Where to find Malta's very best beaches & bays

Sara Darling

Sara Darling

Tucked south of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea, the archipelago of Malta is a hotspot in every way. Its sun-drenched shores have long attracted holidaymakers drawn to the fabulous weather, oodles of ancient and modern history, eclectic dining scene and Baroque architecture, albeit much rebuilt.

The inviting sands of Golden Bay
The inviting sands of Golden Bay © Valery Rokhin - Adobe Stock Image

Of course, for many, the appeal lies in the fun that can be had in and on the water across its three main islands. While Malta* boasts mostly rocky beaches there are ample kid-friendly bays, remote sunbathing spots, dramatic coves and even some select, well-maintained sandy beaches too.

Here we share our pick of the very best beaches you can visit on your next holiday to Malta, with special spots to enjoy everything from fiery sunsets to boat-fresh seafood across Malta and the smaller sister islands of Gozo and Comino.

Getting to Malta: find great value offers on holidays with TUI*, which offers escapes to this popular Mediterranean island all year round.

Golden Bay

Golden Bay is the most well-known beach in Malta as it is arguably the most beautiful. Found on the northwest coast, it is one of the few sandy bays and boasts an arc of amber sand that shelves gently into the dark-blue Mediterranean.

Naturally, this is popular with sunbathers and swimmers, those who love watersports and anyone who appreciates a stunning sunset.

Ghajn Tuffieha Bay

Neighbouring popular Golden Bay, and sharing the same vista, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay is a quieter choice for sun-worshipping. Unlike Golden Bay, it's not backed by hotels, and it's accessible by cliffside steps, which helps to minimise the crowds.

When all you want to do is lie in the sun and chill to the sound of lapping crystal sea, this is the beach for you.

Mellieha Bay

Families flock to Mellieha Bay* (aka Ghadira Bay) as it has deliciously shallow waters, perfect for paddling and plenty of amenities.

Malta's largest sandy beach, Mellieha Bay
Malta's largest sandy beach, Mellieha Bay © Mark Pelf - Shutterstock.com

As Malta's largest sandy beach, it's a hub for watersports and the reliable northeasterly wind means you can have a go at windsurfing, kitesurfing, waterskiing, canoeing, banana boating and parasailing but also keeps it breezy.

Ghar Lapsi

The rocky cove of Ghar Lapsi features a series of natural pools and Malta's signature azure waters, making it a favourite for both adventurous swimmers and thrill-seekers who enjoy diving from its limestone ledge. With its calm, clear waters, it's dreamy for swimming and snorkelling, just don't forget your beach shoes.

Located close to the Blue Grotto sea caves and the dramatic Dingli Cliffs, it makes for a great addition to a day trip before stopping at Carmen's Restaurant for fresh seafood or Ta' Rita Lapsi View Restaurant, an historic eatery dating back to the 1930s known for its traditional Maltese rabbit dishes.

Coral Lagoon

If you fancy a real adventure, the Coral Lagoon is a cave just off Armier Bay in Mellieha. You can view the natural hole in all its glory, but when you get to the sand it is even more stunning. It's accessible either via walking beyond Ahrax Tower, or you can swim or kayak to the cave from Ahrax Bay.

Mgiebah Bay

Sitting on Malta's north coast is one of the most secluded and untouched beaches, Mgiebah Bay, where you'll arguably see the best sunset on the island. Reached by a rugged cliff path from the parking area near Selmun, you will need sensible shoes.

Secluded and facility-free Mgiebah Bay
Secluded and facility-free Mgiebah Bay © Wirestock Creators - Shutterstock.com

However, once settled, you'll have a quiet, sheltered bay with soft sand, rocks and idyllic snorkelling conditions. Worth noting that there are no restaurants, shops or sunbed rentals, so come prepared with food, supplies and beach essentials.

Fomm ir-Rih Bay

Over on Malta's west coast, Fomm ir-Rih Bay, which means "Mouth of the Wind", is one of the island's most isolated beaches. Accessible via a steep, challenging path that takes about 20 minutes to navigate, you're rewarded with a pebbly shore framed by striking cliffs and pristine waters, ideal for snorkelling.

If you're looking for a tranquil retreat, this is the bay for you but don't worry; if the scramble down (and up) doesn't appeal, this is also accessible by boat.

Slugs Bay

Looking for a Robinson Crusoe-style escape that can only hold a handful of visitors at a time? Slugs Bay near Mellieha in L-Ahrax is a pocket-sized stretch of sand just a few metres wide, which is well worth the trek.

Surrounded by nature and reached via a rickety, rocky pathway, a dip in the sea when you reach the bay is divine. Just make sure you remember your belongings as the walk back up is one you only want to do once.

St Peter's Pool

Head to the southeast coast and you'll find St Peter's Pool, a sheltered lagoon surrounded by sea-sculpted rocks which offer sun-worshippers a base to bask.

The natural lagoon of St Peter's Pool
The natural lagoon of St Peter's Pool © Evgeniy Fesenko - Dreamstime.com

However, if you're keen to avoid the crowds, head a little further to the swimming hole at Il-Kalanka Bay, although the platform for jumping into the water here is higher than at St Peter's, so best reserved for the confident.

Ramla Bay

Situated on Malta's sister island, Gozo*, family-friendly Ramla Bay is easily accessible by car and distinguished by its vibrant red sand that slopes gently into the water. Don't miss a scramble up to Calypso's Cave for a different vantage point.

Wied il-Ghasri

Also on Gozo, the tiny pebbly beach of Wied il-Ghasri is reached through a valley that starts at Ta' Dbiegi Hill.

The scenic route winds through the village of l-Ghasri where you will come across a hidden cliffside staircase. Once beach bound, the secluded narrow bay is peaceful and ideal for snorkelling due to the proximity to nearby caves.

Mgarr ix-Xini

Remote Mgarr ix-Xini (aka Port of the Galleys), accessed via a narrow, winding road, was once Gozo's main harbour.

Here, you'll be greeted with a pebbled beach that happens to be home to possibly Malta's most laid-back beachside restaurant, 10-table Rew Rew. Alternatively, charter a boat around the coast from Xlendi or Mgarr Harbour.

Blue Lagoon

Last but very far from least, a visit to the Blue Lagoon on sparsely inhabited Comino is a must. For an island measuring just 3.5 sq-km, it was immortalised on the big screen by the film Troy and in Madonna's Swept Away video.

The dazzling waters of the Blue Lagoon, Comino
The dazzling waters of the Blue Lagoon, Comino © Stefano Zaccaria - Adobe Stock Image

You can only get to Comino by boat and it's worth investigating Malta's 'hop on hop off' ferry. There's also the option of taking an organised trip*, which will drop you off for two hours with time to swim or snorkel your way to shore.

Climate in Malta

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °C
15°C maximum daytime temperature in January in Valletta15
15°C maximum daytime temperature in February in Valletta15
16°C maximum daytime temperature in March in Valletta16
19°C maximum daytime temperature in April in Valletta19
23°C maximum daytime temperature in May in Valletta23
27°C maximum daytime temperature in June in Valletta27
30°C maximum daytime temperature in July in Valletta30
30°C maximum daytime temperature in August in Valletta30
28°C maximum daytime temperature in September in Valletta28
24°C maximum daytime temperature in October in Valletta24
20°C maximum daytime temperature in November in Valletta20
17°C maximum daytime temperature in December in Valletta17
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall
13 days with some rainfall in January in Valletta13
10 days with some rainfall in February in Valletta10
9 days with some rainfall in March in Valletta9
6 days with some rainfall in April in Valletta6
3 days with some rainfall in May in Valletta3
1 day with some rainfall in June in Valletta1
0 days with some rainfall in July in Valletta0
1 day with some rainfall in August in Valletta1
4 days with some rainfall in September in Valletta4
10 days with some rainfall in October in Valletta10
10 days with some rainfall in November in Valletta10
13 days with some rainfall in December in Valletta13
Sea temperature °C
16°C sea temperature in January in Valletta16
15°C sea temperature in February in Valletta15
15°C sea temperature in March in Valletta15
16°C sea temperature in April in Valletta16
18°C sea temperature in May in Valletta18
22°C sea temperature in June in Valletta22
25°C sea temperature in July in Valletta25
26°C sea temperature in August in Valletta26
26°C sea temperature in September in Valletta26
24°C sea temperature in October in Valletta24
21°C sea temperature in November in Valletta21
18°C sea temperature in December in Valletta18

The above guide shows the climate in Valletta. Find out more about conditions across the archipelago in our complete guide to the climate in Malta.

Ready to hit Malta's beaches? Browse the very latest online offers on holidays all year-round with TUI, which departs from airports across the UK.

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Sara Darling

Sara Darling

Posted on Friday 14th March 2025 in: Beach Europe Excursions Nature Summer TUI

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