Malta's Top 10 Beaches

Summer is well and truly upon us and if you’re here in Malta anytime between June and September, we definitely recommend scheduling in a couple (or 10) beach days. The sun is shining, the skies are blue, we’ve compiled a list of our ten favourite beaches, just for you.

Fomm ir-Rih

Location: Limits of Mgarr

Type: Pebbly

Tips: Bring water and a packed lunch with you

Known as one of the most isolated beaches in Malta (but also one of the most beautiful), Fomm ir-Rih is not for the faint hearted. A favourite amongst snorkelers, divers and those who appreciate lack of mobile reception and peace and serenity, it’s a 20-minute hike down a sometimes steep and slippery pathway to get there but we guarantee you that it’s worth the trip.

Ghajn Tuffieha a.k.a. Riviera

Location: Manikata, Mellieha

Type: Sandy

Tips: The beach is known for having strong undercurrents during off-season

With clay slopes and high cliffs on either side of the bay, red sand and clear blue water, Ghajn Tuffieha, Maltese for ‘Apple’s Eye’ is easily one of Malta’s most stunning beaches. Only accessible by a network of footpaths and a flight of steps, but again, worth the trip. It’s a blue flag certified beach, as well as a Special Area of Conservation due to its unique geological features. Oh, and there’s a lifeguard, restaurant and toilet and shower facilities on the sand, too. This means you’ll only need to hike back up to your car once you’re ready to call it a day.

Ghadira Bay

Location: Mellieha

Type: Sandy

Tips: Get there as early as you can to find free parking

Presenting: Malta’s largest (and possibly most visited) beach, Mellieha Bay. Roughly 800m long and awarded a Blue Flag status, Ghadira is perfect for spending a day with family and friends. Facilities such as various water sports including water-skiing, windsurfing, banana rides and sea kayaking are available and make Mellieha Bay a must-visit spot on your holiday. It’s easily accessible and also features several restaurants, snack bars and two hotels. Ghadira’s got you covered.

Paradise Bay

Location: Mellieha

Type: Sandy

Tips: Mornings and weekdays are best because it gets rather crowded on weekends

Offering a completely unobstructed view of Gozo and Comino Islands, Paradise Bay truly lives up to its name. Again, this bay can only be accessed by a fairly long flight of steps but don’t fret, anything your heart desires is available on the beach, including sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, restrooms and food and drinks! Oh and also, throughout summer, the Lido is open every night for dinner, with live entertainment on selected nights during the week.

Gnejna

Location: Limits of Mgarr

Type: Sandy

Tips: The rightmost, hidden part of the bay is known for nudists

The third sandy beach of the chain of beaches, including Ghajn Tuffieha and Golden Bay, Gnejna is slightly smaller and much less crowded. If you’re not into the orange sand of the bay, just a few metres away is a stretch of flat limestone rock, perfect for absorbing those rays. Known for its unusual clay slopes and limestone cliffs, it’s a bit of a risky walk down from Ghajn Tuffieha, but definitely worth it if you’re looking for a bit of a quieter spot.

Golden Bay

Location: Manikata, Mellieha Type: Sandy Tips: Bring a volleyball along!

Known for its reddish sand and naturally formed dunes on its surrounding slopes, Golden Bay is larger, easier to access and has a couple more restaurants on site than it’s sister, Ghajn Tuffieha. One of the few beaches where you can cook up some sausages on the barbecue in the evenings, Golden Bay is a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike.

St Peter’s Pool

Location: Delimara, Marsaxlokk

Type: Rocky

Tip: Bring snacks and a whole lot of sun-block as there aren’t too many shaded areas

One of the most well-known natural swimming pools Malta has to offer, St Peter’s Pool is straight off a postcard. Located in the southwest of Malta, it offers brilliant snorkeling opportunities, as well as sunbathing ones, on the high flat rocks that surround the pool. Though there are ladders that provide access to the sea, the more adventurous ones can also dive into the water from a few metres up. Popular with locals and tourists alike, St Peter’s Pool is rather difficult to get to and parking on top of the cliff overlooking the pool is not recommended, which means the spot is rarely overcrowded and thus, worth the visit.

St Thomas’ Bay

Location: Marsascala

Type: Sandy

Tips: Mentally prepare yourself. You’re going windsurfing!

Known as ‘ir-Ramla’ to the Maltese, St Thomas Bay is quiet, peaceful and sandy. It also offers several small and shallow sandy beaches, perfect for kids and the whole family alike, flat rocks and concrete platforms, which set the perfect scene for sunbathing and chilling out. What makes this bay special? It’s ideal for windsurfing. This natural inlet is a lovely seaside haven popular with Maltese families as it’s surrounded by white limestone cliffs, rows of beach houses and is just a 10 minute walk from the centre of Marsascala.

Wied il-Ghasri

Location: Ghasri, Gozo

Type: Pebbly

Tip: Comfortable shoes are a must, there’s a bit of a walk

A stunning, narrow creek that’s one of the most picturesque places you’ll see in a while, Ghasri Valley’s cove is around 300m long, with a winding inlet and high cliffs on either side. The water is crystal blue, calm and ideal for divers and snorkelers as it also features underwater caves, namely the well-known Cathedral cave. Though the pebbled beach is rather small and accommodates only a few sunbathers, Wied l-Ghasri is a unique hideaway that you really shouldn’t miss if you’re venturing out to Malta’s sister island of Gozo.

Blue Lagoon

Location: Comino

Type: Sand and rocks

Tip: If crowds aren’t for you, get there super early

Picture this: walking into crystal clear water, with a white sandy bottom. Snorkelling and discovering all the colourful marine life Blue Lagoon has to offer, whilst exploring the various caves, both above and under water. If it’s a day of adventure and taking beautiful photographs you’re after, Blue Lagoon in Comino should definitely be on the top of your list. Only bathers are permitted in the lagoon so as to prevent any boats from disturbing the clear water, and there is a small sandy beach on either side.