Ċirkewwa Malta — The Complete Local Guide 2026

Almost every great Malta sea adventure starts here.

Ċirkewwa sits at the northernmost tip of Malta — a small harbour at the very end of the road, part of the Mellieħa locality, just 5 minutes from Mellieħa town. There is no supermarket, no nightlife, and no town to speak of. However, Ċirkewwa is the single most important departure point on the entire island.

The Gozo ferry leaves from here. The Comino ferry leaves from here. Private boat tours, self-drive boat rentals, and jet ski safaris to the Blue Lagoon all depart from this same quiet harbour. Furthermore, directly beside the harbour sits one of north Malta’s most beautiful and least-crowded beach areas — Paradise Bay — with a small sheltered cove on the north side and a wide, stunning sandy beach on the south side.

And below the surface, Ċirkewwa is one of the finest scuba diving sites in the entire Mediterranean — home to two deliberately scuttled wrecks, a natural limestone arch at 27 metres, an underwater Virgin Mary statue, and a gnome garden laid out on the seabed that divers discover to their genuine surprise.

This guide covers everything — the ferries and how to check the queue live before you leave, all the boat tours and what each one covers, the diving in detail, Paradise Bay’s two very different beach experiences, how to get here from Mellieħa and from across Malta, and the webcams that show you the water and weather in real time.

Written by the team at I Malta Boat Trips — based at Ċirkewwa and on this water every single day.

Ċirkewwa Malta — Quick Facts 2026

The Name — Why Ċirkewwa Means “Circle”

The name Ċirkewwa comes from the Maltese word ċirka — meaning “circle.” It was given because of the harbour’s distinctive geography — a small peninsula that curves outward into the Mediterranean Sea, creating a naturally sheltered circular harbour shape. The name is a description of the land itself, not of any town — because Ċirkewwa has never been a town. It is a point, a departure, a beginning.

Ċirkewwa and Mellieħa — The Connection

Ċirkewwa is administratively part of the Mellieħa local council area — the same council that covers Mellieħa town, Mellieħa Bay (Għadira Bay), Armier Bay, and Paradise Bay.

From Mellieħa town, Ċirkewwa is just 5 minutes by bus or car — making it genuinely accessible from the town centre, from the beach, and from the major hotels in the area.

The closest hotels to Ċirkewwa:

Luna Holiday Complex — one of the finest family holiday resorts in north Malta, situated in the Mellieħa area just minutes from Ċirkewwa. Guests at Luna can reach the harbour by bus or taxi in under 5 minutes — making it one of the best-positioned hotels in Malta for Blue Lagoon and Comino boat tours. Furthermore, the proximity to Ċirkewwa means guests can check ferry departure times and boat tour availability without committing to a long journey.

DB Sea Bank Hotel — a beautifully positioned resort hotel overlooking the Mellieħa Bay area with views toward Comino and Gozo. DB Sea Bank guests are similarly just minutes from Ċirkewwa by bus or taxi — ideal for early morning private boat tour departures. The combination of a quality beachside hotel with immediate access to the finest boat tour departure point in Malta makes this one of the best-located hotels on the island for sea-focused holidays.

For both hotels — and for any accommodation in the Mellieħa area — Ċirkewwa is the most practical and rewarding departure point for every water-based experience. Check our complete Mellieħa Bay guide for the full north Malta accommodation and activities picture.

Paradise Bay — Two Beaches in One Location

Directly beside Ċirkewwa, Paradise Bay is one of the most beautiful and least-crowded beach areas in north Malta — and it has two completely distinct beach experiences within a few minutes of each other.

The North Cove — Small, Sheltered, and Extraordinary

On the north side of the Paradise Bay area — tucked directly beside the Ċirkewwa harbour approach — is a small rocky cove with extraordinarily clear water. Sheltered from the dominant winds by the Ċirkewwa peninsula itself, this small cove is consistently calmer than the main bays further south.

The water here is some of the clearest available from shore in north Malta — the same channel clarity that makes the Comino crossing so vivid is immediately apparent from the cove. It is the ideal spot for a morning swim before a 09:30 boat tour departure. The cove is genuinely quiet even in peak season — most visitors drive straight past it to the main southern beach without noticing it exists.

The South Beach — Wide, Beautiful, and Genuinely Special

On the south side, the main Paradise Bay sandy beach is one of the finest beaches in north Malta. Wide, golden sand in a sheltered west-facing setting — with one of the most beautiful beach views available anywhere in the Mellieħa area. The Comino channel is directly ahead, Gozo visible on the horizon to the right, and the Ċirkewwa peninsula sheltering the bay from the north.

A beach bar and sunbed operators work the main beach throughout summer. The sheltered position means the water is consistently calmer here than at the larger north-facing Mellieħa Bay. Furthermore, the west-facing orientation means Paradise Bay catches the afternoon and evening sun in a way that the north-facing beaches do not — making it excellent for late afternoon swimming and sunset views.

Paradise Bay is 2 minutes by foot from the Ċirkewwa Cafe — our meeting point for all I Malta Boat Trips departures. Consequently, guests arriving early for a morning tour can spend 30 to 45 minutes at the beach before their skipper meets them at the harbour.

💡 Local Tip: The north cove at Paradise Bay is best in the early morning before the sun moves fully overhead — the light on the water between 07:00 and 09:00 is extraordinary. The south beach is best from 14:00 onward when the sun swings west and the bay catches the full afternoon warmth.

How to Get to Ċirkewwa Malta

By Bus — Direct from Valletta and Mellieħa

Bus routes 41 and 42 are the only public buses in Malta that go all the way to Ċirkewwa without requiring a change. They run from Valletta through Mellieħa and continue to the ferry terminal.

From Mellieħa town: Just 5 minutes on routes 41 or 42 — the most convenient bus connection on the island for Ċirkewwa. Furthermore, these buses stop directly outside the Luna Holiday Complex and near the DB Sea Bank Hotel area on the Mellieħa route — meaning hotel guests can reach Ċirkewwa without a taxi.

From Mellieħa Bay (Għadira Bay): Routes 41 and 42 also serve Mellieħa Bay — approximately 5 to 8 minutes to Ċirkewwa. The bus stop is directly in front of the beach.

Full route information:

Single bus ticket: €2.50 — valid for 2 hours on any bus 7-day Tallinja card: €21 — unlimited travel across Malta

💡 Important: In summer, buses to Ċirkewwa fill quickly on weekend mornings. If you have a specific departure time for a private boat tour, Bolt or taxi is the more reliable option — particularly for 09:00 to 10:00 departures when the morning rush for Comino is at its peak.

By Car

Follow the signs to Gozo from anywhere on the island — the road takes you directly to Ċirkewwa without any further navigation needed. Gozo signs are clear throughout Malta and route you north from wherever you are.

Distances and journey times:

Parking is available at the ferry terminal. The car park fills quickly in summer — arrive before 09:00 on peak summer weekends. During school holiday season, Saturday and Sunday mornings see the highest pressure on parking. Overflow parking along the approach road is available and the walk to the harbour is short.

By Bolt or Taxi

Bolt operates across Malta — price shown upfront before confirming. Traditional taxis cost significantly more — always agree the price before getting in.

Approximate Bolt prices to Ċirkewwa:

For Bolt and Uber: Type “Cirkewwa Cave” into the app — this brings you directly to the correct location at the harbour, next to the Ċirkewwa Cafe where our skippers meet guests.

The Gozo Channel Ferry — Everything You Need to Know

The Gozo Channel Ferry is the heartbeat of Ċirkewwa. It runs continuously — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — between Ċirkewwa and Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. The crossing takes approximately 25 minutes and on a clear day, Comino is visible in the channel throughout the journey.

Foot passengers board without advance booking and pay on arrival. Car crossings operate on a queue basis — the queue builds quickly in peak season on weekend mornings and particularly on Sunday evenings as families return from Gozo to Malta.

Before driving to Ċirkewwa — check the queue live:

• Ċirkewwa Ferry Queue Webcam: www.skylinewebcams.com/webcam/malta/malta/cirkewwa.html — live camera showing the current queue and weather
• Gozo Channel Official Site: www.gozochannel.com — timetables, fares, and live service updates

Fares (approximate):

• Foot passenger: approximately €5 to €7 one way
• Car and driver: approximately €15 to €18 one way
• Return is free from Gozo to Malta for Gozo residents — others pay both ways

💡 Local Tip: Sunday evening return crossings from Gozo to Malta in July and August can have queues of over an hour for cars. Check the webcam before leaving Gozo. Wednesday and Thursday are consistently the quietest crossing days.

For our complete Mġarr Harbour Gozo guide — including Gleneagles Bar, the best restaurants, Fort Chambray, and the Lourdes Chapel — read here.

Ċirkewwa Live Cameras — Check Before You Go

Two webcams cover Ċirkewwa and are genuinely useful:

Ferry queue and weather: www.skylinewebcams.com/webcam/malta/malta/cirkewwa.html — shows the current ferry queue and current weather conditions at the harbour in real time.

Ċirkewwa Marine Park underwater cameras: cirkewwamarinepark.mt/cameras — live underwater footage from the marine park itself. Watch the fish, check visibility, and see the current conditions at the dive site before you arrive. One of the most extraordinary live webcam experiences available anywhere in Malta.

Diving at Ċirkewwa — One of the Mediterranean’s Finest Sites

Below the surface, Ċirkewwa is extraordinary — consistently rated as one of the finest scuba diving locations in the entire Mediterranean. The variety of underwater environments within a single site is exceptional, and the visibility on good days reaches 30 metres.

Susie’s Pool — The Entry Point

Every dive at Ċirkewwa begins at Susie’s Pool — a sheltered, shallow alcove with easy shore entry. The water is crystal clear, with sunlight beams bouncing off the limestone and hundreds of silvery fish visible immediately from the surface. Suitable for every level from first-time diver to advanced.

The Ċirkewwa Reef — 0 to 30 Metres

From Susie’s Pool, the reef opens out and hugs the coastline from surface level down to 30 metres — genuinely suitable for every certification level. The marine life throughout the reef is outstanding:

• Cuttlefish — particularly in spring, changing colour in real time
• Parrotfish — vivid, distinctive, present year-round
• Nudibranch — tiny, extraordinarily coloured sea slugs that macro photographers travel specifically to photograph
• Moray eel — reliably in the deeper rocky sections
• Octopus — in the crevices throughout
• Egg-fried jellyfish — the distinctive fried-egg shaped Mediterranean jellyfish
• Multiple swim-throughs — natural tunnels through the limestone that reward exploration

The Ċirkewwa Arch — The Headline Feature

The main attraction is the natural limestone arch — the remains of a collapsed cavern at 27 metres depth that left behind a dramatically beautiful archway. This is the image that defines Ċirkewwa diving — the reason the site appears on every list of Malta’s finest underwater locations.

The arch frames the blue water beyond it in a composition that stops every diver who sees it for the first time. On good visibility days, the view through the arch to the open water is genuinely extraordinary.

The Virgin Mary Statue and the Gnome Garden

At a specific point on the reef, a statue of the Virgin Mary sits in a natural cavern — placed there by the Amphibians Diving Club. Furthermore, on the sandy seabed nearby, a gnome garden has been arranged by the diving community — a collection of small gnome figurines laid out for divers to discover. Both reward divers who know where to look.

The MV Rozi — Tugboat Wreck (1992)

The MV Rozi was deliberately sunk in 1992 as an artificial reef. Now encrusted in marine growth and colonised by dense resident fish populations, the Rozi sits at approximately 36 metres at its deepest point. The wheelhouse, deck fittings, and hull are all explorable. Marine life density around the wreck is significantly higher than the open reef sections.

The P29 — Patrol Boat Wreck (2007)

The P29 patrol boat was deliberately sunk in 2007 — a more recent wreck with intact military structure. Shallower than the Rozi and more accessible to recreational divers, the P29 retains all its military detail — fittings, hatches, deck equipment — in excellent condition. The two wrecks together make Ċirkewwa one of the finest multi-wreck dive sites in the Mediterranean.

The Ċirkewwa Hole — Wied Musa Natural Pool

Lesser-known and genuinely special — the Ċirkewwa Hole (also known as Wied Musa Natural Pool) is a rocky natural pool near the ferry terminal. Calm, secluded swimming in conditions significantly more sheltered than the open harbour. Known to locals and completely missed by most visitors.

Boat Tours from Ċirkewwa — Complete Options

Private Boat Tours with Skipper — I Malta Boat Trips

I Malta Boat Trips is based at Ċirkewwa — meeting point next to the Ċirkewwa Cafe. Every tour is completely private — your group only, with an experienced skipper.

What is included on every tour:

• Fully private — your group only, no strangers
• Experienced skipper
• Snorkelling gear — mask, fins, and float
• Freshwater shower on board
• Cool box with ice
• Shade canopy
• Cushioned seating
• Bluetooth music
• Life jackets for adults and children
• Fully tailored itinerary

Additional fees: €34 fuel + €34 skipper fee = €68 cash payable directly to your skipper at the end of the tour.

For the complete private boat tour guide with all options and detailed descriptions, read our full private boat tour Malta guide.

Self-Drive Boat Rental — No Licence Required

Complete independence — collect your boat at Ċirkewwa, receive a full safety briefing, and spend your day exploring wherever you choose. The Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto, the sea caves, and the Gozo coastline — all at your own pace, on your own schedule.

• Half-Day Self-Drive (3 hours)
• Full-Day Self-Drive (6 hours)

Jet Ski Safaris and Rentals

Malta Jet Ski Rental operates from the Ċirkewwa floating platform. No licence required. The 2-hour guided safari covers the full Comino coastline at speed — Blue Lagoon, sea caves, Crystal Lagoon, and Elephant Rock.

• 2-Hour Comino Safari ⭐
• 40-Minute Rental

The Comino Ferry — Summer Public Service

The public Comino ferry runs in summer from Ċirkewwa to the Blue Lagoon beach — approximately €15 return. Fixed schedule, shared with hundreds of other passengers, shore access only. Does not cover the sea caves, Crystal Lagoon, or Cominotto island.

For the complete honest comparison between the ferry and a private boat tour, read our Comino private boat tour guide.

Why Ċirkewwa is the Best Departure Point for the Blue Lagoon

Ċirkewwa is the closest point on Malta to Comino and the Blue Lagoon — just 10 to 15 minutes by private boat. No other departure point on the island is closer.

Consequently, guests departing from Ċirkewwa spend more time in turquoise water and less time in transit. Every minute saved in transit is a minute more at the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, or inside the sea caves.

Furthermore, for guests staying in the Mellieħa area — at Mellieħa Bay, Luna Holiday Complex, DB Sea Bank Hotel, or any other Mellieħa accommodation — Ċirkewwa is just 5 minutes away. The combination of a quality Mellieħa base with immediate access to the finest boat tour departure point in Malta is genuinely unbeatable.

For the complete Blue Lagoon guide including the access pass, what to see, and the best departure times, read here.

Meeting Point — I Malta Boat Trips

Meeting point: Next to the Ċirkewwa Cafe at Ċirkewwa port.

If travelling by Bolt or Uber, type “Cirkewwa Cave” into the app.

Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled departure.

For last-minute bookings within 24 hours — please call us directly after booking to confirm receipt.

Best Time to Visit Ċirkewwa

For boat tours: Depart at 09:00 to 09:30 for the finest Blue Lagoon conditions — before the ferry crowds arrive and while the sea is at its calmest. The Santa Marija caves on Comino are best in morning light.

For diving: April to October for best visibility and warmest water. October and November are particularly outstanding — tourist traffic gone, visibility at its annual peak, marine life still fully active.

For the Gozo ferry: Weekday crossings significantly less busy than weekends. Avoid Sunday evening returns in July and August.

Best overall months: May, June, September, October — warm water, lower crowds, excellent conditions for everything.

Comparison — Private Boat Tour vs Ferry vs Group Tour from Ċirkewwa

Frequently Asked Questions — Ċirkewwa Malta

Where is Ċirkewwa Malta?

Ċirkewwa is at the northernmost tip of Malta — part of the Mellieħa local council area, approximately 5 minutes by bus or car from Mellieħa town. It is 45 minutes by car from Valletta and sits at the end of the road that follows the signs to Gozo.

How do I get to Ċirkewwa Malta by bus?

Bus routes 41 and 42 run directly from Valletta to Ċirkewwa. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. From Mellieħa town — including from Luna Holiday Complex and DB Sea Bank Hotel — it is just 5 minutes on the same routes. A single ticket costs €2.50.

How do I get to Ċirkewwa by taxi or Bolt?

Type “Cirkewwa Cave” into Bolt or Uber — this brings you directly to the harbour and our meeting point. From Mellieħa town, approximately €4 to €7 by Bolt. From Valletta, approximately €15 to €22.

How often does the Gozo ferry run from Ċirkewwa?

The Gozo Channel Ferry runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No advance booking for foot passengers. Check the live queue at skylinewebcams.com before driving in summer.

What boat tours leave from Ċirkewwa?

I Malta Boat Trips operates private boat tours from 1.5 hours to 8 hours, self-drive rentals (no licence required), and jet ski safaris. All tours cover the Blue Lagoon, Comino, sea caves, Crystal Lagoon, and Cominotto. See all options here.

What are the beaches near Ċirkewwa?

Paradise Bay — directly beside Ċirkewwa — has two distinct beach experiences. A small sheltered north cove with extraordinarily clear water, and a wide, beautiful sandy beach on the south side with sunbeds, a beach bar, and outstanding views toward Comino and Gozo. Both are within 2 minutes on foot from the Ċirkewwa Cafe.

Is Ċirkewwa good for diving?

Yes — one of the finest dive sites in Malta. The Ċirkewwa Reef has a natural arch at 27 metres, multiple swim-throughs, a Virgin Mary statue, and a gnome garden. The MV Rozi (sunk 1992) and P29 patrol boat (sunk 2007) are both dived from here. Visibility reaches 30 metres. See live underwater cameras at cirkewwamarinepark.mt/cameras.

How far is the Blue Lagoon from Ċirkewwa?

10 to 15 minutes by private boat — the closest departure point in Malta. The 3-hour private tour covers the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, all sea caves, and Cominotto island. Book here.

What hotels are close to Ċirkewwa?

Luna Holiday Complex and DB Sea Bank Hotel in the Mellieħa area are both within 5 minutes by bus or car. The whole Mellieħa area — including all hotels on or near Mellieħa Bay — is just 5 to 8 minutes from Ċirkewwa.

Do I need a licence for the self-drive boat rental at Ċirkewwa?

No. I Malta Boat Trips self-drive rentals require no licence. A full safety briefing is provided before departure. Half-day here or full day here.

Further Reading — More Local Malta Guides

• Blue Lagoon Malta — Complete Guide
• Comino Private Boat Tour — Complete Guide
• Private Boat Tour Malta — Complete Guide
• Mellieħa Bay Malta — Complete Guide
• Mġarr Harbour Gozo — Complete Guide
• Best Beaches Gozo Malta — Complete Guide
• Armier Bay Malta — Complete Guide
• Cominotto Island — Malta’s Best Kept Secret
• Valletta Cruise Port Malta — Shore Excursion Guide
• 5 Days in Malta Itinerary
• 3 Days in Malta Itinerary
• Golden Bay Malta — Complete Guide

Book Your Ċirkewwa Boat Experience

Private Boat Tours with Skipper:

• 1.5-Hour Tour — From €149
• 2-Hour Tour — €199
• 3-Hour Tour — €289 ⭐ Most Popular
• 4-Hour Tour — €369
• 6-Hour Tour — €519
• 8-Hour Full Gozo Circuit
• Sunset Tour — €289
• 5-Hour Cruise Excursion

Self-Drive — No Licence Required:

• Half-Day (3 hours)
• Full-Day (6 hours)

Jet Ski:

• 2-Hour Comino Safari
• 40-Minute Rental

👉 See all tours here. | Contact us here.