Your ultimate guide to the best Malta beaches from the main island, Comino, and Gozo.
With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, the Maltese islands are officially Europe’s sunniest country!
Combine this great weather with beautiful beaches, secluded rocky coves, and the crystal clear, Mediterranean Sea, and you’ve got yourself the ideal seaside vacation spot!
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll reveal the 35 best beaches in Malta, from Mellieha Bay on the main island to the far-flung golden sands of Ramla Bay on Gozo! If you scroll to the bottom of this post, I’ve also included a useful beach map to help you find your way around the coast!
Beautiful Sandy Beaches on Malta Island
1. Golden Bay Beach
Famous for its golden red sands and crystal clear water, Golden Bay is up there with one of the most popular beaches in Malta!
Located on the northwest region of the main island, this beach is also well-known for its water sports activities and incredible seaside resort, the Radisson Blue Resort– one of the best places to stay in Malta.
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2. Għajn Tuffieħa Beach (Riviera Beach)
Situated just south of Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa Beach is another sandy beach protected by a rocky headland. Here, you’ll find shallow waters which are great for swimming with kids.
While by no means a secluded hidden gem (more of these below), Għajn Tuffieħa is often much less crowded than Golden Bay.
Additionally, travelers will find a few walking tracks just above the sandy shores. The best one winds up to a View Point on the Il-Qarraba headland, providing spectacular views of the transparent waters of the Mediterranean.
3. Gnejna Beach
Gnejna Bay holds another excellent sandy beach known for water sports and unique rocky geological formations.
This is a great option for those looking to do some kayaking, as just around the headland you’ll find some spectacular sea caves, known as Ta’ Marija Cave.
4. Mellieħa Bay (Għadira Bay)
Mellieħa Bay is one of the most popular beaches in the north of Malta. That’s because Mellieħa Bay is Malta’s longest sandy beach, with peaceful, shallow waters that are very safe for young children.
This region is also one of the best areas to stay in Malta, with some of the best seaside resorts and beach clubs located in this surrounding area of Għadira Bay.
5. Armier Bay Beach
Moving further north of Malta and we’ll discover some of the best secluded beaches on the island. Armier Bay Beach and Little Armier Beach are two beautiful protected coves on Malta’s northeast tip providing soft sands and clear water for swimming.
This is a popular spot for those looking to escape the crowds at some of Malta’s more popular beaches like Mellieħa Beach and Golden Bay. Furthermore, kayak rental stalls often operate on the beach here, which is perfect for exploring the rocky north.
6. Paradise Bay Beach
The northern peninsula of Malta is where you will find the Cirkewwa Passenger Terminal for the Gozo Channel Ferry. While it seems contradictory, one of Malta’s most beautiful beaches is tucked just around the corner from this terminal!
Paradise Bay Beach is an incredibly beautiful bay that is perfect for swimming and snorkeling in scenic natural surroundings. In fact, the beach is so tranquil that you’ll likely forget that you’re right next to a ferry terminal!
7. Pretty Bay Beach
Another stunning beach with surprising surroundings is Pretty Bay beach near Il-Bajja s-Sabiha in the south of Malta.
Pretty Bay is another sandy beach with several hotels and traditional limestone buildings dotting its shores. This is a great place for sunbaking, boating, or grabbing an ice cream or espresso at the many local shops.
While this beach is undoubtedly a great place to hang out, there is the unfortunate eye-sore of the Malta freeport in direct view. Nonetheless, the clear waters and nearby amenities mean that Pretty Bay deserves a spot on this list of the best beaches in Malta.
8. St. George’s Bay
As we make our way across the main island to the lively resort and hotel areas of Paceville and St Julians we’ll find the protected little cove called St. George’s Bay.
If you’re staying at one of the many hotels or all-inclusive resorts in the area, this little beach is well worth visiting! The waters are quite deep on this side, but the long, arching coast protects it from almost all wind.
9. Balluta Bay Beach
Similarly to St. George’s Bay, Balluta Bay Beach is a popular little sandy beach located smack-bang in the heart of the busy St Julian’s resort area.
This is a good spot for a quick swim or, head over to the Balluta Watersports stall and rent a jet ski!
Tip: Balluta Bay & St. George’s Bay can get very busy due to their central locations. However, if you walk north around the bay in Balluta, you’ll find another small rocky beach called Exiles Beach, a small local hidden gem.
10. Malta Freeport Beach
Another unlikely location to have a beautiful white sand beach, Malta Freeport Beach is surprisingly a nice and very unique place to swim!
Situated directly opposite the busy port, this little strip of sand makes for an excellent place to stretch out on a towel or go for a quick swim away from the crowds at nearby Pretty Bay.
11. Imġiebaħ Beach
Looking for a secluded cove without tourists? A great spot is Imġiebaħ Beach, a quiet and remote beach with clear water situated on Malta’s northeast shore, not far from Mellieħa Bay.
This one is definitely more of a local’s beach, and one of my absolute favorites in Malta!
12. St. Thomas Bay Sandy Beach
St. Thomas Bay is an excellent sandy beach located between the beautiful villages of Marsaskala and the famous fishing village of Marsaxlokk on Malta’s east coast.
This is another local favorite, with a few rocky shores and sections of beautiful sandy beaches hidden to the south beneath the Munxar cliffs.
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Rocky Beaches, Natural & Secluded Coves in Malta
13. Ramla tal-Qortin & Ramla tal-Bir
While there are plenty of picturesque sandy beaches in the archipelago, what truly makes Malta unique is its amazing limestone shorelines. One of my favorite spots to hang out on the rocks and snorkel in deep, clear water are the two bays surrounding the former Ramla Bay Resort (currently under renovation).
These are known as Ramla tal-Bir and Ramla tal-Qortin, or the Ramla Bays of northern Malta island. Not to be confused with the famous Ramla Bay on Gozo, these two scenic bays both have a long, flat rocky shore perfect for summer picnics.
The water is also crystal clear here, and one of the best beaches in Malta for snorkeling!
14. Anchor Bay (Popeye Village)
On the opposite side of Mellieħa, across the narrow, isthmus-like section of Malta’s main island lies the former film-set turned theme park known as Popeye Village of Anchor Bay.
Many tourists visit Popeye Village to see the set, but not many are aware that this is also a great place for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving! Just below the cliff to the south of the village is a sheltered area providing easy access to the water, and a great place to have a barbecue or picnic.
Additionally, sunset chasers will definitely want to head to this spot during the golden hour, as this is the ideal place to catch a sunset, with spectacular views of the sun sinking below the Mediterranean horizon.
Featured in: Best Sunset Viewpoints in Malta & Gozo
15. Qarraba Bay
Qarraba Bay is a rocky area wedged between Gnejna and Għajn Tuffieħa beaches. This spot is one of the most scenic in Malta, with unique limestone cliff formations unlike anywhere else on the island.
I recommend renting a Kayak at one of the nearby beaches and visiting this bay, which is usually only accessible from the sea. Additionally, the nearby Ta’Babu Cove and the protruding rock makes for an excellent snorkeling spot!
16. Ghar Lapsi Beach
Ghar Lapsi is a remote area in the very south of Malta’s main island. While often missed by most tourists, this location features some scenic coastal walking tracks, passing some spectacular beaches complete with sea caves and clear blue waters.
17. Zurrieq Valley Sea Inlet
While most tourists will visit Wied iz-Zurrieq for the opportunity to explore the incredible Blue Grotto, the tiny rocky inlet near the Blue Grotto boat service is also a spectacular place to swim in Malta.
These rocky shores are very picturesque, with sharp drops into deep water, making for a great cliff jumping spot. Additionally, scuba divers will not want to miss the nearby Um El-Faroud wreck, which is one of the best wreck dive sites in Malta.
18. Il-Kalanka
Next up is my favorite rocky beach in Malta, the pristine Il-Kalanka bay near Marsaxlokk in eastern Malta. This one is situated near the very end of Il-Kalanka point, near the lighthouse.
This bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in Malta, complete with deep, calm water to jump in straight from the limestone rocks. Furthermore, there are steel ladders fixed around the bay, making for easy access and a lot of fun!
19. St. Peter’s Pool
Malta is renowned for its spectacular natural pools. One of the very best is found just north of Il-Kalanka beach and is known as St. Peter’s Pool. This is a horseshoe-shaped natural swimming pool with deep, crystal-clear water.
Many tourists and locals will head down to this pool in the summer months to relax and jump off the limestone rocks into the pool. If you’re up for some fun and adventure, St. Peter’s Pool is a great place to visit on your Malta beach-hopping itinerary.
20. Il-Ħofra l-Kbira & Ta Kalanka Sea Cave
Heading north from Kalanka Point, on the small peninsula located between Marsaxlokk and St. Thomas Bay is a secluded rocky beach that is very little-known by tourists.
Accessible only via a single road leading out to the headland, here you’ll discover an incredible rocky beach complete with a large sea cave, providing excellent shelter during the hot summer days on Malta island.
21. Coral Lagoon
In terms of hidden gems, they don’t get much better than the Coral Lagoon. Appropriately named, this collapsed sea cave is a unique geological natural pool etched into the limestone cliffs on Malta’s northern point.
You’ll need a kayak or boat to access this one, but once inside you’ll discover one of the most tranquil places in Malta. The lagoon is filled with azure water and corals, and is deep enough to swim and snorkel.
22. Qawra Point Beach
Travelers staying in the buzzling Buġibba area will certainly want to add Qawra Point to their list of beaches to visit in Malta.
This rocky coastline is hidden at the tip of the bay, just beneath the famous Cafe del Mar beach bar. There’s plenty of space to relax here, and plenty of access to the deep bay.
23. Buġibba Perched Beach
The main beach in Buġibba is really a sandy one, but the sand is artificial, placed on a beautiful rocky shoreline lined with palm trees and resorts. This beach is quite busy but is a great place to swim and lounge beneath a sun umbrella with a cocktail.
24. Mistra Bay
Across the bay from Buġibba is a quiet, rocky coastline area known as Mistra. Mistra Bay Beach, while certainly not as vibrant as its immediate neighbors, it provides a tranquil place to relax or rent a kayak from.
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Amazing Beaches on Comino Island
25. Blue Lagoon
Comino’s Blue Lagoon is Malta’s most notable natural attraction. Picture iconic orange limestone cliffs dropping into some of the clearest waters you’ve ever seen.
Located on the smallest island, Comino, and only via a boat trip from Malta or Gozo, Blue Lagoon also has one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the country! One of the best ways to get to the Blue Lagoon is to book the popular Blue Lagoon & Comino Caves trip, which is great value for money.
26. Crystal Lagoon
While not as famous or well-known as the Blue Lagoon, Comino’s Crystal Lagoon is arguably just as beautiful. This picturesque bay is situated on the southwest corner of the tiny island and is often missed by tourists.
Here, you’ll discover a deep bay with crystal clear waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. There’s also a small pebble beach at the edge of the bay, providing a great place to relax as well.
27. St Niklaw Bay
Travelers taking the ferry or boat trip to the Blue Lagoon will likely soon realize just how busy this place gets. If you’re looking for a Malta beach to escape the crowds from on Comino, take the short island walking trail to St. Niklaw Bay, just a few hundred meters from the Blue Lagoon.
This bay has a small sandy beach with turquoise waters– great for swimming or snorkeling!
28. Santa Maria Bay
Besides the Blue Lagoon, Santa Maria Bay (Santa Marija Bay) is the most popular beach on Comino Island. The waters here are quite shallow, with a long stretch of white sand lining its shores.
The color of the water in this bay is unbelievably blue, providing excellent conditions for snorkeling. Additionally, visitors will have the option of taking a short walk over to the Santa Maria Caves, which are a must-visit attraction on Comino!
Top Beaches on Gozo Island
29. Ħondoq ir-Rummien
Starting directly across the channel from Comino over to Malta’s sister island; Gozo we have the picturesque and compact beach named Hondoq Bay (Ħondoq ir-Rummien Bay).
This is a very small beach with soft sands, protected by rocky outcrops on either side. Furthermore, there are several water sports companies operating here, so you have the option of water skiing, kayaking, or renting a SUP!
30. Ramla Beach (Ramla Bay)
Perhaps one of the most famous beaches in Malta, Ramla Bay Beach is a spectacular stretch of red sand overlooking the northern shores of Gozo Island.
Similarly to Mellieħa on the main island, the shallow water here makes it the perfect place for water sports or for enjoying a day at the beach with the family.
Additionally, Ramla Bay is known for its adjacent caves, Calypso’s Cave, and the spectacular viewpoint cave called Tal-Mixta Cave– go check them out!
31. Wied Il-Għasri
My personal favorite beach on Gozo Island, Malta is Wied Il-Għasri. This is one of the most scenic rocky inlets in the Maltese Islands and features a minuscule sandy beach entering into a snaking river-like canyon leading to the Mediterranean Sea in the north.
The Wied il Ghasri cove also contains several surrounding underwater caves, which makes it a popular spot for scuba divers and snorkelers.
32. Inland Sea
The Inland Sea might not appear on all lists of Malta’s best beaches, but I’d say it’s one of the most unique! This is a magnificent natural saltwater lagoon situated in Dwejra Bay on the island of Gozo’s rugged west.
This shallow semi-circular lagoon is lined by a thin, pebble beach and is often dotted with small fishing boats laying anchor during rough seas.
33. The Blue Hole
Malta’s Blue Hole is another spectacular rock formation right next to the famous Inland Sea in Dwejra Bay (Gozo).
While not a traditional beach, it is a great place to swim and snorkel, as this awesome vertical underwater tunnel is filled with crystal clear water! This is also located right beneath the former Azure Window!
34. Xlendi Beach
Xlendi Beach in Gozo’s lively Xlendi township is an excellent place to visit if you’re chasing beach bars, caves, and an overall chill vibe.
While the beach here is very small, travelers will want to check out the cliffside walking trails leading to a nearby cave and cliff-jumping spot! Afterward, go check out the nearby salt pans or grab a drink at one of the many seaside bars.
35. Mġarr ix-Xini
Looking to get off the beaten path on your Gozo beach hopping itinerary? If you’re visiting during the high season, make sure you include a visit to Mġarr ix-Xini.
This is a sheltered bay similar to Wied Il-Għasri but attracts a fraction of the tourists. Due to the high, fjord-like cliffs, this bay is usually very sheltered, even during bad weather.
Furthermore, beachgoers in Malta can enjoy the small pebble strand or the many flat rocks around it, providing a great place to sit down with friends and family.
Malta Accommodation Guide – Where to Stay Near the Beach
While visitors will find hotels and resorts scattered all over Malta’s islands, the most popular neighborhoods to base yourself in Malta include Valletta, Sliema & St Julian’s, Mellieħa Bay, and Gozo Island.
Travelers also have a broad variety of accommodation types, from 5-star resorts to traditional terraced boutique hotels. To save you time searching, below are the four best accommodation picks for Malta, based on location, reviews, and my personal experience.
- St Julian’s & Sliema Area: The Hilton
This is Malta’s premiere resort, located at the heart of the picturesque Portomaso Marina. This is a great pick if you’re trying to balance great location with utmost luxury. - Valletta: Iniala Harbour House
Perched atop Valletta’s stunning St Barbara Bastion, this incredible boutique experience is well-regarded as one of the best accommodation options in Malta. The experience offers stunning views of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities from traditional Maltese balconies. - Mellieħa – db Seabank Resort
The db Seabank is well-regarded as the best resort in the calmer Mellieħa area. Situated just feet from the white sandy shores of Malta’s longest beach, this complete all-inclusive hotel offers features five restaurants, a fitness center, a spa, multiple pools, and even a bowling alley! - Gozo – Quaint Boutique Hotel (Nadur)
Accommodation on Malta’s quieter sister island should reflect its more peaceful and traditional ambiance. This beautifully renovated boutique hotel is situated directly beside the Nadur Parish Church, with spacious balcony terraces looking over the town square.
Travel tip: Accommodation in Malta sells out quickly, especially for the summer vacation period. This is a location where you do not want to book at the last minute!
Map With the Best Beaches in Malta
Travel Hack: Click on the photo of the map above and it will load on your Google Maps app (must be installed on your phone). Then:
– Save it by clicking the grey star at the top, which will add it to “Your Places” on your Google Maps account.
– Now you have a handy digital app on the go with all the scene locations pinned
– Just refer back to this article (or bookmark it) for ideas and directions.
Useful Beach Resources for Malta
Below are some useful resources that’ll serve you well as you explore the spectacular beaches in Malta, Gozo, and Comino!
The Blue Flag Beaches in Malta
This flag system is one of the world’s most recognized voluntary awards for beaches, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to beaches that meet environmental standards. There are several blue flag beaches in Malta, including
- Mellieħa Bay
- St George’s Bay
- Qawra Bay
- Golden Bay
- Paradise Bay
- Ghajn Tuffieha
- Ramla Bay (the beach in Gozo)
- Hondoq ir-Rummien
How to get to the Beaches in Malta
By far, the best way to explore the Maltese islands is to rent a car. However, during the busy summer months, cars can sell out quickly. I recommend comparing prices across dealerships in St Julian, Mellieħa, and the International Airport on a comparison site like DiscoverCars.
Alternatively, you can always use Malta’s well-connected public transport bus network– just plan ahead for the return trip!
Common Jellyfish
Due to rising sea levels in the southern Mediterranean, Malta suffers from a growing jellyfish problem.
Luckily, these stingers are not dangerous, but some regular culprits like the Mauve Stinger can leave a slight burn.
Luckily, there is a useful map that tourists can check out showing the best beaches in Malta to avoid jellies, based on weather conditions like wind and waves. Additionally, this map will show information about rough weather and give advice on the best beaches to visit during the summer months in Malta.
The Ultimate Malta Travel Resource
Looking for more Malta travel guides and inspiration? Below are my most comprehensive blog posts that will serve as a great free resource for your trip.
FAQs About Visiting Beaches in Malta
There are many sandy beaches on the main island, including the popular Golden Bay and Mellieħa Bay. On the tiny island of Comino, you’ll also find soft sand beaches on the north coast, including San Niklaw and Santa Maria Bay. The most famous sandy beach on Gozo is Ramla Bay.
Pesky stinging jellyfish often wash up on the shores of the Maltese islands, especially following rough seas or bad weather. It’s a good idea to check the jellyfish map (included above) for updated recommendations on which beach to visit to avoid stingers!
The best time to go swimming in Malta is during the warm summer months, between June and August. However, late spring and early autumn are also usually quite warm and calm.
Below I’ve listed the top 10 beaches by popularity. Note however that there are many more beaches that are not as popular but easily just as, if not more, beautiful.
1. Golden Bay – Main Island
2. Mellieħa Bay – Main Island
3. St. George’s Bay – Main Island
4. Għajn Tuffieħa – Main Island
5. Ramla Bay – Gozo
6. Armier Bay – Main Island
7. Santa Maria Beach – Comino
8. Hondoq Bay – Gozo
9. Blue Lagoon – Comino
10. Xlendi Bay – Gozo
There are many beaches across the archipelago where you can rent a sunbed. Some of the best include Golden Bay, Mellieħa Bay, and Ramla Bay.
More Malta Travel Guides & Adventure Inspiration
I hope that you’ve enjoyed this Malta beach guide featuring the best sandy beaches, rocky coves, and secluded inlets of the Maltese Islands.
While you’re still here, don’t miss some of my other epic Malta travel guides! I’m sure you’ll find something you would have missed!
