Most people visit Valletta for its story and baroque architecture, but whilst it’s true that the city presents history buffs with an unaltered experience, there’s a little secret about swimming in Valletta that very few tourist books will tell you about… in fact most locals would also be unwilling to part with this very well kept secret.
Swimming in Valletta
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500m away from the sea
Whilst most European cities are miles and miles away from the seashore, Valletta isn’t. In fact The Valletta G-House, is situated half a kilometre away from the harbour. All you need to do is to walk down to the Mediterranean Conference Centre which is a stone throw away from the house and, just opposite you’ll see the Malta Experience Theatre. Head to it and next door you’ll see a narrow staircase that leads down to a hidden paradise.
Hidden passages leading to the sea
Walk down this stairway and it will lead you to a host of boathouses and then straight to the beautiful sea. Keep walking north along the coast if the Grand Harbour and at one point you’ll find a cluster of hidden swimming holes and secret tunnels that connect Fort St Elmo to the sea.
Now don’t be fooled – this area is not marked as an official swimmer’s zone but if the turquoise crystal clear water is not enough to convince you to take the plunge, just take it from us that it is safe to swim here.
The greatest thing about swimming in Valletta is, that unlike Sliema and other seaside towns, the Valletta seashore is still unspoiled. There are no huge swimming resorts and no rental deckchair areas; all you’ll need is a beach towel to place on the flat limestone natural formations, a pair of flip-flops, sunscreen and, a good book.
Perfect for diving
And if you’re looking for a diving experience – look no further. The wreck of the HMS Maori is also situated right here in Valletta’s Marsamxett Harbour – just below Fort St. Elmo. This WW2 destroyer is probably Malta’s most famous historical wreck. The hull lies upright on the sand at around 17m and the port side is about 13m deep. Since the ship was broken in two after being bombed, a lot of light comes in through its missing sides, making it marvellous to navigate in.
After a day of swimming, sunbathing, relaxing, snorkelling and perhaps diving, head back to The Valletta G-House for a shower and back out for a bite to eat at the many restaurants and eateries around the house.
And after such an eventful sun-kissed day, get ready for the best good night sleep you’ve ever had in the Valletta G-House’s king sized-bed.
More photos of Valletta’s secret bays and sun spots
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