A coastal walk from Marsaxlokk harbour across the Delimara peninsula to the natural rock pool of St Peter's Pool, taking about 30 minutes on foot.
The Marsaxlokk to St Peter's Pool coastal walk crosses the Delimara peninsula in south-eastern Malta, linking the fishing village of Marsaxlokk with a natural rock pool on the peninsula's eastern shore. The route starts at Marsaxlokk Harbour (Marsaxlokk MXK) and takes about 30 minutes one way, covering roughly 2 km in a straight line. Elevation gain is small, and the walk is classed as easy, suitable for first-time walkers.
Access to the start is straightforward. Malta Public Transport routes 81 and 85 run from Valletta to Marsaxlokk, and the day bus from Valletta Bus Terminus costs EUR 2.00 in winter and EUR 2.50 in summer, valid for two hours with free transfers. Marsaxlokk has paid and informal parking near the waterfront, but it fills quickly on Sundays when the fish market is held. No permit is needed.
From the harbour the walk follows the road and tracks towards the Delimara peninsula, passing the bay's moored luzzu boats before crossing into open, rocky terrain. The surface alternates between tarmac, packed earth and bare limestone, and the final approach to the pool is over uneven flat rock. Shade is minimal throughout, and the pool itself has none, so sun exposure is high in summer. The limestone can be slippery when wet, and the rocks around the pool have uneven edges and drop-offs into the water.
St Peter's Pool is a natural swimming place in the limestone, popular with local swimmers and visitors for its clear water and the option of jumping from low rocks. There are no cafes, shops, toilets or lifeguards at the pool, and no shelters, so water, snacks, a hat and swimwear should be carried in. The wider peninsula also has other coves and viewpoints, and walkers can extend the outing by following the shoreline.
The natural turn-around point is the pool itself, giving a return trip of about one hour of walking plus swimming time. In rough weather, strong easterly winds can send waves over the rocks, and swimming should be avoided. A common way to round off the outing is to return to Marsaxlokk for a seafood meal at one of the harbour restaurants.
| Distance | About 2 km in a straight line from the harbour to the pool |
|---|---|
| Duration | About 30 minutes one way |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Trailhead | Bus to Marsaxlokk (routes 81 and 85 from Valletta), then on foot; Malta Public Transport day bus from Valletta Bus Terminus; EUR 2.00 (USD 2.30) single in winter, EUR 2.50 (USD 2.88) in summer, valid for 2 hours with free transfers |
| Best season | October to May |
| Address | Marsaxlokk Harbour, Marsaxlokk MXK, Malta |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Marsaxlokk
What to bring
Water, snack, sun hat and swimwear; there are no cafes or shops at the pool
Location
Marsaxlokk Harbour, Marsaxlokk MXK, Malta
35.8417, 14.5447 View on map
Highlights
- Harbour start among Marsaxlokk's traditional luzzu fishing boats
- Short coastal crossing of the Delimara peninsula in about 30 minutes
- Natural limestone rock pool for swimming at St Peter's Pool
- Seafood meal at the harbour front on return
Tips for visiting
- Bring water, snacks and swimwear; there are no cafes, shops or toilets at the pool.
- Wear shoes with grip, as bare limestone is slippery when wet.
- Avoid swimming in rough seas or strong easterly wind, and take care at rock edges.
- Visit early on summer weekends to find space at the pool.
- Sunday brings the Marsaxlokk fish market, so expect busy parking and crowds.
When to visit
October to May suits the walk, while the pool is most used for swimming from June to September. Early morning avoids both crowds and the strongest heat.
Accessibility
The route is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers in its final stretch, as the approach to the pool crosses uneven rock. The early road section near the harbour is level and paved.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does the walk to St Peter's Pool take?
The walk from Marsaxlokk harbour takes about 30 minutes one way, covering roughly 2 km in a straight line.
Are there facilities at the pool?
No. There are no cafes, shops or toilets at St Peter's Pool, so water and snacks should be carried from Marsaxlokk.
How can a visitor reach Marsaxlokk by bus?
Malta Public Transport routes 81 and 85 run from Valletta to Marsaxlokk. A day bus ticket costs EUR 2.00 in winter and EUR 2.50 in summer.
Is the pool safe for swimming?
In calm weather it is a popular swimming spot, but the rocks are uneven and slippery and there are no lifeguards. Swimming should be avoided in rough seas.