Just inland from the beach, the Ghadira Nature Reserve is a brackish lagoon and reedbed managed by BirdLife Malta. It is one of the very few protected wetland habitats left in the country, and on the bird migration route between Europe and Africa — so spring and autumn are the seasons to come, when herons, egrets, marsh harriers, and small migrating waders work their way through.
Opening hours are limited (typically weekends in season) and there is a small visitor centre with a hide. Entry is free but a donation helps. Even from outside the fence on the road towards Marfa it is worth a slow drive: the lagoon glimmers in late afternoon light.