Sensi Lido

Sensi Beach Lido sits right on the sand at St Thomas Bay in Marsaskala, a fishing village on Malta's south-east coast. The lido combines a sun terrace, a seafront restaurant and bar, a small shop and water sports rental, so that a single stop can cover a whole day by the sea, from a late breakfast to sunset drinks. It suits couples, families with children and groups of friends who want shade, food and drinks within a few steps of the water, without bringing much more than a swimsuit.

It is part of our directory of swimming pools in Malta, and this page sets out what you can hire, eat and book before you go.

Family heritage and setting

The business is rooted in hospitality and catering that goes back to 1972, when the late Spiridione Falzon laid the foundations. Today the family describes Sensi Lido as more than a business, and its work spans hospitality, catering and water sports.

The lido lies directly below the St Thomas Bay Gardens, in a bay with clear shallow water and gentle scenery. For visitors who want a quieter alternative to the island's busiest resorts, it is one of several options in our guide to the best beaches in Malta.

Sunbeds, umbrellas and the beach shop

A sun lounger is €7 for the whole day, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and an umbrella for one or two people is €5 for the same hours. Hire comes with beach service, sunscreen and face mist, a beach towel, a phone charging port and free use of the bathrooms. Loungers also include aqua toys, and umbrella users enjoy a sunset view.

If the wind picks up, the lido can provide wind tents, and beach toys and sunscreen are available for children. The beach shop sells towels, sunscreen and spray, beachwear, summer toys, inflatables and diving masks, so you can arrive with very little. Visitors staying in one of the hotels across Malta can reach the bay as an easy day out, and anyone planning from the UK can compare flights to Malta and wider Malta holidays before choosing dates.

Food, drink and events

Sensi is known as a seaside dining spot. A breakfast menu, a main menu for lunch and dinner and a drinks menu are available to download from its pages. The cooking is Mediterranean-inspired, with burgers, pizzas, pasta, wraps, salads, fish and meat platters and fresh seafood, and the lido also serves ice cream, smoothies and milkshakes.

Cocktail happy hour runs daily, and the programme includes live music or DJs and seasonal events. Special offers have included sunset cocktails and a happy hour promotion. Opening hours are 9:00 am to 11:00 pm every day, which makes an evening meal on the sand easy to plan. Bathrooms are private and free to use, and the setting is photogenic, with the bay and the gardens above it making a pleasant backdrop for lunch.

Water sports and planning your visit

Water sports rentals are part of the offer, and photographs show stand-up paddleboards and life jackets in use on the bay. Ask the team when you enquire about what equipment is available on your dates, and whether you would like to combine a rental with lunch, since the beach and the restaurant are side by side. Staying in the shade with a cold drink between sessions on the water is part of the appeal.

Marsaskala is a good base for exploring the south-east. Use our where to stay in Malta guide and the Malta weather guide to time your trip, and see things to do in Malta for more ideas. The Valletta guide and Three Cities guide cover the nearby harbour towns.

When you are ready, use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message to Sensi Beach Lido.