Beaches in Malindi

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A Swahili town with an unexpected Italian resort history

Malindi has been a Swahili port for centuries and an Italian resort town since the 1960s, which is why the signage is trilingual and the pizza is genuinely good.

Here is the list of 6 Beaches in Malindi

1. Malindi Beach

Malindi Beach

Malindi Beach runs along the front of the town on the Indian Ocean, a wide stretch of pale sand known locally as Golden Beach or Buntwani, with hotels, restaurants and boat operators lining it. Vasco da Gama landed here in 1498, and the coral pillar he left stands on the headland at the southern end. It is the most built-up beach on this list and the easiest to walk to from town.

2. Malindi Marine Park Beach

Malindi Marine Park Beach

Marine Park Beach in the Malindi Marine National Park is ideal for families, couples, and water sports. With calm, clear waters, it's perfect for swimming and leisure, providing a peaceful setting in the beautiful surroundings of Malindi Marine National Park.

3. Silversands Beach

Silversands Beach

Silversands Beach is popular for its long stretch of fine sand, perfect for walks and magical evenings. Combined with Tropical Village, it forms Casuarina Beach, offering a tranquil experience, especially on weekdays and evenings, ideal for relaxation along the beautiful coastline.

4. Mambrui Beach

Mambrui Beach

Mambrui Beach, a secluded golden sandy stretch north of Malindi after crossing the Sabaki River, is named after nearby sand dunes. Ideal for a peaceful retreat, especially favored by water sports enthusiasts for various activities along the coastline.

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5. Mayungu Beach

Mayungu Beach

Mayungu Beach in a traditional fishing village provides a chance to experience local culture. In the evenings, fishermen prepare for ocean trips, and mornings bring a lively fish market scene. Less touristy than other Malindi beaches, it offers a peaceful and culturally rich retreat.

6. Bridge Beach

Bridge Beach

Bridge Beach in Malindi, Kenya, is a charming and peaceful spot with ample shoreline for relaxation. The soft, golden sand invites leisurely strolls while enjoying views of the Indian Ocean. It's an ideal destination for a delightful beach experience in Malindi.

Malindi and Watamu together make the better half of the Kenyan coast. Beaches in Watamu is twenty-five minutes south, and beaches in Mombasa two hours down.

This post was published by Varsha Alva

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FAQs on Beaches in Malindi

Which beach in Malindi is best?

Silversand and Che Shale for space and quiet, and the main Malindi beach for convenience and facilities. Che Shale is further north and is where the kitesurfing happens.

Why is Malindi so Italian?

Italian tourists and investors arrived from the 1960s and stayed. There is an Italian community, Italian menus everywhere and even a satellite launch station offshore built by the Italian space agency.

Is the snorkelling good?

Malindi Marine National Park is just south of town and the reef there is decent, though Watamu next door is better. Visibility drops from April to June when the Sabaki river brings silt down.

What else is there to see?

The Vasco da Gama pillar from 1498, one of the oldest European monuments in Africa, the old town and Swahili tombs, and Gedi ruins twenty minutes away in the forest.

When should I visit?

October to March for the clearest water and calmest sea. Avoid April to June, when the long rains and river silt make swimming and snorkelling much less pleasant.

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