A natural rock pool carved by the sea and wind into smooth limestone on the Delimara peninsula, reached on foot from Marsaxlokk in about 30 minutes.
St Peter's Pool is a natural rock swimming spot on the Delimara peninsula in the south-east of Malta, close to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk. It is not a sandy beach. The sea has worn the limestone into smooth, pale ledges and a deep, sheltered pool, and visitors enter the water from flat rock shelves or by stepping down from the ledges. The water is typically very clear and a vivid blue-green over the pale rock, which makes it popular with swimmers and casual snorkellers in summer. The site is exposed rather than enclosed: it is a short stretch of open coastline, and the sea can become choppy when the wind blows in from the east or south, at which point swimming is less comfortable and the ledges can be wet and slippery. There is no organised beach infrastructure. The site has no cafes, shops, sun loungers, lifeguards or formal parking, so visitors need to bring water, food, sun protection and sturdy footwear. The atmosphere is informal and relaxed, with sunbathers spreading out on the flat limestone and swimmers jumping or lowering themselves into the pool. It suits adults and confident swimmers better than very young children, because there is no gently shelving sandy entry and the rock edge can be sharp or uneven. Access is part of the experience. From Marsaxlokk it is roughly a 30-minute walk along the Delimara peninsula, a route that passes the coastline and gives views over the bay. Malta Public Transport routes 81 and 85 serve Marsaxlokk from Valletta, with a single fare of EUR 2.00 in winter and EUR 2.50 in summer, valid for two hours with free transfers. The pool lies about 2 km south-east of the village in a straight line. Because the walk and the lack of facilities limit crowds, the area can feel quiet outside peak summer weekends, but the shade is minimal and midday heat in July and August can be intense. The best swimming season runs from June to September, when the sea is warmest. Visitors who combine the walk with a stop in Marsaxlokk can eat fresh fish at the harbourfront restaurants before or after the swim, since nothing is available at the pool itself.
| Distance | About 2 km south-east of Marsaxlokk village in a straight line |
|---|---|
| Getting there | On foot from Marsaxlokk in about 30 minutes; Malta Public Transport routes 81 and 85 serve Marsaxlokk from Valletta, EUR 2.00 (USD 2.30) single in winter, EUR 2.50 (USD 2.88) in summer, valid for 2 hours with free transfers |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Best season | June to September |
| Address | St Peter's Pool, Triq Delimara, Marsaxlokk MXK, Malta |
Amenities
- No organised parking, cafes or shops
- Natural rock pool and flat limestone ledges
Good to know
- Best for
- swimmers, sunbathers, snorkellers, photographers
Location
St Peter's Pool, Triq Delimara, Marsaxlokk MXK, Malta
35.8329, 14.5625 View on map
Highlights
- Natural limestone rock pool with clear blue-green water on the Delimara peninsula
- Flat pale rock ledges for sunbathing and easy entry into the sea
- Walk of about 30 minutes from Marsaxlokk along the peninsula coast
- Quiet, undeveloped setting with no loungers, kiosks or crowds of beach furniture
Tips for visiting
- Bring water, food and sun protection, since there are no cafes or shops at the pool
- Wear sturdy shoes or reef shoes because the limestone can be sharp and slippery when wet
- Arrive early in July and August to find shade-free ledge space before the midday heat
- Avoid swimming when the wind is strong from the east, as the sea becomes rough
- Eat at the Marsaxlokk harbourfront before or after the walk
When to visit
June to September, ideally in the morning or late afternoon on calm days to avoid the strongest heat and rougher seas.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to St Peter's Pool?
Take Malta Public Transport route 81 or 85 to Marsaxlokk, then walk about 30 minutes along the Delimara peninsula. There is no organised parking at the pool.
Are there facilities at St Peter's Pool?
No. There are no cafes, shops, sun loungers or lifeguards, so visitors bring their own water, food and shade.
Is St Peter's Pool a sandy beach?
No. It is a natural rock pool with smooth limestone ledges, and swimmers enter the water from the rock.
When is the best time to swim at St Peter's Pool?
June to September is the best season, when the sea is warm and calm. Mornings and calm-wind days give the clearest, most comfortable swimming.