20 best beaches in Malta – list, photo, description, map
Those who come to the island in the warm season especially appreciate the beaches of Malta. Although there are many historical and cultural attractions, the island would not be so popular among tourists if it were not for the purest water and sand of beautiful shades: pink, reddish, snow-white. The local beaches are considered among the best in Europe. Many of them have earned a special mark – the Blue Flag. This means that the ecology is impeccable here and the environment is not harmed. Everyone will find a suitable option here. Most are rocky, but there are also many sandy ones. Here you can not only sunbathe and swim, but also scuba dive. Therefore, experienced and novice divers come here. Underwater landscapes are very beautiful, you can observe the life of the inhabitants of the sea. Let's talk about the most popular beaches.
Mellieha Bay
The largest sandy beach on the island, suitable for all categories of vacationers, including parents with small children. Here lies silky white sand. The descent into the water is smooth, a large shallow area. Therefore, in spring, the sea here warms up quickly. Nearby is a village that has the same name. So, if you like swimming and sunbathing here, you can stop in Mellieha so as not to go far.
The climate here is mild and pleasant, there are quite a lot of inhabitants, it will not be boring. The infrastructure of Mellie Bay is developed. You can rent a sunbed and an umbrella here. There are toilets and showers. There is a lot of entertainment – catamarans, parachutes, water skiing, “bananas” and so on. If you want to get to know the underwater world better, you should contact the diving center. Rescuers and doctors are on duty 4 months a year – from June to September. Mellieha Bay is surrounded by cafes and bars.
You can come here in the evening and dance at the disco. There are a lot of people in the summer, it is better to come in the morning to take your favorite place, and leave around noon, when the “rush hour” comes. Rest should be combined with a cultural program. There are many attractions nearby – museums that are housed in ancient fortresses, beautiful churches, green parks.
Armier
It is located in the northern part of the island, which was uninhabited for a long time. Opposite is the island of Comino. It consists of two parts – Armier and Little Armier. Both beaches are sandy, separated by a rocky part of the coast. There is a very clear blue sea. Small waves can often be seen, the water is clear. The inhabitants of the island themselves like to come here for picnics.
You can also bring everything you need for a barbecue and a picnic. Or stop by for a bite to eat in the local cafes. Sunbeds and umbrellas on Armier are at your service. The locals will certainly offer to take a boat ride. In general, it is very comfortable to relax here – the place is remote, and even at the height of the summer season there are so many people here.
Of the sights located nearby, it is worth seeing the watchtowers – Red and White. If you are interested in this place, you can get here by car. It is best if you rent a car while relaxing in Malta. Alternatively, call a taxi. Buses run to the villages closest to Armier, but none of them go directly to the beach.
Blue Lagoon
Tourists try to visit this piece of paradise, although there are no such amenities as on other beaches in Malta. The lagoon itself is very beautiful, and guests come here, first of all, for the sake of picturesque landscapes.
There is sand here, but not much of it – a narrow strip along the coast. Those who did not have time to take a seat rest on rocky areas. In any case, if you are going here, you need strong comfortable shoes.
You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas, there are showers and toilets, as well as kiosks selling fast food. But this is where the service ends. To get comfortable, you need to come by the first boat. Otherwise – especially in the high season – you may simply not find a place where to put your sunbed. If you prefer any special food, it is better to bring it with you.
The water in the lagoon is very beautiful, and indeed it has some unusual azure hue. You can order a boat trip, and at the same time swim away from the coast. Nearby is the island of Comino. If you have reached the Blue Lagoon, it is also worth a visit. There are several interesting objects on Comino. For example, the tower of St. Mary.
It was erected in the 17th century, and initially it played the role of a defensive structure. Over the years of its existence, the tower even had to serve as a prison; today specialists work here who monitor the migration of birds. Also preserved is the battery of St. Mary, semicircular in shape. There were guns here. Divine services are held in the chapel of St. Mary on weekends.
Pretty Bay
Residents of the island often come here to relax. Pretty Bay is located in the southeast of Malta. Its dimensions will delight – up to 200 m in length and up to 50 m in width. Everyone will fit, and even in the high season it will not be too crowded. The beach is sandy, but artificially created. Light fine sand was raised from the bottom of the sea when the offshore zone was being built.
The service is developed, everything is done to ensure that the rest here will please you. The area is cleaned regularly. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available, there are gazebos, children's and sports grounds, along the coast there are wooden decks. It is convenient to jump into the water from a special pier. In addition to kiosks selling pastries, ice cream and drinks, there are cafes. So you can eat here comfortably.
And if you get tired of sunbathing and swimming – take a walk along the city embankment, go to the shops. You can sunbathe here from May to the end of October, but the water warms up only by mid-June. At the height of summer, the temperature of sea water reaches +26C. You can come here both by car and by bus. Stops are nearby.
Ain Tuffiha
Ain Tuffihi has another name – Riviera Beach. Marked with the Blue Flag. You can get here both by public transport and by bus. Ain Tuffiha is located in the northwest of the island. Nearby is the small village of Manikata. To get there, you need to go down a long staircase. This must be taken into account for those for whom the return ascent may be difficult.
Deserves the attention of vacationers on the island.
This is a calm place with clear sea and very beautiful sand that can change shades. During the day it appears white, and in the evening, in the rays of the setting sun, it appears red. The sunsets here are generally very picturesque, and many tourists come specifically to admire them. The entrance to the sea is quite gentle, so parents with children like this option. But you should warn those who want to swim here in spring or autumn. At this time, underwater currents are activated.
Rescuers are on duty here only in the summer. The infrastructure of Ain Tuffihi is quite developed. There are changing cabins and garbage cans, rental of sunbeds and sports equipment, showers and toilets, a good cafe where you can hear live music in summer. There are quite a lot of people here during the high season.
Of the sights, it is worth noting the Warship rock, which resembles the shape of a ship, and the watchtower of the 17th century. Previously, when enemies appeared on its top, they made fire, so from afar it was possible to see that the inhabitants of the coastal territories were in danger.
Golden Bay
One of the most popular holiday destinations, as it has a wide coastline, superbly developed service and is easily accessible by public transport. There is also sand, which at sunset takes on a beautiful red color. Tourists can also admire the picturesque dunes.
Golden Bay is suitable not only for sunbathing and swimming here. You can do different sports, have a barbecue (everything you need for this is sold nearby), organize photography. Flags of a certain color inform guests whether swimming is allowed. During the cold season, underwater currents pose a serious danger to swimmers.
Rescuers are on duty here only from the beginning of summer – and until September. Guests note a very comfortable bottom covered with silky sand, a large area of shallow water, which allows even small children to swim. Nearby are cafes, shops.
If you arrive in a rented car, you can easily find a parking space. Everything you need for your holiday can be rented. There are also some minor downsides. When the sea is rough, the water becomes cloudy, and there is a hotel on the mountain above the beach, which is a dissonance with the environment.
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands 5 – spacious rooms, large pool, lagoon pool and children's pool
Bujibba
A real city beach with all its pluses and minuses. The dimensions are not very large, about 140m by 16m, so in the high season it can be crowded. Once there was an ordinary rocky coast, but when it was decided to build a city beach here, sand began to be imported from Jordan. This process has to be repeated, because during winter storms part of the sand is carried away to the sea.
The water is very clean, as the bottom is rocky. Vacationers descend into the water along special bridges and ladders. The depth, even near the shore, is not less than one and a half meters. Therefore, families with small children rarely rest here. They go further – to where there is no sand, but there is shallow water. Bugibba is awarded the Blue Flag. There is not only a wonderful ecological environment, but also a highly developed service.
This applies to all infrastructure. It is also worth noting that there are many diving centers nearby. The location is ideal for diving. Clear water, an abundance of fish and other sea creatures, interesting underwater objects such as sunken ships – all this attracts divers. If you get tired of relaxing, you can take a break – the city is nearby, with its cafes, shops, entertainment centers. And if you really liked it here, then renting a hotel near the coastline is not difficult. The choice is great.
Vid-il-Asri
Located on the island of Gozo. Small and secluded, on the sides it is limited by rocks. You can see the shaft, through which earlier sea water was fed in buckets with the help of ropes to the top of one of the rocks.
People come here for peace and quiet, beautiful views. Divers appreciate this place because it is interesting to dive here – there is something to see. For example, underwater caves. There is no developed infrastructure, but stunning landscapes.
It may even seem to you that you are not in Malta, but suddenly transported somewhere in Norway. Therefore, guests who choose Vid-il-Asri to relax usually not only sunbathe and swim, but also walk around the area, admiring the views. Around – peace and quiet. It is especially beautiful here in the spring. Cycling is possible in the Asri Valley. So you will see more and get tired less.
Dakhlet-Orrot
Located on the island of Gozo. The place is very beautiful. In principle, you can come here throughout the year to enjoy the views. It's always quiet here. There is both sand and pebbles, so that everyone can choose a site to their liking. There is a shallow water zone near the coast, but you still need to keep an eye on the children, as the depth grows quite quickly.
But divers are blissful here – there is a special place for them with a ladder, along which you can go down into the water and climb back to the shore. There are also many interesting things in the sea – there are underwater caves, you can see a variety of sea inhabitants. On the shore, you should pay attention to the caves in the rocks – fishermen used to live here.
If you want to hide from the sun, a lot of greenery grows in the vicinity, there are benches. There is a toilet and parking, the bar is not always open. Of the attractions – nearby is an observation tower. The most comfortable time to rest here is from May to the end of September.
Dweira Bay
Located on the island of Gozo. People come here not only to sunbathe, but also to admire the scenery. The waves break here on the rocks, this spectacle looks spectacular. Divers like it here, the water is very clear due to the rocky bottom. You can see colorful fish, algae, picturesque underwater landscapes, look into flooded caves. Ordinary swimmers need to be careful – there are whirlpools in the lagoon. The cleanliness of the territory is carefully monitored – you will not see garbage here.
There is parking, restaurants, toilets, of course, are also available. If you didn't bring something with you, you can rent or buy everything you need for your vacation. Tired of sunbathing, wander around the neighborhood. Mushroom Rock is a nature reserve, and a 17th-century watchtower is also within walking distance.
Ramla Bay
Ramla is perhaps the best on the island of Gozo. It lies at the bottom of the plain. The sand here is unusually beautiful, red in color. Thanks to him, Ramla gained her fame even outside of Malta.
On the island, this is the largest beach where you can soak up the sand, and in all of Malta, Ramla is considered the most picturesque place. You will find everything you need for your holiday here. Starting from sun loungers and toilets, ending with a center where they rent everything you need for water sports.
There is a cafe, but it is open only during the warm season. And here you can see the statue of the Virgin Mary. Good and Ramla bay itself. It has a curved shape. Beautiful and local rocky cliffs. The length of the coastline is so great that even at the peak of the season there is where to sit comfortably. Young people, families with children, and divers come here. The most convenient way to go through the city of Nadur. When swimming, be careful – there are underwater rocks.
Saint Thomas Bay
Located in a secluded bay. There are often waves here, the size of which allows you to windsurf. In general, this place has not yet gained popularity among tourists. The inhabitants of Malta themselves love to sunbathe and swim here, whose country houses are located nearby, such are the summer residences. They appreciate St. Thomas Bay for peace and quiet. There is no special service here, only eateries.
Nearby is the small town of Marascala.
You can get to the shore from it by bus, but it will not be difficult to walk on foot. Just one kilometer. The bay is located in the south of the island. There are various zones here – both sandy and rocky. You can sit wherever you like. The depth near the coast is shallow. The underwater world is very diverse. So, you will definitely see sea urchins.
For local residents, catching them is a great help – many delicious dishes are prepared from hedgehogs. It is also recommended to climb the surrounding rocks, admire the view from a height. If you like fish dishes, arrange with the fishermen when they land on the shore with their catch. And if you want to sit in a restaurant, go to Marascala and try the delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Of the attractions there is the tower of St. Thomas and the chapel.
San Blas
San Blas is also on the coast of the island of Gozo. Small and cozy, it has its fans who come here year after year, although the road is quite difficult. The last section before San Blas is closed to traffic, as the path here is quite steep. So you have to walk quite a distance from the bus stop. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, it will bring you closer to the path along which you will go down to the shore.
The rented car will have to be left in the parking lot 2 km from San Blas. But all efforts will pay off when you see this place. Here lies the sand, which has a reddish tint, which is characteristic of all the beaches of the island of Gozo. You can relax surrounded by virgin nature. The water here is crystal clear. Snorkelling is a pleasure. Underwater reliefs are bizarre and picturesque – rocks, boulders, and fish swim between them.
Santa Maria Bay
Try to visit this bay of Camino Island. Wonderful place. A picturesque lagoon, the water in which has a pale blue hue, and the sand on the shore is snow-white. I want to stay here forever. In order for the rest of tourists not to overshadow anything, all amenities are provided. There are sun loungers and umbrellas, showers and toilets, there are even special boxes for storing things. And the restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine, ice cream and cocktails, fruits and juices.
Experienced lifeguards are on duty, everything you need for diving will be rented to you. Do not miss the opportunity to book a tour of the island. After all, Camino is a natural park. Here you will see many rare species of plants, and you will also be able to admire the incomparable petrels. Another entertainment is to rent a boat and drive along the coast, swimming up to the caves, entering the bays. The watchtower, which was filmed for the film The Count of Monte Cristo, makes a great impression on tourists.
St. Peter's Pool
It can be called wild, but nevertheless, it is very popular. It is located in the southwest of the island, a short distance from the village of Marsaxlokk. St. Peter's Pool is nestled in a crevice. Surrounded by bizarre rocks. The sea here is very beautiful, the water is turquoise. It will be convenient to sunbathe on flat stone slabs. Take a bed or at least a towel with you. There are no sun lounger rentals. The descent into the sea is impressive with its steepness.
For children under 10 years old, this option is hardly suitable. And even teenagers need control while swimming. There is virtually no infrastructure. So take snacks, water and other necessary things with you. Many diving enthusiasts come here, including foreigners. You will surely hear English, French, German speech here. If diving is your passion, you won't find a better place to walk underwater in all of Malta. You can swim here from the end of May to October.
Slim
Actually, these are several sections. But all of them are primarily intended not for parents with children, but for adult vacationers. The city of the same name, standing on the seashore, is very popular. There is a developed infrastructure, from here you can easily get to anywhere on the island. The coast here is rocky, there is only one sandy area, the depth begins almost immediately at the coast. But there are not so many people here even at the height of the season.
People come to the city not to soak up the sun and swim. Tourists see the sights, go shopping. The infrastructure is not well developed. There are places where you can rent a sun lounger and an umbrella. Basically, this applies to those areas that are located next to nightclubs. Rescuers are also not everywhere.
The Fond Ghadir site is interesting – they bathe in pools that are carved in stones. You will definitely end up in Sliema if you decide to travel around the island. This city is a convenient “transit point”. You can swim in this area from May to October. If you come in the cold season, it is worth visiting the boutiques. Also pay attention to the sculptural composition “White Shadows”.
At certain hours of the day, these sculptures do cast white shadows. Tenderness will cause houses for cats. Mustachioed-striped in Malta are very fond of. Of the cultural attractions, it is worth visiting the churches, the tower of St. Julian and the ancient fort.
Anchor Bay
The bay attracts, first of all, diving enthusiasts. There are octopuses, moray eels, parrot fish, sea bass. You can also explore underwater caves here. There is a high probability that, having come here to swim, you will generally find yourself alone and will be able to enjoy communication with nature. The bay is located on the northwestern side of Malta. In the second half of the 20th century, a musical comedy about the sailor Popeye was filmed here.
The scenery fit perfectly into the landscape, and they have been preserved. Now there is a park with animators. You can bring children, they will look at the characters of the film, play different games. The bay itself is surrounded by boulders. It is convenient to swim behind the breakwaters, it is always quiet here. You can go down the ladder into the water, the depth here is several meters.
In the bay there is a flooded cave of the Scorpion, which divers love to visit. Also under water you can see a large anchor – in honor of him the bay got its name. This is not the only anchor found in the bay. Others can be seen at the Maritime Museum. This place has not yet received its share of popularity. So, if you want to relax in peace and quiet, this is your option. You can admire the island of Gozo, which is visible in the distance.
Ar Lapsi
In translation, the name of this place means “Cave of the Ascension.” This is a small natural bay surrounded by rocks. The water here is very clean, has an emerald hue. Nearby are the Blue Grotto, the 16th century Verdala Palace. There is no sand here, you can sunbathe on stone slabs. Swimming in calm weather is very pleasant. During the excitement, you should not enter the water – it will be difficult to climb, although stairs are installed here. This place is loved by those who are fond of hiking, rock climbing.
Like the bay and divers. In the summer, bars are open here, and you can dine in the restaurant at any time of the year. There is also a police station nearby. So the safety of vacationers will be taken care of here. The underwater world of the lagoon and its environs is very rich. You will see seahorses, majestic stingrays, spectacular eels. The cave, which gave the name to the bay, is located at a shallow depth – up to 8 m. Sunlight penetrates through numerous cracks, the spectacle is very beautiful, lovers take wonderful pictures underwater.
The surrounding reefs are also interesting – Finger and Middle Reef. There are also caves, corals, bright fish. Noteworthy is the place, which was equipped by local divers in 1992. They made an underwater nativity scene with metal figures. And finally, the coastal reef Black John – here you can dive to a depth of almost 40 m. You will see very interesting rock formations.
Hondok-ir-Rumin
Located in the bay of the same name on the island of Gozo. Sunbathing, you can admire the island of Comino. During the high season it is always crowded. The sea is very clean, soft blue. Divers are attracted by small underwater caves that can be explored without much difficulty. Near the shore there is a small area of shallow water, so you can swim with children here. The depth will increase gradually. You can also dive into the warm sea near the rocks. There are special stairs, bridges.
The infrastructure is poorly developed. Cafe, sunbeds, toilet available. But water entertainment is not provided, you will have to entertain yourself. There is no rescue station here. Nice waterfront. Many people come here specifically to dedicate time to hiking. You cannot get to this bay by public transport; you will have to use a taxi or rent a car.
Marsalforn
It is located near the village of the same name, which is very fond of tourists. You can get here both by public transport and by taxi. The beach is small and sandy. The embankment is very beautiful. Perhaps it will remain in your memory as one of the most picturesque places in Malta. Here you can go to one of the many cafes, sit, drink coffee, order a dish of the freshest seafood. Almost all men are involved in fishing in the village.
They have brightly decorated boats, and, for sure, you can easily find someone who will arrange a boat trip for you – around the island of Gozo or to the island of Comino. There are also many diving schools. It is a great pleasure to dive in clean, clear water, explore underwater caves, admire the fish. The local salt industry is also of interest.
If you wish, take a walk, look at the salt baths carved right into the rocks. It is believed that the apostle Paul once visited this village. His ship was wrecked here. And from here the apostle went on his further wandering – to Sicily and Rome. Therefore, in the village there is a church consecrated in honor of the Apostle Paul. Holidays on the beaches of Malta is a great pleasure. Treat yourself to this holiday.