Past Marsaxlokk the road narrows, the houses give way to open rock, and a parking area appears near the edge of the cliffs. There is no kiosk and no rack of sunbeds. What waits at the bottom is a natural bay of pale rock, a stretch of deep blue water, and a few people who made the effort to get there.
A bay made of rock
St Peter’s Pool is a natural bay on the Delimara peninsula, near Marsaxlokk in the south-east of Malta. The shore is flat stone rather than sand, so the bay works as an open-air bathing platform. Visitors spread towels on the slabs, sit with their feet in the sea, and swim out across the pool.
The panorama is part of the draw. Rock and sea fill the view in every direction, and on a calm day the scene is quiet, apart from voices and the lap of water. It is a place for sunbathing and for looking, not for building sandcastles.
The water and how to use it
The water is very clear, which is why snorkellers and divers love the spot. Fish gather near the rocks, and the underwater view is good even a short distance from the edge. The sea here is rather deep and drops quickly, and it is not recommended for small children. On windy days it becomes dangerous, so look at the waves before you enter and leave if the surface looks unsettled.
One of the most popular things to do is jump from the rocks into the water. Each jumper must judge depth and conditions on the spot, and a mistake can cause injury, so avoid showing off and never jump on your own. Many visitors simply climb down and lower themselves in at a spot that feels comfortable.
What you need to bring
There is no equipment rental here, so bring your own mask, snorkel and fins. Water and food are also your responsibility, because the pool is not a developed beach. Shade is scarce, which makes a hat, sun cream and an umbrella important in summer.
Sturdy shoes make the walk over rough rock easier. Flip-flops are risky on uneven stone, and water shoes are worth packing for the wet ledges. A dry bag for your phone and keys is a good idea, since you will be climbing in and out of the water.
The way in
Getting to the pool takes a little effort. The beach lies among cliffs, and the road leading to it is in poor condition. A small parking area is available, but it fills up, and on summer weekends many drivers park along the road. If you are not a confident driver on rough surfaces, consider a taxi or a tour that stops nearby.
The reward for the difficulty is a quieter bay than the main beaches of the island. It still gets busy in July and August, so early morning is the best time if you want to enjoy the water without a crowd.
Planning a day in the south-east
Marsaxlokk, a short drive away, is the natural stop for lunch, and its harbour is a place to see traditional fishing boats. Delimara Lighthouse is on the same peninsula, and Għar Dalam Cave, one of Malta’s well-known prehistoric sites, is a short drive inland. Together they make a full day without any long transfers.
For a morning swim, arrive before the heat builds and leave when the sun climbs. In the late afternoon, the light softens and the cliffs glow, though the walk back to the car feels longer after a day in the sun. Check the weather before you go: a calm, clear day makes the difference between a pleasant swim and a wasted trip.
Safety and manners
Because there are no lifeguards or facilities at the pool, you are responsible for your own safety. Swim with another person where you can, keep your phone in a waterproof pouch, and tell someone where you are going if you plan to stay for several hours. If the sea is rough, skip the swim and enjoy the view from the top instead.
Take every piece of rubbish with you, including fruit peel and small packaging. The bay has no bins, and wind carries light items into the water. Keep noise reasonable too, since sound travels easily across the rock and the water.
