Riviera Martinique Hotel - Għajn Tuffieħa, Malta - Overgrown Staircase Leading to the Abandoned Hotel

A weathered concrete staircase climbs the overgrown hillside towards the abandoned Riviera Martinique Hotel near Għajn Tuffieħa, Malta, with its deteriorating limestone walls and exposed terraces visible above.

This photograph captures the abandoned Riviera Martinique Hotel near Għajn Tuffieħa on Malta’s northwestern coast, viewed from the lower part of the surrounding hillside. A long, weathered concrete staircase dominates the foreground, climbing diagonally through dense Mediterranean vegetation towards the deteriorating hotel building above. The steps show signs of prolonged exposure to the elements, with uneven surfaces, damaged edges and shrubs growing close to the former access route. At the top of the hillside, the abandoned hotel stands against a partly cloudy sky, revealing pale limestone walls, empty window openings and an exposed concrete terrace supported by columns. The lower foreground consists of reddish soil, scattered limestone rocks and patches of hardy vegetation, emphasizing the rugged character of the surrounding landscape. The former Riviera Martinique Hotel occupied an elevated coastal location near Għajn Tuffieħa and Golden Bay, two of Malta’s most scenic beach areas. Historical accounts indicate that the hotel ceased operating in 1988, although details of its earlier ownership and development remain less clearly documented. Following its closure, the building gradually deteriorated, becoming a recognizable abandoned landmark along Malta’s northwestern coastline. The overgrown staircase and weathered architectural features illustrate the effects of prolonged abandonment, while the surrounding vegetation demonstrates how the natural landscape has increasingly encroached upon the former hotel grounds. This photograph offers a distinctive perspective on the abandoned complex, highlighting the relationship between its hillside access route, deteriorating architecture and rugged Mediterranean surroundings.