Overview
Riviera sits in Ghajn Tuffieha Bay and picks up Malta's most consistent surf. A tidy peak breaks next to the Riviera Bar, and the longer lefts wind their way into the inside with plenty of whackable and launchable sections along the way. It's a sand-bottom beach break serving up both lefts and rights.
When It Works
Riviera takes swell from southwest to northwest, and northwest is the direction that lights it up best. It works from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft, which leaves room for anything from a small playful day to a solid one. Consistency is moderate, so it won't be on every time you look, but the windows are worth watching for.
Wind and Tide
Look for southeast offshore wind. The bank works through most of the tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is a friendly place to learn, and the beach break shape suits beginners well. The lineup tends to stay fairly quiet when there are waves, which lines up with the winter surf season being the emptier time of year. Summer is a different story, with the bay packed with swimmers.
Access
There's a car park at the bay with free parking. You'll find restrooms on hand, a lifeguard watching the water, and a surf school if you want a lesson or a board.
