The best beaches in Malta: Our complete guide!

When you think of Malta, you naturally think of beaches! I absolutely had to put together a comprehensive guide to the best beaches in Malta. Spending 8 days on the island gave me time to tour its fine‑sand shores for a swim (even though the water was chilly in early April), to laze around or simply to admire the sunsets.

I imagine you’ve already heard about the famous Blue Lagoon. I can tell you it lives up to the hype: an intense, crystal‑clear turquoise! Granted, it’s on the island of Comino, but that’s still part of the Maltese archipelago, just opposite Malta (to the north, exactly). To be honest, there are plenty of beaches to discover in Malta—but a heads‑up: the prettiest ones are in the north of the island. I’m thinking mainly of Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha and Mellieha Bay! Don’t worry, I’ll come back to them below!

Of course, beyond the beaches, there are lots of other things to do and see in Malta (I’ve written a full article!). To give you an idea, there are picturesque villages, fortified cities, cliff‑top trails… I’ll let you dive in!

Meanwhile, this article’s goal is to give you an overview of Malta’s most beautiful beaches: the nicest spots, how to get there, what they’re really like on arrival, and so on. Basically, you’ll know everything to make the most of your stay. Beach‑and‑swim lovers are going to be spoilt, haha!

Unsurprisingly, I’m kicking off this list of Malta’s best beaches with the Blue Lagoon. Even though I mentioned it earlier, there’s still plenty to say about this little slice of paradise! For context, I booked a guided Blue Lagoon excursion on the Manawa website, a partner we’ve worked with for years and recommend 100 %. Of course, the Blue Lagoon wasn’t the only stop—it was actually the second. The moment we approached by boat, I instantly understood why it’s a must‑see: the water is simply stunning and vividly turquoise. It’s a real postcard scene.

Honestly, even though it’s a hugely popular spot, the Blue Lagoon is absolutely worth it! Even in early April there were quite a few people—I can’t imagine what midsummer is like.

What’s more, it’s really a small cove rather than a beach: there’s just a tiny strip of sand—the rest is rocks and cliffs. The best part of the tour was getting to choose between being dropped off onshore with the crowd or staying on the boat to swim nearby. Personally, I chose the latter! I could swim peacefully and even go snorkeling off the boat, since the skipper provided masks and snorkels. It was great—I felt like that blue water was all mine! There weren’t too many boats or jet skis either.

If you prefer to be dropped onshore, you can swim, climb the cliffs for a panorama, grab hot dogs, sip cocktails… plenty to keep you busy! We stayed just under an hour. With the water as cold as it was, that was more than enough to enjoy the scenery.

A quick note: to reach the Blue Lagoon you have to take a boat, but there isn’t really an official ferry. Here are all your options:

• Shuttle boats: from Cirkewwa at Malta’s far north, these boats run back and forth to Comino all day. Round‑trips generally cost €13‑€20 depending on the company. It’s the most direct route and takes about 20 minutes.
• Half‑ or full‑day excursion: that’s what I did—a 4‑hour trip that was perfect! There were about twenty of us on board and the vibe was great, with music and all.
• Catamaran or private‑boat excursion: if you really want to push the boat out—pun intended—you can book this kind of outing. Admittedly it’s pricey, but it depends on your group size and how long you go for!

Right next door to the Blue Lagoon hides another gem: Crystal Lagoon. On my excursion it was actually the first stop, and I was blown away by the water’s color and the atmosphere. This time there isn’t a single grain of sand—just cliffs surrounding a pristine, translucent sea. No wonder it’s called the Crystal Lagoon.

You may never have heard of it, which makes sense: it’s far less famous than the Blue Lagoon. Part of me thinks that’s a shame, because it’s truly worth the detour; the other part loves that it means fewer people and more room to enjoy this exceptional spot. Crystal Lagoon is often included on organized boat tours, but before you book, double‑check that it’s on the itinerary (trust me—you won’t regret it!). I really fell in love with this place and would have liked to stay longer than 45 minutes. You can swim, and lots of people jump from the cliffs. I’ll admit I wasn’t tempted, haha. You can also climb up the cliffs for the view—it’s incredible!

As with the Blue Lagoon, the only way to get here is by boat. It’s not always a stop on the shuttle‑boat route, so if you really want to see it you’ll need to book a guided excursion. Honestly, I recommend it: it’s a fun outing and not that expensive. You’ll find trips between €30 and €60 for a half‑day or a full day!

Quite simply the only “real” beach on Comino. Unlike the two lagoons I’ve just mentioned, Santa Marija offers a wide stretch of sand. It was the last stop on my half‑day boat trip—honestly, the perfect ending. If you’re already at the Blue Lagoon, it’s about a 20‑minute walk. You’ll find a totally different vibe here!

When I went, only my boat group was there—awesome! The setting was peaceful, the water turquoise… a dream come true! We felt like the only people on earth. In high season there’s a small snack bar, so if you get peckish you can easily spend the afternoon. There are also trails around the island to explore—and, again, you’ll meet almost no one!

Honestly, if you want to discover Comino in a different way—and especially to take a dip or snorkel away from the Blue Lagoon crowds—I really recommend it! Under the heat, 20 minutes on foot can feel long, but believe me, you won’t regret it!

Back on Malta’s main island, right up north, is Golden Bay. As the name suggests, it’s a golden‑sand beach contrasted by ochre cliffs and turquoise water. The most striking thing on arrival is how wild and unspoilt it feels. Even in summer it remains pleasant—you’ll have enough room to lay out your towel and swim peacefully. The beach is also easy to reach: there’s a big car park just above. Arrive early and parking’s no problem!

At the shore you’ll find a few restaurants and a hotel, so you can spend the whole day without moving. When I went it was windy, yet the sea was perfectly calm! It’s also a good snorkeling spot near the rocks, or for a sunset picnic. For me, even though it’s one of Malta’s finest beaches, the atmosphere is relaxed: mostly locals and a few travellers stop here.

Another aptly named northern beach! To help you picture it, Paradise Bay is a small beach right next to Cirkewwa. Here too you have easy parking and just a short flight of steps down—far fewer than elsewhere, so it’s more chilled. The beach is sheltered by cliffs and the water is an intense blue! It’s the kind of place where you soak up the sea air and a good swim. The one downside: the sandy section is really small. If you want peace and quiet, arrive early (especially in high season).

There’s also a little restaurant at the bottom and snack stands in the parking area for a quick bite or cold drinks. As it’s right by Cirkewwa port, you can visit even without a car: get off at the Cirkewwa bus stop and finish on foot—about 15 minutes along a slight incline on paths through rocks and greenery. It’s not a difficult walk, but sturdy shoes help. I drove there: the roads are easy to navigate—no issue!

Now we come to my absolute favourite beach on Malta! Just beside Golden Bay, it’s far less known. You’ll find a small car park—deserted in the morning but packed by late afternoon, that’s life! The parking sits high, giving you a stunning view of the sea and its shades of blue. A great teaser for what awaits below! You can already spot the red‑gold sand. The contrast between the water, sand, cliffs and greenery is gorgeous—it’s what makes the place so charming. To reach the beach from the car park, you have to descend a long stone staircase. I couldn’t tell you how many steps there are, but the climb back up was tough, haha.

What I loved here is the network of trails through the greenery all around—it gives you different viewpoints over the C‑shaped beach. If you come late in the day, I’ve heard the sunsets are incredible (no surprise there, haha). There’s just one restaurant on site; handy, because otherwise there’s only a snack truck by the parking. If you plan to stay for the day, at least grab drinks at the food truck. For me, it’s simply the most beautiful beach in Malta!

Time for a break from northern beaches—we head south to St Peter’s Pool! Many travellers rate it as one of their favourite spots. I liked the setting too—it was lovely! But the day I visited, the sea was very rough: nothing like the calm, turquoise water that looks like a natural pool. I think even on another day it would’ve been similar—it’s largely down to the season! Swimming was impossible: the currents were too strong. And it’s not a classic sandy beach—more like a big semicircular slab of rock around deep water. Waves were smashing hard on the rocks. Still, it felt different from all the other beaches I’d seen. Honestly, even if you’re not there in summer, it’s a place worth visiting.

Roadworks had blocked access, so I left the rental car in Marsaxlokk (the famous fishing village) and walked up—about 40 minutes on foot. In places you have to walk along narrow roads: stay alert, but it’s doable. Even if you drive to the parking, you still have to walk down a stony path. On the way down you get different perspectives on St Peter’s Pool—impressive! That’s when you realise the walk’s worth it. Afterward we treated ourselves to fresh fish in Marsaxlokk—a well‑earned reward! A great combo for a day out—I recommend it.

Back up north already with Anchor Bay. You’ve probably seen photos: it’s the bay beside the famous Popeye Village (where the 1980 Popeye film was shot). The water is a deep, turquoise blue—gorgeous. Even if you don’t visit Popeye Village, I still recommend the viewpoint from the opposite cliff—the view is stunning!

If you fancy a swim, you can head down into the bay. From the Popeye Village parking, simply follow a fence and you’ll come to a dirt track. It’s a bit rough, but with good shoes it’s fine. At the bottom there’s no beach, just concrete platforms by the water. You can lay your towel and sunbathe, then dive into that beautiful sea—snorkelling too. The water is calm and clear. One note: it’s a remote spot with no snack bars, so bring water and something to nibble or a picnic.

Almost forgot: there is some sand, but on the Popeye Village side. Not the best place for swimming—it’s a bit dirty there. Don’t worry, Anchor Bay is big—you’ll find your perfect place! And if you don’t have a car, you can catch a bus to Mellieha and walk 30 minutes to Popeye Village.

This is probably the island’s best‑known beach, and it’s easy to see why: it’s simply the largest sandy beach in Malta! Note that locals call it Għadira Bay. At first I thought Mellieħa Bay and Għadira Bay were two different beaches, but no—they’re the same! The beach is super accessible by car and bus, making it ideal for spending the whole day.

You can lay out your towel, rent a sun‑lounger, swim and eat at various beachfront restaurants. True, it’s more of a resort‑style beach that draws plenty of people and sits right next to the main road and several parking lots. It’s not wild or preserved, but still pleasant. The crystal‑clear water stays shallow for many metres, so if you want to swim and sunbathe without trekking for miles, this is your spot. Bonus points for sunsets—they’re stunning when the sky is clear!

Just a stone’s throw from Mellieħa Bay, this beach often slips under tourists’ radar—and that’s no bad thing! If you’re after a quiet spot away from crowded beaches, you’ll love it. By car it’s only 15 minutes from Mellieħa Bay via narrow roads, but perfectly doable. Without a car, the bus stops in Mellieħa and you walk the rest. It’s not ideal, as you’re walking roadside, so you could order a Bolt instead.

Once there, the peace and quiet contrasts with Mellieħa Bay (even off‑season). Not that I can complain—early April at Mellieħa wasn’t crowded—but Armier Bay is gorgeous. The water is crystal‑clear! Right next door is the tiny Little Armier, a continuation of Armier Bay, even quieter and more secluded. In high season you’ll find a few bars and snack shacks; the rest of the year it feels wilder and more local. Snorkellers will love the rockier sections. I think Armier Bay is a pleasant surprise for a day away from the crowds!

As you can see, Malta isn’t short of beaches! Even though I had my favourites, each one offers its own scenery and vibe. If you’re a beach lover, Malta is the place for you!

After my ranking and thoughts on Malta’s beaches, know that plenty of other great swimming spots remain! Here they are:

Mistra Bay is a small, quiet cove in northern Malta, right next to Saint Paul’s Bay (where I was staying!). If you’re after a peaceful place away from tourists, it’s lovely. No sun‑loungers or music here, just a crescent‑shaped cove surrounded by hills and translucent water! The setting is raw and natural—very beautiful. There’s no fine sand, only large pebbles, so if you want to swim I recommend water shoes for comfort and grip. I really liked it and had a picnic there—great spot! Take your own ftira (Malta’s famous sandwich) and water. We were alone: no one on the cove, no cars around. It feels special!

Getting there is pretty simple. By car, there’s a small parking lot right on the water. As it’s a bit remote, you can get off at Xemxija bus stop and walk about 25 minutes. Not too far, but the walk isn’t pleasant: no shade and some sections without sidewalks. A taxi or Bolt is always an option.

Another secret spot near Marsaxlokk—remember, that’s the fishing village way down south! If you want to get off the beaten track, Delimara Bay is perfect. The water is transparent, with rocks forming several little coves. It’s definitely a wild setting! No fine sand here, but the rocks are flat—you can stretch out and jump into the water.

Again, driving is easiest. From the parking it’s just a 10‑minute walk to the coves.

Full disclosure: I may be biased here because my hotel was right on Saint‑Paul’s Bay—specifically the Xemxija side. It’s one of the most popular spots in northern Malta. The vibe is laid‑back and family‑friendly, a bit like a small seaside resort but calm.

The location is super handy: good restaurants, small shops and agencies to book excursions, snorkeling or diving in Malta. It’s near Buġibba, at Saint‑Paul’s Bay, that I did my intro dive via Manawa as always.

Back to Saint‑Paul’s Bay: it’s not the most beautiful beach, but it’s a good compromise between a small lively town and the sea. I really recommend using it as a base for visiting Malta.

Imġiebaħ Bay, also called Selmun Bay, is a small cove out of the way in the island’s north‑east. The water is translucent and the setting really wild. The upside is that very few people come, even in high season. To get there, again, it’s by car or on foot—45‑50 minutes from Mellieħa, which is quite a trek! If you love peace and quiet, go for it without hesitation!

Located in Birżebbuġa, in southern Malta, Pretty Bay is easy to reach and mostly frequented by locals. The vibe is calm and family‑friendly, with plenty of facilities—restaurants, cafés, small shops. It’s a wide white‑sand beach, so you’re not on top of each other. There are also several volleyball courts—nice touch. The water is a gorgeous blue.

You’d think it’s a great spot—especially since there are very few beaches in the south—but from the sand you have a direct view of Marsaxlokk’s cranes and container port. Honestly, it’s a real shame—it spoils the mood. Personally, it didn’t make me want to swim, even though the water and sand are lovely. If you’re staying in the south, it’s fine for a picnic, beach games or dipping your feet.

For a change from quiet, wild spots, Balluta Bay is a small bay known for its vibe. It sits between Sliema and St Julian’s, which are lively nightlife areas. If you’re staying nearby, it’s an easy place for a quick swim or some seaside downtime.

Picture this: transparent water and darkish sand. That’s because at high tide, almost the entire beach gets submerged. I’ll admit it’s not a must‑see, but if you’re close by it’s an easy swim without travelling far.

A few minutes from Għajn Tuffieħa (my favourite beach, remember), Ġnejna Bay is an even wilder little beach. It’s surrounded by golden cliffs and hills, giving it an intimate, authentic feel. The sand is a blend of orange and gold, even more than Golden Bay’s. A more remote spot means fewer crowds, even in summer—it mainly draws locals. If that’s your kind of place, you’ll love it!

For this one, you really need a car or taxi: it’s too far from the big‑city bus stops.

Well, I think we’ve had a pretty thorough tour of Malta’s stunning beaches! Given the sheer number, I’m sure you’ll find the perfect one for you. What really surprised me is that, even though Malta is a small island, it’s packed with beaches and coves, each one different from the next. I may repeat myself, but the most beautiful beaches are in the island’s north!

On that theme, I suggest reading our guide to the best beaches on Gozo. Believe me, that island hides some heavenly swimming spots!

See you soon for more Maltese discoveries,

Written by Laura CALLES

Thanks to Mélanie and Sylvain, I had the chance to explore the beautiful Maltese archipelago and share all the beauty of its islands with you. A little piece of paradise not to be missed!

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