Why Marsaskala Is Malta's Most Underrated Coastal Village
When people talk about the best coastal villages in Malta, Marsaskala does not always get mentioned first, and that is exactly why it feels underrated. Set on the south-eastern coast, Marsaskala grew from a small fishing village into a well-loved seaside town, yet it still feels calmer, more local and more lived-in than many of Malta's more heavily discussed waterfront destinations.
Ix-Xatt ta' Marsaskala
One of the biggest reasons Marsaskala stands out is the Xatt, the waterfront stretch that shapes daily life in the village. The promenade runs around the bay from Żonqor Point to St. Thomas Tower, and that says a lot about the place itself: it is built for walking, pausing, meeting people and taking in the sea rather than rushing through it. In Marsaskala, the seafront is not just scenery, it is part of the village's rhythm.
That is also where Marsaskala's community feeling really comes through. It still feels like a place where people know the area, use it every day and gather by the sea because they genuinely enjoy being there. You feel it in the evening walks, in the steady pace of the promenade and in the way the village seems to revolve around the bay rather than around tourism alone. That local atmosphere is hard to fake, and it is one of the main reasons Marsaskala leaves such a strong impression. For anyone searching for things to do in Marsaskala, the appeal is simple but strong. You can spend time walking the waterfront, stopping for coffee, drinks or something to eat, taking in the bay views and enjoying a more relaxed side of Malta.
Swimming in Marsaskala
One of Marsaskala's biggest strengths is just how varied its swimming spots are. You have so many different options. These are our top swimming spot picks for you to consider:
- Marsaskala Bay
- St. Thomas Bay
- Jerma Bay
- iż-Żonqor Bay
What makes swimming in Marsaskala especially appealing is that it feels naturally built into the village lifestyle. With the promenade stretching around the bay and so much of daily life centred on the waterfront, it is easy to combine a swim with a walk on the Xatt, a relaxed coffee, or an evening by the sea. That is part of what makes Marsaskala feel so underrated: it is not just somewhere with nice water, but somewhere where swimming genuinely feels part of the community's everyday life.
The Historic and Breathtaking St. Thomas Tower
Beyond swimming, Marsaskala has enough character to reward anyone who wants a bit more than just sea and sun. St Thomas Tower, one of Malta's largest historic watchtowers, is located in the area and dates to 1614, adding a real sense of heritage to the village's coastline. It is the kind of landmark that reminds you Marsaskala is not just a summer destination, but a place with its own history, identity and long relationship with the sea.
If you enjoy walks, Marsaskala also works well as a base for seeing more of the south. The Tas-Silġ Walk starts in Marsaskala and ends in Marsaxlokk, with routes that are as interesting both culturally and naturally. That matters because it shows Marsaskala is not only good for sitting by the water. It is also a strong starting point for exploring more of Malta's southern landscape.
Incredible Restaurants & Local Bars
And then there is the food side of it. Marsaskala may not always dominate the conversation about restaurants in Malta, but it quietly offers exactly what most people actually want: good options, sea views and a setting that encourages you to stay out longer than planned. You do not need the loudest or trendiest destination when you have a waterfront village where eating out still feels relaxed and genuinely enjoyable.
Why Marsaskala is Our Top Pick
What makes Marsaskala underrated, in the end, is that it does not try too hard. It has the coast, the promenade, the swims, the food options, the history and the atmosphere. But more importantly, it still feels like a real village. Not just somewhere to visit for an hour, but somewhere to spend time in.
That is why Marsaskala deserves more credit. It captures a version of coastal Malta that many people say they want; scenic, walkable, swimmable, easy-going and full of character, with the Xatt at its heart and a genuine community feeling that still comes through. In a country full of beautiful seaside places, Marsaskala does not shout the loudest, but it may well stay with you the longest.
About Matthew Gollcher
Hi, I'm Matthew, an SEO Specialist and Content Writer at Yellow Pages Malta. I'm passionate about creating meaningful content and exploring AI's creative possibilities. When I'm not working, I enjoy the gym, time with friends, watching series and reading, and playing guitar. I'm always eager to learn and grow both personally and professionally.
