Your ultimate guide to the best Malta beaches from the main island, Comino, and Gozo.
With more than 300 days of sunshine each 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 the ideal seaside vacation spot!
I’ve worked with the Maltese Tourism Board to document the best attractions across the island. And, in this travel guide, I’ll reveal the best beaches I’ve found in Malta, from Mellieha Bay on the main island to the far-flung golden sands of Ramla Bay on Gozo!
Plus, at the bottom of this post, you’ll find a useful Malta beach map to help you find your way around the coast!
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.
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 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.
Tip: 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, Malta
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.
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.
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 make 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 buzzing 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.
Amazing Beaches on Gozo
Known for its rugged coastline and crystal-clear waters, Gozo, Malta's sister island offers a variety of stunning beaches with a more relaxed vibe. I think the beaches here are even nicer than the beaches on Malta!
- Ħondoq ir-Rummien - A small beach with soft sands, protected by rocky outcrops. Offers water sports like kayaking and SUP.
- Ramla Beach (Ramla Bay) - Famous for its red sand and shallow waters, ideal for families. Check out the nearby Calypso's Cave and Tal-Mixta Cave.
- Wied Il-Għasri - My favorite! A scenic rocky inlet with a small sandy beach, perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.
- Inland Sea - Unique saltwater lagoon in Dwejra Bay. A pebble beach often dotted with fishing boats.
- The Blue Hole - Not a traditional beach, but great for swimming and snorkeling with a spectacular vertical underwater tunnel.
- Xlendi Beach - Small beach in Xlendi town with beach bars and cliffside walking trails leading to a cave and cliff-jumping spot.
- Mġarr ix-Xini - Off the beaten path with a sheltered bay, high cliffs, and a small pebble strand.
- San Blas Beach - Secluded with stunning red sand. Requires a steep descent from Nadur, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Best Beaches on Comino
Known for its rugged coastline and crystal-clear waters, Comino, Malta's smallest island, has some of the nicest beaches in Malta.
- Blue Lagoon - Best beach for swimming. Iconic orange limestone cliffs drop into clear waters. Accessible by boat from Malta or Gozo, featuring one of the most beautiful white sand beaches. Book the popular Blue Lagoon & Comino Caves trip for great value.
- Crystal Lagoon - Best beach for coastal views. Located on the southwest corner of Comino, this picturesque bay has crystal clear waters and towering limestone cliffs. Features a small pebble beach.
- St Niklaw Bay - Best beach for relaxing. A short walk from the busy Blue Lagoon, this bay offers a small sandy beach with turquoise waters, ideal for swimming or snorkeling.
- Santa Maria Bay - Best hidden gem beach. The second most popular beach on Comino with shallow waters and a long stretch of white sand. Great for snorkeling with an option to visit the nearby Santa Maria Caves.
Where to Stay Near the Beach
There's a wide range of accommodation types, from 5-star resorts to traditional terraced boutique hotels scattered all over Malta's islands. However, I highly recommend staying in either Valletta, Sliema & St Julian's, Mellieħa Bay, and Gozo Island.
Below are the top four options based on location, reviews, and my personal experience.
To save you time, read my guide to where to stay in Malta, or this guide to Gozo's Best Boutique Hotels.
1. 1926 Hotel & Spa Sliema
This amazing 4-star luxury facility in Sliema offers Mediterranean Sea views & a rooftop infinity swimming pool. Easy access to the ferry terminal running to Gozo & Valletta.
2. Iniala Harbour House Valletta
Perched atop Valletta's stunning St Barbara Bastion, this incredible boutique experience offers stunning views of the Grand Harbour & the Three Cities from traditional Maltese balconies.
3. db Seabank Resort Mellieħa
Situated just feet from the white sandy shores of Malta's longest beach, this all-inclusive hotel offers five restaurants, a fitness center, a spa, multiple pools, & a bowling alley!
4. Quaint Boutique Hotel (Nadur) Gozo
A beautifully renovated boutique hotel beside the Nadur Parish Church. Find spacious balcony terraces overlooking the town square & offering a peaceful, traditional ambiance.
Map With the Best Beaches in Malta
What You Need to Know About Malta's Beaches
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.
Are the beaches of Malta sandy?
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.
Which beach in Malta has no Jellyfish?
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!
When to go beach hopping in Malta?
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.
What are Malta's top 10 beaches?
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
Are there any beaches with sunbeds?
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.
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!
- 70+ Things to do in Malta - my ultimate Maltese Travel Guide covering all the must-see attractions and hidden gems in the archipelago.
- 16 Things to do on Comino - my detailed guide to the island of Comino
- 40 Amazing Things to do on Gozo - I explored every corner of Malta's sister island of Gozo to form this comprehensive travel guide
- Guide to Mellieha - a detailed travel guide covering the top 16 things to do in Mellieha
- 26 Things to do in Valletta - I cover my favorite things to do in Malta's capital
- Top Sunset Spoints in Malta - wind down your day at one of these epic sunset locations in Malta
- Accommodation resources: Looking for places to stay? Read my guide to finding where to stay in Malta. Or, for a unique stay, check out this list of great Boutique Hotels in Gozo and more Boutique Hotels in Valletta.