Malta Sand Beaches
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Ahhh Maltaaaaa! A tropical island tucked away down south in the Mediterranean among azure blue waters, its palm trees gently waving on hot summer nights, sand tickling your toes on long walks along the virgin coastline… the ultimate beach destination!
WRONG.
Yes, the waters are ridiculously blue, to the point that they shame the shit out of man-built, blue-tiled swimming pools (seriously, how can a sea even reflect these kinds of colors?). And yes, it’s hot. Too hot. 48-degrees-sweat-24/7-dripping-down-your-buttcrack-hot, the midday outdoor oven-heat roasting the zest for life right outta you mid-summer. But there’s a reason expats refer to their home base as “The Rock”. Malta has a lot of assets working in its advantage and attracting an ongoing stream of tourists and immigrants to their tiny patch of land (whether the original inhabitants like it or not – they generally don’t): Dramatic cliffs inviting for memorable coastal hikes and challenging climbing adventures; fantastic scuba-diving, kayaking, sailing and water sports alike; a history dating back to 5900 BC involving the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Aghlabids, Swabians, Aragonese, Italian, Spanish, almost the Ottomans, and also the French and British… all of these influences still visible today, including a collection of the oldest surviving buildings worldwide. But the beaches? Yes, they have ‘em. Some. Small ones, probably not worth coming all the way to Malta for.
But now you’re here anyway, for other reasons I hope, you might as well opt for a quick beach stop, if only to cool down from these downright inhuman temperatures. Having lived in Malta for 6,5 months, visited every (in)significant beach and walked around both Malta’s and Gozo’s coastline in their entirety (the first a 180km-loop completed with my tent), I have some reviews to share. They’re personal, fair enough, but might guide you into the right direction. Mind you: You can basically dive in from every rock and cliff, or tan in every scenic bay, just as the locals do, but I’m listing here the actual sand beaches.
Malta’s Sand Beaches
(Color codes: Love it – it’s alright – not recommended)
North Malta
WRONG.
Yes, the waters are ridiculously blue, to the point that they shame the shit out of man-built, blue-tiled swimming pools (seriously, how can a sea even reflect these kinds of colors?). And yes, it’s hot. Too hot. 48-degrees-sweat-24/7-dripping-down-your-buttcrack-hot, the midday outdoor oven-heat roasting the zest for life right outta you mid-summer. But there’s a reason expats refer to their home base as “The Rock”. Malta has a lot of assets working in its advantage and attracting an ongoing stream of tourists and immigrants to their tiny patch of land (whether the original inhabitants like it or not – they generally don’t): Dramatic cliffs inviting for memorable coastal hikes and challenging climbing adventures; fantastic scuba-diving, kayaking, sailing and water sports alike; a history dating back to 5900 BC involving the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Aghlabids, Swabians, Aragonese, Italian, Spanish, almost the Ottomans, and also the French and British… all of these influences still visible today, including a collection of the oldest surviving buildings worldwide. But the beaches? Yes, they have ‘em. Some. Small ones, probably not worth coming all the way to Malta for.
But now you’re here anyway, for other reasons I hope, you might as well opt for a quick beach stop, if only to cool down from these downright inhuman temperatures. Having lived in Malta for 6,5 months, visited every (in)significant beach and walked around both Malta’s and Gozo’s coastline in their entirety (the first a 180km-loop completed with my tent), I have some reviews to share. They’re personal, fair enough, but might guide you into the right direction. Mind you: You can basically dive in from every rock and cliff, or tan in every scenic bay, just as the locals do, but I’m listing here the actual sand beaches.
Malta’s Sand Beaches
(Color codes: Love it – it’s alright – not recommended)
North Malta
- Tuffieħa Bay / Riviera Beach: Yes, let’s kick off with my absolute favorite on the island of Malta! I randomly walked into this shore on an early February hike, when the coastline still sparkled in those 50 shades of green… which is rather hard to imagine in the yellow, dusty summer. Its positioning among the lush yet dramatic cliffs, sharply contrasting with the blinding white sand and sapphire shimmer of the waters swiped me right off my feet. There’s a cool and affordable beach bar on the side as well, occasionally featuring live music. Just FYI: the secluded strip on the left is a nudist beach. (Bus 44 / 223 / 225)
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- Golden Bay: This one is located just before Tuffieħa Bay and equipped with a parking space, making it more accessible to the masses. Which kind of sums it up. Golden Bay for sure has a nice stretch of sandy beach, but it’s crowded, loud and rather polluted. Besides the contamination of the exhaust fumes, the massive block of concrete called the “Radisson Blu” further scars the otherwise sublime scenery. (Overpriced) kiosks / restaurants available. (Bus 44 / 223 / 225)
- Gnejna Bay / Qarraba Bay: When walking down the coast from the north, you first pass Golden Bay, then over the hill Tuffieħa Bay and then after climbing the next slope Gnejna Bay (fantastic hike by the way, kick off at Paradise Bay and continue all the way down to the Mtahleb and Dingli Cliffs – most breath-taking stretch of the Malta island, both in views and efforts). This one, divided up in several patches of beach, could be considered the most “local” one of the series, attracting 4-generation-families who own little ship docks they rebuilt into very basic, well-located beach bungalows. I want one. The main stretch can be reached by road, but the smaller, more secluded ones require a nerve-wrecking, steep slide down over the loose sand and clay cliffs. You’ll notice the water has a different, oddly light blue color here because of the soil. Check out the watch towers on top, formerly used by the Knights of St. John. (Bus 101)
- Paradise Bay Lido: A popular spot among locals and expats alike, and definitely pleasant and infused with good vibes. A paradise? Not sure, it seems rather small to bear that title, as especially in high season it’s definitely not covid-proof, the limited space basically forcing you on your neighbor’s towel. That said, it does the job and has a restaurant next to it that’s almost as big as the strip of sand itself. (Bus 41, 42, 222)
- Armier Bay Beach & Little Armier Beach (Tortuga Beach) & White Tower Bay: The most northern sand beaches you can find on the Malta island. To some this peninsula might look like trailer trash, as just as in Gnejna Bay, locals have turned their former ship docks and fishing huts into very primitive holiday homes… but I love it. I even considered moving here, as I like going back to the basics far away from modern luxuries… but the absence of internet and running water is frankly a bridge too far (I worked from home in iGaming). These three tiny beaches on walking distance from one another are definitely nothing extraordinary, but the energy’s good and the mood’s right. Party vibes in summer, deserted tranquillity and just the laughs of local families off-season. (Bus 49)
- Għadira Bay / Mellieha Beach: Probably the most popular beach of Malta, due to its length and easy accessibility. The latter is immediately the reason I passionately hate this spot, as which genius thought it was a good idea to actually build a busy highway right next to Malta’s longest sand beach? Why was that necessary? Not sure if you ever seen but most definitely also heard the average Maltese person driving, but they definitely have no chill. And neither will you then, on this beach. (Bus 41, 42, 49, 222, 250, X1)
- Imġiebaħ Beach: I probably shouldn’t have listed this one, as this is not a sand beach… it’s a pebble beach. I just wanted to provide a peaceful alternative to the previously mentioned Mellieha Beach. This bay cannot be reached directly by car or public transport, but includes a fantastic hike before the bay reveals itself in all its glory. It’s tiny and you’ve probably seen better, but I feel good here. (Closest bus stops: Xemxija, Mistra, Ruban)
- Bugibba Perched Beach: A man-made strip of sand to provide a pleasant swimming spot to the inhabitants of and holidaymakers in buzzling Bugibba. Right along the busy boulevard and dotted with beach bars and even a “water park” with inflatable attractions (about 10 bucks an hour), this place serves its function. (Bus 31, 48, 186, 203, TD13)
Central Malta
- Balluta Bay Beach: Every expat seems to love St. Julian’s and Sliema, and I always wondered why. To me it represents (and luckily also clusters) everything that is wrong with Malta: Pollution, noise, the destruction of original unique architecture and culture to make place for cheap pumped-out-of-the-ground modernist eyesores… But as expats and tourists seems to pay extra to find themselves in these surroundings, I must be overseeing something. Balluta Bay can’t be it though… as this tiny, hardly visible stretch of sand dipping into the dirty harbour waters against the backdrop of honking cars and squealing brakes can’t possibly be defined as a pleasant weekend getaway location. But it’s all they have there, so I guess it qualifies for the job. (Bus 13, 13A, 14, 16, 21, 22, 25)
- St. George’s Bay: Well, it might not be “all they have there”, my sarcasm easily overshadows my rational judgement when it comes to St. Julian’s and Sliema… If you take the effort to go slightly up north you can also trace down St. George’s Bay, tucked in between party district Paceville and residential Pembroke. It isn’t great, right next to a busy road (once again) and the city madness, but it’s a much better alternative compared to that pathetic thing in St. Julian’s. (Bus TD13)
South Malta
- Rinella Bay: Talking about miniature beaches – this is definitely one of them. You can’t really see it until you stand right in front of it. You’ll therefore be surprised how much trash this tiny stretch of sand can contain: Three full garbage bags to be exact, after our last beach clean-up. The fact that locals were laughing at us and snapping photos during the process, and throwing fresh garbage in front of us instead of in the provided bins while we were cleaning their island voluntarily, shows that this won’t change anytime soon. However, where I lived (Three Cities), beaches are also not available in wide supply, so this is what we had. And we treasured it. The location next to Fort Rinella where among others The Gladiator, Troy and Game of Thrones were filmed is an extra bonus. (Bus 3, 213)
- Marsaxlokk Beach: This coarse sand beach in the corner of Marsaxlokk Bay doesn’t justify a visit on its own, but is a good short swimming stop when visiting this colorful fishing village (especially popular during the Sunday morning fishing market). (Bus 82, 85)
- Munxar Hill Beach: More a cliff than an actual sand beach, but there is some sand to be found when hiking down to the coastline. It’s one of the better options in the south, right along the dramatic shores between Marsaxlokk and Marsaskala, which are a must-visit with or without a quick bathe. I recommend this strongly over the instagrammable and overrated St. Peter’s Pool, which nowadays serves as a live example of the destructive effects of mass tourism. (Not to be reached by bus – Line 91, 119, 135 will drop you about 15 minutes walking away)
- Pretty Bay: If you are standing in the water and look at the beach it might be considered pretty… perhaps… in a way. It’s rather big and connected to the lively boulevard of the not-too-exciting town of Birzebuggia. If you’re lying on the beach itself, however, all you see is the industrial harbour full of cranes and containerships. If that’s your definition of beauty, then you know where to go. (Bus 80, 82, X4)
Gozo
- Ramla Beach: Let’s also start with my fav here. The first time the fantastic panoramas of this beach met my eye it seemed like some scene out of a fairy-tale. Mind you, this was springtime, the only period of the year that Malta is green and lush… while in summer it is dried and bleached out. Add to that the fires in June 2021 (caused by the Maltese so beloved fireworks), that turned one side of the bay in black ashes, and one may conclude that the second visit was definitely a different experience. That said, it’s still the nicest sand beach of Gozo, both in size and environment. Take the effort to climb up to the Tal Mixta cave as well: one of the tourism-marketing-images of Gozo. (Bus 302, 322)
- Xlendi Beach: It probably shouldn’t be mentioned, because of the miniscule size of it… but the location right in the lively bay of Xlendi compensates for the overall experience. Have a quick dip and hop straight into one of the many bars and restaurants for some refreshments and bites (Bus 306, TD30)
- Marsalforn Beach: I’m not the biggest fan of the town Marsalforn (even the name is ugly), as to me it just seems as close Gozo can get to Sliema, with its soulless, concrete apartment blocks that by no means align with the natural environment. BUT at least their beach is quite nice, both when it comes to size and accessibility. (Bus 310, TD31)
- San Blas Beach: When hearing the words “San Blas” my mind immediately drifts off to those tropical bounty islands just off the coast of Panamá… Okay, this isn’t quite the same, but really lovely, nevertheless. One could argue, even worth that ridiculously steep and slippery walk up and down in the blasting 45-degrees-summer-heat. (Bus 303 drops you off at a 10 minutes walk away)
- Hondoq ir-Rummien: In my opinion, Gozo is by far the most scenic island of the country Malta, especially when it comes to its dramatic coastline. However, I hereby mainly refer to its jaw-dropping cliffs, as beaches are rather scarce… Therefore, pleasant surprises such as Hondoq ir-Rummien are always welcome. The perfect spot to kick off your hiking boots for a sec and indulge in some well-deserved beach relaxation. (Bus 303 leaves you at a 15 minutes distance)
Comino
- Santa Maria Bay: If Malta as a whole can be labelled “The Rock”, then Comino takes the crown. It’s just one big cliff rising out of the ocean. Therefore, (overly) popular swimming spots such as the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon don’t involve any sand beaches whatsoever. The only tiny patch of sand comes by the name of Santa Maria Bay. However, the overwhelming tints of blue for sure make Comino a go-to point on your list, so don’t let that put you off! (Boat services only – Comino doesn’t have any public transport)
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- Explore Cyprus: Check out the Cyprus Nature, Cyprus Top-5 Cities and the North Cyprus Blogs!
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- The tropical beaches of Tortuguero, Costa Rica
- The beaches of Mexico: Cancún (don't go there), Cozumel & Tulum
- Beach hangouts in Uruguay: Cabo Polonio, Barra de Valizas & Punta del Diablo
- Argentinean beaches: Puerto Madryn & Colón
- Brazilian beaches: Florianopolis, Ilha Grande & Rio de Janeiro
- Paraguayan beach: Encarnación
- Bolivian beach: Copacabana & Isla del Sol
- Colombian beaches: Palomino, Cartagena, Santa Marta & Tayrona National Park, Colombia
- Relax at the beaches of the Algarve, Lisbon
- Spain and its beaches: Barcelona & Malagá
- The ultimate off-the-grid beach & surf spot in New Zealand: Port Waikato
- New Zealand's most famous coastal national park: Abel Tasman NP
- A surprising less explored stretch of New Zealand: the Southern East Coast
- Malaysia's tropical scubadive-island: Pulau Tioman