This is your ultimate guide to all beaches in Malta. Beautiful sandy and rocky beaches as well as those hidden gems that not even locals know about. Your best guide to finding the best beach that suits your taste for your next glorious Malta trip.
The length of the Maltese shoreline is 136.8 km and I hiked a big part of it in order to prepare this guide. Not in one day, of course, but I visited, on foot, many hidden corners of this country and created this list of all the beaches in Malta for you.
I have lived in Malta for a little over 2 years and I was determined to discover all the hidden gems that this island has to offer. What can I say? I really enjoyed this challenge!
Note: This guide covers only the beaches of the main island of Malta. For a detailed guide to Gozo and its equally (if not more) stunning coastline, please visit my Gozo guide.
I also wrote a separate guide to the island of Comino and its Blue Lagoon. So this is a guide to all beaches in Malta excluding Gozo and Comino.
Malta, an archipelago country located in the Central Mediterranean, consists of three inhabited islands and is abundantly full of wonderful beaches and coastal walks. Due to its pleasant Mediterranean climate, the waters are gloriously warm and you can have a dip in the sea as early as April (even though some locals would think you are completely crazy if you did so).
Tourists visiting Malta are spoilt for choice regarding sightseeing and entertainment. But let’s be honest, a lot of us visit Malta for its stunning beaches, sea and sun. And Malta boasts an incredible amount of beaches for its size with variety hardly seen in other countries. Spectacular, unusual, sandy and rocky, touristy and secluded, very accessible and very hard to get to. Malta has a beach for just everyone.
Yet you need to be aware that not everywhere in Malta you will have easy access to popular sandy beaches so choosing the right area to stay in Malta based on your plans and preferences is crucial. The good news, however, is that nothing is too far away in Malta. So even if you choose St. Julians, for example, because it is so conveniently located, you can be on a beautiful sandy beach in half an hour.
Malta has both sandy and rocky beaches. And although the sandy beaches are the most popular and conventional, I personally find the rocky lidos are far more charming and picturesque, and the sea is often much cleaner. Plus, you have the added benefit of not getting sand in your bag, shoes, and hair.
I decided to structure this list geographically. This way you can see on the map which beaches are closest to you or how far away the beach you want to go is. I will include some practical information under each description.
I will also add a list of total gems and hidden beaches for those adventurous travellers among you.
I hope this post will help you discover and enjoy all the great beaches in Malta. You will love it!
Table of Contents
All the best Beaches in Malta
Sliema beach Malta
Let’s start with Sliema. Along with St. Julians, these are some of Malta’s most popular areas, but they do not offer the best beaches in the country. For the pristine sandy beaches, you will have to travel a bit but this area has a few gems worth exploring.
I particularly like the long, stretch of rocky beach that runs directly under the Sliema promenade all the way up to the foot of St. Julian’s.
It’s a city beach and quite crowded in the summer, but since it stretches so long, you can always find a free spot here.
The actual beach of Sliema, if you look on the map, is quite small, but as you keep walking you will reach the Roman Baths, with infinitive swimming and sunbathing opportunities. These extend all the way to Exhiles Beach.
The Victorian ‘Roman Baths’ is a series of rock-cut pools sheltered from the open sea. The water is crystal clear and with views of the Mediterranean with boats and yachts swimming by, you can spend a relaxing afternoon here that can last into the evening if you decide to have dinner or cocktail in one of the many bars spread across the promenade.
It was always my go-to beach during the week when I didn’t have much time for a longer trip.
The rock formations create flat plates, suitable for sunbathing and if jumping into the sea is not your thing, you will find many step ladders as well as natural rock stairs. I also started liking the fact that I could get off the beach without a collection of sand in my bag and in my hair.
What is it: A rocky beach, sunbathing is possible on the rock platforms and many ladders are provided for easy access to water.
What you need to know: Rather for swimmers and not suitable for smaller children. There is not much gradual access to water apart from one stretch around here, not far from Dive Systems school. Plenty of bars, restaurants and shops in the area – it’s a city beach.
How to get there: Any bus that goes to Sliema or St Julians. Ferry from Valletta.
Looking for more things to do in Malta? You will find it all in this post detailing all the best things you can do during your trip to Malta!
Here you will find everything you need to know before travelling to Malta.
If you are looking for a picture-perfect, ultimately Maltese fishing village, be sure to visit Marsaxlokk! And a visit to Malta would be complete without exploring its capital of Valletta and the Silent City of Mdina!
Balluta Bay / beaches in Malta
Balluta Bay is a small sandy beach located at the foot of St Julian’s and a good option if you don’t feel like going out of town but the rocky beach isn’t your thing.
Keep in mind that it’s a small beach in the middle of the town. Not really a place to spend the whole day, but a great option for a quick refreshing swim.
The only issue is that the beach has its own disappearing act. Due to winds and tides, the sea often reclaims the sand and although at the beginning of the tourist season, the sand is replenished and stays that way throughout the summer, the winter winds and storms often make the beach disappear again.
I do believe that it will get continuously replenished in the years to come, because the beach is a really convenient bathing spot. You might as well visit and see if you’re lucky 🙂
What is it: A small sandy city beach perfect for a quick refreshing swim.
What you need to know: It is not always there, seriously. Go and check it out.
How to get there: It is located in Ballutta Bay next to St Julian’s. Any bus that goes to St Julian’s will get you there (for example bus routes 120, 16, 202, 212, 225). You can walk there from Sliema.
St. Georges bay
St. George’s Bay is located in the heart of the entertainment mecca of Paceville and is particularly popular with tourists in the summer months.
Surrounded by hotels, restaurants, clubs and language schools, it’s a typical city beach and is therefore not high on my list of favourites. However, St. George’s Bay is very conveniently located and is also one of the few sandy beaches in St. Julians/Sliema.
It’ll be very crowded in the high season, but the beach is also very nice during the colder months.
Qawra Point (Ta’ Fra Ben Bay) / Best beaches in Malta
This lovely rocky beach is located near the Aquarium and the famous Cafe del Mar. It is situated in the Nature Reserve and is a tranquil stunning place perfect for snorkelling. If you are staying in the St Pauls area this is a must-visit beach. It is near all the popular resort hotels so unless you are staying in the area I wouldn’t make it a destination in itself but for those staying in St Pauls Bay, this is a great beach.
It is not really a sunbathing beach though, for this, I recommend Bugibba sandy beach instead. Also, be aware if you have mobility issues.
For beaches of this type, I recommend wearing water shoes. I owed a pair when I was living in Malra and it saved me some scratches and made getting into water much easier.
What is it: A rocky beach point more suitable for swimming and snorkelling than lounging.
How to get there: A walking distance from Bugibba. Bus number 12 or 31 from Valetta or 21 or 31 from Sliema/St Julians.
Buġibba Perched Beach
Situated directly on the Buġibba promenade it is a man-made large sandy beach with some remaining natural rock formations. For this reason, the beach is somewhat unusual – with sandy areas created for comfortable sunbathing, but a rocky, pool-like entrance to the sea.
The interesting thing about this beach is that when the sandy conversion was being considered, it was actually planned to be completely reversible. So if there was a need – the rocky section of the coastline would revert to its original form, without harming marine life.
The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag and facilities on this beach range from a bar, diving lessons, equipment rental, parking, restrooms and a variety of water sports. The water here is quite deep, and there are bridges and ladders to facilitate access. It’s a very pleasant beach in a wonderful location.
What it is: A man-made blue flag sandy beach great for swimming a relaxation. Family-friendly.
How to get there: Bus number 12 or 31 from Valetta or 21 or 31 from Sliema/St Julians.
Mellieha Beach (Għadira Bay)
Located on the outskirts of Mellieħa Għadira beach is the largest and probably the most popular beach in Malta.
The town of Mellieha is a very popular tourist destination in the north of Malta, so it’s not surprising that the beach gets very busy in the summer months. It has been awarded the Blue Flag and is very family-friendly with its relatively shallow waters, making it probably one of the best beaches in Malta.
I often visited this beach slightly outside of the season, yet it is a lovely and picturesque beach at any time of the year.
Plenty of facilities are available around the Mellieha beach, including several water sports like floating banana rides or kayaking. Around the bay, you will find plenty of restaurants, bars and shops, so it is also a great place to spend the whole day chilling.
This is just your typical holiday beach and it is one of the reasons I like it. Also, this is one of the best areas in Malta to stay on your vacation – with Mellieha being a charming village located on a hill, surrounded by fertile valleys providing beautiful panoramas but also being a great base due to excellent transport links.
What is it: The most popular and largest sandy beach in Malta. Great for all types of travellers including families. All types of facilities are available.
How to get there: Walking distance from Mellieha village. Bus 331 from Bugibba, 222 from Sliema or 41,42 and 49 from Valletta.
Bonus Tip: In case you wanted to stay around Mellieha bay but craved some more remote bathing experience I have a secret spot for you. Walk along the shore towards Santa Maria estate (behind Nora’s Lounge Diner) and you will find a few hidden staired inclines to the water. Bring your water shoes and enjoy: )
Golden Bay / Best beaches in Malta
Golden Bay is a large sandy beach in the far north of the island and another very popular beach in Malta.
This wide, golden sandy beach that gently leans into the turquoise waters, nestled within a cliff, offers some of the most spectacular sunset views and a great sunbathing experience.
Ghajn Tuffieha (Maltese for ‘Apple’s Eye’, also known as Riviera bay)
Gájn Tuffieha is my absolute favourite beach in Malta.
This somewhat more remote bay located right next to Golden Bay can only be reached by a long flight of stairs, hence it’s less crowded and hosts slightly more of an adult crowd. It’s a stunning beach if not one of the best beaches in Malta. It was definitely my favourite beach to visit at any time of the year.
There is a slightly bohemian feel to this beach, with its red sands and boho Sangrita restaurant with comfortable loungers and swings. In the evenings, locals light small fires and enjoy barbecuing. Stay for the evening, you will not regret it!
It’s a fairly large sandy beach and on any given day, I’d choose this beach over Golden Bay. The restaurant has excellent food and cocktails, as well as one of the best sunset views, and the water is fabulous for swimming. So if you don’t mind the stair climb, there’s nothing to complain about at this beach.
Riviera Bay is also surrounded by serene Maltese countryside, perfect for a walk when you get tired of too much relaxation.
What is it: The most beautiful sandy beach in Malta. Sorry, Im biased.
How to get there: Not much around but there is plenty of parking space. Bus 223 from Bugibba, 225 from Sliema and 44 from Valletta.
If you are looking to hire a car in Malta, you can compare different car rental prices and deals here.
Paradise Bay / Best Beaches in Malta
Located on the northern tip of Malta, nestled in a natural bay and surrounded by secluded rocky slopes, this relatively small sandy beach, accessible by a long flight of stairs, is one of my favourites!
It’s beautifully located and the sand is velvety soft here. The beach is surrounded by caves and rocky inlets, making for some excellent snorkelling opportunities.
In the high season, it is served with all the necessary beach facilities and on higher decked levels sunbeds are available as well as restaurants and bars.
For some reason, this beach gives me a slight boho feel. I mostly used to visit out of season and stayed until sunset. I could not recommend it enough – it is definitely a must-visit!
What is it: A stunning secluded sandy beach surrounded by nature and accessible by a flight of stairs. Facilities are available including a couple of great restaurants.
How to get there: The best way to get to Paradise Bay is by car or scooter. There is a large car park located on top of the hill but you will have to take the steps down to the beach. To get there by bus you will have to get off the main road (bus 41 and 42 from Valletta and 222 from Sliema) and then walk for around 20 minutes. It’s an easy asphalt walk.
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Pretty Bay
South of Malta has very few sandy beaches and Pretty Bay located in Birzebbuga is one of them.
It’s an artificial and quite large beach, very nice for swimming and great for families. The water is clean, the sand is soft and swimming here is very pleasant. There is also a small park and a playground, which makes it an ideal place for kids.
It has all the necessary amenities and restaurants located nearby. Unfortunately, the view is far from amazing, as there is a harbour directly across the coast. So I’d say that it’s a nice and convenient beach for a relaxing afternoon, but not at the top of my list.
St Peter’s pool and Kalanka
The reason why I’m pairing those two beaches is that they’re quite similar and right next to each other. The latter, however, is a bit less known and therefore a bit off the beaten path.
St. Peter’s Pool is located near the fishing village of Marsaxlokk (about 30 minutes walk) and isn’t a typical beach. For this, however, it’s really worth visiting. I truly believe that the unusual rock formations have created some of the best beaches in Malta.
Tourists and locals come to St. Peter’s Pool to jump into the crystal clear waters and relax away from the crowded cities. The rocks are smooth and flat enough for sunbathing. However, there are no facilities here, so you’ll need to bring your own towels, sun loungers and a picnic.
The round rocks form a ‘pool’ deep enough to be safe for diving into, and this is one of the main attractions of this beach. As well as the amazingly clear, azure and light green colours of the sea. If you are not adventurous enough to jump into the water – ladders are available to access the sea.
Kalanka, on the other hand, located further down the same peninsula is not to be found in most guidebooks.
There is enough room for sunbathing and even some shaded areas along the smooth curves of the limestone. It’s also an excellent place for snorkelling. This beach is a bit wilder than St. Peters Pool and officially jumping into the water is not recommended. People do jump, though, but I’d definitely advise against it.
I recommend buying water shoes for this type of beach experience. The rocks can get slippery and your feet could get hurt.
How to get there: By water taxi from Marsaxlokk or by car (car park located near St Peters Pool). You can also walk from Marsaxlokk or Marsaskala from where you can get the bus.
St Thomas bay beach Malta
This beach, known as ‘Ir-Ramla’ by the locals, was a surprising find for me and I liked it so much that I returned a few times, although it’s a bit tricky to reach by bus.
Not only is it a lovely ‘locals’ beach, but it also offers wonderful hikes with some of the most incredible views in Malta.
The beach itself is located in the village of Marsascala. I’d describe it as a sandy beach given it offers a variety of small and flat sandy stretches, but there are also large areas of flat rocks and concrete platforms that are ideal for a sand-free experience.
It overlooks the Munxar Cliffs, and if you venture to take a walk there, you won’t be disappointed. The view from this point is breathtaking. It’s a great beach to spend a day. There are a few open-air restaurants and bars, and the views, as well as the sea around here, are wonderful.
In my opinion, it’s not only a great beach in Malta, but also a fantastic area to spend more than one day.
What is it: Hlf sandy half-rocky beach near the town of Marsaskala with some of the best walks and cliff views nearby.
How to get there: By car (plenty of parking space), by bus ( bus 91 from Valletta) or hiking from Marsaxlokk or St Peters Pool.
Are you having trouble choosing the best area to stay in Malta? I got ya! Here is my comprehensive guide to all the best areas and places to stay in Malta!
Hidden gems and secluded Beaches in Malta
Tigne Point beach / Sliema
This small rocky beach at the top of Sliema coast offers spectacular views over to Valetta with boats and yachts sailing into the sunset.
Popular among the local crowd living and working in the area for sunbathing and BBQ’s as well as great views. No facilities are available here, so bring your own picnic and towels.
This beach is slightly hidden behind the Tigne Point in Sliema but its surprisingly nice for a city swim so you should definitely check it out!
Blue Grotto Canal – Zurrieq Valley sea inlet
Blue Grotto is a very popular site among visitors and locals and Zurrieq Valley inlet offers excellent swimming opportunities for the adventurous. Entry into the water is from small rocky docks and the water is deep here, therefore only recommended for those who know how to swim well.
It is a great area offering lovely views of the islet of Filfla and many viewing points spread along the coast. Wied iż-Żurrieq is also well known for its good restaurants. Therefore, I must say it is an ‘all in one’ kind of destination. Swimming is not the biggest attraction in the area, yet I wanted to mention it because of its unusual surroundings.
Ghar Lapsi beach
A hidden natural swimming pool situated around 1 km away from the Blue Grotto, nestled below a stretch of Dingli Cliffs, Ghar Lapsi is a unique and hidden little bay very popular among local swimmers. It is strictly ‘swim and go’ kind of area with no sunbathing area, hence you will not find many tourists around here. Yet if you if you are taking a hike around this stretch (very recommended) it is a great place to cool down during the hot summer months.
This is a great snorkelling spot but in recent years has also become increasingly popular with divers for its reefs that stretch for 200 meters. There are snack bars popping out during the warm summer months while there is also a bar and restaurant open all year round.
Qarraba Bay
Between Ghajn Tuffieha and main Gnejna beach – you will find a super secluded stunning little beach with a very tricky hike down – Qarraba Bay.
Ġnejna Bay
Gnejna Bay is a secluded beach a little further down north from Għajn Tuffieħa Bay.
Nestled between clay slopes and limestone cliffs, this charming and picturesque sandy beach is mostly popular among locals over the weekends, so for a truly secluded feeling, visit during the week.
There are great hiking trails around and in fact, this is how I came across this beach – hiking from Ghajn Tuffieha. This is a bit tricky hike but one of the most spectacular in Malta. The beach itself is mainly sandy, but if sandy beaches aren’t for you, there’s a stretch of natural flat limestone rock on the right side of the beach. During the high season, you may even be able to rent a kayak and explore the nearby bays.
How to get there: It is a bit tricky to get to. I hiked there from Ghajn Tuffieha and then continued hiking towards Fomm Ir-Rih Bay (next on the list). But there is a large parking spot so you could drive here as well. The nearest town is Mgarr in case you wanted to take a bus. You can then walk from Mgarr (no more then 30 minutes).
Fomm Ir-Rihh
Fomm Ir-Rih Bay is a remarkable wild beach found near Bahrija and is probably one of Malta’s most remote and difficult to reach beaches. But it is also one of the most beautiful beaches in Malta too! Favourite among snorkelers, divers as well as random hikers looking for off-the-beaten-path sites.
The only way down to Fomm Ir-Rih Bay is by a rough and sometimes steep and slippery path. Consequently, only confident hikers with good balance and at least an average fitness level should attempt the trek.
Offering fantastic views of cliffs, valleys, the deep blue Mediterranean Sea as well as the Maltese countryside, this site is definitely worth a visit.
Even if you decide not to climb down to the actual beach, the area is striking enough so you won’t be disappointed.
How to get there: Similar to the above this beach is a bit tricky to get to. This beach was part of my hiking route from Riviera Bay. I cannot recall any parking space near Fomm Ir-Rihh so you will have to walk here. The nearest town is Mgarr in case you wanted to take a bus. You can then walk from Mgarr (no more than 30 minutes). In fact, you can make it a nice 2 beaches hike including Gnejna Bay.
If you are looking for inspiration – after Fomm Ir_rihh I walked all the way to Mdina from where I took a bus to Sliema. It’s an all day hike if you include Riviera Bay but very memorable. And, if you have enough energy, you can see Mdina in the evening.
Armier and Little Armier beach
Two neighbouring sandy beaches in Armier Bay, located on the north end of the island are very popular amongst locals, therefore, have a less touristy feel in comparison to Mellieha or Golden Bay. The water is crystal clear here and the beach is considered to be family-friendly.
Few bars, lidos and small restaurants can be found in the area and during the summer months, in some parts of the beach, you will find sun loungers and umbrella rentals. Beach features stunning views over to Gozo and Comino Islands and if you fancy a bit more of a local feel this site is definitely worth visiting.
Slugs Bay
If this post was about my top three best beaches in Malta, this tiny, extremely well-hidden beach in Malta would certainly make a cut.
How to get there: Use Google Maps, it’s hard to spot. You can drive up there and park around camp sides located and but then you will have to walk down the narrow path. If you go by bus, get off at the junction after Ghadira Bay (bus stop Qammieh, bus 222 from Sliema, 41 and 42 from Valetta) and you will have to walk for around 35 minutes.
You can also combine it into the Marfa Ridge hike and visit Coral Lagoon, Armier and the Red Tower on the other side.
Coral Lagoon and White Tower Beach
If you’re still reading this post, you may have noticed that I like to walk from beach to beach and make a good hike out of it. So here’s another one for you.
From Slugs Bay, continue across Marfa Ridge towards a truly hidden gem, Coral Lagoon and White Tower Bay. The Coral Lagoon isn’t really a beach, but a phenomenon in itself.
Coral Lagoon is a sea cave hidden among the rocks and open from the top. It’s extremely picturesque and its colour changes with the position of the sun! Not many tourists visit it, as it’s difficult to reach without a car. It’s not really a beach, but it’s worth visiting. If you walk about 15 minutes further, you’ll reach White Tower Bay beach, which is lovely for a refreshing swim.
Mistra Bay and the surrounding Selmun area
This is an excellent hiking area in Malta with many bays and secluded beaches.
Mgiebah Beach
Further north of Selmun Palace, settled in the beautiful valley, is one of the best secluded beaches in Malta – Mgiebah Beach.
This beach is heavenly, gorgeous and peaceful and it is more of a pebble beach with few sandy spots. Come during the week and it is possible you will have the whole beach for yourself. A true gem in my eyes. There is parking right on top, but you can also park at the Selmun Palace and take a half an hour’s stroll down the valley.
If you wanted to see just one off-the-beaten-path beach in Mata, this should be the one!
How to get there: The walk here is bliss, please walk instead of driving! You can park your car by Welbee’s Supermarket at the start of Mellieha or get off the bus at the Mistra bus station.
Things to know when visiting beaches in Malta
- Be aware of the jellyfish. It was in Malta where I was first stung. It’s not life-threatening, but unpleasant enough. Jellyfish are present in Maltese waters only during certain times so you can use this ‘jelly radar map’ I used when living in Malta.
- Public nudity in Malta is illegal so refrain from sunbathing topless. Also please do not enter shops and bars in bikinis and shirtless.
- Be careful when swimming on secluded, unguarded beaches. Some areas are known for strong currents. Preferably, do not swim alone. Most bays have a clearly marked swimmer zone, which is outlined by buoys so please stay within this zone.
- Beaches in Malta get very busy on weekends. Choose a popular beach during the week and explore the more secluded beaches during the weekend. Thank you later!
Many first-time visitors are not aware of the amount of beautiful and unusual beaches spread across the coast of Malta. The same is often true for some of the island’s residents, although Maltese people themselves are very proud of the beauty their country has to offer.
It is really worth getting out of your main resort and experiencing the boundless variety of Maltese nature and coastline. I enjoyed my “beach trips” a lot and I must admit – swimming in Malta is one of the best in Europe.
As always, I am looking forward to your comments and stories. I hope you will enjoy the best beaches in Malta as much as I did.
Happy swimming!
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Useful Malta Travel Resources and Travel Tips:
Book your accommodation in advance, especially if you travel during peak season. For the best prices check out Booking.com or Hostelworld for the best hostel deals.
Check how to get the ExplorePlus travel card here! It will give you Unlimited Travel for 7 days, 2 free trips on the Valletta Ferry from Sliema or the Three Cities, 2 free trips on the Tallinja Bike and a few sightseeing options.
Take a free walking tour in Valletta! It’s an amazing way to learn the history of the city and Malta as a whole!
Book your experience or a tour via Get Your Guide or Viator. Those are two of the most popular tour marketplace sites featuring the largest selection of experiences.
Keep some cash on you. Although in bigger cities you will be able to pay by card in the majority of establishments there are still a few smaller, privately owned shops that will only accept cash.
Check out the Malta events calendar here!
All the timetables you will ever need:
Gozo and Comin Ferry from Sliema / Hop On Hop Off
