Top 10 Beaches in Malta for Travellers

Beaches in Malta are some of the Mediterranean’s most remarkable coastal treasures. This small archipelago packs an incredible variety of coastal experiences into its modest size.

From the famous turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon to the red sands of Ramla Bay, Malta’s beaches provide everything from peaceful relaxation to exciting water sports.

1. Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon sits between the Comino and Cominotto islands, creating a natural swimming pool with some of the clearest waters you’ll ever see. This is arguably the most famous beach in Malta, drawing visitors from around the world.

• Address: Comino Island, accessible via a 25-minute ferry ride from Cirkewwa or Marfa in northern Malta

• Timings: Accessible year-round, but best visited early morning (before 10 AM) or late afternoon (after 3 PM) to avoid massive crowds, especially in summer

• How to Reach: Take a ferry from Ċirkewwa (Malta) or Mġarr (Gozo); the trip takes about 25 minutes and costs around €10-15 (Rs. 900-1,350) return; alternatively, join a boat tour from Sliema or Bugibba

• Things to Do: Swimming in crystal-clear waters, snorkeling around the rich marine life, boat tours, exploring nearby caves, hiking Comino’s trails

• Best Time to Visit: April-May or September-October to avoid massive summer crowds; if visiting in summer, arrive before 9:00 AM

• Places to Stay: Ramla Bay Resort, Grand Hotel Gozo

• Places to Eat: Peperoncino

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2. Golden Bay

Golden Bay stands out as one of the few natural sandy beaches in Malta. Located on the northwest coast, this Blue Flag-certified beach offers excellent facilities and gorgeous sunset views.

• Address: Northwest Malta, near Mellieha, about 25 km from Valletta

• Timings: Open 24/7, but lifeguards operate from 10 AM to 6 PM during summer

• How to Reach: Bus routes 223 and 225 from Valletta or Sliema stop directly at the beach; ample parking for those with rental cars

• Things to Do: Swimming, jet skiing, parasailing, banana boating, windsurfing, paddleboarding, volleyball

• Best Time to Visit: June-September for swimming; April-May for more space and comfortable temperatures

• Places to Stay:Solana Hotel and Spa, Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa

• Places to Eat:Apple’s Eye Restaurant, United Restaurant

3. Ghajn Tuffieha Bay (Riviera Bay)

Just a short walk from Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha offers a more natural beach experience. The bay is reached via 200 stone steps, which helps keep crowds smaller than at neighboring beaches in Malta.

• Address: Northwest Malta, near Golden Bay, about 25 km from Valletta

• Timings: Open daily year-round; summer months have lifeguards from 10 AM to 6 PM

• How to Reach: Same buses as Golden Bay (223, 225), then a 5-minute walk and descent down 180 steps

• Things to Do: Swimming, sunbathing, nature photography, sunset watching, hiking the surrounding trails

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and spectacular light for photos

• Places to Stay: Solana Hotel and Spa, Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa

• Places to Eat:Singita Restaurant, Munchies Golden Bay – Spiaggia D’Oro

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4. Mellieha Bay (Ghadira Bay)

Mellieha Bay is Malta’s longest sandy beach and one of the most popular beaches in Malta for families. The shallow waters extend quite far from the shore, making it perfect for children.

• Address: Northern Malta, below Mellieha town, about 23 km from Valletta

• Timings: Beach accessible year-round; facilities operate mainly from April to October

• How to Reach: Buses 41, 42, X1, and X2 from Valletta stop near the beach; extensive parking available

• Things to Do: Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, banana boat rides, beach volleyball, windsurfing

• Best Time to Visit: Morning hours during summer to secure good spots; May or September for pleasant conditions with fewer crowds

• Places to Stay:Hotel Mellieha Bay, Solana Hotel and Spa

• Places to Eat:one80 Kitchen & Lounge, Munchies Mellieha

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5. Ramla Bay

Ramla Bay on Gozo Island features a distinctive reddish-orange sand beach surrounded by natural dunes. It’s one of the most beautiful public beaches in Malta and Gozo.

• Address: Northern coast of Gozo island, accessible by bus or car from Victoria

• Timings: Accessible year-round; summer has lifeguards and rental facilities

• How to Reach: Take the Gozo ferry from Ċirkewwa, then bus 302 from Victoria to Ramla Bay; alternatively, drive (25 minutes from the ferry terminal)

• Things to Do: Swimming, sunbathing, exploring the dunes, hiking to Calypso Cave

• Best Time to Visit: Spring for greenery on the surrounding hills; early morning in summer to avoid crowds

• Places to Stay:Santa Lucia Boutique Hotel, Quaint Boutique Hotel Xewkija

• Places to Eat:Il-Kcina Ghawdxija, Oleander Restaurant

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6. Gnejna Bay

Gnejna Bay offers a quieter alternative to the more popular beaches in Malta. This small sandy cove is surrounded by clay slopes and limestone cliffs, creating a picturesque setting.

• Address: Western Malta near the village of Mgarr, about 16 km from Valletta

• Timings: Accessible year-round; summer months have basic facilities

• How to Reach: Bus 223 from Valletta to Mgarr, then a 20-minute walk; better accessed by car with parking available at the top of the hill

• Things to Do: Swimming, snorkeling around the rocky areas, cliff walking, photography

• Best Time to Visit: Weekdays outside July-August for a more peaceful experience

• Places to Stay:Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa

• Places to Eat:United Restaurant Behind The Church, Grill & Chill
  

7. Paradise Bay

True to its name, Paradise Bay is a small but charming sandy cove tucked between rocky cliffs. It’s one of the more secluded beaches in Malta, offering a tranquil experience.

• Address: Northern tip of Malta near Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal, about 30 km from Valletta

• Timings: Accessible year-round; summer months have basic facilities and a small restaurant

• How to Reach: Buses 41 and 42 to Ċirkewwa, then a 10-minute walk; parking available for drivers

• Things to Do: Swimming, snorkeling around the rocky edges, sunbathing, ferry watching

• Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for minimal crowds; June or September for excellent swimming without peak crowds

• Places to Stay:Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa, Solana Hotel and Spa

• Places to Eat:one80 Kitchen & Lounge, Apple’s Eye Restaurant, United Restaurant

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8. Armier Bay and Little Armier

These twin bays in Malta’s far north offer relaxed beach experiences away from the major tourist centers. They’re popular with locals and provide excellent views of Comino.

• Address: Northern tip of Malta, about 28 km from Valletta

• Timings: Accessible year-round; facilities mainly operate from May to October

• How to Reach: Bus 49 from Valletta (seasonal summer service only); best accessed by car

• Things to Do: Swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, picnicking, snorkeling

• Best Time to Visit: Summer weekdays for a lively but manageable atmosphere; spring or autumn for a quieter experience

• Places to Stay:Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa, Solana Hotel and Spa

• Places to Eat:The Osteria Restaurant Mellieha, Blu Beach Club

9. Bugibba Perched Beach

Unlike most natural beaches in Malta, Bugibba Perched Beach is a man-made sandy area created for tourists staying in this popular resort town. It offers convenience and easy access to urban amenities.

• Address: St. Paul’s Bay area, about 16 km from Valletta

• Timings: Accessible year-round; busiest during summer months

• How to Reach: Multiple bus routes connect Bugibba to Valletta and other towns; centrally located in Bugibba

• Things to Do: Swimming, sunbathing, people-watching, dining at nearby restaurants

• Best Time to Visit: Any time during summer; weekdays for fewer crowds

• Places to Stay:Topaz Hotel, db San Antonio Hotel & Spa

• Places to Eat:Venus Restaurant, La Sorpresa, Cafè del Mar

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10. Dwejra Bay

• Address: Western coast of Gozo island, accessible by bus or car from Victoria

• Timings: Accessible year-round; diving best from May to October

• How to Reach: Take the Gozo ferry from Ċirkewwa, then bus 311 from Victoria, or drive (20 minutes from the ferry terminal)

• Things to Do: Diving the Blue Hole, snorkeling, boat trips through the Inland Sea tunnel, rock pooling, photography

• Best Time to Visit: Morning for photography; spring or autumn for pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds

• Places to Stay:Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz Gozo, Santa Lucia Boutique Hotel

• Places to Eat:Azure Window Restaurant, Il-Kunvent Restaurant

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FAQs

Which beaches are free in Malta?

Public beaches in Malta are free to access, including popular spots like Blue Lagoon, Golden Bay, and Mellieha Bay. You only pay for extras like sunbeds or water sports. Private beach clubs may charge fees, but they’re optional.

Can you swim in Malta beaches?

Yes, you can swim at beaches in Malta, especially from May to October when water temperatures range from 19°C to 27°C. Many beaches have Blue Flag status, calm seas, lifeguards, and clear waters—ideal for safe, enjoyable swimming.

Which beach is famous in Malta?

Blue Lagoon on Comino Island is the most famous beach in Malta, known for its clear turquoise waters and white sandy seabed. It’s a stunning but crowded summer spot. Golden Bay is another famous beach, popular for its natural sandy shore.

Is Malta good for a beach holiday?

Malta is great for a beach holiday. Beaches in Malta offer clear waters, scenic views, and good facilities. The swimming season runs from May to October. For Indian tourists, English is widely spoken, and driving is on the left, adding convenience.

What are the best beaches in Malta for couples?

The most romantic beaches in Malta include Paradise Bay for seclusion, Ghajn Tuffieha for sunsets, and Mgarr ix-Xini for its intimate vibe. Couples can enjoy Blue Lagoon in the early morning or evening, with coastal dining adding to the romantic experience.

What are the famous beaches in Malta to visit with your family?

Famous beaches in Malta for families include Mellieha Bay for shallow waters, Golden Bay for sandy shores and activities, and Armier Bay for a local vibe. Bugibba Perched Beach is convenient for nearby stays. Water shoes are useful for rocky spots.

Which are the best beach resorts in Malta?

Top luxury beach resorts in Malta include Radisson Blu at Golden Bay, db Seabank near Mellieha Bay, and Ramla Bay Resort with private swim areas. On Gozo, the Kempinski Hotel offers beach access via shuttle. Off-season rates offer big discounts.

What is the best time to visit Malta?

The best time to enjoy the beaches in Malta is from May to October. June and September offer warm seas and fewer crowds. July and August are the hottest and busiest. April and October are cooler but pleasant. Winter is better for cultural sightseeing.