The Best Beaches in Malta: The Ultimate Guide [2024]

Malta, the beautiful archipelago nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, is famous for its stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the globe. With crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and breathtaking coastal landscapes, the beaches in Malta offer a perfect retreat for sun-seekers and adventure lovers alike. Each beach provides a unique experience that caters to various preferences. Whether you want to relax under the sun, indulge in water sports, or explore the rich marine life, Malta’s beaches are the ultimate destination for a memorable seaside getaway. So, let’s see the best beaches in Malta that you need to visit during your holiday!

The Best Beaches in Malta Awarded Blue Flag

So, if you ask me what to do in Malta, I quickly tell you: “Escape the busy urban areas! (Oh, after exploring the island’s main sightseeing points, of course). Instead, go to Malta’s, Gozo’s, and Comino’s rural parts and explore the magnificent natural beaches as soon as possible. Malta is a small island, but it has plenty of options for activities and beaches to visit during your vacation. So, I’ve created a list of the best beaches in Malta, including my favorite ones.

First, in 2024, 12 beaches across the Maltese islands were awarded the International Blue Flag eco-label for Sustainable Development.

These are Westin Dragonara Beach Resort, St George’s Bay, Qawra Point Beach, Bugibba Perched Beach, Mellieha Bay (Ghadira Bay), Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, Ramla il Hamra Bay, Hondoq Bay, and Marsalforn Bay, Fajtata Bay, and Paradise Bay.

This worldwide certification is given to beaches and marinas, examples in four areas:

– environmental protection and awareness,

– health and safety,

– sustainable beach management and accessibility,

– bathing water quality.

These are only some of the reasons why the beaches above are included in the list of the best beaches in Malta. Below, I will add some additional points.

In Malta, most beaches are rocky, but you can also find some beautiful sandy gems. All together, they offer what people are looking for. Imagine yourself walking on the golden sand and swimming in the crystal blue water or just drinking a strawberry Daiquiri while lying on the sunbed and watching the sunset.

So, which one will you head to first? Let’s look now at some of the best beaches in Malta, real gems. My favorite beach is the last one 🙂

13.The Rocky Fond Ghadir Beach, Sliema

Tas-Sliema and St. Julian’s coastline is one of the most popular areas in Malta. It attracts many tourists during the peak summer months (and not only). The area is perfect for beach lovers during the day and party people at night.

Clear waters are found in the city area, near the biggest resorts in Malta—Sliema, St. Julian’s, and Paceville. Fond Ghadir is a convenient beach for staying in this region of the island. Fond Ghadir is a rocky area with deep waters for experienced swimmers and some shallow pools. It is dotted with holes in the rock used for sea salt production, which are now used primarily for sunbathing.

The area provides many opportunities for your free time. The shoreline is ideal for swimming during the day and it is a lovely area during the evening. I love walking on the promenade in the evening or sitting in a bar or restaurant admiring the beautiful sea view and the Maltese lights.

How to get there:

Take the 13 or 16 bus from Valletta, and in about 20 minutes, stop at the bus stop Ghadir. Other buses: 12, 13, 14, 15, 21, 22, 24.

Here you can get more and actual information about the bus schedules in Malta.

12.Westin Dragonara Resort Beach, St Julian’s (Blue Flag)

The beautiful Westin Dragonara Resort, overlooking the Mediterranean, is a great family-friendly place. It is a perfect option for romantic vacations in Malta, as well. The resort rests on Dragonara Peninsula, on the island’s east side in the heart of St. Julian’s. Here, you can find two outdoor beach lidos, a large pool, children’s pools, an outdoor jacuzzi, and direct access to the Mediterranean through a few ladders. Diving and water sports are also available. It is a rocky beach (one of the best locally), offering you a fantastic relaxing stay. What the Westin Dragonara Resort offers includes the area on the list of the best beaches on the island.

How to get there:

From Valletta, take the 13 or 16 bus, and for about 30 minutes, stop at the Ross bus stop; after that, walk for about 5 minutes. Other buses: 14, 120, 205.

11.The Sandy Beach St. George’s Bay, St. Julian’s (Blue Flag)

Another one on the list of the best beaches in Malta is the beautiful but small sandy beach of St. George’s Bay. It is perfect for all people who don’t like long journeys to get to the beach. It is actually a human-made beach (filled and cleaned with sand each year) in Malta’s main tourist and entertainment spots – St. Julian’s and Paceville. Big hotel resorts surround St. George’s bay as Hugo, InterContinental, or Marina Hotel Corinthia. There are also all the things you need for a day on the beach – kiosks, cafes, beach bars, and restaurants. Lifeguards are there to take care of you. Keep in mind that it is a small sandy beach, and on summer days, this is one of the places that gets crowded quickly. So go there earlier to find a place for your towel.

How to get there:

From Valletta with bus 13 or 16 for about 30 minutes to the bus stop San Giljan and about 5 minutes walking. Other buses – 12, 13, 14, 33, 202, 203, 205, 222, 233.

10.The New Blue Flag Beach – Fajtata Bay, Marsascala

Fajtata Bay in Marsascala, in the southern part of Malta, is one of the newest beaches with the Blue Flag status. This beach has recently met 70% of the criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. Known for its clear waters and tranquil atmosphere, Fajtata Bay provides a peaceful escape from the busier beaches on the island.

How to get there:

From Valletta with bus 91 for about 40 minutes to bus stop Mahsel or 93 to Ashby and about 5 minutes walking.

9.The Natural Swimming Pool in Malta – St. Peter’s Pool, Marsaxlokk

St. Peter’s Pool is located on Malta’s East coast, near Marsaxlokk’s fishing village. (If you have a chance, go to Marsaxlokk and have a delicious fresh seafood lunch while enjoying the seaside view!) It is not a very popular beach among tourists and has no facilities, but locals often visit it. St. Peter’s Pool is a natural pool and a beautiful alternative to some more crowded beaches. There’s no sand, but the rocks surrounding the azure waters have plenty of flat areas for sunbathing and tanning. This beach is lovely for cliff diving (if you want something more extreme and if you dare to jump) and even snorkeling due to its crystal-clear waters. It definitely can be added to the list of the best beaches in Malta.

How to get there:

From Valletta with bus 81 or 85 for about 30 minutes to the bus stop Abdosir and about 20 minutes walking. Getting to St. Peter’s Pool can be challenging, especially with public transport or walking from Marsaxlokk (around 30 minutes). However, you can find a parking place at the top of the cliff before going down to the pool area. So, getting there by car is more convenient.

If you want to know more about how to get around Malta, check out my detailed post.

8.Qawra Point Beach, St Paul’s Bay (Blue Flag)

The next of the best beaches in Malta is – Qawra Point Beach. It is located along the rocky coast of the tourism capitals in the North of the island – Bugibba and Qawra. The coastline promenade from Salina Bay to St. Paul’s Bay offers some of the island’s best open sea views, also over St. Paul’s Island. The Qawra peninsula has been developed into a resort area with hotels along the coastline, and it is perfect for your next holiday. 

The shore is rocky, but the flat rocks provide places for sunbathing, with some swimmers’ access points. It’s also an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving because of the exotic underwater life. If you stay in Bugibba, Qawra, or St Paul’s Bay area, it is a suitable place for bathing with lots of amenities and kiosks around. Or, if you want, you can go to the nearest perched artificial sandy beach, located along the coastline at Bugibba. 

How to get there:

From Valletta, take bus 45 for about 40 minutes to bus stop Ben and about 5 minutes walking, or take bus 48 to bus stop Bugibba Bay and about 10 minutes walking. Other buses: 12, 223, 224, 401, X1, X3.

7.The Sandy Bugibba Perched Beach, St Paul’s Bay (Blue Flag)

This spot in the tourist center of Bugibba is excellent for sunbathing and swimming in the clear Mediterranean waters, offering a large number of places to drink and eat in the town square nearby. Bugibba is a tourist area that needs a nice big sandy beach. So it can provide a better holiday experience for its tourists. This need was why the Bugibba perched beach was created – a sandy beach artificially created over a rocky surface (the first of its kind in Malta.) So now it is a lovely place for summer holidays and between the best beaches in Malta.

How to get there:

From Valletta, take bus 48 for about 45 minutes to bus stop Sajf, which is about 5 minutes’ walking. Other buses: 12, 31, 221, 223, 224, X3, 401.

6.White Tower Bay (Armier Bay), Mellieha

The next one of the best beaches in Malta that I recommend is Armier Bay in the North of Malta. The bay has two sandy beaches, one known as Armier and the other as Little Armier. Neither of these beaches gets very busy in summer, although they’re pretty popular among the Maltese. White Tower Bay is a secret beach that is visited mainly by locals. The waters are clear and shallow, which makes it perfect for families. You can hire sun loungers and umbrellas, and there is a refreshment kiosk nearby. 

How to get there:

The bay is easy to reach by car by heading toward the Gozo ferry. A public bus can also take you to Armier – from Valletta take bus 49 for about 55 minutes to bus stop Xmajjar. However, expect around a 20-minute walk after that.

5.Visit the Paradise Bay, Mellieha

Paradise Bay is a small sandy beach with crystal clear waters in the North of Malta, close to Mellieha. It is family-friendly, with easy entry to shallow water that slowly becomes deeper. The beach is in a natural cove. It is peaceful, surrounded by high cliffs, with great views of the nearby islands of Gozo and Comino. There are many snorkeling spots around the beach with excellent underwater views and exciting sea life. So, get your snorkels with you and explore the area. Paradise Bay attracts the younger locals; sometimes, you will see them organizing parties on weekends. Many locals love visiting the beach to watch the sunset, too.

How to get there:

From Valletta, take the 42 or 41 bus for about 55 minutes to the bus stop Musa and walk for about 15 minutes.

4.The Secluded beach Fomm Ir-Rih Bay, Mgarr

Fomm Ir-Rih Beach is a little gem in Malta. Famous for diving and snorkeling, the route to this pebbly bay is through a steep, rocky, and slippery path from the village of Bahrija. The way back can be challenging due to the route. Therefore, I don’t recommend visiting this bay for children or older people. Once at the beach, enjoy the clear, deep waters (perfect for swimming when it is calm) and pastoral views of the surrounding valleys and cliffs.

How to get there:

From Valletta, take bus 44 to Mgarr and then bus 101 to Gnejna. The trip takes about 50 minutes, and the walk takes about 30 minutes.

3.The Sandy Ghadira Bay Beach (Mellieha Bay), Mellieha (Blue Flag)

Mellieha Bay or Ghadira Bay is between two headlands in the North of Malta. It is one of my favorites and definitely among the best beaches in Malta, providing a lovely sea view of the area around. It is also the largest sandy beach in Malta and one of the most popular.

The beach is very easily accessible, even with public transport. It is preferred by families with children, making it crowded quickly, mostly on weekends and holidays. The water around the beach increases slowly, allowing children to play without fear. In addition, it gives you the chance to walk into the sea due to the long sand line that stretches along the beach. 

The area has plenty of kiosks, cafes, and bars and offers a picnic area. You can also hire equipment to practice water sports, such as kayaking, water skiing, windsurfing, and banana boating. Beach management operates between June and September. It includes lifeguards, a small First Aid clinic, and beach supervisors.

You can see the Red Tower on the one side of Mellieha Bay. The old village of Mellieha is situated high on the opposite side. Behind Mellieha Bay is the Nature Reserve, where you can find local flora and fauna. The area is also popular with bird watchers who study local and migratory birds.

How to get there:

From Valletta with bus 41 or 42, about 50 minutes to the bus stop Ghadira. 

2.Everyone Loves This Beach – Golden Bay Beach, Mellieha (Blue Flag)

You can’t miss this beach. Another favorite beach among the locals and tourists is the Golden Bay Beach, which got its name from the gold-colored sand. Easily accessible by public transport, this beach offers plenty of facilities and is the perfect place for families to sunbathe. Golden Bay area has all you need for the day. You can hire sun loungers and umbrellas. If you want to bite something, you can go to the beach restaurant offering delicious dishes at affordable prices or the restaurant near the bus stop before the beach entrance. If you want cheaper drinks and snacks, you can buy them from the little shop on the hill, behind the beach.

The area is so beautiful. The bay is part of Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park and a Natura 2000 site. You will see the large Radisson Blue Resort on one of the cliffs, but the rest of the beach surroundings are unspoiled, providing a great view. Golden Bay is a popular place for barbeques, mainly on Friday and Saturday evenings. 

For sports enthusiasts, there are many water sports opportunities—banana boating, water bikes, jet skiing, scuba diving, or a trip to Blue Lagoon. On the wide beach, there is usually room for games such as football, volleyball, or badminton. Beach management operates from June to September with lifeguards and other beach staff.

How to get there:

If you decide to visit one of the best beaches in Malta, get there early in the morning, as it gets crowded quickly. From Valletta, take bus 44 for about 45 minutes to the bus stop Ghajn Tuffieha Bus Terminus. From Sliema, take bus 225 to the last stop. There is also paid parking directly at the beach and one further near the bus stop, but it’s hard to find a place if you go later. Other buses: 44, 101, 102, 223, 224, 225, 21, 22, 24.

1.The Best Beach in Malta – Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, Mgarr (Blue Flag)

Oh, and now let’s see the top of the list of the best beaches in Malta. Near Golden Bay in the North West of Malta, you can find another fantastic but not very big sandy beach – Ghajn Tuffieha (Riviera), probably the most beautiful beach on the island.

When you arrive here, don’t be shocked. You must pass more than 100 steps to the beach, which can be challenging on your way back. Or you can go around a tiny road to the other side of the bay. But the beach is worth visiting. With very smooth and pleasant sand, clear waters, and pure nature, this beach will be perfect for your day off. Ghajn Tuffieha is generally safe for swimming, but beach management of lifeguards and safety ropes will help you stay safe. 

The hillside behind it is a natural park. The area is unspoiled and undeveloped but has the facilities you need to enjoy a day on the beach. The only restaurant on the beach is Singita Miracle Beach cocktail bar, which offers sunbeds, umbrellas, and a lovely sea view from its terrace.

On the one side of the Ghajn Tuffieha Beach, you can enjoy the view from the rocks – a unique and very romantic place. It is impressive, especially at sunset, when the sun goes down into the sea. However, be careful here – the site has no borders and is a little bit dangerous. On the left side, you see Ghajn Tuffieha beach, and on the right – Golden bay – two of the island’s most popular and stunning beaches. 

On the other side of Ghajn Tuffieha, you can go uphill to a peaceful place with a great panorama view of Gnejna Bay. Close to the rural village of Mgarr, Gnejna Bay is quieter than the nearby Golden Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha beaches. It offers golden-colored sand and a flat rock ideal for sunbathing. 

Ghajn Tuffieha is a famous beach and one of the favorite spots among tourists. So, it usually gets busy fast, but it is a must-visit place in Malta.

How to get there:

Ghajn Tuffieha’s location makes the beach less crowded than its neighbor, Golden Bay. The beach offers limited parking, but you can reach it by bus (bus stop Riviera if you come with 225 from Sliema). From Valletta, with bus 44, it takes about 45 minutes to the bus stop Mixquqa and about 10 minutes to walk. Other buses: 44, 101, 102, 223, 224, 225, 21, 22, 24. 

Malta’s beaches are a testament to the island’s natural beauty and commitment to environmental sustainability. The Blue Flag status awarded to several beaches highlights their quality, safety, and eco-friendliness. Whether you are planning a family vacation, a romantic escape, or a solo adventure, the pristine beaches of Malta and Gozo offer an idyllic setting for all.

Hopefully, the guide and resources listed above on the best beaches in Malta will help you plan your vacation to the Maltese islands.