Għar id-Dud

Landmark

Landmark · Sliema, Malta 35.9124°N 14.5056°E

Why you should go

Ninety seconds on Għar id-Dud

Best time

Late afternoonMidday heat on the front

Effort

Rocky shoreEntry from the rock

Season

Spring, autumnApr-Jun, Sep to early Nov

What it is

What is Għar id-Dud in Sliema?

Għar id-Dud is the local name for a rocky stretch of Sliema's northern coastline, used for sea swimming. A sea cave in Sliema carries the same name.

The Chalet

What was the Sliema Chalet?

A seaside venue opened in 1926 under a 30-year concession, on public land by Għar id-Dud. It quickly became a popular spot by the sea along the Sliema promenade.

Best time

When is the best time to swim at Għar id-Dud?

April to June and September to early November are the sweet spots for a swim at Għar id-Dud. July and August are hot, with temperatures often above 35°C.

Swim off the rocks on Sliema's northern shore, then dry off on stone smooth enough to sunbathe on. On a calm day the water is clean and deep enough for a proper swim.

What makes it special

Għar id-Dud is what locals call this piece of rocky shore on Sliema's northern side. A sea cave of the same name in Sliema is one of Malta's coastal caves.

There is no sandy beach here, or anywhere close by. Instead, several points along this coast give easy access to the sea, and locals bathe here almost all year round.

From 1926 to 1959 a seaside venue called the Chalet, built on a public site at Għar id-Dud, was so cool that anyone too laid back was asked, "Do you think you are at The Chalet?"

From here the shore runs east past Qui-Si-Sana to Tigné Point, and west past Sliema Point Battery toward Exiles.

Visiting

The bay at Għar id-Dud sits below Sliema Tower Road, next to the stretch named the Chalet. Choose a spot on the rock close to the water and spread your towel there.

One local guide calls this stretch exposed, catching more wind and swell than the sheltered side of Sliema. Check the sea from the promenade before you climb down, especially on a windy day.

Another guide warns that rock entries can be slippery and suggests water shoes for getting in and back out.

Tips

In summer, carry water, sunscreen and a hat, because there is little shade on the promenade above. Keep your towel and bag on the smooth rock above the waterline between swims.

If you swim in the late afternoon, stay on for the sunset at the far end of the promenade walk.