If you’re visiting Gnejna Bay, read on to find out more about this sunny beach. Includes how to get to Gnejna Bay, things to do, and facilities on Gnejna Bay, Malta.

Why should I visit Gnejna Bay?

Gnejna Bay is a golden-sand scenic beach that’s popular with locals, but somehow never too crowded. It sits around 1 kilometre away from the village of Mgar, on the west coast of Malta island.

With its bright blue water, on a bright summer’s day, Gnejna Bay is the perfect setting for a beach outing. What makes Gnejna Bay so unique is its rocky limestones and green surroundings. Unlike other beaches, Gnejna Bay is a multi-faceted beach, and a visit here probably won’t be a simple beach affair.

What can I do at Gnejna Bay?

Apart from relaxing at the beach itself, there’s a small settlement on one side of the beach with your typical Mediterranean architecture. As you look above you, you’ll also see green hills, and Lippija Tower overlooking the golden beach (if you’re daring enough, you can hike up to the tower to catch a breathtaking view). Within the beautiful panorama are islets that you can see far out into the sea.

If you’re interested to learn more about the history of this fascinating beach, you should also look up the Legend of Castello Zammitello, a really fascinating story of how the daughter of a wealthy man was abducted 300 years ago in the area!

There’s usually a few ice cream or snack trucks parked by the beach, as well as rental facilities to rent out umbrellas, sun beds, kayaks and paddle boats.

Up for a more adventurous visit? We’re not encouraging you visit, but the northern tip of the beach is a secluded part of the bay for nudists. It’s technically illegal to go nude here, but seems to be a bit of a ‘let’s turn a blind eye to this’ situation with authorities!

How do I get to Gnejna Bay?

By Car

Consistent with our advice about getting around in Malta, we firmly believe that driving is the best way to get around the island. Yes, Malta’s public transportation is very good for global standards, but driving really does save you so much time.

If you’re driving, all roads will lead to Triq il-Gnejna. From Sliema, the journey will take around 30 minutes. From the capital city of Valetta, it will take around 35 minutes. Depending on where you’re coming from, the drive might be a little twisty and turny, as chances are you’re going to pass a windy street going down the Gnejna Valley.

Parking is easy as there is a large designated parking section that is rarely full.

We usually rent from Europcar and haven’t encountered any problems yet.

By Bus

It’s entirely possible to get to Gnejna Bay by bus, but it is considerably more time consuming. From Sliema, it’ll take about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and from Valetta, it’ll take about 1 hour and 15 minutes. This is probably because you’ll have to walk for a large portion of your journey, possibly for over 25 minutes.

Decided on taking the bus? You’re looking for bus numbers 225, 101 or 44.

Is there anything else I should know about Gnejna Bay?

Gnejna Bay was probably our favourite beach to visit in Malta. Even though it’s a bit unheralded and not many people really talk about it, we loved it because it was so secluded. We were literally the only visitors to this glorious beach for 2 hours.

I don’t know about you – but I love having my own space, and better yet- having a whole beach to myself!

One thing about this beach, though, is that it can get extremely windy. We would recommend bringing a windbreaker just in case!

Other places to see

Visiting Gozo Island on your trip to Malta? Check out our other posts on the alluring Tal Mixta Cave and impressive Ta’ Pinu Shrine!

For a different type of beach, visit Tigne Point in Sliema for an amazing sunset! Read all about our experience here.

 Relaxing at Gnejna Bay was so much fun! Are you planning to visit?

Have any questions for us? Let us know in the comments below!