Għajn Tuffieħa
The reddish-sand bay below the north-west cliffs, Malta's surf beach.
Għajn Tuffieħa is a bay of reddish sand surrounded by clay cliffs on the north-west coast. Open to the majjistral, it's the island's most consistent spot and where the schools are based.
Together with neighbouring Golden Bay, it has waves for all levels when the wind swings east.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | All levels |
| Best swell | NW, W |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, SE, NE |
| Tide | No noticeable tide |
| Size | 0.5–2 m |
| Best season | October to April |
| Crowd | Medium |
| Localism | Low |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A funboard or longboard on small days; a shortboard or fish with more swell. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Għajn Tuffieħa
The water is around 15 °C in winter and 26 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
The autumn-to-spring suit for water at 12–16 °C.
View on AmazonFor water from 17 °C.
View on AmazonThe safest, easiest board to learn on here.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonThe classic fish fins: speed in soft waves.
View on AmazonHold and smooth turns for a single fin.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
Friendly vibe; a small local community.
Surfing style
Beach break.
Hazards
Currents in big swell and a long staircase down.
Map
Other spots nearby
Mġarr (Malta)
A quiet bay with fishermen's huts, south of Għajn Tuffieħa.
Sliema (Malta)
A flat reef in front of Sliema's promenade that works with the gregale.
Xagħra (Gozo)
Gozo's red-sand beach, open to north and north-east swell.
Marsaskala (Malta)
A bay on the south-east coast with reefs that catch easterly swell.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.