge in Malta delicacies. If you’re short on time you can visit St. Peter’s Pool, Il-Kalanka and Marsaxlokk in one day since they’re close to each other.
TIP: If you’re exploring more of Malta, a trip to Gozo is a must. Our guide on the Best Things to Do in Gozo covers the island’s top attractions.
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Final thoughts
St. Peter’s Pool is undoubtedly a must-visit place in Malta, offering clean turquoise water and thrilling cliff jumping. It’s just a short drive from Valletta, making it a perfect place for a day trip.
For the best experience, arrive early to beat the crowds, bring plenty of water and sun protection, and check the sea conditions before swimming or jumping.
Hopefully, our guide helped you plan your trip. We would be more than happy if you could share your experience at the beach in the comments below.
