Last Updated on: 4th April 2024, 11:58 am

St. Peter’s Pool is a secluded natural swimming pool carved into the rocky coastline of Malta, offering a unique and breathtaking experience for visitors.

This hidden gem is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an adventure off the beaten path. It is also the perfect spot to jump into the water from the cliffs without fearing any injuries.

Saint Peter's Pool in Malta in June

Saint Peter’s Pool in June

How to Get from Valletta to St. Peter’s Pool

To reach St. Peter’s Pool from Valletta, the capital city of Malta, you have a few options:

By Car & Walking

Take the Coast Road towards Marsaxlokk, and after about 20 minutes, you’ll reach Delimara Point. Park your car in the designated parking area, and from there, it’s a short walk down to the pool.

By Bus & Walking

Take Bus 238 from Valletta towards Marsaxlokk and get off at the Delimara stop. From there, follow the signs towards St. Peter’s Pool, which is about a 10-minute walk.

By Boat Tour (& Some Walking)

Several boat tours operate from various locations in Malta, including Valletta, offering a unique way to access St. Peter’s Pool from the sea.

There are also many small boat tours starting from the port of Marsaxlokk. They leave you by the pool and come back to pick you up after a few hours.

“By the pool” is a way of saying. In fact, from the boat docking point you need to walk for about 10 minutes to get to the steep decent in the photo below. I think you should expect to walk for about 20 minutes in total to reach the water.

way to st peters pool malta

The path descending to St. Peter’s Pool is dusty and shadow-less

When to Go to Saint Peter’s Pool

The best time to visit St. Peter’s Pool is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

However, keep in mind that the pool can get crowded during peak season, so it’s advisable to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.

I visited St. Peter’s pool once in April and once in June. There’s a staggering difference between the two.

saint peters bay malta

This is St. Peter’s Pool in April – what a difference from June!

In April, I was on a boat tour from Marsaxlokk. We stopped to take photos by all of the bays along the coastline. Swimming wasn’t possible yet, as the water was cold. The drizzle didn’t help too much, either. Nonetheless, the views were spectacular and we enjoyed this boat trip in spite of the chilly weather.

Read my article about Marsaxlokk to learn where to find such boats to hire.

In June, we hired a small boat in the Marsaxlokk harbor.

The guy took all 7 of us to an iron ladder in the middle of a huge stone slab and left us there to walk the rest of the way to St. Peter’s Pool. That’s a 10 minutes’ easy walk followed by a descent that takes another 10 minutes or so.

The biggest challenge is the sun, as there’s no shadow along the way.

The boat guy told us what time we need to be back to the iron ladder where he was going to pick us up to bring us back to Marsaxlokk.

What to Expect

St. Peter’s Pool is a natural wonder that offers a truly unique experience. The pool itself is a deep, crystal-clear basin filled with seawater, surrounded by rugged cliffs and majestic rock formations. The water is relatively calm, making it a perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling.

As you approach the pool, you’ll be greeted by stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding cliffs. The area is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, including seabirds and marine life, making it an excellent spot for nature lovers.

Well, during the peak season there are barely any birds in St. Peter’s Pool. There’s plenty of beautiful fish in the sea, though, so make sure you bring your snorkel.

Things To Know Before You Go

There are a few things you’ll want to know before you embark on this trip. Here they are:

1. There’s no toilet by St. Peter’s Pool.

Bushes are scarce, you can’t rely on them to hide you while you do your thing.

The sea is your best friend when it comes to this. I can’t do that, so you can imagine how I started to suffer by the second part of the day.

 

2. The bar is high up a steep hill.

There’s a bar on top of the hill where you can buy cold drinks. It doesn’t have a toilet for guests, though. As far as I remember, they only accepted Euros cash.

The biggest challenge is the walk from St. Peter’s Pool to the bar, which is a steep ascent on a dusty path with no shadow at all.

If you come by bus or car, you’ll pass the bar on your way down to the water.

If you come by boat, you’ll have to walk all the way up each and every time you want to buy a cold beer.

3. The summer crowds can make it hard to enjoy

There’s no secret I hate crowds. When the rocks are full of people on towels, the sea is full of people floating, and there’s always a risk someone would jump over your head while you snorkel, it’s hard to enjoy the moment.

Nonetheless, the experience is still an extraordinary one. I’m glad I’ve been on this trip to St. Peter’s Pool in June. Swimming in that deep blue sea is simply great and well-worth putting up with crowds.

4. When the sea is rough, you’ll get wet in that boat

The small boats from Marsaxlokk are a fun way to travel to St. Peter’s Pool.

However, when the sea is rough, you’ll surely get wet, as water jumps into the boat all the time. Protect your electronics, wear sunglasses and you’ll be fine.

What to Bring with You on This Trip

To make the most of your visit to St. Peter’s Pool, here are some essential items to bring with you:

– Swimming gear (swimsuit, towel, water shoes)
– Snorkeling equipment (if you plan to explore the underwater world)
– Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
– Plenty of water and snacks
– Camera (to capture the breathtaking scenery)
– Sturdy shoes for the walk down to the pool
– Cash (for refreshments)

St. Peter’s Pool is a true hidden gem in Malta, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for those who venture off the beaten path. With its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and secluded atmosphere, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Maltese islands.

Violeta Matei