Quick answer, is Imġiebaħ Bay worth visiting?
Yes, if you want a quiet, natural cove and you are happy with a rough last bit of road and a steep footpath. No, if you want facilities, an easy bus-and-beach day or lifeguards.
What the answer depends on
Wind and swell matter here because the bay is open to NE. It is best when the wind is from SE, S, SW, W and worth skipping when seas are up or onshore, so avoid in NW, N, NE, E. On such days the water can be a bit choppy. On calm days it is a lovely swim with space to spread out, but it is still an unserviced spot, so plan for a self-sufficient visit.
Details
Imġiebaħ sits below Selmun and feels untouched. It is undeveloped; patch of sand and flat limestone rocks and partly sandy, so pick your patch depending on the tide line. There are no kiosks, no toilets and no lifeguards. It is dog friendly, and while bbq allowed and camping allowed, keep it low key and leave no trace. Bring food, water, shade and treat this as a wild beach day rather than a resort stop.
How to get there
There is no bus. You need to drive or arrive on foot from the Selmun side. From the Selmun ridge the approach drops to the coast, and the last stretch is single-track with few passing places. Take it slow, yield early and be ready to back up for oncoming cars.
Route from Mellieħa
From Mellieħa head towards Selmun, then follow the road past Selmun chapel and keep descending towards the coast. Do not be tempted by every dirt spur, stick to the most used track and avoid parking on blind bends or in field entrances.
Access notes
Even if you get the car most of the way, the path includes a trek down cliff face. Wear proper shoes for the path, not flip flops. Many people park higher up and finish with a ~500 m walk, which is easier on the suspension and less stressful in two-way traffic on the lane.
Where to park
Right above the cove there is a small bumpy area just above beach that fits a handful of cars if you arrive early and the track is in fair shape. Failing that, there are a few informal spaces at top of hill where you can leave the car and walk down. In all cases, leave room for farm access and for others to pass.
Where to eat nearby (kiosk/refreshments)
There are no kiosks, so come stocked. If you want coffee, lunch or a toilet break afterwards, head back to Mellieħa or down to mellieha bay where you will find options on the seafront.
What else is nearby
For another wild-feeling north coast walk and swim, fomm ir rih has the same unbuilt character, though with a tougher path. If you prefer an easy-access beach with facilities, try golden bay ghajn tuffieha. Families might mix this with a photo stop at popeye village viewpoint above anchor bay, or a nature pause at ghadira nature reserve. Strong swimmers and divers should look at cirkewwa diving; for another sandy option drive round to armier bay or paradise bay.
What to bring and what shoes to wear
Bring food, water, shade. Wear proper shoes for the path, and pack a bag you can carry hands-free for the scramble. A small first-aid kit and extra water are smart in summer, and a headtorch helps if you plan to linger for sunset.
Last checked: 23 October 2026. Prices, opening hours and timetables change, verify anything time-sensitive before you travel. Photo: Fiszi37, CC0.
