Until fairly recently, Bugibba Perched Beach was a rocky stretch that wasn't ideal for sunbathers. However, thanks to the rise in the number of people enjoying their holidays in Malta, all that has changed.
Set in Malta's most popular tourist resort, Bugibba Perched Beach has been given something of a makeover and is now a sun worshipper's heaven. The rocks have been replaced with tons of sand, making it the only sandy beach in the area and a hotspot for both locals and visitors. It's beautifully clean, and in recognition of the clear water, excellent facilities, and overall quality of the beach, it's been given a coveted Blue Flag Award.
Tips for the beach
While there's more than enough sand to go around on Bugibba Perched Beach, it's worth knowing that the seabed isn't quite as bare-foot friendly; there are plenty of rocks below the surface of the water. To make sure you get the best out of your Malta holidays, it's worth packing a pair of water shoes so you can paddle about to your heart's content.
In addition, while the beach is well positioned for calm seas, it's worth sticking to the sandy shore in the unlikely event that it does get rough. The rocks can be slippery and make getting out of the water quickly tricky.
Facilities
The beach has plenty of facilities. You'll find good access for those with mobility issues and there are several parking spaces for disabled drivers. There are public toilets, and you'll find deck chairs and sunloungers for hire from the vans parked close to the entrance. As one of the island's busiest resorts, there is a good selection of bars, cafés, restaurants, and pubs.
If you want to buy a memento of your holidays to Bugibba, or send a postcard to family back home then there are some souvenir shops tucked between the eateries. To keep you refuelled while you top up your tan, the beach has its own kiosk where you can buy cold drinks, ice creams for the kids, and snacks.
Watersports and cruises
As the beach's name suggests, Bugibba Perched Beach is raised above sea level, giving you spectacular views across the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and towards St Paul's Island. The wooden jetties are the best way to get into the water for snorkelling and swimming. If you want to add a burst of adrenaline to your downtime, there's a good choice of watersports to choose from.
If scuba-diving and waterskiing aren't your thing, there's always the opportunity to hire a boat and go for a cruise around the coast. It's also worth knowing that the beach is watched over by lifeguards who are on duty all day, every day, during the peak seasons.
Nearby attractions
If you can tear yourself away from the sand, you can enjoy a quiet drink in the nearby Bugibba Square. However, if you're taking a break with the whole family and need to find some entertainment to keep the little ones happy, you'll find that Bugibba Perched Beach is close to some family-friendly attractions. The spectacular Malta National Aquarium is less than a 10-minute drive away or, if you want to enjoy the scenery it's walkable in around half an hour. Bugibba Waterpark is only a 15-minute walk from the beach and offers plenty of thrills and spills for children of all ages. The rides are colour-coded, so you'll know at a glance which ones are suitable for your kids.
Alternatively, wait until the late afternoon and take a stroll along the promenade. Find a bar, grab a drink, and watch the sun slip over the horizon. Anyone who's taken their holidays to Malta will tell you just how beautiful the sunsets are on this pretty little island, and the promenade on Bugibba Perched Beach is one of the best places to catch the best views as the sun sinks in the west.
More Things To Do ideas
Find more Things To Do in Bugibba: Bugibba Promenade | Bugibba Square | Bugibba Water Park | St Paul's Island