Malta, Gozo, and Comino have many beautiful beaches all around the coast of the islands. Apart from the popular beaches, there is also a multitude of deserted coves and little beaches sometimes only accessible by sea. Although most of the beaches are small, some are rated as the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. The swimming and sunbathing season starts in April when the weather becomes much warmer where temperatures can reach around 25oC – 27oC and lasts till October.
The best sandy beaches in Malta are situated towards the North of the island. The main beaches are very popular and can get a bit crowded, especially in the peak months of July and August. These beaches are well served with bars and snack bars offering snacks and refreshments together with water sports facilities such as paddle boats, jet skis, etc.
If you prefer to be pampered in a Club Med-style lido with waiter service and DJ music playing, most lidos are situated around Sliema, St. Julians, and Qawra. They all charge an entrance fee and offer a whole range of facilities depending on their classification.
Although topless bathing is illegal in Malta, topless bathing is common on a few beaches and has become more acceptable. There are no official nudist beaches. Here is a list of some of the best beaches in Malta, Gozo, and Comino.
Best Beaches in Malta, Gozo and Comino
The Island of Malta
Malta is the main island of the archipelago. Below we have listed some of the most beautiful beaches in Malta.
North of Malta
Paradise Bay
In our opinion, one of the best beaches is Paradise Bay. It lies at the northernmost point of the island next to Ċirkewwa on the road leading to the Gozo ferry. It is a small picturesque bay with lovely views all around. To reach the bay one has to descend steps from a cliff-top down to the beach below. Although there are quite a few steps, the beach is surely worth it. Paradise Bay is mostly frequented by couples because it’s a small beach and the steps deter families with kids. The beach is well serviced by a good bar and restaurant which also offers other facilities including the hire of umbrellas, sun beds, showers, and toilets. Paradise Bay is best if you arrive early as it’s a small bay and can get quite crowded, so try to avoid being late if you want to secure a good spot.
Mellieħa Bay
Mellieħa Bay on the north of Malta is the longest sandy beach and most popular beach on the island with a stretch of 1.5km of sand. Mellieħa Bay is more popular with families as children can enjoy this beach in particular because it is shallow for a long way out and there are no undercurrents. It is ideal for swimming. Quite often in the summer families and friends get together and have picnics or barbeques in the evenings at Mellieħa. Sun beds and umbrellas are available as well as snack bars, toilets, and water sports. Mellieħa Bay is easily reached by car and by bus with direct routes available.
Golden Bay Beach
Golden Bay is one of the most popular beaches in Malta. On the northwest coast of the island Golden Bay is easily reached by car and by bus with direct bus routes available. The teen and twenties mostly use this beach to meet up with friends and hang out for the day in the sun. Golden Bay is also most popular with tourists. It is well serviced with the general facilities available including a popular beach bar with tables and chairs, sun beds, umbrellas, a snack bar, water sports, and toilets.
Għajn Tuffieħa Bay
Għajn Tuffieħa Bay is right next to Golden Bay on the northwest coast of the island and is similarly easily reached by car and by bus with direct bus routes available. It is much smaller than Golden Bay and more picturesque with its surrounding clay slopes. To reach the beach one has to go down the steep steps from the car park down to the beach. The beach is popular with both locals and tourists and is normally frequented mostly by young people. This beach is in a conservation zone and although use of the beach is permitted there are no facilities directly available on the beach except for toilets.
Ġnejna Bay
In a secluded area, Ġnejna Bay situated on the northwest of the island has several very impressive views on the way there and when you get there. Once you arrive at the beach for a small adventure you can go further along the coast on foot eastwards towards the clay slopes. When you reach them you can see some really spectacular views. There are no water sports and a small snack bar and one toilet. Umbrellas and sun beds are available. This beach is mostly frequented by families because of the easy access to the beach.
Qawra / Buġibba Coast
The coast of Qawra and Buġibba up to St. Paul’s Bay is a rocky coast with easy access for swimming and sunbathing. This stretch of the coast is popular with both tourists and locals who enjoy the fresh clean sea and find the rocky beach to be less messy than a sandy beach. Besides the public beaches around the coast, there are also numerous lidos and beach clubs operated by the nearby hotels which offer a whole range of water sports facilities.
Armier Bay
Armier Bay is a lovely beach in Malta. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The bay has soft, sandy shores. Where people can relax under the warm Mediterranean sun. The clear blue waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Families often come here for picnics and to play games on the sand. There are also small cafes and shops nearby where you can grab a snack or rent beach equipment.
Armier Bay is known for its peaceful atmosphere. Making it a great place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Malta. Whether you’re looking for a fun day in the sun or a quiet escape by the sea, Armier Bay has something for everyone.
Central Malta
Sliema Seafront
Sliema’s rocky coastline is a favorite with many locals for swimming. The long stretch of flat sand-colored rock makes the area very accessible and ideal for sunbathing too. The area is serviced by many bars and kiosks serving snacks and refreshments.
Lidos
There are many lidos or beach clubs around the coast, the most popular are situated around the Sliema, St. Julians area. These lidos or beach clubs are usually over a rocky beach with access to the sea and normally offer the usual array of water sports such as windsurfing, canoeing, jet skis, etc. They also have large swimming pools with special areas for young kids. People usually frequent these lidos for the relaxed atmosphere they offer, waiter service, and other facilities not always present on public beaches.
South of Malta
Pretty Bay
Pretty Bay in Birżebbuġa is a very popular seaside resort in the south of Malta not far from Marsaxlokk. This large sandy beach was actually man-made although the area was always a popular swimming spot with the locals. The bay lies right in the center of the town and there are many cafes and restaurants in the area. The only downside to this beautiful beach is the view of the large cranes of the Malta Freeport Terminal on the opposite end of the bay.
The Island of Gozo
Gozo is Malta’s sister island that is smaller in size but arguably greater in natural beauty. Below you may find a list of some of the main beaches in Gozo.
Ramla Bay
Ramla Bay has been voted by international travel journalists as one of the finest beaches in the Mediterranean. Gozo’s longest and best red sand beach offers splendid views, a summer snack bar, water sports, sun beds, and umbrellas. Due to its popularity, it does get a bit crowded so if you can get there early.
San Blas Bay
San Blas Bay is on the northeast coast of Gozo. This small almost deserted bay can be reached via the town of Nadur by a very steep and bumpy track about 600ft or 185m long.
Daħlet Qorrot
Daħlet Qorrot is an old small fishing harbor on the east coast next to Mistra Rocks. Most well known for its diving.
Marsalforn Bay
Marsalforn is the most popular seaside resort town in Gozo with many Gozitans and Maltese owning second holiday homes here. As one can imagine this town gets very busy during the summer months with both locals and tourists. Marsalforn Bay has both rocky beaches at the sides and a sandy beach which are all popular spots for swimming.
Dwejra Bay
Dwejra Bay, which was the home of the Azure Window, is situated on the western side of the island. This bay is a natural beauty boasting a blend of landscape, geology, shoreline, seascapes, fauna, archaeology, and history. It also has a natural pool which is ideal for those who do not want to swim in the open sea.
The Island of Comino
The tiny island of Comino is very popular for the crystal clear sea that surrounds it. If not the best, it boasts one of Malta’s best beaches.
The Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon on the island of Comino boasts clear water that is unique across the Maltese islands. It is popular for various activities such as swimming, boats, water sports, and divers. It has an area of just 2 sq. km. It is tranquil plenty of space that surrounds the 2 sq. km island. n area surrounded by the most beautiful clear turquoise waters. It is one of the Blue Flag beaches that may be found across the Maltese islands.
