Pretty Bay, Sand beach in Birżebbuġa, Malta
Pretty Bay is a sandy beach on the southern coast of Malta, in the town of Birżebbuġa. A wide promenade runs along the shore, lined with trees, seating areas, cafés, and small restaurants facing the sea.
The beach did not form naturally; sand was brought in from the sea and deposited over what was originally a rocky shoreline. This work turned the bay into a swimmable stretch of coast for the people of Birżebbuġa.
For many locals, Pretty Bay is not a tourist destination but a familiar gathering spot, especially in the evenings. Families set up tables near the water, children use the playground, and the smell of grilled food mixes with the sea air.
The beach sits right next to the center of Birżebbuġa and is easy to reach by bus from Valletta and the airport. Parking is available along the promenade but fills up quickly on weekends and in summer.
Directly across the bay stands the Malta Freeport, one of the largest container ports in the Mediterranean, whose cranes and cargo ships form the backdrop of the beach. In the evening, when the port lights come on, the contrast between the sand and the working harbor creates an unexpected scene.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.