There are plenty of beautiful beaches in Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Many of them are quite easy to reach by public transport or a rental car.
Despite the island nation’s tiny size, Malta has a beach that suits everyone, no matter if you enjoy secluded or lively beaches with full facilities and watersports. There are also several choices between rocky and sandy beaches.
I’ve been to Malta many times and also been fortunate to live on the island for a few months. In this article, I’m sharing some of my favorite places to go sunbathing and swimming as well as the best beaches in Malta.
Golden Bay
Golden Bay is a blue-flag beach that can be found on Malta’s northwestern coast. It’s easy to reach and has all facilities needed for a relaxing and fun day at the beach.
There’s also a large hotel located next to the beach, which is great for families and tourists that wants walking distance to one of the best beaches in Malta.
Imġiebaħ Beach
A secluded beach, east of Mellieha in the north of the main island. It offers scenic views, crystal clear water with turquoise color. However, it’s quite hard to reach, and I recommend to go here by boat.
But for those who are looking for an unspoiled and beautiful beach, Imġiebaħ is a great choice. If you’re driving here, it’s a 15-minute drive from Mellieha, and then you need to trek down the cliff in order to reach it from the parking.
Ramla Bay
Ramla Bay is the most famous beach on Gozo, and perhaps also the prettiest. It features a large and wide beach with golden sand and crystal clear water, surrounded by cliffs and beautiful landscapes.
Ramla i Hamra, as it’s called in Maltese can be reached by bus or car. If you’re getting here by public transport, the most convenient bus route departs from Victoria and takes around 30 minutes. From the bus stop, it’s just a few minutes walk until you reach Ramla Bay.
San Blas Bay
This is another lovely beach on Gozo, known for its orange-hued sand and wild surroundings, just like Ramla Bay. It’s a peaceful place that sees very few visitors, due to a steep path leading down to the beach.
The water at San Blas Bay is very clear, and it’s well worth visiting if your fitness allows it. Most of the beautiful places on Gozo are well-visited and popular among tourists, but this is somewhat a hidden gem.
Pretty Bay
Pretty Bay is a sandy beach that is situated in Birzebbuga on the southern coast of Malta. It is particularly popular among locals, and quite a few Maltese have summerhouses here.
Pretty Bay is actually one of the largest beaches in Malta, even though it’s artificially made with sand from elsewhere. It features turquoise water and all the amenities needed for a fun or relaxing day in the sun.
Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon is one of the most famous beaches in Malta, located on the small island of Comino. It’s truly a magical place with turquoise water that makes you think of a real-life paradise.
Although it’s a very popular place during the summer months, the Blue Lagoon is definitely worth visiting. The only way to get here is by boat, and there are plenty of daily tours from the main island as well as Gozo.
Few places in Europe are as beautiful as Malta’s Blue Lagoon, and to make the most of your visit, I recommend coming here in May/June or September/October since there will be fewer visitors then.
Photo: Greg Blok / Shutterstock.com
Ghajn Tuffieha (Riviera Beach)
This beautiful beach is located next to Golden Bay and is also known as Riviera Beach. Some claim that this is the most beautiful beach in Malta since it’s less developed than Golden Bay with similar natural beauty.
During peak season it can get busy from time to time since it’s smaller in size. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available here, and there’s also a small snack bar on Riviera Beach.
It’s very easy to get here by public transport and car, although it should be mentioned that parking is limited. From there, stairs are leading down to the beach.
Fomm Ir-rih
Fomm Ir-rih is a small but picturesque bay on the western side of Malta. It’s surrounded by vertical cliffs and crystal clear water. The beach at Fomm ir-Rih is one of the wildest beaches in Malta, due to its isolated and secluded location.
It can be reached by a steep pathway that takes about 20 minutes to walk. Good shoes are recommended, and bring plenty of water as well, as there are no facilities on this beach.
Hondoq ir-Rummien
Hondoq ir-Rummien is a lovely beach on Gozo, near Qala that is especially famous for its crystal clear water of excellent quality. It’s one of the best spots on the island to go diving or snorkeling.
Hondoq ir-Rummien is very popular among the Gozitans who come here to swim and spend time with their families. From the beach, you can also see the island of Comino.
St. Peter’s Pool
St Peter’s Pool is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Malta, located on the Delimara peninsula. Despite its beauty, St Peter’s Pool is rarely crowded and the rocky natural swimming pool offers unspoiled nature.
It’s a great place to go snorkeling with crystal clear water in vivid colors. I recommend combining your visit to St Peter’s Pool with the charming fishing village Marsaxlokk, which is located nearby.
Mgarr ix-Xini
A small but secluded beach and bay in the southern part of Gozo. It’s perfect if you want to swim in clear waters and go snorkeling. Mgarr ix-Xini has a rich marine life, and it’s a tranquil place to spend a day out in the sun and water.
Moreover, if you enjoy diving or underwater photography, this bay is one of the best places to visit on Gozo. Nearby, one can also visit the historical landmark Mgarr ix-Xini Tower and the striking scenery of Ta’ Cenc Cliffs.
Mellieha Bay
Last but not least, Mellieha Bay, also known as Ghadira Bay. A beautiful beach that is known for being the longest sandy beach in Malta.
It offers full facilities and is great for families as well since the water is shallow and clear. Mellieha Bay is well connected with other parts of the island, and from here it’s also easy to reach Gozo and Comino, making it an ideal place to stay on the island.
Photo: Mark.Pelf / Shutterstock.com
List of Beaches in Malta
- Gnejna Bay
- Ghajn Tuffieha
- Golden Bay
- St. George’s Bay
- Armier Bay
- Fomm Ir-Rih Bay
- Paradise Bay
- Mellieha Bay
- Ghar Lapsi beach
- St. Thomas Bay
- St. Peter’s Pool
- Pretty Bay
List of Beaches on Gozo
- Ramla Bay
- Marsalforn Bay
- Dwejra (Inland Sea)
- Mgarr ix-Xini
- San Blas Bay
- Hondoq ir-Rummien
- Dahlet Qorrot Bay
List of Beaches on Comino
Santa Maria Bay is a great choice for families as it features shallow water and fewer visitors. St Nicholas Bay is well known for its crystal clear waters, making it an ideal place to go snorkeling.
- Blue Lagoon
- Santa Maria Bay
- St. Nicholas Bay
Want more recommendations on beaches in Malta? Leave a comment below!