Marsaskala: Towers, Bay and Nature

Marsaskala combines maritime landscapes with impressive fortification architecture and unique opportunities to observe nature. The promenade, historic towers, bathing spots and the Il-Magħluq wetland each give your stay a different focus.

Towers and history around Marsaskala

One striking testimony to the past is St Thomas Tower. It was built in 1614 as a bastioned watchtower and is one of the six Wignacourt towers built by the Knights of St John. The Corsair and Piracy Museum is also located inside the tower. It is the first museum in Malta devoted entirely to the complex history of corsair activity and piracy in the Mediterranean. A visit to the building can therefore be combined with a deeper exploration of the history of the Mediterranean.

Torri Mamo also makes its own architectural statement. The fortified family stronghold was built by the Mamo family. The building has at least sixteen sides and resembles the shape of the Cross of St Andrew. From the roof of Torri Mamo, it is still possible to see St Thomas Bay. Those interested in historic architectural forms will therefore experience not just a single tower, but can become familiar with different expressions of fortified architecture.

Promenade, beach and bathing spots

The Marsaskala promenade runs around the bay from Zonqor Point to St Thomas Tower. It provides a clear point of reference for anyone wishing to combine their stay with exercise and views across the bay. The route can be planned as a separate part of the day, without limiting the visit to any particular activity.

There are various described options for days by the water. San Thomas Bay is a sandy beach in Marsaskala. Marsaskala Bay also has two bathing spots with concrete platforms on Żonqor Street. Travellers who wish to include different ways of spending time by the water in their plans can consider these places separately: the sandy beach and the established bathing spots represent two different local settings.

Il-Magħluq: an unusual natural area

Another side of Marsaskala can be seen at Il-Magħluq ta’ Marsaskala. The area is one of the two remaining wetlands in southern Malta and is rich in biodiversity. Particularly noteworthy is the considerable population of the Mediterranean killifish, Malta’s national fish. For travellers who want to experience nature alongside the coast and architectural history, this wetland adds a distinctive element to their choice of destination.

Which location suits your plans?

When looking for accommodation in Marsaskala, it is worth considering the daily rhythm you want. Those seeking historical impressions can make St Thomas Tower, the Corsair and Piracy Museum and Torri Mamo the cultural focus of their stay. The promenade is a suitable point of reference for walks. Those who prefer water-based experiences should distinguish between San Thomas Bay and the bathing spots on Żonqor Street. Nature enthusiasts can include Il-Magħluq ta’ Marsaskala as another destination in their travel plans.

For visits to St Thomas Tower, the Grigal bus stop is a two-minute walk away and the Sdieri bus stop is a three-minute walk away. This specific information can be helpful when planning your journey to this historic site. You can find more location pages under Marsaxlokk, Santa Venera, Birżebbuġa, Ghanjsielem, Sliema, Qormi, Zeitun and San Ġwann.

For the higher-level travel overview: Malta.