Beaches

Although Malta doesn’t have a huge number of beaches, it does have several bays that have been recognised for their high standards. In fact, no less than nine beaches in Malta and Gozo that have achieved Blue Flag or Beach of Quality status– which means they promise clean, safe and beautiful surroundings for swimming and relaxing.

The beaches that have so far achieved Blue Flag status in Malta and Gozo are:

• St George’s Bay
• Bugibba Perched Beach
• Mellieha Bay
• Qawra Point
• Ramla l-Hamra (Gozo)
• Riviera Beach (Ghajn Tuffieha)
• Fond Ghadir
• Paradise Bay

In addition, Golden Bay has achieved Beach of Quality status, which means it offers almost as many quality facilities and environmental highlights as a Blue Flag beach.

For more information about beaches in Malta and Gozo, please contact our Front Desk.

There are many beautiful beaches in Malta and Gozo, but we’ve picked these as our absolute favourites:

Riviera Beach (Ghajn Tuffieha)

It’s worth the trek up and down the stairs to this beautiful bay with it’s almost completely unspoilt surroundings. Get here early to ensure you get a spot by the water’s edge.

St George’s Bay, St Julian’s

Located just a few minutes’ walk from the Marina Hotel, Malta, this sandy beach is ideal for pure relaxation. This beach is well-managed, with excellent facilities and lifeguard on duty during the summer months.

Slugs Bay, Mellieha,

This secluded, sandy bay may not be very easy to get to, but it’s worth it when you do! Wear comfortable clothes so that you can manage the terrain, then look forward to complete seclusion – especially during cooler weather.

Ramla Bay, Gozo

With its bright red sand and large stretch of space, this is a very popular sandy bay – and with good reason! The surrounding countryside views are stunning, while the facilities include umbrella and sunbed hire, as well as two good food kiosks.

Xlendi Bay, Gozo

There may only be a tiny patch of sand here, but the atmosphere is great. With lots of activities taking place in Xlendi, it is popular with families, as well as those keen to hire a boat for the day.

Of course it doesn’t stop there, and we would also recommend the following bays and beaches:

• Fond Ghadir in Sliema
• Gnejna Bay in Mgarr
• Golden Bay
• Hondoq ir-Rummien in Gozo
• Little Armier in Mellieha
• Mellieha Bay
• Paradise Bay, Mgarr ix-Xini
• Perched Bay in Bugibba
• Pretty Bay in Birzebbugia
• Qbajjar in Gozo.

Ask around, and many will say that Malta’s most iconic beach is the Blue Lagoon – a tiny spot of white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Located on the practically-uninhabited island of Comino, Malta’s little sister island, the Blue Lagoon promises visual spectacle and a truly stunning place to bathe.

If you’re visiting Malta during the busy summer months, then we recommend you set out as early as possible to secure your space on the sand. Comino is very popular with day-trippers and this little beach fills up fast.

On the contrary, the Blue Lagoon is often very quiet after the rush of the summer months, and you can enjoy practical solitude here throughout autumn, winter and spring. Plus, aside from a dip in the water, Comino is also ideal for walking, rambling and hiking – although it’s important to pack provisions as there are limited facilities to be found here.

Throughout the year, getting to Comino is easy – simply catch the ferry in Cirkewwa and enjoy the 20-minute crossing.

Remember to pack a camera, as Comino promises some of the most beautiful vistas anywhere on the Maltese Islands!