Locals don’t refer to Malta as ‘the rock’ for no reason. Many of its three islands’ coastlines are cliff-edged and craggy, descending sharply into the crashing surf of the tempestuous Mediterranean Sea. It tracks then that most of the country’s bays and coves are of the stone and pebble variety, but that’s not to say there aren’t soft, sandy stretches if you know where to look. In fact, the isles sport 12 Blue Flag beaches between them, as well as one of the region’s most iconic swimming spots (we’re looking at you, Blue Lagoon). So grab your cozzie, set off early (these hotspots get busy) and get ready to enjoy these incredible Maltese beaches.
The best beaches in Malta:
Malta’s little sister Gozo is known as ‘the island of three hills’, but some locals think it should be called ‘the island of beautiful beaches’, and it’s easy to see why. Its headline act is Ramla Beach, sometimes referred to as Ir-Ramla l-Ħamra, meaning ‘red sand beach’. And while its millions of tiny grains might not be red exactly, they are a rich golden-ochre hue that makes them distinctive from any other beach on the islands. What’s really special about Ramla however is its position at the bottom of a deep, verdant valley – which is also a protected area. So, in addition to boasting all the amenities you need for a day of swimming and tanning (bathroom facilities, eateries, loungers, parking etc), the island’s largest beach also feels surprisingly secluded, flanked either side by steep, prickly-pear-covered hills.
Cultural credentials: Either at the start or end of your sun-soaked day, hike up to Ta Mixta Cave (don’t climb in the midday heat), a spacious hollow cut into the Eastern cliffs offering a beautiful framed view of the beach and open ocean below.
We’d be surprised if at least 70% of Maltese postcards weren’t adorned with this frankly unbelievable segment of the Mediterranean Sea. Easily one of the most visited places in the country, the Blue Lagoon’s turquoise waters are a thing of clichés. A supremely shallow stretch of ocean running between the coast of Comino and its miniature neighbour Cominetto, its sands reflect the sun through the sea to mesmeric, sparkling effect. It’s the stuff of Instagrammers’ dreams, but as such, is always incredibly busy, so arrive as early as possible (and leave before the party boats turn up). It’s worth noting that there’s very little by way of sandy spots here and sun loungers are staggered over varying ledges of rocky outcrop.
Cultural credentials: Most visits to Comino start and end at the Blue Lagoon, but the island also has some fascinating ancient buildings to explore. The 17th-century Santa Marija watchtower, 1890s-British-built Isolation Hospital (inhabited today by one or two solitary Maltese) and 500-year old chapel – as well as an abandoned village – are well worth investigating.
Sunset seekers are going to want to find a spot on this idyllic beach, one of three lying consecutively along Malta’s north-western coast. Separated from its neighbours by steep clay slopes, Għajn Tuffieħa (translated as ‘Apple’s Eye’) has an exclusive feel, but as a result gaining access requires navigating a set of over 100 stairs each way. It’s worth it though, for Għajn Tuffieħa enjoys some of the most beautiful sunset views on the island. It’s also quieter than its next door neighbour, Golden Bay, so a great place to enjoy the vistas without the crowds. While the sea is swimmable, currents can be strong on this side of the island, so pay attention to safe swimming areas and flag warnings.
Cultural credentials: If your legs can take the pressure after making the return ascent, continue your walk around the coast to see the remains of a World War Two pillbox overlooking the beach.
Families take note: this 800-metre-long, Blue Flag beach is primed for you. Replete with restaurants, a picnic area, showers, toilets and watersports centres, kids and adults alike are fully catered for here on Malta’s largest sandy stretch. Hire a lounger and recline, basking in views of an undulating ocean speckled with bobbing yachts, luzzus and fishing boats while the young ones snorkel or jetski. Parking is limited, so be prepared to pull up a little further away and walk down, or grab a bus or cab to the beach. If time allows, it’s also worth checking out the Għadira Nature Reserve just across the road. The seven hectare spot sees over 140 different migrating species travel through it annually.
Cultural credentials: It wouldn’t be a true Maltese destination if it didn’t also sport some historical ruins: beady-eyed visitors will be able to find some of the islands’ prolific cart ruts cut into the ground near the centre of the bay, evidence of ancient man’s activities dating back some 2700 years.
Malta’s coastlines hide a plethora of beautiful bays and coves shielded by deep gorges and long valleys. One put on the tourist map in 2015 however was Gozo’s Mgarr Ix-Xini, courtesy of Hollywood superstars Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who chose it both as their honeymoon destination and shooting location for their film By The Sea. The idyllic inlet is still popular today, though frequently surprises visitors with its tricky access. A road leads down to the bay from the village of Xewkija, but is incredibly steep towards the end and only confident drivers should navigate it. A new car park has been laid behind the small, pebbly cove (no more than 100-metres long) to accommodate increased demand, and an on-site cafe offers light snacks and drinks. The shallow waters are perfect for snorkelling, with moray eels, cardinal fish and crabs plentiful.
Cultural credentials: Walk the dusty track along the valley’s edge until you reach the peninsula where the largest watchtower erected by the Knights of Malta cuts a striking silhouette against infinite ocean views.
Golden Bay
Separated from Għajn Tuffieħa Bay by a small headland, this Blue Flag beach in northern Malta is one of the country’s most popular spots. Swathes of golden sand sit flanked by towering cliffs and bolstered by enough facilities to rival Mellieħa. A watersport centre, showers, lockers and a variety of restaurants make it particularly family-friendly, as does its easy access – multiple bus routes head here and a sizeable car park can be found nearby. It’s easy to spend an entire day here, as it’s a location that only gets more magical as time goes on: visitors are treated to a spectacular sunset which reflects off the crystal clear Mediterranean water and crumbly cliffs that frame it.
Cultural credentials: Golden Bay sits at the southern end of the Il-Majjistral Nature & History Park, Malta’s first national park. It stretches from Golden Bay up along the undulating coastline to the edge of Popeye Village (a still-intact film set and popular tourist attraction from Robert Altman’s 1980s musical Popeye). Six kilometres of walkable paths allow hikers to enjoy sites such as the Lippija and Għajn Żnuber Towers and numerous World War Two pillboxes, as well as an eco-farm.
St. George’s Bay
If you like your tanning time to come with a side of cocktails, fries and an upbeat soundtrack, St. George’s Bay on the edge of Malta’s party capital, Paceville, is the place for you. Bars, restaurants and all manner of entertainment options sit right on your lounger’s doorstep, but don’t worry, it doesn’t come at the cost of aesthetics: St. George’s Bay is another of the country’s thirteen Blue Flag beaches, meaning its waters remain supremely clean and clear, despite its popularity. Its sand is also topped up regularly keeping it super soft year-round. There’s also a lifeguard on duty during the busy summer months meaning you can swim with peace of mind.
Cultural credentials: Like most of Malta, there are hidden gems at every turn. Visitors to St. Julian’s will wander past more than one 16th-century church, two palaces (Spinola Palace and Dragonara Palace) and a coastal battery used by the Knights of St John. If that’s not enough, under a kilometre from St. George’s Bay itself lies a World War Two gun post and the Pembroke Garigue Heritage Park, the perfect place to take in Malta’s magical ocean vistas.
