MARSASCALA  is an ancient fishing village (often referred to as M'Scala) with its picturesque bay that lies to the south-east of Malta. The Maltese call the area WIED IL-GHAJN (wid il ajn) and many Maltese families have summer homes there. In the holiday season it is buzzing with activity, much loved by locals and visitors alike. It sprawls at the feet of two hillsides descending from Zabbar and Zejtun. Its long U-shaped coastline and beach, its rocky promontories and its multicoloured fishing vessels give it lots of character. this is enhanced by a big variety of modern leisure facilities, restaurants and bars.  Marsascala Bay  used to extend deep into the valley to a cave with a natural spring of fresh water where old mariners took their water before sailing. This zone used to be a haven for Roman ships during their long period of occupation.

It  is partnered by the next (wider) bay called St Thomas Bay, dominated by the huge St Thomas Fortress built by the Knights of St John. In the time of the Knights, Ottoman and Barbary pirates used to land at M'Scala to take water and/or to seek refuge from the rough seas...usually also causing havoc by stealing, and harassing / kidnapping the locals . Often, the elderly and women and children would be rushed up to Zejtun or Zabbar by their men folk when sightings were made. It is recorded that in July, 1614 a  60-strong fleet of Turkish vessels, loaded with marauders tried to make a shock landing at M'Scala.. but the hardy  Maltese gave them battle and drove them away in a humiliating defeat..   Grand Master  Alof de Wignacourt decided that improved fortifications were necessary in this sensitive area. In that same year the works were started and finished on the Forti San Tumas , the huge fortress that takes its name (like the second bay of  M'Scala) from St Thomas Church nearby. Probably designed by the Maltese engineer, Fra Vittorio Cassar, and later enlarged under Grandmaster De Rohan, (late 18th century), this fortress is indeed a landmark. It served its purpose well over the centuries as a bulwark of defence for the population. It is currently undergoing government restoration, as are many important structures all over Malta.  Various small redoubts and towers and old chapels surround M'scala in the outlying countryside.

Location: 5 KM from the Malta International airport.

Photos

Getting There: Bus 19,22 from Valletta

Directions from Airport: Access to Marsascala by Car Marsascala is best reached by Car from Marsa/Fgura/Zabbar. Go to Marsa (signs 'Airport'). At the multiple traffic lights intersection, follow traffic signs THE THREE CITIES. Go straight uphill along dual carriageway past a long school complex and the a big church (on your left) facing a mosque . At the big roundabout continue going straight (no turning) till you reach a second roundabout. Negotiate it at right angles to your right, keeping to main road signposted FGURA. Drive straight along (no turnings), past an old stone archway called Hompesch Gate into ZABBAR.   Past a large petrol station on your left, continue straight on for a few hundred yards. Drive slowly now looking ahead for the sign M'SCALA. turn RIGHT at the sign and proceed all the way on the main road to MARSACALA.  As you reach the Bay a welcome sight will greet you. 

Malta Telephone code: ++356, usually dial 00356 followed by the local telephone number  

Accommodation: Hotels and private Holiday apartment Rentals are available in Marsascala

Beaches: St Thomas Bay in Marsascala as well as nearby Pretty Bay in BBugia

Shopping: Restaurants, Pizzerias, Shops,Cofee Shops and Take a ways. Good Fish cuisine

Entertainments Activites: Live Mostly in the Hotels for live entertainment, Scuba Diving attractions and other water sports

Eating out: Good Fish Restaurants and Maltese Cuisine are found in Marsascala

Public transport:  - Regular and frequent buses to Valletta Bus Route Map

Internet Cafes: Yes