Riviera Martinique Hotel - Għajn Tuffieħa, Malta - Graffiti-Covered Ruins in 2023

The abandoned Riviera Martinique Hotel near Għajn Tuffieħa, Malta, photographed in April 2023, showing deteriorating limestone walls, graffiti-covered surfaces and exposed terraces overlooking the Mediterranean coastline.

This photograph, taken in April 2023, documents the deteriorating remains of the former Riviera Martinique Hotel near Għajn Tuffieħa on Malta’s northwestern coast. Viewed from an elevated position, the abandoned complex reveals extensive weathering, exposed limestone masonry and a series of open arches along its former terraces. Much of the building’s original appearance has been altered by structural deterioration, missing architectural elements and graffiti covering several exterior walls. A large blue graffiti artwork stands out on the right side of the photograph, while smaller markings are visible across the main building. In the foreground, a lower concrete structure with open bays stands among scattered rubble, wild grasses and Mediterranean shrubs. Beyond the abandoned hotel, the rocky coastline and deep blue Mediterranean Sea provide a striking contrast to the neglected architecture. The Riviera Martinique Hotel once occupied a prominent coastal location near Għajn Tuffieħa and Golden Bay, an area known for its sandy beaches, rugged limestone cliffs and scenic Mediterranean surroundings. Historical accounts associated with the property indicate that the hotel ceased operating in 1988, although aspects of its earlier history remain insufficiently documented. Following its closure, the abandoned complex was progressively affected by exposure to the elements, vegetation growth and human activity. This photograph forms part of a series taken over several years, documenting changes in the condition of the former hotel. Comparing these images provides an opportunity to observe the gradual deterioration of its architectural features and the increasing presence of graffiti and vegetation. The April 2023 view offers a particularly revealing record of the building’s condition, preserving an image of a once-operational coastal hotel that has become one of the more recognizable abandoned structures in northern Malta.