BUSES. From Valletta 19.
Marsaskala (a.k.a. Wied il-Ghajn) has developed only in recent years from a small fishing village into the popular southern resort it is today.

The harbour is still used by a few fishermen, their colourful Luzzu sharing the moorings with pleasure craft.

Life here is centred on the long harbour promenade with its many open-air cafes and restaurants. For much of its past the village was a tranquil backwater, though it has seen its share of the Islands' main historical events.

Marsascala Bay made easy landing for Barbary Corsairs and Ottoman Turks who raided the Islands from the Middle Ages to the late 17th century. After a large Ottoman fleet landed here in 1614, the Knights set about improving the bay's defences, building the imposing Fort St Thomas in nearby St Thomas' Bay.

Locals built their own domestic versions. The Mamo Tower on the road to Zejtun, now fully restored, is a fine example of a fortified farmhouse. It was built in a unique shape - the cross of St Andrew. It is open to the public on the first Sunday of the month from 10.00 - 12.00. For details contact the heritage trust, Din l-Art Helwa, tel: 21220388.

St Thomas Bay
BUSES. From Valletta 29.
St Thomas' Bay, a ten-minute walk around the headland from Marsascala Bay, is another large natural inlet typical of the southern coastline. It is popular with local people and provides excellent windsurfing conditions. The beach, only partly sandy, is not developed as a resort though there are refreshment kiosks nearby. It is accessible for bathing though skirted by some high cliffs.