Għar Lapsi

What makes it special

Għar Lapsi lies below Siġġiewi, in a small inlet cut into the cliffs of Malta's south-west coast. The water is clear and deep, hemmed in by rock, like a natural swimming pool. The cove sits away from the towns and sees little boat traffic, and the uninhabited island of Filfla shows in the distance.

The name translates as Ascension Cave, and a long cave here runs about 40 metres. Many underwater caves lie in the area, which made the bay popular with scuba divers and snorkellers.

Do not expect the bay to match older photographs. One visitor's account says Storm Harry wrecked the access ramp, the slipway and the fishermen's garages, and part of the cliff gave way.

Local news described works under way in September 2026. The first phase repairs the slipway, adds a new staircase down to the bay and rebuilds a jetty for swimmers.

Visiting

Drive in by following the signs from Siġġiewi to the big car park near the beach. An attendant is sometimes there, and you are expected to tip.

A travel writer who checked in September 2026 found the car park, the playground and the toilet beside it open. One restaurant above the bay was open, and another, by the boats, was destroyed.

Without a car, take the bus via the Blue Grotto to the Bajjada stop and walk the rest. The same writer says there is no stop at the beach and puts buses at about every 60 minutes.

Before the storm you got into the water by ladders, and some rocks were slippery. The way down to the water was steep, which is hard with a pushchair or with mobility problems.

Tips

With a car, this corner of the island is quick to cover. The Blue Grotto, Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra temples, and Dingli Cliffs are all a short drive from each other, and a coast hike links Għar Lapsi to the temples in winter and spring.

Book a taxi ahead, because most taxis work the east side of the island and one may take a long time to arrive. The same account says Għar Lapsi has no lifeguards and no rented sunbeds or umbrellas.