Plizio Visual Lab

St. Thomas Bay

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Weather…

St. Thomas Bay is located in the southeastern part of Malta, near Marsaskala, and is characterized by its shallow waters and distinctive white limestone cliffs. Historically, the bay held significant strategic importance, evidenced by the construction of the St. Thomas Tower in 1614 under Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt. This tower was built to defend the shoreline against maritime incursions, particularly following the lessons of the Great Siege of 1565. Today, the bay is a favored destination for local recreation, offering a mix of small sandy patches and flat rocky plateaus. The bay also provides anchorage for numerous traditional fishing vessels protected from open sea swells. Along the coastline, remnants of ancient salt pans can still be observed, illustrating historical salt production methods. Its shallow nature makes it a well-suited spot for windsurfing and stand-up paddling during the milder months.

Location: Malta
Top sights: Sensi · Legends
Nearby: Għaxaq (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	15	14	15	16	19	23	26	27	25	23	20	16
Rain mm	74	65	51	33	17	11	4	10	63	82	95	82

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

This sheltered bay in Marsaskala provides a safe anchorage for traditional Maltese fishing boats and small yachts, offering a glimpse into the local maritime culture. Its calm and clear waters make it a handy location for kayaking, paddleboarding, and other leisure activities, supporting both the local tourism and fishing sectors of the region.

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Visiting

The bay is publicly accessible from the surrounding shoreline and the paved promenade, allowing visitors to view the colourful fishing boats up close. However, access to the working piers and boat storage areas is typically restricted to authorised personnel for safety reasons.

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Where to view it

The best public viewpoints are along the Marsaskala waterfront promenade and the rocky outcrops at the northern end of the bay, which offer unobstructed views. From these spots, one can observe the comings and goings of fishing boats and leisure craft against the striking backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.

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Local products

Local fishermen typically bring in fresh catch such as sea bass, bream, and octopus, which can be found at nearby fish markets or served in local restaurants. Seasonal specialties include lampuki in autumn and swordfish in summer, reflecting the Mediterranean fishing calendar and providing authentic culinary experiences.

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Active season

The bay is most lively during the summer months from June to September, when both fishing and leisure boating reach their peak activity. Additionally, the fishing season for certain species like lampuki runs from August to November, attracting an increased number of boats and a particularly animated atmosphere around the bay.

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Nearby

Visitors can easily combine a trip to St. Thomas Bay with exploring the nearby town of Marsaskala, known for its traditional Maltese architecture, quaint streets, and seaside eateries. Other nearby attractions include the historic salt pans of Salina, the coastal watchtowers, and scenic walking trails along the coast.