11 Best Beaches in Malta and Gozo : The Ultimate Guide
Malta and Gozo may be some of the small islands in the Mediterranean, but there is no shortage of pristine beaches in Malta. Beaches in Malta offer some of the clearest water, there is something for everyone from sunbathing, diving, snorkelling, cliff jumping, natural pools to family-friendly beaches.
What makes Malta and Gozo’s beaches truly special is the variety packed into such a small area. There are 12 Blue Flag beaches, pair that with hot summer temperatures and impossibly turquoise waters, especially that of of the Blue Lagoon on the tiny island of Comino, and it’s easy to see why beach lovers keep coming back to Malta. This guide covers the very best beaches in Malta, Gozo, and Comino
Table of Contents
▶ Are there sandy beach in Malta?
Are there sandy beaches in Malta?
Yes, there are many beautiful soft sandy beaches in Malta. The best sandy beaches in Malta are primarily located in the northwest of the island, some of the best sand beaches in Malta are Golden Bay, Mellieħa Bay (the largest), Armier Bay, and Għajn Tuffieħa. Over on Gozo, Ramla Bay is famous for its striking red-orange sand.
▶ Where is the nicest beach in Malta? Best place to stay in Malta for beaches?
Where is the nicest beach in Malta? Best place to stay in Malta for beaches?
The nicest beach in Malta depends on what type of beach you are looking for.
Golden bay is great for beautiful beach with facilities in Malta.
Blue Lagoon on Comino is the most beautiful with crystal clear water.
Ramla Bay on Gozo is unique with its red-orange sand.
The best place to stay in Malta for beaches is Mellieħa, it is a
quieter, hilltop area in northern Malta known for sandy beaches, ferry access to Gozo and Comino, and a more laid-back pace.
Staying here puts you within easy reach of Mellieħa Bay, Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa, and Gnejna, essentially all of Malta’s best sandy beaches. It’s also the closest base for day trips to Comino’s Blue Lagoon. The Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands is a luxury option located right on the beach.
▶ When is the best time to visit beaches in Malta?
When is the best time to visit beaches in Malta?
The best time to visit beaches in Malta is from May through to October. Around this time the sea is warm enough and the beaches are not as crowded.
July and August are peak season, temperature around these months regularly hit 35°C+ but it also comes with the summer crowds.
The Blue Lagoon on Comino is especially worth visiting in May or early June before the summer boat rush begins.
▶ Which beaches are closest to Valletta?
Which beaches are closest to Valletta?
If you are staying in Valletta, St. George’s Bay in St. Julian’s is the closest proper beach to Valletta, around 15–20 minutes by car or bus.
It is small beach but has all the facilities you’d need for a beach day. For a more beautiful and bigger sandy beach near Valletta, Golden Bay and Mellieħa Bay are roughly 45–60 minutes away by car.
Best Beaches in Malta
Golden Bay Beach : All Rounder Beach With Facilities
Best for: Sandy beach, Volleyball and Horse Riding
As the name suggests Golden Bay is the island’s golden sandy beach and one of the best beaches in Malta. Located on the Northwest coast it is a Blue Flag certified beach with plenty of amenities and beautiful blue Mediterranean water.
Given the popularity and the sandy nature of the beach, it tends to get fairly busy during the summer months. It is a popular destination for a barbecue with the locals, especially around the weekends. There are plenty of amenities from bars, restaurants and there is also a designated area for volleyball, the beach itself has a great vibe, and it is safe to swim.
If you are looking for something different to do on the beach. You can opt for Golden Bay Horse Riding around the beach. We highly recommend horse riding around sunset. You will be taking along the coast and Golden Cliffs of Malta overlooking Gozo and the panoramic scenes of the crystal clear sea.
How to get to Golden Bay Beach: Buses to Golden Bay 44, 223, 225. There are also plenty of parking spaces available if you are driving. Do note that there are two car parks, on by the Radisson Golden Sands Hotel and one near the edge of the beach.
✦ Best Hotel Close To Golden Bay Beach: – Radisson Blu Resort & Spa is a luxury option located right on the beach. |
Ghajn Tuffieha Bay Beach: Untouched Natural Beauty
Best for: Sunbathing, Families
If the lively atmosphere of Golden Bay isn’t the kind of beach you are after, right next to the Golden Bay is the Ghajn Tuffieha. It is a smaller stretch of red sand beach which is the less frequented beach and away from all the main roads. This is where you will find the true beauty of the Maltese island, however, to get to this paradise you have to climb down a flight of 100 stairs. The climb down is definitely worth it! The panoramic views that are on offer on the climb are simply jaw-dropping.
Ghajn Tuffieha is one of those beaches which offer the perfect mix of untouched natural beauty along with just enough facilities required for a beach day out including a small cafe, huts that rent out sunbeds and umbrellas.
How to get to Ghajn Tuffieha Bay Beach: Buses to Ghajn Tuffieha Bay 44, 223, 225. The walk from the bus stop to Għajn Tuffieħa bay is just under 10 minutes. There are also plenty of parking spaces available if you are driving. There is a whole area reserved for parking at the top of the stairs.
✦ Best Hotel Close To Ghajn Tuffieha Bay Beach: – Radisson Blu Resort & Spa is a luxury option located right on the beach. |
Mellieha Bay Beach ( Għadira Bay ) : Best Family Friendly Beach
Best for: Families, Watersports
Mellieha Bay is the largest and most popular sandy beaches in Malta. Stretching 800m and with a certified Blue Flag Mellieha Bay is perfect for families. The beach slopes slightly, so the water is shallow quite far out making it a great beach for families with young kids. It is one of the most popular beaches in Malta and has plenty to offer from various amenities, including cafés, restaurants to sunbeds.
The main attraction of this beach is the water sports it has to offer there’s windsurfing, kitesurfing, waterskiing, canoeing, banana boating and even parasailing.
Mellieħa Bay is the clear winner when it comes to best beaches for families in Malta. It’s Malta’s largest sandy beach with very shallow, calm water that stays shallow for a long way out, making it safe for toddlers and non-swimmers. It also has lifeguards in summer, sunbed hire, restaurants, and easy parking.
How to get to Mellieha Bay Beach: Bus to Mellieha Bay includes 41, 42, 221, 222, 101and X1. If you are driving there are ample parking spaces on both sides of the road.
✦ Best Hotel Close To Mellieħa Bay Beach: – db Seabank Resort + Spa is literally across the road from Mellieħa Bay, which is Malta’s largest sandy beach. |
Blue Lagoon : Crystal Clear Water
Best for: Clearwater, activities and Swimming
Blue Lagoon is based on a smallest Maltese island of Comino (it is so small that it only has 5 permanent residents and one hotel). There are small white sand beaches around the blue lagoon, however, the majority of the beach is rocky. The crystal clear azure water is what makes this beach worth visiting.
Blue Lagoon may be a tourist hotspot in Malta, but it is a must-visit at least once. The dazzling clear water makes it a great spot for snorkelling, there are also some coves and caves in the surrounding areas to explore, you will find many small boat tours that run to these caves from the blue lagoon.
Along the coast, you will find vendors selling cocktails, juices and fruit salads in a pineapple. It can get very crowded especially around the summer months we highly recommend visiting early or later in the evening to truly appreciate the blue lagoon.
How to get to Blue Lagoon Comino: Day cruises run from all the major town in Malta. If you are looking to go to the lagoon independently the nearest departure point in Malta to the Blue Lagoon is Cirkewwa. It is advisable to pre-book your ferry tickets, especially around the peak summer months to avoid disappointment. You can purchase your tickets here.
Santa Maria Bay : Hidden Gem Next To Blue Lagoon
Best for : Fine pale sand, alternative to blue lagoon
Comino’s lesser-known alternative to the famous Blue Lagoon, Santa Maria Bay is a peaceful sandy beach accessible only by boat. The fine, pale sand and calm water make it ideal for swimming, and without the Blue Lagoon’s crowds it has a tranquil, almost private feel.
It’s all about simple pleasure here, swimming, snorkelling, a bit of paddleboarding, maybe a wander to nearby caves or a coastal hike for those panoramic views. Facilities are low-key (think a snack kiosk and toilets), so bring the essentials, it just quietly delivers one of the best beach days in Malta.
How to get to Santa Maria Bay: hop on a boat to Comino (from Ċirkewwa, Sliema, or Gozo), then either walk 20 minutes from the Blue Lagoon or get dropped right at the bay.
St. Peters Pool : Perfect For Cliff Diving
Best for: Natural beauty, cliff diving (and the atmosphere on the weekends)
Located in the southern coast of Malta is the St. Peters Pool. This natural wonder is worth visiting purely due to the atmosphere on the beach, particularly in the peak summer months. It can be fairly quiet on the weekdays but on the weekends it is a hotspot. St. Peter’s Pool is very popular with the locals you will find people doing tricks on a rope across the natural pool and the brave one’s cliff diving.
The beach itself is rocky, but the energy on this beach is truly contagious and makes it worth visiting. There are plenty of flat rocky surfaces around the bay to spread your towels and sunbath. St. Peter’s Pool is a great alternative to some of the tourist beaches in Malta and gives you a real taste of how the locals like to spend their summer on the beach. One of the downsides is that there are no facilities nearby, so you have to come prepared.
How to get to St. Peter’s Pool: The best way to reach St. Peters Pool is by a car alternatively, If you want to make the trip traditional locals run trips in their fishing boats from Marsaxlokk to St. Peters pool regularly.
Related Reads: Top 22 Things To Do In Malta This Summer
Ġnejna Bay Beach : Popular With Locals
Best for: Secluded beach
Gnejna Bay is a hidden little gem mainly visited by the locals living nearby in the village of Mġarr. It is the perfect spot if you are after an undisturbed secluded beach. The shoreline is fairly shallow with golden sand and there are some facilities available on the edge of the beach. It is known for its limestone cliffs and slopes. Ideal spot to relax, take in the views and enjoy the Maltese sunshine.
How to get to Gnejna Bay:Buses to Gnejna Bay include 101, there are some parking spaces available at the top of the beach.
✦ Best Hotel Close To Ġnejna Bay Beach : Stay around Golden Bay / Mellieħa side (not Mġarr itself) it’s the closest place with proper hotels and gives you access to Ġnejna Bay + Għajn Tuffieħa + Golden Bay all within minutes. – Radisson Blu Resort & Spa is a luxury option located right on the beach. |
Best Beaches in Gozo
Ramla Bay Beach : Famous Red Sand Beach
Best for: Red-orange sand, nature lovers, families
Based in Gozo, the sister island of Malta is Ramla Beach. This slice of paradise is the biggest beach on the island of Gozo and is also known as the red sand beach by the locals due to its vivid red sand. Ramla beach offers some of the softest sand along with shallow and clear water.
It is perfect for families and offers amenities such as a cafe, bar and ice cream truck. If you do get bored of lounging on the beach all day just 10 minutes away from Ramla Bay is the impressive Tal-Mixta Cave on one side and Calypso Cave on the other side.
How to get to Ramla Bay Beach: 322 bus from Gozo Ferry Terminal, however, a car is the most convenient mode of transport for getting around Gozo.
✦ Best Hotel Close To Ramla Bay Beach Gozo: – San Pawl BnB Farmhouse very aesthetic farmhouse vibe with private pool 15 minutes walk to Ramla Bay Beach – Segond Hotel is located 5–10 min drive to Ramla Bay in the Xagħra village. – Cornucopia Hotel offers a more traditional vibe, converted farmhouse with pools & stunning views. 5 min walk to Ramla Bay |
Wied il- Għasri ( Ghasri Valley ) : Popular For Snorkelling
Best for: Snorkelling, Swimming, Picturesque Scenery
Ghasri Valley also known as Wied il-Ghasri is a picture perfect narrow creek located on the coast of Gozo. Wied il-Ghasri is the hidden gem of Gozo, the beach is tucked in between impressive high cliffs and can be reached via a narrow staircase. It is a small beach but the calm crystal clear water hosts plenty of marine life making it a perfect spot for snorkelling. The popular cathedral cave (also known as the blue dome) commences from this spot.
The surrounding areas of Ghasri Valley are also worth exploring, it is a great place for country walks or bike ride. Just over a mile from Ghasri Valley are 350-year-old rock-cut salt pans which are simply scenic and worth a visit. If you are lucky you could spot the locals harvesting salt from the pans during the summer months.
How to get to Wied il- Għasri: The most convenient way to reach Wied il-Ghasri is via a car. As this is one of Gozo’s hidden gems, the hop on and off bus or the main tour operators do not cove this location.
Dwejra Bay : Famous For Diving
Best for: Diving, Snorkelling
Dwejra Bay in Gozo is one of a kind, it is not your typical beach, but it is a unique spot which is worth a visit. Dwejra Bay offers three major attractions, the well known Azure Window (which has now sadly collapsed into the sea after a heavy storm) it was not only mother nature’s impressive work, but this was also a filming location for the Game of Thrones, the spectacular deep Blue Hole for diving and the circular lagoon known as the Inland sea where the water is calm and shallow making it a great spot for a swim.
The Inland sea is ideal for swimming and snorkelling, there are also boat trips which run from the Inland sea and gives you a chance to explore the natural rock formations, caves and coves up close.
How to get to Dwejra Bay: Buses to Dwejra Bay include 31, it is also part of the hop on and off bus. There is also ample parking space if you are driving.
✦ Best Hotel Close To Dwejra Bay Gozo: The most popular option is to stay in Stay in San Lawrenz or nearby Għarb – Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz – it gives you easy access to Dwejra’s dramatic coastline without sacrificing comfort or style. |
| Editor’s Pick: |
|---|
• Best family friendly beach: Mellieħa Bay • Best beach closest to Valletta: St. George’s Bay, St. Julian’s • Best beach for stunning scenery: Ramla Bay, Gozo • Best beach for crystal-clear water: Blue Lagoon, Comino • Best hidden gem: Għajn Tuffieħa Bay • Best beach for snorkelling & adventure: St. Peter’s Pool • Beautiful beach with facilities : Golden Bay |
* All listings featured in this article were independently selected. However, when you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. All the images belong to the respective owners.
