Best Beaches in Malta

One of Malta’s most famous sandy beaches, Golden Bay is perfect for sunset lovers and families. Located in Mġarr, it’s accessible by public transport and offers restrooms, restaurants, and water sports rentals. Best visited early or late in the day to avoid crowds. Combine it with a visit to nearby Għajn Tuffieħa for a twin-beach day.

The island’s longest beach, Mellieħa Bay, is ideal for families with children. It is also known as Għadira Bay. Located just below the town of Mellieħa, it’s served by frequent buses and has ample parking nearby. You can rent umbrellas, kayaks, and pedal boats. Perfect for a full-day excursion with food stalls, beach bars, and shallow waters for safe swimming.

Accessed via ferry from Ċirkewwa or Sliema, the Blue Lagoon is Malta’s most photographed swimming spot in Comino. WIth sandy and rocky sections, its shallow turquoise waters are ideal for snorkeling. Toilets, food stalls, and umbrella rentals are available, but it's best to bring your own supplies and come early to beat the crowds.

Famous for its reddish sand and rural surroundings, Ramla Bay is ideal for a full-day trip. It is also known as Ramla l-Ħamra. Take the ferry to Gozo, then a local bus or taxi. It’s suitable for families, with food stands, showers, and sunbeds available.

Fomm ir-Riħ Bayis a dramatic pebble bay beneath limestone cliffs, ideal for off-the-beaten-path beachgoers. Access requires a 15–20 minute steep and uneven hike down a dirt trail—wear sturdy shoes and avoid carrying heavy loads. Best for hikers and adventure lovers.

In Gozo, San Blas Bay is known for its vivid orange sand and clean water and is peaceful and photogenic. Access involves a steep descent, and there are few amenities. Good walking shoes are needed for the steep, uneven path, and carrying your own drinking water is important since there are no vendors or facilities nearby.

Located in Selmun, Imgiebah Bay is a secluded spot that can be reached via a narrow trail or short drive from Mellieħa town. There are no shops or facilities, so it’s best suited for picnics and solitude. Great for travelers wanting to disconnect.

In Marsaxlokk, St. Peter’s Pool is known for cliff diving and crystal-clear water and is a rocky beach. This natural pool has no restrooms, so plan accordingly. It can best be reached by car or taxi. It is a popular spot on weekends, so weekdays offer a better experience.

Close to the Three Cities and not far from Valletta, Rinella Bay has calm waters and is rarely crowded. Bring your own food and shade if you plan to stay for long. It’s good for swimming but lacks the natural beauty of other beaches.

Also known as Bajja tat-Torri l-Abjad, White Tower Bay is located near Mellieħa. There’s limited parking, but it’s great for relaxing or snorkeling near the rocky edges. It is a good spot if you want a less touristy beach day.

Stone Beach in Gżira, iffers amazing views of Valletta’s skyline. It’s a quiet locals’ spot with no services, so bring everything with you. Good for swimming and relaxing close to the city without the crowds.

Near Siggiewi, Għar Lapsi is a fishing inlet which is also a natural swimming pool, with calm waters and underwater rock formations. There’s a seafood restaurant nearby, but bring your own towels and shade. Great for snorkelers and photographers.

Sliema Beach is a popular after-work rocky spot for locals and visitors alike. No sandy entry, but deep clear waters are perfect for a refreshing swim. Excellent public transport links and restaurants make it convenient for a short beach break.

With calm, shallow water and fewer visitors, St. Thomas’ Bay in Marsaskala is a peaceful retreat. It is also known a Il-Bajja ta San Tumas. It lacks tourist infrastructure, so pack water and snacks. Cliffside walks nearby offer panoramic views of the coast.

Perfect for swimmers who like to dive straight into deep, clean waters, Exiles Beach is a rocky beach. Easily reachable on foot from central Sliema, it's lined with nearby shops and eateries. It is ideal for a quick afternoon dip between shopping or exploring Sliema's promenade.

Popular with locals, Gnejna offers paddle boat and kayak rentals, cliff-jumping spots, and calmer waters. It is also known as Wied il-Gnejna. It’s best accessed by car or via the scenic trail from Għajn Tuffieħa. Great for couples or active travelers looking for less touristy surroundings.

Also known as Għajn Tuffieħa, Riviera Beach offers golden-red sand and is framed by dramatic cliffs. Accessible via a steep stairway, it’s quieter than Golden Bay and ideal for nature lovers. There's a restaurant and basic facilities. Bring good shoes for the walk and enjoy the coastal trails.