Café del Mar Malta

Café del Mar Malta is a seasonal beach club and lido on the north east coast, at Triq it-Trunciera in Qawra, part of St Paul's Bay. It is built around an infinity pool facing the water, with sunbeds, gazebos and sofas on the deck, a restaurant serving Mediterranean dishes and sushi, and a programme of sunset DJ sets, Sunday sessions and evening parties. From the terrace you look out over the St Paul's Islands, Gozo and Comino.

For a UK visitor it works as a full day out rather than a quick drink. You reserve a bed, swim, eat lunch without leaving your spot, and stay on for the sunset. If you are staying nearby, our hotels in Qawra and St Paul's Bay page will help you find somewhere within easy reach, and our swimming pools directory lists other places to swim.

The venue and its setting

The lido sits at the water's edge and forms part of the Malta National Aquarium complex. That complex also holds the aquarium itself, the La Nave restaurant next door, a car park and the public square Pjazza San Pawl. It does not include a hotel or resort, so the club is a day and evening destination rather than a place to stay.

The design is deliberately plain. The idea is to let the sea and the sunset do the work, with ambient, chill out music in the background. The terrace and pool deck have uninterrupted sea views, and the infinity pool seems to merge with the water below. The venue is fully wheelchair accessible, and it has changing rooms, lockers in three sizes, indoor and outdoor showers, free Wi-Fi and on site first aiders with defibrillators.

The brand began in Ibiza, where Café del Mar first opened on 20 June 1980 with a simple concept: music for the sunsets. It later became famous for its chill out compilations, the first of which came out in 1994. The Malta venue carries that idea into a Maltese setting, and if you want to explore the island further, our things to do in Malta guide has plenty of ideas.

Sunbeds, pool and day rates

Daytime pool access depends on a sunbed reservation, and the pool and sunbeds run daily from 10:00 to 19:00. The booking page lists day rates for the season: Luxury Pool Beds for two at €200, Luxury Beds for two at €150, VIP Beds at €50 per person, Gazebos for three at €160, Comfort Beds at €40 per person, Standard Beds at €30 per person and VIP Sofas for four at €180. Several categories are adults only, for guests aged 13 and over.

Each type has its own spot. Luxury Pool Beds sit right at the water's edge, Luxury Beds are by the main pool, VIP Beds, gazebos and VIP Sofas are on the VIP terrace or in the sofa lounge, and Comfort Beds are in rows facing the main pool. Standard Beds face the smaller pool, which is no deeper than 0.75 metres. Most beds have shade, though front row Comfort Beds do not, and parasols may be closed in strong wind.

The price includes the sunbed, a parasol where applicable, use of the pool and access to the showers, and food and drink are paid for separately. There is no minimum spend, no extra entrance fee and no half day rate, and the same rate applies however long you stay. Towels are provided on request. The pool is fresh water and not heated, and its depth is 1.2 to 2 metres in the Infinity Pool and 0.3 to 0.6 metres in the Splash Pool. Inflatables are not allowed.

Booking is open up to 120 days ahead, and exact bed locations can only be reserved when you pre pay at least a day in advance. Walk ins are accepted subject to availability, but in peak season advance booking is strongly recommended. If you would rather compare other waterfront days out, our best beaches in Malta guide is a good companion.

Food and drink

The restaurant is open to the public in the evening and, in the peak summer months, at lunchtime to guests with a daytime sunbed reservation. The kitchen runs from 12:00 to 17:00 and reopens from 19:30 to 23:00. Separate menus cover lunch, sushi, dinner, delights, sharing plates, drinks, cocktails, and wine and champagne, and every price is shown in euro including VAT.

The cooking is Mediterranean and Italian leaning, with sushi and sashimi alongside. Examples from the menus include a fior di latte pizza at €13.50 and calamari fritti at €18.50, with pasta, risotto, pizza and meze sharing plates too. Gluten free burgers, pasta and pizza are available for a €2 supplement, and the venue also offers lactose free and vegan dishes, a kids' menu, non-alcoholic beers and cocktails, and set menus for larger groups.

At the pool you order from a lighter Nibbles Menu, and some sunbed types can also order from the Sharing Menu. Outside food and drink is not allowed, apart from baby food, and there is no all-inclusive package. Breakfast is not served here, but you can have it daily at La Nave next door, which also does takeaway and delivery. There is no strict dress code, though swimwear alone is not allowed in the restaurant.

Sunsets, DJs and evening events

Daytime music is the Café del Mar playlist with house DJs. In peak season DJs play daily from the afternoon through to closing, and sunset is best enjoyed between 19:30 and 20:30, depending on the time of year. Pool parties are held on Thursday nights in the peak summer months, and Sunday sessions, billed as CDM Sundays, are a regular fixture of the programme. The season ends with a Closing Party on Sunday 25 October 2026.

After 19:00 the pool closes and the venue turns to dinner, drinks and events. There is no entrance fee after 19:00 when no event is on, and an aperitif is available then. For events, tickets are sold through the venue's own events calendar and are valid from 20:00. If you have a daytime sunbed, you can stay on for the evening event at no extra charge, provided you are 17 or older. During events the venue is strictly 17 and over, and sofas can be booked with a minimum spend.

Our nightclubs directory and entertainment venues directory list other places to go out in Malta.

Families, rules and practical tips

Children are welcome in the daytime. Under 13s can use only the Splash Pool and Standard Beds, and guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Strollers and baby food are allowed. Evening events are not for children.

Smoking is allowed outdoors only, and there is no shisha. Pets are allowed during normal dinner service if well behaved, but not in the pool or sofa areas or during events, while registered assistance dogs are welcome at all times. Visitors who plan to bring a boat should know there are no docking facilities, though a slipway for a dinghy is about 500 metres to the right of the venue.

Paid sunbed reservations cannot be refunded after a no show, and a pre-paid bed may be released if you arrive late. Management can refuse entry, and the venue is not responsible for lost or stolen belongings. Major credit cards are accepted, and there is an ATM about two minutes' walk away at Pjazza San Pawl. Gift vouchers must be bought in person at the venue, and ONE4ALL vouchers are accepted.

Getting there, parking and the season

You can reach the venue by taxi, bus or car. The nearest bus stop is called Ben. Parking is on two levels with around 140 spaces and is free for guests with a sunbed reservation or a restaurant visit. For hotel ideas, our where to stay in Malta guide compares the main areas.

The venue is open seasonally between April and October and is closed in winter, while La Nave stays open all year. Sunbed bookings are listed from 4 April to 25 October. If you are planning a trip around the weather, our Malta weather guide shows what to expect month by month, and if you want to combine a pool day with a boat trip, see Amazing Boat Trips Malta, also in the area.

The venue hosts weddings, birthdays, private functions and corporate events, and its events team can tailor options. To ask about a sunbed, a celebration or a large booking, use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message to Café del Mar Malta.