Playa de Imgiebaħ Bay (Selmun)

Introduction

If there's one spot in Malta that has stolen our hearts with its untouched beauty and peaceful atmosphere, it's undoubtedly Playa de Imgiebaħ Bay (Selmun). Forget the crowds of the more famous beaches; here, time seems to stand still. Nestled on the island's northeast coast, near the historic Selmun Palace, this small cove is a true hidden treasure, waiting to be discovered by travelers yearning for a more authentic and serene beach experience. We dare say it's one of those places that, once you know it, you want to keep it a secret to preserve its magic.

Our first visit to Imgiebaħ Bay was a revelation. After a short but rewarding descent down a path, we were met with a breathtaking landscape: golden sand bathed by waters so transparent we could see the bottom with total clarity, all flanked by steep cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation. This isn't your typical Mellieħa beach with all amenities at hand, but rather an invitation to disconnect, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the simplicity of a day of sun and sea. It's the perfect place for those looking to get away from the bustle of tourist areas and immerse themselves in the true essence of Malta's most pristine beaches Malta.

How to Get to Playa de Imgiebaħ Bay (Selmun)

Getting to Playa de Imgiebaħ Bay (Selmun) is part of the adventure and what helps maintain its semi-wild character. Don't expect direct car access right to the sand, as this cove requires a small effort that, believe us, is absolutely worth it. We highly recommend renting a car to explore Malta, as it will give you the freedom to reach corners like this that public transport might not easily access.

From Mellieħa, head towards Selmun. Follow the signs to Selmun Palace, an imposing building standing on high ground. Before reaching the palace or in its vicinity, you'll find a rural road or a dirt track descending towards the coast. Sometimes there are informal signs, or you'll simply see cars parked on the side of the road, indicating you're in the right place. Parking is usually informal, along the track or in a small designated space, so please try not to block the way.

Once you've parked, the final stretch on foot begins. It's a descending path, a bit steep in some sections and with uneven terrain, so we advise wearing comfortable and secure footwear, no slippery flip-flops. The walk takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on your pace, and offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean that will already hint at the beauty of the cove. Remember that the return climb will require a bit more energy, but the reward of having enjoyed one of the most special Mellieħa beaches justifies every step. There is no direct public transport to Imgiebaħ, so a car or taxi are the best options to the start of the path.

The Sand and Water

One of the biggest attractions of Playa de Imgiebaħ Bay (Selmun) is, without a doubt, its combination of sand and water. The sand here is a beautiful golden hue, with a fine texture and soft to the touch, making it perfect for spreading out a towel and enjoying a day in the sun. Despite being a relatively small cove, the quality of its sand is exceptional and very pleasant underfoot. It's the kind of sand that invites you to build castles (if you're with children, although the access is somewhat tricky for the little ones) or simply to feel it between your toes while you relax.

As for the water, prepare for an unforgettable experience. The waters of Imgiebaħ Bay are incredibly crystal-clear, with shades ranging from pale turquoise to deep blue. Their transparency is such that, even at several meters deep, you can observe the seabed with great clarity, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling, even for beginners. The waters are usually calm, especially on days without strong wind, making it very safe for swimming. The entry into the sea is gentle and gradual, which is always a plus. The predominant type of bottom is sand, both in and out of the water, although at the ends of the cove and the surrounding areas you may find some rocky formations that add character to the underwater landscape. We love diving into these waters and simply floating, feeling the immensity and natural beauty that surrounds us, a true delight for the senses on the beaches Malta.

Services and Facilities

This is where we must be completely honest and transparent: Playa de Imgiebaħ Bay (Selmun) is a wild cove, and part of its charm lies precisely in the absence of major tourist infrastructure. If you're looking for a beach with chiringuitos, showers, lifeguards, umbrella and sunbed rentals, or public toilets, Imgiebaħ Bay is not your place. We, in fact, see this as an advantage, as it helps preserve its tranquil and natural atmosphere.

The only 'service' we could mention is the informal Parking you'll find at the top of the path. As we've already mentioned, it's an unsupervised space with no official signage, where people park their vehicles before starting the descent on foot. Beyond that, there are no other facilities. This means you must come completely prepared. We strongly recommend bringing everything you might need for your beach day: enough water (lots of water, especially in summer!), some food, sunscreen, an umbrella if you want shade, towels, and of course, a bag to take all your trash with you. The philosophy here is 'leave only footprints,' and it's essential that we all contribute to keeping the pr