The little archipelago of Malta sits in the Mediterranean Sea, between the southern coast of Sicily and the north coast of Africa. As you can imagine this location gives it a fascinating and ancient history with a mix of cultural influences. Distinctly southern European, Malta does also still retain a hint of the Middle East.
For the majority of visitors to Malta the main draw is the ample and varied coast. Predominantly rocky with jutting limestone cliffs there are plenty of sheltered bays and coves which are home to a plethora of beautiful beaches. Combined with year round great weather this makes Malta a paradise for beachgoers.
There's plenty here too for visitors who want a little more than simply lying on the beach soaking up the sun. Good diving and snorkelling can be had around the coast with a number of wrecks and underwater caves to explore. Some of the west coast beaches even have surf during the winter. And if you tire of the coast then a hike inland can be rewarding both in terms of scenery and intruiging historical sites.
Although Malta is firmly on the tourist map it is still possible to escape the crowds and take a trip back in time. The island of Gozo is home to some beautiful beaches along with plenty of spots that feel like little has changed over the last hundred years.
The beautiful and pristine Ramla beach is situated on the north coast of the island of Gozo. Its full name is Ramla il-Ħamra, which is Maltese for "Red Sands" - this refers to the rich fiery golden hue of the beach which contrasts beautifully with the bright blue waters of the Mediterranean.
The wide, gently curving Ramla Bay is bookmarked by rocky headlands while the back of the beach gradually slopes… read more »
Located in the north western corner of Malta Għajn Tuffieħa is arguably the most beautiful beach on the island. A largely unspoiled crescent of golden-red sand, the beach is backed by gently sloping clay cliffs covered in greenery. To either end headlands bookmark the bay; the rocky point to the north is topped by one of Malta's 17th century coastal watchtowers - Għajn Mixkuka tower.
The small resort village of Xlendi lies in a sheltered inlet on the southwest coast of the island of Gozo. Once a fishing village Xlendi is now a popular holiday spot centered around its natural harbour and little sandy beach.
Xlendi is both unique and attractive with high rocky cliffs along each side leading to the beachfront apartments and cafes. Despite these buildings being several storeys high the village only goes… read more »
The little island of Comino lies halfway between Malta and Gozo and is home to one of Malta's most stunning beaches. The Blue Lagoon is a sheltered bay of dazzlingly turquoise shallow water that runs between Comino and the little uninhabited islet of Cominotto.
Enclosed by the golden cliffs of Comino to one side and Cominotto to the other the Blue Lagoon is the perfect place for swimming and snorkeling. You… read more »
Alongside the country's top beaches, Malta's Golden Bay Beach is located in the north of the island. Facing roughly westward into the enormity of the Mediterranean Sea, the next landfall would be Tunisia.
One of the island nation's broadest beaches, at its widest point it has dimensions of more than 50 metres from sand to sea, while it has a relatively modest length of around 150 metres.
One of the largest beaches in Malta, Mellieha Bay lies on the northeast coast close to the biggest cluster of hotels on the island as well as the ferry service to Gozo from Cirkewewwa. Roughly an hour's drive from Valetta – Malta's capital – it is sheltered by its deep bay, which leads to golden sands running for around 800 metres in length.
There's a good number of sun loungers to… read more »
Facing towards the tiny island of Comino from Gozo's southern coastline, Hondoq Ir-Rummien Beach shifts between shingle to sand closest to the water's edge. Its waters are clear enough to see the sandy bottom, and warm enough to make it a popular spot for a swim, particularly among locals. It is also regularly used by learner divers and snorkelers keen to explore the sea caves.
Meaning - bizarrely - 'pomegranate moat',… read more »
Deep within the thriving restaurant scene of St Julian's, Balluta Bay is a small yellow sand beach with a length of no more than 50 metres. One of few areas of sand in Malta's south, it is accessed via a short series of steps from the seafront promenade. Declining gently into the waters, it becomes deep relatively quickly. Deeper areas are used by locals to moor their dinghies and other… read more »
Situated midway along the north coast of Gozo, Malta's sister island, Wied il-Ghasri is a rocky coastal gorge flooded by the Mediterranean Sea. At its inland end you'll find a secluded shingle beach just a few metres wide but several times longer.
The beach can be accessed via a short winding footpath leading from a car park with space for around ten vehicles, with further unofficial parking spots on the side… read more »
Tucked into the folds of Malta's northwest coast, Gnejna Bay Beach lies a little way south of Golden Bay. Having the same deep orange sand and clear blue waters, the beach is around 100 metres long and deep enough for a few rows of sun loungers – which can be rented alongside umbrellas.
Much less visited by travellers than nearby beaches, it's one of the more peaceful places on this… read more »
Officially located within Marsaxlokk but a short drive away from the main harbour, St Peter's Pool is a small natural pool cut from the layered limestone rock that makes up the entire island. Open to the Mediterranean, it's best avoided on stormy days, which still leaves almost the entire summer season, extending from June until September.
The turquoise and aqua coloured waters are often clear enough to see the bottom of… read more »
Located on the western side of the large natural harbour of Marsaxlokk Bay, Pretty Bay Beach is approximately 200 metres in length. Made up of soft, light sand the beach is surrounded by Birzebbuga town, meaning a plethora of amenities are only a short stroll away.
Just north of Pretty Bay, visitors will find the Borg in-Nadur historic landmark as well as the Ghar Dalam cave, where skeletons of pygmy elephants… read more »
