Looking for the best beaches in Malta? Malta and Gozo have everything from long sandy bays with sunbeds and beach bars to wild red-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and rocky swimming spots with water so clear you can see the bottom metres below. This guide covers the 15 best beaches in Malta and Gozo, what each one is like and tips for visiting.
Best beaches in Malta at a glance
- Best sandy beach: Golden Bay
- Best for families: Mellieħa Bay (Għadira)
- Most famous: the Blue Lagoon, Comino
- Best in Gozo: Ramla Bay
- Best for snorkelling: Paradise Bay and Wied il-Għasri
- Best rocky spot: St Peter’s Pool
- Beach season: May to October, with the warmest sea in August and September
Best sandy beaches in Malta
1. Golden Bay
Malta’s most popular sandy beach, on the north-west coast near Mellieħa. It has golden sand, sunbeds, water sports, cafés and lifeguards in summer, and it faces the sunset.
2. Għajn Tuffieħa
Right next to Golden Bay but wilder and quieter, reached by a long flight of steps. The views from the cliffs above are among the best in Malta.
3. Mellieħa Bay (Għadira)
Malta’s largest sandy beach, with shallow water that stays knee-deep for a long way. It’s ideal for families, with plenty of facilities, but gets very busy in summer.
4. Paradise Bay
A small, sheltered sandy cove near the Ċirkewwa ferry terminal, with clear water and views of Comino and Gozo. Steps lead down to the beach.
5. Ġnejna Bay
A quieter, more local beach near the village of Mġarr, with a mix of sand and flat rocks. It’s popular with Maltese families at weekends.
6. Pretty Bay, Birżebbuġa
A sandy beach in the south of Malta, close to the airport, with shallow water and a relaxed local feel.
7. St George’s Bay, St Julian’s
A small urban beach in the heart of St Julian’s, surrounded by hotels, bars and restaurants. Convenient if you’re staying nearby.
Best beaches in Gozo and Comino
8. Blue Lagoon, Comino
Malta’s most famous swimming spot, with shallow turquoise water over white sand. It’s extremely busy from June to September, so arrive on the first boat or stay late. Check whether a free visitor booking is required before you go.
Budget 2027 update: a €5 contribution for Comino visitors, collected through the booking system, was announced for 2027. Read more.
9. Ramla Bay, Gozo
Gozo’s best-known beach, with striking red-orange sand, set in a green valley. There are a few kiosks and sunbeds in summer, but it still feels natural.
10. San Blas Bay, Gozo
A small, beautiful beach with reddish sand at the end of a very steep road. Fewer people make it down, which keeps it peaceful.
11. Xlendi Bay, Gozo
Not really a sandy beach, but a narrow bay with crystal-clear water, rocks to swim from and seafood restaurants all around.
12. Wied il-Għasri, Gozo
A narrow sea inlet between tall cliffs with a tiny pebble beach. Beautiful for snorkelling, but only on calm days.
Best rocky swimming spots
13. St Peter’s Pool, Marsaxlokk
A natural rock pool with flat rocks for sunbathing and deep, clear water. Locals love jumping in from the rocks. There are no facilities, so bring water and shade.
14. Għar Lapsi
A small cove with clear water, rocks and caves, popular for snorkelling and diving. Great for a swim followed by fish at the restaurants nearby.
15. Sliema and St Julian’s lidos and rocks
If you’re staying in Sliema, you can swim straight from the rocks along the promenade, or pay for a day at one of the lidos with pools and sunbeds.
Tips for Malta’s beaches
- Go early: popular beaches fill up by late morning in July and August.
- Check the flags: lifeguarded beaches use flags, and a red flag means no swimming.
- Watch for jellyfish: they appear some summers, so check local news before swimming.
- Wind direction matters: if the north coast is rough, the south coast is often calm, and vice versa.
- Bring water shoes: useful on rocky beaches and for sea urchins.
- Respect the environment: take your rubbish home, especially on Comino.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best beach in Malta?
Golden Bay is the most popular all-round sandy beach in Malta. For something special, visit the Blue Lagoon on Comino or Ramla Bay in Gozo.
Does Malta have sandy beaches?
Yes. Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa, Mellieħa Bay and Paradise Bay are sandy, as are Ramla Bay and San Blas in Gozo. Much of the coast is rocky, though, with great swimming from the rocks.
When is the sea warm enough to swim in Malta?
From about May to November. The sea is warmest in August and September, at around 25 to 27°C.
Which Malta beach is best for families?
Mellieħa Bay (Għadira), thanks to its long sandy beach, shallow water and facilities.
Are Malta’s beaches free?
Yes, beaches are public and free. You only pay if you rent sunbeds or umbrellas, or use a private lido.
Plan the rest of your trip
Combine the beaches with our guides to the best things to do in Malta, a Gozo day trip and getting around Malta. And check the Malta events calendar for beach parties and summer festivals.
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