Fomm ir-Riħ, Natural bay on the western coast of Malta
Vertical limestone cliffs drop nearly 820 feet (250 meters) to a narrow pebble shore where Mediterranean waters remain clear for swimming despite occasional strong surface currents during windy conditions.
The Knights of Malta erected Blat Mogħża Tower on the clifftop during the 1650s as part of their coastal defense network, but the structure collapsed sometime in the 1700s and was never rebuilt.
Local fishermen have historically used the bay as a seasonal anchorage, though its challenging access and wind exposure have prevented permanent settlement or commercial development in the area.
Reaching the shore requires a steep descent of roughly twenty minutes along a rocky path with no handrails or shade, so visitors should wear sturdy footwear and carry sufficient water for the return climb.
Prehistoric cart ruts carved into the limestone at nearby Ras il-Pellegrin headland run straight off the cliff edge, suggesting either significant coastal erosion or ancient quarrying activities whose purpose remains debated among archaeologists.
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