9 Best Beaches in Malta and Gozo

Malta may be a small island, 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. Beaches in Malta can range from soft sandy beaches, rocky shore to blue lagoons.

Furthermore, with 12 Blue Flag beaches and very hot summer temperatures, the archipelago’s beautiful, warm seas attract numerous people. So, wherever you go to soak up some rays, remember to arrive early. We have explored the island and bring you some of the best beaches in Malta.

Related: Top 16 things to do in Malta 

1Golden Bay Beach 

Golden Bay Beach 

best beaches in Malta Golden Bay Luxsphere Travel

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. The crowd tends to be younger with fewer families, 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.

 

2Ghajn Tuffieha Bay Beach

best beaches in Malta Ghajn Tuffieha Bay luxsphere travel

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. 

 

3Mellieha Bay ( Għadira Bay )

best beaches in malta

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.

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. 

 

4Ramla Bay Beach 

best beaches in malta gozo ramla bay

Tal-Mixta Cave things to do in gozo

Best for: 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. 

 

5Blue Lagoon 

best beaches in malta gozo comino

places to visit in malta blue lagoon

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. 

6St. Peters Pool 

st peters pool places to visit in malta

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. 

 

 

7Wied il- Għasri ( Ghasri Valley )

Wied il- Għasri

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.

 

 

8Dwejra Bay

Inland sea gozo

Azure Window things to do in gozo

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.

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.

 

9Ä nejna Bay Beach

best beaches in malta gnejna bay

best beaches in malta gnejna bay luxsphere travel

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.Â