St Thomas Bay, situated in the south-east of Malta, is a large natural inlet typical of the island's southern coastline. It takes its name from a long since demolished church that once stood at this site.
This secluded bay is about a ten minute walk around the headland from Malta's main southern resort of Marsascala, with child-friendly shallow waters, a rocky coastline and small sandy banks. Having not yet fully developed into a tourist area, it enjoys a typical Maltese atmosphere, attracting locals who spend their summer breaks in boathouses and often go snorkelling for the abundant sea urchins - the base of many traditional Mediterranean pasta dishes.
St Thomas Bay is not a typical family beach - instead it offers a somewhat alternative landscape. Adventurous visitors will enjoy a 3km hike across its uneven terrain to the Munxar Cliffs, which can be reached from a pathway at the far end of the bay and offer striking views. Swimming, snorkelling, windsurfing and diving are all possible within the bay, but only for the experienced.
Nearby restaurants are modest but a ‘must' for seafood lovers - St Thomas Bay is a fisherman's cove so fresh fish is available every day. Like its neighbour Marsascala, it is fast growing into a seaside resort with new buildings being constructed all around.
