Malta, immersed in the Mediterranean Sea, is a tourist destination for everybody’s taste. The archipelago offers beautiful sandy beaches, incredible rocky coves, clear waters, and places of naturalistic and historical interest. The island includes 3 UNESCO heritage sites: the Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni, the only underground prehistoric temple in the world, the capital city La Valletta and the megalithic temples.
You should rent a car to explore the island and book in advance your hotel. Our top hotels in Malta include:
– Art Hotel Cavalieri in St. Julian’s – 4 stars
– Topaz Hotel in Buġibba – 3 stars
– Golden Tulip Vivaldi Hotel in St Julians – 4 stars
– Osborne Hotel in Valletta – 3 stars
– The Plaza Hotel & Plaza Regency in Sliema – 3 stars
In this post, we are going to take you through the most beautiful and peculiar beaches, plus a top 5 selection of those we think you should not miss.
The sandy beaches
The largest and most famous sandy beaches are located in the north sector of Malta.
If you are looking for authentic beach life (umbrellas, sunbeds, bars, restaurants and the opportunity to enjoy water sports such as sailing, surfing, windsurfing and water skiing), here you will not be disappointed.
The most popular Golden Bay and Ghajn Tuffieh (in the north-west) and Mellieha Bay (in the north-east), offer all this. And much more.
If you prefer smaller but still suggestive sandy beaches, you can go to Gnejna Beach, to the west. It is not so busy and its crystal clear water is perfect for snorkeling.
Further north you will find Paradise Bay, famous for its vibrant nightlife and the beautiful sunsets. Going north-east there are Armier Bay and Selmun, much appreciated by the local people.
The rocky beaches of Malta
The Sliema seafront is a very tourist rocky area, not far from the capital.
The most striking rocky beaches, ideal for diving and snorkeling, are in the south-east area near the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk, where you can stop to enjoy a delicious seafood dinner.
The most famous beach in the surroundings is the natural swimming pool of St. Peter, to be included no doubt in our top list.
In this area we also suggest Kalanka bay, surrounded by stones and rocks whose sandy bottom makes the water deep blue, and Xrobb L-Ghaġin, nestled in the cliffs and accessible only by sea.
The best beaches of Gozo
Gozo is a charming little island in the north of Malta, still unspoiled in some areas, a must for snorkeling and diving lovers. The Gozo Channel Company runs the links between the 2 islands. Otherwise you can move around by water taxis.
Dahlet Qorrot is located in the cliffs north to Gozo. This bay is mostly frequented by fishermen, so it is perfect for escaping the crowd of the most famous coasts. It is characterized by natural environment, some caves and crystal clear waters.
Hondoq Ir-Rummien is a small pebble beach in the south of Gozo offering panoramic views and natural caves.
The Dwejra bay area has an incredible natural scenery. Here you will find the Azure Window, a stone arch dipping in the sea and the Inland Sea, a real inland sea section separated from the rocky cliffs by a cave.
The most popular and famous beach of Gozo is undoubtedly Ramla bay, the red beach. Surrounded by countryside, it is the largest sandy beach in Gozo. Of course we have included it in our list!
The best beaches of Comino
This island, where cars are not allowed, is a corner of natural paradise in the archipelago of Malta. The connections with Malta and Gozo are managed by United Comino Ferries and Ebsons Comino Ferries.
If you search for a movie beach, with unspoiled nature and stunning colours, the famous Blue Lagoon is a must (and it is also very popular). But this beautiful island reserves other surprises. Walking about 20 minutes from the Blue Lagoon, you will reach the equally charming and less crowded Santa Maria Bay, with clear waters and white sand.
The 5 best beaches and bays on the island of Malta
Among sand and uncontaminated cliffs, busy areas and remote ones, you know now what to expect from the beaches of Malta. Go to discover the most suitable to you, pocketing our top-list of the 5 best beaches that you can not miss:
# 1 Ghajn Tuffieha: surrounded by incredible cliffs, this sandy beach is more pristine and sheltered than others. You can reach it from the car park through 200 steps. For this reason, it is less busy than other beaches in the area. It is the perfect location to enjoy a spectacular sunset.
# 2 Ghadira bay, in Mellieha Bay: the water of this sandy beach is shallow and crystal clear. Well-equipped, it is ideal for families.
# 3 St. Peter’s Pool. Nestled in the rocks, its crystal clear blue water offers an amazing sight. It is not easy to achieve and does not offer specific services, then you have to get organized to spend a day there. But it is definitely worth!
# 4 Ramla Bay, in the island of Gozo, with its unique red-orange sand is considered one of the most beautiful beaches of the archipelago. Dip yourself in the legend visiting the cave of Calypso of Homer’s Odyssey, on the western side of the bay.
# 5 Finally, the Blue Lagoon in Comino, whose name says it all!
