One of my favorite things to do in Malta is watch the sunset on the Mediterranean Sea. Here are my best spots!
From its high limestone cliffs to its epic natural arches, the archipelago of Malta also offers some of the best sunsets in Europe.
After exploring the islands in search of amazing sunset locations, I’ve written this roundup of my favorites. I hope it will convince you to ditch the resort pool and check out the natural wonders in this amazing adventure travel destination!
Malta's Best Sunset Experiences
In a rush? Prefer an organized trip. You can't go wrong with the picks below.
- 4.5-Hour Sunset Sightseeing Cruise - the top-rated sunset cruise in Malta with a full-service bar
- 3-Hour Private Sunset Cruise from Gozo - skip the crowds and enjoy a private cruise to the best sunset spots on the Coast of Gozo and Comino
- Lazy Pirate Party Boat - the most famous party boat in Malta includes a sunset cruise and party onboard a Turkish Gulet
1. Dingli Cliffs
The Dingli Cliffs is a long stretch of towering limestone cliffs on the southwest coast of Malta's main island. At around 250 meters above sea level, this 2-kilometer cliff line includes Malta's highest points, offering excellent views over the Mediterranean Sea.
There are several viewpoints along this stretch of white cliffs, but my favorites are remote stretches of road leading up to the Radar ('Il Ballun'). From here, you'll get the most beautiful sunsets just a short walk from your car.
2. Chapel of Immaculate Conception in Mellieħa Bay
While the Dingli Cliffs are one of the most popular places to watch the sunset, you'll also find several hidden gems just like this tiny church hidden away in Malta's northeast point near the Coral Lagoon.
The Chapel of Immaculate Conception is a tiny church overlooking the pristine waters of Mellieħa Bay. I can almost guarantee that there won't be any other tourists here, which makes it the most romantic place to watch the warm summer glow fade behind the hilltop churches.
3. Mtahleb
In the remote western tip of Malta, you'll find the wild region of Mtahleb. This is a great coastal hiking region and one of the best sunset points to watch the sun fade behind the horizon.
One of my favorite viewpoints in this region is Miġra l-Ferħa, a high cliff dropping vertically into deep, blue water and providing spectacular views!
4. The Blue Grotto & Wied Iż-Żurrieq
The Blue Grotto of Malta is an epic sea cave filled with crystal-clear water. It's one of the most popular sites in the country, but did you know that it's also a great place to spend your golden hour?
There is a viewpoint just behind the Blue Grotto near the village of Wied Iż-Żurrieq offering breathtaking views of the setting sun to the west. You can also head down to the village, where you'll find some excellent places to sit down near the edge of the sea.
5. Malta Sunset Cruise
Malta's coastline is incredibly unique, and there's no better way to explore it than from the water.
That's why I highly recommend booking a Maltese Sunset Cruise. These trips depart from Buggiba Jetty, which is easy to get to from the main tourist hotel areas.
The cruise includes a scenic boat ride, stopping at some of the best locations including the must-visit Blue Lagoon during the sunset!
6. Popeye Village Viewpoint at Anchor Bay
The Popeye Village on the western side of the island is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Malta. However, many don't know that its location in Anchor Bay is also a great place to visit, especially if you're chasing sunset viewpoints!
The edges of this narrow inlet are surrounded by rocky slopes forming a sheltered bay with a beautiful view of the setting sun.
7. Golden Bay
Golden Bay is world-famous for its red sands and crystal clear water, and due to its location on the western side of Malta, it's also the perfect sunset beach!
I recommend making a trip to Golden Bay for an afternoon swim, then relaxing on its golden sands while watching the sun set behind the limestone cliffs.
8. Ghajn Tuffieha Bay
The unique clay cliffs of Għajn Tuffieħa in Malta's Il-Majjistral Nature & History Park is another excellent place to spend the last hours of the day.
This spot is located just south of the popular Golden Bay, but attracts a fraction of the tourists. I recommend hiking out to the Il-Qarraba headland, where you'll get a great view of the coast in both directions. Alternatively, walk across to Ġnejna Bay, another beautiful beach with many picturesque locations.
9. The Red Tower (It-Torri L-Ahmar) in Mellieha
If you're staying in the popular tourist hub of Mellieħa Bay, then you'll undoubtedly have spotted the Red Tower protruding from its hilltop location in the north.
This is known as It-Torri L-Aħmar, or Saint Agatha's Tower, and it's one of the best places to experience beautiful Maltese sunsets. Either walk from Mellieħa or drive up to the nearby parking area. From here, you'll get excellent views of Comino and the Gozo Channel!
10. Fomm ir-rih
Another off-the-beaten-path beach on the western side of Malta's main island, Fomm ir-rih is definitely worth adding to your sunset-chasing itinerary.
While the pebble beach itself is a little tricky to get down to, the cliffs above it make for an excellent viewpoint. There's also a historic WW2 Pillbox right nearby, which might be worth checking out!
We explored this region by renting a kayak at neighboring Gnejna Bay, which I highly recommend!
11. The Grand Harbour in Valletta
Valletta's Grand Harbour is perhaps the most iconic place in the country. While there aren't any great spots to watch the sunset over the water, it's still one of the most picturesque places during Golden Hour.
Head over to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for excellent views of the harbor, or pick a spot by the waterfront boardwalk and watch the traditional boats plotting along.
12. The Three Cities
Across the Grand Harbour lies Malta's Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. This area is rich in history and traditional Maltese culture, but also offers some spectacular viewpoints over the capital city.
#1 Rated Three Cities Tour
Looking to cut out all the hassle of organizing a day trip to the Three Cities on your own? Book this top-rated 3 cities tour which includes a traditional luzzu or dgħajsa harbour ferry and a walking tour run by a knowledgeable local guide.
Where to Stay in Malta
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.
I hope that you've enjoyed this detailed list of the best Malta sunset locations! For more, check out my guide to Gozo's best sunset spots and more sunset spots in Comino!
While you're here, make sure to check out some of my other travel guides to the Maltese Islands below.
- 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
- Best Beaches in Malta - a thorough beach guide covering the most popular spots and plenty of hidden gems
- Guide to Mellieha - a detailed travel guide covering the top 16 things to do in Mellieha
- The Malta Blue Lagoon Guide - the most up-to-date resource on visiting Malta's most popular natural attraction, the Blue Lagoon!
- 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.