⛱️ Beaches in Malta: 20 shores for swimming and how to reach them

Malta is small, but its beaches are very different. The snow-white sand of Mellieħa Bay and the rocky swimming spot at St Peter's Pool sit on the same list, even though they offer two completely different experiences. In summer, families with toddlers, divers, and people who just want to sit by the water with a book all come here.

You have to plan your day in advance: since 2025, access to Comino is only by free time slot (as of 09/2026, official portal of the Malta Tourism Authority), and in July and August the available sun loungers are gone by morning. We've put together twenty beaches in Malta and Gozo: with shore type, how to get there, season, and honest catches. You'll see which shore suits you based on who you're traveling with and how you get around.

How to choose a beach in Malta

💡 In short:

Malta has few sandy beaches, and almost all of them are in the north of the island or in Gozo's bays.
Tallinja buses reach most of the beaches on the list, but in summer the trip takes longer than you expect.
The wild bays of Gozo and St Peter's Pool are easier to visit with a rental car.
Prices and bus schedules: 09/2026, verified on the official Malta Public Transport website.

First, decide what you want from the day. For sand and shallow water, head to the north of Malta: Mellieħa Bay, Golden Bay, and Għajn Tuffieħa sit along the same coast. Cliffs, grottos, and underwater caves await you in the south and on Gozo, but there you'll need sturdy shoes and, most of the time, a car.

Next, check the wind. On western beaches, waves pick up quickly and the water near the shore turns murky. And finally: timing. In July and August, arrive by nine in the morning, otherwise parking spots and sun loungers will be gone without you.

What matters to you	Where to go	Why
Shallow water and sand for kids	Mellieħa Bay, Golden Bay, Pretty Bay	gentle entry into the water and lifeguards in season
Snorkeling and diving	Ħondoq ir-Rummien, Għar Lapsi, Anchor Bay	caves, reefs, and clear water
Few people	San Blas Bay, Armier Bay, Daħlet Qorrot	remote bays, almost no services
A day without a car	Sliema, Buġibba, Mellieħa Bay	Tallinja buses and the town nearby

Below are twenty beaches in Malta, Gozo, and Comino. For each shore we've noted where there's sand, where there are rocks, and how the access differs from the neighboring one.

1. Mellieħa Bay

Mellieħa Bay with boats and a town on the hill

The largest sandy beach in Malta lies in the north of the island, near the village of Mellieħa. The stretch of sand is long, the entry into the water is gentle, and the shallows extend far from the shore. That's why the water here warms up earlier than at rocky beaches, and swimming with small children is easiest right here.

Services at Mellieħa Bay are more complete than anywhere else. You'll be offered a sun lounger and umbrella, and the beach has showers, toilets, cafes, and bars. Catamaran, water ski, and banana boat rentals are here too. For the underwater world, head to the dive center: it's shallow near the shore, but interesting rocks begin further out.

Lifeguards and medics are on duty only in high season, not year-round. In the evening, a disco joins the beach, so there won't be any quiet here. In summer there are a lot of people: come in the morning to grab a spot, and leave around noon when rush hour begins.

How to get there: a bus to the Mellieħa Bay stop is available on the Tallinja network.
Who it's for / Not for: for parents with kids and those who value services; not for those looking for a deserted shore.
The catch: in July and August, there are no free sun loungers left by noon.

2. Armier Bay

Panorama of Valletta from the sea on a sunny day

Armier Bay occupies the northern part of the island, which long remained uninhabited. Across the strait you can see Comino. The beach consists of two parts, Armier and Little Armier, with a rocky stretch of shore between them. The sea here is transparent and blue; a small swell is common, but the water stays clean.

Locals come here for picnics and barbecues. You can also bring everything you need with you or grab a bite at the local cafes. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for rent, and fishermen will offer boat rides. The place is remote, so even in high season there aren't many people here.

Two watchtowers stand nearby, the Red and the White, and they're worth a look on the way. When vacationing in Malta, renting a car is the most convenient option. Alternatively, you can call a taxi. Buses only reach neighboring villages; no route goes directly to the beach.

How to get there: by car or taxi; the bus drops you in the village, then you walk.
Who it's for / Not for: for picnics and a quiet day outside the city; not for those who want cafes within steps.

3. Blue Lagoon

Turquoise water of the Blue Lagoon and rocks, Comino

People go to Blue Lagoon on Comino first and foremost for the color of the water. There is sand here, but not much: a narrow strip along the shore. Those who don't grab a spot on the sand settle on the rocks. If you're heading here, bring sturdy shoes, otherwise the climb down and back up over the rocks will turn into an ordeal.

Sun lounger and umbrella rentals are available, and showers, toilets, and fast-food kiosks are too. That's where the services end. To get comfortable, arrive on the first boat. In high season you may simply not find a flat spot for your lounger, and it's better to bring any special food with you.

Booking a boat trip is worth it at least for swimming away from the shore. Comino lies nearby, and it's worth seeing too. St. Mary's Tower once defended the island, later served as a prison, and today specialists who monitor bird migration work here. St. Mary's Battery with its gun positions has also survived, and services are held in the chapel on weekends.

Since 2025, access to Comino has been restricted: spots are allocated by time slots, and you need to book a ticket in advance (as of 09/2026, Malta Tourism Authority).

How to get there: by boat from the north of Malta or from Gozo.
The catch: it gets crowded from early morning, there is almost no shade, and you'll need to wear shoes on the rocks.

4. Pretty Bay

Pretty Bay sandy beach with palm trees in Birżebbuġa

Pretty Bay in the southeast of Malta is a favorite among the Maltese themselves. The beach is long and wide, so even at the height of the season there is enough space. The sand is light and fine, but it is artificial: it was dredged from the seabed when an offshore zone was being built nearby.

The area is cleaned regularly, and the service is noticeably better than at the wild coves. You'll get a sunbed and an umbrella, there are gazebos, a children's playground and a sports area, and wooden boardwalks run along the shore. The pier is a convenient spot for jumping into the water. In addition to kiosks selling pastries, ice cream and drinks, there are cafes, so you can eat in comfort.

If you get tired of lying on the sand, take a walk along the town's promenade and stop by the shops. You can sunbathe here from May through late October, but the sea only warms up by mid-June. You can get there by car or bus, with stops located nearby.

Who it's for / Not for: for families and those who want to combine the beach with a town stroll; not for lovers of wild nature.
The catch: the sand is artificial, and the sea is still cool early in the season.

5. Għajn Tuffieħa

Għajn Tuffieħa Bay with beach and tower at sunset

Għajn Tuffieħa, or Riviera Beach, lies in the northwest of the island, near the village of Manikata. The beach has a Blue Flag designation: a mark of clean water and sound environmental management.

The descent to the water is via a long staircase. That's worth keeping in mind if the climb back up is difficult for you. On the plus side, the spot is peaceful, the sea is clean, and the sand changes color: during the day it is white, and in the evening, in the rays of the setting sun, it turns red. Sunsets here are photographed more often than people swim.

The entry into the sea is gentle, so parents with children like it here. Be more careful in spring and autumn: at those times, underwater currents become more active near the shore. Lifeguards are on duty only in summer. The infrastructure is well developed: changing cabins, trash bins, rentals of sunbeds and sports equipment, showers, toilets and a cafe that sometimes has live music in summer. At the height of the season, there are a lot of people here.

Nearby attractions include a rock that resembles a warship and a watchtower. In the past, a fire was lit on its top so that coastal residents could see danger in advance.

How to get there: by bus or car, then on foot down the stairs.
The catch: the long climb back up and the crowds in July and August.

6. Golden Bay

Golden Bay beach with umbrellas at sunset

Golden Bay is one of the most popular vacation spots in Malta. The shoreline here is wide, the services are well developed, and you can get there by public transport. At sunset the sand turns red, and picturesque dunes border the beach.

You don't have to just lie on the sand here. You can do water sports, have a barbecue (everything you need is sold nearby), or do a photo shoot. Colored flags tell you whether it's safe to enter the water. In the colder months, the main danger for swimmers is underwater currents.

Lifeguards work from early summer through September. The bottom is covered with silky sand, and the shallow area is large, so swimming with small children is convenient. There are cafes and small shops nearby.

With a rental car you'll easily find a parking spot, and everything you need for the beach can be rented. The catch: when the sea is rough, the water becomes murky, and the large Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands hotel sits on the hill above the beach. It clashes with the landscape.

Who it's for / Not for: for families, couples, and those who came without a car; not for those who want peace and quiet.
The catch: on windy days the water near the shore is murky, and free loungers run out quickly.

7. Bugibba

Buġibba promenade with palm trees and buildings

Bugibba is an urban beach with all its pros and cons. The strip of sand is narrow and short, so it gets crowded at the height of the season. The shore was once ordinary rocky terrain, and sand was brought in from Jordan.

It has to be brought in again and again: winter storms carry some of the sand out to sea. On the plus side, the water is very clean because the bottom is rocky. Visitors enter the water via special walkways and ladders, and the depth is considerable even right at the shore. Families with small children usually go farther along, where there is no sand but there is a shallow area.

Bugibba has a Blue Flag designation: both the environment and the services are in good shape. There are many dive centers nearby, and the spot suits diving: clean water, plenty of fish, sunken ships. If you get tired of lying around, the town is right there, with cafes, shops, and entertainment centers. Finding a hotel near the shore is also easy.

How to get there: the beach is within the town, Tallinja buses stop nearby.
The catch: a narrow strip of sand and depth right at the shore, which makes it inconvenient with toddlers.

8. Wied il-Għasri

Narrow Wied il-Għasri gorge with turquoise water

Wied il-Għasri on Gozo is a small secluded cove squeezed between cliffs. Here you can see a shaft that was once used to haul seawater up to the top of the cliff in buckets. People come here for quiet and views, not for services.

Divers value this spot for its underwater caves. There is almost no infrastructure, but the scenery is so striking that you'll forget about loungers. It's especially beautiful here in spring.

Guests who choose Wied il-Għasri usually don't just swim, they also walk around the surrounding area. You can bike through the valley: that way you'll see more and get less tired. If you're looking for a Maltese shore without umbrellas and bars, this is your option.

The catch: no loungers and no cafes, so bring your own water and food.

9. Daħlet Qorrot

Dahlet Qorrot Bay with stone terraces, aerial view

Daħlet Qorrot on Gozo is worth seeing in any season. It's always uncrowded and calm here. The shore is mixed: there is both sand and pebbles, so everyone can find a spot to their liking. There is a shallow area near the shore, but you need to keep an eye on children, as the depth increases quickly.

Divers are in their element here. A special spot with a ladder has been set up for them, making it easy to get in and out of the water. Underwater there are caves and a variety of marine life. On shore, take note of the caves in the cliffs: fishermen once lived in them.

You can shelter from the sun in the shade of greenery, where benches are also located. There is a toilet and parking, the bar is not always open, and a watchtower stands nearby. The most comfortable time to visit is from May through late September. Choose the morning if you want to grab a spot with a view of the water.

The catch: the bar and facilities are not open every day, and the depth increases quickly.

10. Dwejra

People go to Dwejra Bay on Gozo not only to sunbathe but also to take in the scenery. Waves crash against the rocks, and it looks spectacular. The water is very clear because of the rocky bottom: you can see colorful fish, seaweed, and submerged caves.

Ordinary swimmers need to be careful: there are whirlpools in the lagoon. The area is kept clean, and you won't see any litter. There is parking, restaurants, and toilets, and everything you need for the beach can be rented or bought.

When you get tired of sunbathing, wander around the surrounding area. Fungus Rock is a designated nature reserve, and the watchtower is within walking distance. The views open up from any point along the shore.

The catch: whirlpools in the lagoon, so swimming here is not for everyone.

11. Ramla Bay

Ramla Bay is considered the best beach on Gozo. It lies in the lower part of a valley, and the sand here is unusually beautiful, red in color. It's because of this sand that Ramla is known even beyond Malta.

It's the largest sandy beach on Gozo, and across all of Malta it's called the most picturesque. You'll find everything you need here: from loungers and toilets to a center that rents out water sports equipment. The cafe is open only in the warm season.

There is also a statue of the Virgin Mary on the beach. Ramla Bay itself is curved, and the rocky cliffs around it are high. The shore is so long that you'll find a spot even at the peak of the season. Young people, families with children, and divers all come here. The most convenient way to get here is through the town of Nadur. When swimming, be careful: there are underwater rocks near the shore.

Who it's for / Not for: for anyone who wants a large sandy beach; not for those looking for a deserted shore.
The catch: the cafe is closed out of season, and there are underwater rocks near the shore.

12. St Thomas Bay

St Thomas Bay lies in a secluded cove in the south of the island. There are often waves here, enough for windsurfing. The spot hasn't become a mass tourist destination: mostly Maltese people with summer homes nearby come here.

There is almost no service infrastructure, only snack bars. The nearest town, Marsascala, is right next door: you can walk there or take a bus.

The shore is divided into zones: there are sandy sections and rocky ones. Settle wherever you like. The depth near the shore is shallow, but the underwater world is diverse: you'll definitely see sea urchins. For locals, harvesting them is a big help, and many dishes are made from urchins here.

Climb the surrounding cliffs to see the bay from above. If you like fish dishes, arrange with the fishermen when they come in with their catch. For a restaurant, go to Marsascala, where you'll find Mediterranean cuisine. Nearby attractions include St Thomas Tower and chapels.

How to get there: by bus to Marsascala, then on foot.
The catch: almost no infrastructure, and on windy days the waves are strong.

13. San Blas Bay

San Blas Bay on Gozo is small and cozy. It has loyal fans who return year after year. The road here is genuinely difficult: the last stretch before the beach is closed to vehicles because the path is steep.

From the bus stop you'll have to walk quite a distance. As an option, take a taxi: it will bring you closer to the trail. Rental cars are left in the parking lot. But all the effort pays off when you see this place.

The sand here is reddish, as on other Gozo beaches. You'll relax surrounded by wild nature, the water is crystal clear, and snorkeling is a pleasure. The underwater terrain is striking: rocks, boulders, and fish swimming between them.

The catch: a difficult road and the climb back up, with no transport right at the shore.

14. Santa Maria Bay

Boats and swimmers in the clear water of the bay

Santa Maria Bay on Comino is a lagoon with soft blue water and white sand. It has every convenience: loungers and umbrellas, showers and toilets, even lockers for your things. The restaurant serves Mediterranean dishes, ice cream, cocktails, fruit, and juices.

Lifeguards are on duty, and diving gear is available for rent. Don't miss the chance to book an island tour: Comino is a designated nature park, home to rare plant species and nesting shearwaters.

If you rent a boat, you can cruise along the coast, approach the caves, and enter the bays. The watchtower used in the film The Count of Monte Cristo makes a particular impression.

How to get there: by boat from Malta or Gozo; book your ticket in advance.

15. St Peter's Pool

Rocky St Peter's Pool bay with turquoise water in Malta

St Peter's Pool could be called wild, but that doesn't stop it from being popular. This swimming spot lies in the south of the island, near the village of Marsaxlokk, in a crevice between striking rock formations. The water is turquoise, and the flat stone slabs are comfortable for sunbathing.

Bring a mat or at least a towel: there are no loungers for rent here. The entry into the water is steep, so the spot isn't suitable for children under ten, and teenagers need supervision while swimming.

There is essentially no infrastructure. Bring snacks, water, and everything else with you. On the plus side, it attracts plenty of snorkeling enthusiasts, including foreigners: you'll hear English, French, and German spoken. For underwater exploration, this is one of the best spots in Malta. Swimming is possible from late May through October.

The catch: steep descent, no shade or services, and the rocks here are soft limestone and require caution.

16. Sliema

Sliema promenade with high-rise buildings and boats

Sliema consists of several stretches of shoreline, and they are aimed primarily at adults. The city of the same name sits right on the sea, the infrastructure is well developed, and it's easy to reach any part of the island from here. The shore is rocky, there is only one sandy stretch, and the water gets deep almost immediately.

People come to the city for more than just sun. Tourists visit the sights and go shopping. Lounger and umbrella rentals aren't available everywhere, mostly near the nightclubs, and lifeguards aren't posted at every stretch either. On the plus side, even at the height of the season there are fewer people here than on the northern beaches.

The Fond Ghadir stretch is interesting: here you swim in pools carved directly into the rock. Sliema is convenient as a base for exploring the island. Swimming in this area is possible from May through October, and in the colder season it's worth strolling through the boutiques. Take note of the White Shadows sculpture and the cat houses: Maltese people love their cats. Among the cultural sights, see the churches, St. Julian's Tower, and the old fort.

Who it's for / Not for: for adults who want to stay in a city by the sea; not for families with small children.
The catch: rocks and deep water near the shore, and only one sandy stretch.

17. Anchor Bay

Anchor Bay attracts snorkeling enthusiasts. Octopuses, moray eels, parrotfish, and sea bass live here, and there are underwater caves. There's a chance that when you arrive for a swim, you'll have the place to yourself.

In the second half of the last century, a musical comedy about Popeye the sailor was filmed in the bay. The set blended into the landscape and was preserved: it's now Popeye Village, a park with entertainers. Kids will enjoy watching the characters and playing.

The bay is surrounded by boulders, and swimming is comfortable behind the breakwaters, where the water is always calm. You enter the water via a ladder, and the depth is several meters. Underwater lie the submerged Scorpion Cave, a favorite with divers, and a large anchor that gave the bay its name. Other anchors can be seen at the Maritime Museum. The spot hasn't become crowded yet, so come here for peace and quiet. Gozo is visible in the distance.

Who it's for / Not for: for divers and families with children; not for those who need a sandy shore.
The catch: no sand, and you enter the water via a ladder.

18. Għar Lapsi

Rocky Għar Lapsi bay with a cave and swimmers

The name Għar Lapsi translates as "Cave of the Ascension." It's a small natural bay surrounded by rocks. The water is very clean and has an emerald hue. The Blue Grotto and Verdala Palace are nearby.

There is no sand here; you can sunbathe on the stone slabs. In calm weather, swimming is pleasant. When the sea is rough, you shouldn't go in: getting back out will be difficult, even though ladders are installed. The spot is popular with hikers and rock climbers, as well as divers.

In summer, bars operate here, and the restaurant welcomes guests year-round. A police station is nearby. The lagoon's underwater world is rich: you'll see seahorses, rays, and eels. The cave that gave the bay its name lies at a shallow depth, sunlight filters through the cracks, and enthusiasts take great underwater photos.

The surrounding reefs, Finger and Middle, are also interesting. They too have caves, corals, and colorful fish. One spot deserves special attention: local divers have set up an underwater nativity scene with metal figures. And there's the coastal reef Black John, where the rocks drop to great depths.

The catch: no sand, and getting out of the water is dangerous when the sea is rough.

19. Ħondoq ir-Rummien

Rocky shore and sea at Ħondoq ir-Rummien bay

Ħondoq ir-Rummien lies in the bay of the same name on Gozo, with Comino visible from there. At the height of the season it gets crowded, and the sea is clean and soft blue. Divers are drawn to the small underwater caves that can be explored without special training.

There's a small shallow area near the shore, so swimming with children is possible: the depth increases gradually. You can also get into the warm sea near the rocks, where ladders and small platforms are installed.

Infrastructure is limited. There's a cafe, loungers, and a toilet, but no water activities, so you'll have to entertain yourself. There is no lifeguard station. The promenade is lovely: many people come here just for walks.

How to get there: no public transport goes to the bay; you need a car or taxi.
The catch: no lifeguards, and no water activities.

20. Marsalforn

Marsalforn is next to the village of the same name, which tourists love. You can get there by public transport or taxi. The beach is small and sandy, but the promenade is very beautiful: it may stay in your memory as one of the most picturesque spots in Malta.

Here you can stop into a cafe, have a coffee, and order a dish of fresh seafood. Almost all the men in the village work in fishing. They have bright, colorful boats, and you'll easily find someone to take you on a sea trip around Gozo or to Comino.

There are also plenty of diving schools here. Diving in the clear water, exploring underwater caves, and watching the fish is enjoyable even for a beginner. The salt pans are of particular interest: take a walk and look at the salt basins carved directly into the rocks.

There's also a local legend: according to tradition, the Apostle Paul sailed from Marsalforn to Sicily and Rome. Before that, his ship was wrecked off Malta, in St. Paul's Bay. That's why the village has a church dedicated to the apostle.

Who it's for / Not for: for those who want to combine beach, cafes, and a boat trip; not for those seeking a wild shoreline.
The catch: the beach itself is small, with little space on the sand.

Malta beaches on the map

Below is a map of the beaches from the list: from Mellieħa Bay in the north to St Peter's Pool in the south. Open it on your phone if you're planning a driving route.

20 beaches of Malta

Places on the map

1Mellieħa Bay The island's largest sandy beach, a gentle entry and full facilities
2Armier Bay Two bays in the north overlooking Comino, few people, a car is needed
3Blue Lagoon Comino, little sand, entry only by a pre-booked time slot
4Pretty Bay A long beach in the southeast, imported sand, a town promenade nearby
5Għajn Tuffieħa Blue Flag beach reached by a long staircase, sand turns red at sunset
6Golden Bay A wide strip of sand and dunes, reachable by bus
7Buġibba A town beach with imported sand, clean water and dive centres nearby
8Wied il-Għasri A secluded Gozo bay between cliffs, underwater caves, no facilities
9Daħlet Qorrot A quiet Gozo shore, sand mixed with pebbles and a ladder for divers
10Dwejra Bay Cliffs and clear water on Gozo, whirlpools sometimes form in the lagoon
11Ramla Bay Gozo's best beach with red sand, best reached via Nadur
12St Thomas Bay A quiet southern bay with waves for windsurfing, near Marsaskala
13San Blas A small wild Gozo bay, a steep descent and reddish sand
14Santa Marija Bay Comino's lagoon with white sand, sunbeds, lifeguards and a restaurant
15St Peter's Pool A rock pool near Marsaxlokk, turquoise water and a steep entry
16Sliema A rocky town shore with the Fond Ghadir pools, a handy base for trips
17Anchor Bay A snorkelling cove next to Popeye Village, reached down a ladder
18Għar Lapsi A natural cove with cliffs and emerald water, next to the Blue Grotto
19Ħondoq ir-Rummien A Gozo bay overlooking Comino, shallow water for kids, no lifeguards
20Marsalforn A small Gozo sandy beach with a scenic promenade and salt baths

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Which beach in Malta should I choose for a family vacation with kids?

Mellieħa Bay and Golden Bay. Both have a gentle entry into the water and a large shallow area. At Mellieħa Bay the water warms up earlier because the sandbank extends far from the shore. At Golden Bay the bottom is covered with silky sand, and lifeguards work from early summer through September. Get there by nine in the morning: you'll get both parking and sun loungers.

Where are the sandy beaches in Malta, and where is it only rocks?

Look for sand in the north of Malta: Mellieħa Bay, Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa. In the south there is almost no sand, but there are rocky swimming spots: St Peter's Pool and Għar Lapsi. On Gozo, Ramla Bay and San Blas Bay are sandy, while Wied il-Għasri, Ħondoq ir-Rummien and Dwejra are surrounded by rocks.

Can you get around Malta's beaches without a car?

Yes, but not all of them. Tallinja buses reach Mellieħa Bay, Golden Bay, Buġibba, Sliema, Marsalforn and Marsaskala. For the wild coves of Gozo, St Peter's Pool and Ħondoq ir-Rummien, it's more convenient to go by car or taxi. Check the schedule on the carrier's official website; in summer, trips take longer due to traffic.

Do I need to book a trip to Comino in advance?

Yes. Since 2025, access to Comino is only allowed with a free slot, and the number of places per day is limited (as of 09/2026, MTA portal). In July and August, free slots run out several days in advance. Book your ticket through the official booking website, otherwise in high season you simply won't get to the island.

When is the best time to swim in Malta?

It's most comfortable from June through October: the water warms up by mid-June and stays warm until the end of the season. You can sunbathe as early as May, but in spring there can be underwater currents near the shore. In high season, get to the beach by nine in the morning: during the day it's hot and crowded.

In short: what's worth booking

Choosing a beach comes down to three questions: who you're traveling with, how you're getting around, and what you want from the water. If you have kids: Mellieħa Bay or Golden Bay. If you don't have a car: Sliema, Buġibba, Marsalforn and Mellieħa Bay. If you're after snorkeling: Ħondoq ir-Rummien, Għar Lapsi, Anchor Bay. If you're after peace and quiet: San Blas Bay, Wied il-Għasri and Daħlet Qorrot.

The season in Malta is long, so before you head out, check two things: the wind and the bus schedule. Open the Malta Public Transport website and verify your route, and for Comino, reserve a slot in advance. That way you'll have enough time for both sand and water.

20 Beaches in Malta: where there is sand, where there are rocks and how to get there without a car