With a whopping 300 days of sunshine annually, the Maltese Islands are a genuine haven for those yearning to bask in the sun’s warm rays and enjoy unspoiled sandy or rocky beaches. Here, we unveil the top beaches in Malta, moving from the northern tip of the island to the southern end.
1 Armier Bay
Armier Bay, nestled in the northern section of Malta, is an alluring sandy beach with a unique composition that separates it into two distinct beaches. Armier Bay Beach and Little Armier Beach, as they are called, are distinguished by a small rocky formation that divides the two beaches and exudes different vibes.
Armier Bay Beach is the larger of the two and is an idyllic spot for swimming and sunbathing. In addition, the beach boasts a small array of snack bars, lidos, and small restaurants where visitors can indulge in savory bites or cold refreshing drinks. Little Armier Beach, on the other hand, is more secluded and tranquil and is often preferred by those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle. The beach also offers an excellent opportunity for snorkeling and diving, as the waters are crystal clear, and the marine life is varied.
2 Paradise Bay
Paradise Bay is a famous beach located in the northwest of Malta. Paradise Beach stands out for its exceptional location at the base of towering cliffs, providing breathtaking views of the stunning Gozo and Comino Islands. The beach offers ample opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. In addition, visitors can rent kayaks or paddle boards to explore the bay and its environs. The beach has many facilities, such as sun loungers, umbrellas, a beach bar, and a restaurant. There are also changing rooms and showers at your disposal.
For adventure enthusiasts, the cliffs and rock formations surrounding Paradise Bay provide an exhilarating platform for cliff jumping – although it’s vital to exercise caution and only leap from safe areas. Hikers are in for a treat as several trails and paths around the bay offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Good to know. To reach the beach, you must descend a flight of one hundred steps that lead to the secluded and intimate sandy shore. Despite the lengthy descent, the stunning beach below makes the journey worth the effort.
3 Golden Bay
Golden Bay is a stunning beach located in the northwestern part of Malta, nearby the village of Manikata. This iconic sandy beach is renowned for its beautiful golden sand and sparkling, clear waters.
The beach is surrounded by cliffs and hills, which provide a stunning backdrop and offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. It is also an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling, as the waters are calm and relatively shallow.
Several facilities are available at Golden Bay, including sun loungers, and umbrellas for rent. The beach is also easily accessible by car or public transportation.
In addition to its natural beauty, Golden Bay is also known for its proximity to several popular tourist attractions, including the historic city of Mdina, the ancient temple complex of Hagar Qim, and the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk.
4 Ghajn Tuffieha Bay
Ghajn Tuffieha Bay is a small but picturesque beach in the island’s northwestern part, near Manikata. It is part of a larger area known as Golden Bay Beach.
The beach at Ghajn Tuffieha Bay is known for its clear blue water and golden sand. It is a relatively secluded beach surrounded by high cliffs and natural vegetation. The beach has basic facilities such as toilets, showers, sun loungers, and umbrellas. There are also a few snack bars and restaurants nearby.
The beach is perfect for swimming and sunbathing, and there are also opportunities for water sports such as snorkeling and windsurfing. The beach can be accessed by steps leading down from the parking area. However, it is not recommended for those with mobility issues.
Ghajn Tuffieha Bay can get crowded during peak tourist season, particularly on weekends. Therefore, visiting during the week or early in the morning is best to avoid crowds and find a parking spot.
5 Gnejna Bay
Gnejna Bay is a beautiful and famous beach on the Maltese island of Malta’s northwest coast and just two kilometers from the village of Mgarr. It is situated between the better-known shores of Golden Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha and is part of a natural reserve area.
The bay has a sandy beach stretching around 200 meters. Its calm and shallow waters make it a popular destination for families with young children and an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling. The beach can get quite busy during the peak summer season, but it is still a great place to relax and soak up the sun. There are also several small restaurants and snack bars in the area, offering a variety of refreshments and snacks.
The beach can get quite windy, especially during the afternoons. This makes it a popular spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding.
Visitors can access the beach by car, bus, or walking down from the nearby village of Mgarr.
6 Mellieha Bay or Ghadira Bay
Mellieha Bay, also known as Ghadira Bay, is the largest sandy beach in Malta, stretching for over 800 meters (2,600 feet). It’s also relatively wide, an excellent sunbathing and beach sports spot.
Ghadira Bay is located in the north of Malta, near Mellieha. It’s easily accessible by public transportation or car, and several parking options are available nearby.
This jewel of Malta’s northern coast is the ultimate destination for sun-seeking families. With its shallow, clear waters gently lapping at the shore, Mellieha Bay is the perfect spot for families, kids, and young swimmers to splash and play safely.
Ghadira Bay has various facilities, including sun loungers, umbrellas for rent, showers, and toilets. There are also several restaurants and cafes nearby, as well as a water sports center offering a range of activities.
7 Mistra Bay
Mistra Bay is a small, secluded beach on the northern coast of Malta. It is situated in the village of Mellieha. The beach is relatively quiet and peaceful, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the crowds of the more popular tourist beaches on the island. However, due to its small size, Mistra Bay can become crowded during peak tourist season.
Visitors to Mistra Bay can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling in the calm, turquoise waters.
In addition, Mistra Bay is located near several other attractions in Mellieha, including the historic Saint Agatha’s Tower and the village of Manikata, known for its traditional Maltese architecture and local crafts.
Mistra Bay is not easily accessible by public transport, so renting a car or taxi to the beach is recommended. There is also a small parking area near the beach for those who are driving.
Compared to some of the more popular beaches on the island, Mistra Bay has few amenities, such as sun loungers, umbrellas, or food and drink vendors. Visitors should bring their own supplies and be prepared for a more rustic beach experience.
8 Balluta Bay
Balluta Bay is in St. Julian’s and has a small sandy beach and rocky platforms. The beach is a little small but a lovely spot to relax and soak up the sun. It’s easily accessible by public transport, and the area has plenty of restaurants and bars. In addition, the sea is relatively calm, making it a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling.
The bay is surrounded by a beautiful promenade. The promenade is lined with palm trees, cafes, and restaurants, and there are plenty of benches where you can sit and take in the stunning views of the bay.
In addition to swimming and sunbathing, you can enjoy plenty of other activities at Balluta Bay. You can take a leisurely stroll along the promenade, rent a boat, explore the bay, or even try fishing.
9 Sliema Beach
Sliema beach is located in the town of Sliema, on the northeastern coast of Malta. It’s a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful coastline, bustling shopping streets, and lively nightlife. Sliema beach is situated along the promenade, which stretches several kilometers and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The beach is easily accessible by public transportation, and plenty of hotels, restaurants, and bars are in the surrounding area.
The beach is a hive of activity, with families building sandcastles, sun worshippers lounging on their towels, and adventurous types trying their hand at watersports. From jet skiing to parasailing, there’s something for everyone.
Technically, there is only one main beach in Sliema, known simply as “Sliema Beach.” However, several other small rocky beaches and swimming spots along the coastline of Sliema are popular with locals and visitors alike. These include Fond Ghadir Beach, Qui-si-Sana Beach, and St. Julian’s Bay Beach, just a short walk from Sliema so while there is only one official “Sliema Beach,” plenty of other places to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea in the surrounding area.
10 Qawra Point Beach
Qawra Point Beach is a famous beach in Qawra, in the northern part of Malta. This beach is a favorite spot among tourists and locals, thanks to its beautiful sandy shore. The beach is relatively small but well-maintained, with plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas available for rent. The shallow waters make it an excellent spot for swimming, and plenty of water sports activities are available, such as jet skiing, banana boat rides, and parasailing.
In addition to swimming and water sports, visitors can enjoy a stroll along the promenade that runs parallel to the beach. The promenade has restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it a great place to grab a bite or a refreshing drink.
Qawra Point Beach is also conveniently located close to some other popular attractions. Just a short walk away is the Qawra Tower, a historic watchtower from the 17th century. Also nearby is the Malta National Aquarium, a must-visit for anyone interested in marine life.
The beach has clean restrooms, showers, and changing rooms, making it convenient for the day. In addition, he beach is easily accessible by car or public transportation, with plenty of parking nearby. It’s also wheelchair accessible, with ramps leading down to the sand.
11 Pretty Bay
Pretty Bay is situated in the town of Birżebbuġa, which is known for its picturesque harbors and traditional Maltese architecture. The Bay is easily accessible by car or public transportation and is a popular destination for locals and tourists.
The bay is sheltered from the wind, making it an ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing. The water is crystal clear and relatively shallow, so it’s great for families with young children. Several water sports activities are also available, including kayaking, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
You’ll find a promenade along the shore, perfect for a leisurely stroll. It’s lined with restaurants and cafes that offer a range of local and international cuisine and refreshing drinks to keep you cool on hot summer days. In the evenings, the bay comes alive with a lively atmosphere. Live music performances and street performers often create a festive vibe perfect for a night out with friends or family.
12 Marsascala Bay
Marsascala Bay is a beautiful and famous bay on Malta’s southern coast. It is a natural harbor used by fishermen for centuries and is now a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
There are also many restaurants and cafes along the waterfront, where visitors can enjoy delicious Maltese cuisine while taking in stunning views.
One of the most popular attractions in Marsascala Bay is the St. Thomas Tower, built in the 17th century to protect the bay from pirates and invaders. The tower has been beautifully restored and is now open to visitors who can explore its many rooms and learn about its fascinating history.
Marsascala Bay is also home to other historical landmarks, including the Chapel of Our Lady of Pompei, built in the 19th century and featured beautiful frescoes and artwork.
The bay is home to a small fishing village, and you can still see traditional Maltese fishing boats (known as “luzzus”) bobbing in the water.
Marsascala Bay comes alive in the summer with several festivals and events, including the Marsascala Artisan Fair, the Feast of St. Anne, and the Marsascala Regatta.
The nearby town of Marsaxlokk is also worth visiting, especially on Sundays when its famous fish market occurs. Marsascala Bay is just a short drive from Malta’s capital, Valletta, known for its rich history and stunning architecture.
13 St. Thomas Bay
St. Thomas Bay is a beautiful bay in the southeastern part of Malta. The bay is situated in the village of Marsascala. The beach is made of fine golden sand and is popular with locals and tourists.
The shallow waters of St. Thomas Bay make it an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. The bay is also a popular spot for diving due to the numerous underwater caves and tunnels that can be found in the area. In addition to the beach, St. Thomas Bay offers many amenities for visitors, including several restaurants, cafes, and bars. The bay also has some small shops and boutiques selling souvenirs and beachwear.
For those looking to explore the surrounding area, several hiking trails offer stunning views of the bay and the surrounding countryside. The nearby town of Marsascala is also worth a visit, with its charming harbor and quaint streets lined with traditional Maltese houses. The nearby town of Marsascala has several restaurants and cafes where you can grab a bite or drink after a day at the beach. Some of the local specialties include fresh seafood and traditional Maltese pastries.
If you’re interested in diving, several diving schools offer courses and guided dives to some of the nearby dive sites. Some of the popular dive sites in the area include the Santa Maria Caves and the Wied iż-Żurrieq Blue Hole.
14 Peter’s Pool
Peter’s Pool is a natural swimming pool located in the Delimara area in the southeastern part of Malta, close to the village of Marsaxlokk. It is about 15 km away from the capital city of Valletta.
Natural limestone rocks surround the pool, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. With its dazzling colors and rich marine life, Peter’s Pool is also a haven for snorkelers and underwater explorers.
Access to Peter’s Pool is mainly by car or taxi, as no public transportation goes directly to the pool. However, visitors can park their cars in a designated area and walk down a steep path to the pool.
As with any natural pool, visitors should be cautious when swimming in Peter’s Pool as there are no lifeguards on duty. The sea can also become rough, especially during strong winds, so visitors should know the weather conditions before swimming. In addition, no facilities or amenities are available at Peter’s Pool, so visitors are advised to bring their food, drinks, and snorkeling gear.
15 Blue Lagoon
A small but sensational beach is nestled between Malta and Gozo on the secluded island of Comino. This picturesque paradise is renowned for its beautiful crystal-clear waters creating an idyllic setting that’s simply out of this world. To get there, you can take a ferry from either Cirkewwa in Malta or Mgarr in Gozo.
Blue Lagoon is an oasis of tranquility and natural beauty waiting for you to explore – don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
FAQs
- What is the best time of year to visit Malta? The best time to visit Malta is during the summer, from June to September when the weather is warm and sunny.
- Is Malta expensive? Malta can be affordable, but prices vary in season and location. Expect to pay more for accommodation and dining in popular tourist areas.
- What is the official language of Malta? The official languages of Malta are Maltese and English.
- Do I need a visa to visit Malta? Citizens of the EU and several other countries do not need a visa to visit Malta. Check with the Maltese embassy or consulate in your country for more information.
- Are the beaches in Malta crowded? It depends on the time of year. During the peak tourist season, some beaches can get quite crowded. However, many secluded spots are less busy.
- Are the beaches in Malta suitable for children? Yes, many of the beaches in Malta are suitable for children. Mellieha Bay, in particular, is an excellent spot for families with young children.
- Are there any nude beaches in Malta? No, public nudity is illegal in Malta.
- Can I rent sun loungers and parasols on the beaches in Malta? Yes, many of the beaches in Malta have sun loungers and parasols available for rent.
- Are there any beaches in Malta that are accessible by boat only? Yes, Blue Lagoon is a beach that is only accessible by boat.
- Many of the beaches in Malta are rocky, so it’s a good idea to bring water shoes or sandals to protect your feet.
- Malta can get hot during the summer, so bring plenty of sunscreens, a hat, and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes.
- Malta has strict laws against littering and pollution, so be sure to clean up after yourself and dispose of any trash properly.
- Some of the beaches in Malta may have strong currents or underwater hazards, so be sure to check the conditions before swimming or participating in water activities.
We hope this guide has helped you find the perfect beach for your next vacation.