On my recent trip to Malta, I set off to explore the island’s most fascinating caves—both above and below the water. Some are perfect for snorkeling and diving, revealing hidden tunnels and marine life beneath the surface.
Others are dry caves, tucked away in rocky hillsides, some of which contain remnants of some of the oldest fossils ever found on earth, including remains of dwarf elephants and even hippopotami from over 500,000 years ago!
In this guide, I’ll share five of the most epic caves in Malta—each with its own story, unique features, and practical tips I learned to help you plan your visit.
1. Santa Maria Caves – Comino
The Santa Maria Caves on Comino are some of the most spectacular sea caves in Malta, with crystal-clear waters, dramatic limestone formations, and hidden swim-through tunnels.
Located on the northern coast of Comino, this cave system is amazing for snorkeling and diving, with plenty of marine life and epic rock arches to explore. Unlike the often crowded Blue Lagoon, Santa Maria Caves are usually quiet and are definitely one of the sites worth exploring on Comino (you can visit both on a day trip).
How to Get There & What to Expect
- Location: Northern coast of Comino, near Santa Maria Bay.
- Access: Only reachable by boat; tours run from Mgarr (Gozo), Cirkewwa (Malta), and Blue Lagoon (Comino). I took and highly recommend the tour from Outdoor Explorers.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning just before the Blue Lagoon for calmer waters, fewer crowds, best light inside the caves.
- What to Bring: Snorkel, fins (currents can be strong), waterproof camera.
- Experience Level: Suitable for all swimmers; some caves have swim-throughs, others are deep enough for diving.
2. Għar Dalam – Malta’s Prehistoric Cave
Għar Dalam is one of Malta’s most significant historical sites, home to the oldest evidence of human presence on the islands and fossils dating back over 500,000 years! This prehistoric cave, located in the southern part of Malta, was once a shelter for early humans and an ancient den for now-extinct animals, including dwarf elephants and hippopotami, which blew my mind!
The cave itself extends 144 meters into the rock, though we could only access the first 50 meters as regular tourist visitors. The main chamber is illuminated with lights showcasing impressive stalactites and stalagmites, while the deeper sections remain untouched.
Right above the cave, the Għar Dalam Museum is worth checking out BEFORE going in. I found it really helpful since it showcases fossils and artifacts found inside and explains the cave’s history. Without that context, it’s hard to make sense of what you’re actually seeing when you’re walking through.
How to Get There & What to Expect
- Location: Birżebbuġa, Southern Malta, 10 km from Valletta.
- Access: Open to the public; entrance fee required (currently €5 for adults, €3.50 for students/seniors).
- Best Time to Visit: Any time, usually not crowded.
- What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, camera for museum exhibits.
- Highlights: Prehistoric fossils, ancient human remains, and geological formations.
3. Blue Grotto – Malta’s Most Iconic Sea Cave
The Blue Grotto (Taht il-Hnejja) is one of Malta’s most famous natural caves and one of my favorite attractions in Malta! Located on the southern coast near Wied iż-Żurrieq, this massive sea cave is world famous for its brilliant blue reflections, towering limestone arch, and crystal-clear waters.
What's cool about this one is that it's not just one cave but a whole system of HUGE interconnected sea caverns, each glowing in different shades of blue depending on the time of day.
I visited in the morning and took a boat tour when the sun hit the water at just the right angle, lighting up the cave’s interior in an unreal electric blue. The scale of the cave is incredible, with 30-meter-high cliffs towering above and deep underwater tunnels below. It’s a must-visit whether you're into photography, boat trips, or just soaking in Malta’s raw natural beauty.
How to Get There & What to Expect
- Location: Southern Malta, near Wied iż-Żurrieq, about 13 km from Valletta.
- Access: Best by boat; short boat trips run from Wied iż-Żurrieq (€8 per person) or you can book a whole day trip with transport and visit to Marsaxxlok.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning (before 11 am) for the best light inside the caves.
- What to Bring: Sunglasses, camera, and if you’re swimming nearby, reef shoes for rocky areas near the boat port.
- Highlights: Amazing blue water, natural rock formations, and incredible coastal views.
Tip: If you’re in Malta, the Blue Grotto is an absolute must-see. I highly recommend taking the local boats inside the cave. However, if the weather is poor you can also see the iconic cave from the nearby viewpoint.
4. Calypso Cave in Gozo
Calypso Cave is a place straight out of legend. Perched on the cliffs above Ramla Bay in Gozo, this site is believed to be the cave mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey, where the nymph Calypso kept Odysseus trapped for seven years.
While the cave itself is now partially collapsed and closed to the public, the real reason to visit is the incredible panoramic view over one of Gozo’s most famous beaches– Ramla Bay's red-sand beach.
Standing at the viewpoint, I could see the golden shoreline of Ramla Bay stretching below, with the bright blue sea meeting the rugged Gozo coastline. Even without access to the cave itself, it’s still worth the visit for its (potentially) mythological significance and awesome scenery.
How to Get There & What to Expect
- Location: Xagħra, Gozo, overlooking Ramla Bay.
- Access: The cave is closed, but the viewpoint is open to visitors. Easily accessible by car or a short hike from Ramla Bay.
- Best Time to Visit: Sunset for the most stunning views over the bay.
- What to Bring: Camera, water, and good walking shoes if hiking up from the beach.
- Experience Level: Easy—short walk from the road, slightly steep if coming from the beach.
- Highlights: Epic coastal views, Greek mythology connection, and a peaceful, uncrowded spot.
5. Tal-Mixta Cave – The Epic Ramla Bay Viewpoint
Tal-Mixta Cave is one of the most breathtaking cave viewpoints in Malta and has recently been the cover photo for Visit Gozo! Located high above Ramla Bay in Gozo near Calypso Cave, this natural limestone cave opens up to a massive panoramic window over the island’s famous red-sand beach.
Unlike Calypso Cave, Tal-Mixta offers an actual cave to explore—and the views from inside are nothing short of epic.
Stepping into the cave, I was instantly blown away by the contrast between the dark rock walls and the vibrant blue and gold hues of the coastline outside. The massive entrance perfectly frames the bay below, making it a great spot for photography and one of my favorite sunset viewpoints in Gozo.
How to Get There & What to Expect
- Location: Above Ramla Bay, Xagħra, Gozo.
- Access: Reachable by car (park near the entrance) or by hiking up from Ramla Bay (steep but short).
- Best Time to Visit: Sunset or early morning for the best light and fewer crowds.
- What to Bring: Camera, water, and good shoes if hiking.
- Highlights: Jaw-dropping views, large cave interior, and an epic natural window over the bay.
6. Ninu’s Cave & Xerri’s Grotto – Gozo’s Hidden Underground Caves
Gozo Island is full of awesome things to do, and Ninu’s Cave and Xerri’s Grotto are two of its best-kept secrets. Both caves are located in Xagħra, hidden beneath private homes, and offer a pretty awesome glimpse into Gozo’s underground world.
While they aren’t the biggest caves in Malta, they’re packed with impressive limestone formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and rare helictites—delicate mineral formations that twist in unusual directions.
I visited both caves on the same day, and while they have similar formations, they each have their own unique appeal. Ninu’s Cave is smaller but features some of the most intricate and delicate rock patterns I’ve seen. Xerri’s Grotto, on the other hand, is larger, with tunnels stretching deep underground and more dramatic rock curtains hanging from the ceiling.
How to Get There & What to Expect
- Highlights: Rare rock formations, peaceful vibe, and a unique underground adventure.
- Location: Xagħra, Gozo, near the Xagħra Parish Church.
- Access: Privately owned; small entrance fee for each cave (€2-€3). Guided tours available.
- Best Time to Visit: Anytime—cool underground temperatures make them perfect for midday exploration.
- What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, cash for the entrance fees.
7. Għar Lapsi – Seaside Cave with Natural Pools & Coastal Hikes
Għar Lapsi is a hidden coastal gem on Malta’s southern coast, offering a mix of crystal-clear rock pools, sea caves, and rugged hiking trails. Unlike the crowded beaches of the north, this spot is peaceful, scenic, and mostly visited by locals.
What makes Għar Lapsi special is the natural limestone pools formed by the overhanging cliffs. I spent the afternoon snorkeling here after the quick coastal hike, swimming through the calm, shallow waters while watching small fish dart between the rocks.
Just beyond the main pool, I found some hidden sea caves by swimming through narrow openings, leading to secluded water pockets inside the rock.
How to Get There & What to Expect
- Location: Southern Malta, near Siġġiewi, about 3 km from the Blue Grotto.
- Access: Reachable by car; free parking available near the Lapsi Reverse Osmosis plant. Also accessible by bus.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for calm waters, or late afternoon for fewer crowds and golden light.
- What to Bring: Snorkel gear, water shoes (rocky entry), and good shoes for the hike if exploring the coast.
- Highlights: Natural rock pools, hidden sea caves, epic coastal hiking, and a peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds.
Tip: Malta’s south coast is often overlooked, which is a shame because it’s home to some of the island’s most spectacular rocky coves and coastal caves. The Lapsi hiking area is one of my favorite off-the-beaten-path trails. From Għar Lapsi car park, you can follow the trail along the coast, passing the Għar Hxixa and Għar Neffied caves as well. The hike is easy and scenic, with plenty of chances to stop for a swim in quiet coves along the way.
8. Għar ir-Riħ – Hidden Cathedral Cave of Gozo
Għar ir-Riħ, also known as Cathedral Cave, is one of Gozo’s most breathtaking sea caves and a popular dive site for experienced divers. Located near Wied il-Għasri, this cave is still relatively unknown to many travelers, making it a hidden gem for those looking to explore Gozo’s rugged coastline.
What makes this cave truly special is its massive domed vault, which is only accessible via an underwater entrance between 6 to 18 meters deep. For divers, surfacing inside the cave is an epic experience, as the light filtering through the entrance creates an otherworldly glow inside the chamber.
While I didn’t get the chance to dive here, I did jump in and swim down to the entrance of the open sea cave one calm afternoon. However it was way too dangerous to free dive inside and I recommend not doing this since the entrance is fully exposed to the open sea, and conditions can change fast.
How to Get There & What to Expect
- Location: Near Wied il-Għasri, Gozo.
- Access: Reachable by car; hike down to Wied il-Għasri and follow the cliffs. Entry to the cave is by scuba diving or advanced swimming only.
- Best Time to Visit: Only in calm weather; best diving conditions are in summer.
- What to Bring: Dive gear (if diving), snorkel and fins (if swimming), and a buddy for safety.
- Experience Level: Advanced only—best for divers; swimming in requires caution.
- Highlights: Stunning underwater entrance, massive domed vault, and incredible diving visibility.
9. Ta’ Marija Cave – Kayak Access Cave
Ta’ Marija Cave is one of the most impressive sea caves in Malta and honestly I found it by luck. It's tucked away along the rugged coastline near Ġnejna Bay, one of Malta's best beaches.
Unlike some of the more well-known caves, this one is best explored by kayak, making it an exciting adventure for those willing to paddle out to find it. The cave itself is deep and wide, with towering limestone walls and a stunning contrast between the dark interior and the brilliant turquoise water outside.
I set off from the beach beneath Ta’ Lippija Tower, renting a kayak from Ġnejna Watersports for a few euros. Paddling along the southern headland past Pullicino’s Cove, I reached the entrance of Ta’ Marija Cave in just a few minutes.
The cave felt massive and untouched, with echoes bouncing off the rock walls and shafts of light filtering through the water, creating an unreal blue glow inside. If you’re up for an adventure, this is one of the best sea caves in Malta to explore by kayak.
How to Get There & What to Expect
- Location: Near Ġnejna Bay, western Malta.
- Access: Best reached by kayak or paddleboard from Ġnejna Beach. Kayak rentals available at Ġnejna Watersports.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for the calmest waters and best lighting inside the cave.
- What to Bring: Waterproof bag, snorkel gear, and a headlamp if you want to explore deeper inside.
- Experience Level: Moderate—suitable for beginner kayakers in calm conditions.
- Highlights: Deep sea cave, incredible blue light, and a peaceful kayaking experience.
10. Għar Ħasan Cave – A Secret Cliffside Cave with Epic Views
Għar Ħasan Cave is one of Malta’s most off-the-beaten-path hidden gems, a dramatic sea cave perched high above the coast in the south of Malta near the Freeport. Unlike most caves on this list, this one isn’t officially a tourist site—it’s technically closed, but locals (and a few adventurous travelers) still find their way in.
The cave is carved into sheer limestone cliffs, offering incredible panoramic views over the Mediterranean.
I drove down to the site and found a large gap in the fence near the parking area beside MaritimeMT, which is the easiest way in.
Inside, the entrance opens up to a massive cave chamber, with tunnels leading deeper into the cliffside. Some sections are off-limits, but I was able to explore a few of the passageways by turning at the steel gate just inside.
The real highlight, though, is the view from the cave’s entrance—with truly epic views at the edge of the cliff, staring out over the endless blue sea.
How to Get There & What to Expect
- Location: Southern Malta, near the Malta Freeport.
- Access: Not an official site; entry via a gap in the fence near MaritimeMT.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temps and fewer people.
- What to Bring: Sturdy shoes, flashlight for tunnels, and caution (the site is unmaintained).
- Highlights: Massive sea cave, cliffside views, and hidden tunnels inside the rock.
11. Coral Lagoon - Secret Sea Cave in Malta
The Coral Lagoon is one of Malta’s most spectacular sea caves, a hidden gem carved into the cliffs near Armier Bay on the northern coast. Unlike other caves on this list, this one is completely open at the top, forming a natural limestone sinkhole with a deep, crystal-clear pool inside.
The cave is best explored by kayak or snorkel, offering one of the most unique swimming spots in Malta.
The first time I set out to see Coral Lagoon I hiked around the rocky coast from the parking area L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa campsite (near the Ahrax Tower). However if you're game I recommend renting a kayak from Little Armier Bay and entering the cave from the small crack in the rock.
But don't let the tiny entrance fool you. Once inside, the view is unreal—a massive, enclosed lagoon with bright turquoise water, sunlight pouring in from above and the gentle noise of the sea echoing inside the chamber.
How to Get There & What to Expect
- Location: Near Armier Bay, northern Malta.
- Access: 5-minute walk from the car park, by boat tour, or kayak from Armier Beach.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning for calm waters and fewer people.
- What to Bring: Snorkel, waterproof bag, and sturdy shoes if hiking to the viewpoint.
- Experience Level: Moderate—kayaking in is easy, but be careful if jumping/swimming as there's been some injuries here.
- Highlights: Enclosed sea cave, stunning blue water, and a truly hidden adventure spot.
