The Best Beaches in Malta: A Complete Guide

When Malta comes to mind, beaches are never far behind! So I had to put together a comprehensive guide to the best beaches in Malta. Spending 8 days on the island gave me plenty of time to explore its sandy shores—whether for a swim (despite the chilly water in early April), a lazy afternoon, or simply to watch the sunset.

You’ve probably already heard of the famous Blue Lagoon. And yes, it lives up to the hype, with intensely turquoise, crystal-clear water. Admittedly, it’s on the island of Comino, but Comino is still part of the Maltese archipelago, just north of Malta. There are plenty of beaches to discover across the country, though here’s a useful heads-up: the prettiest are mostly in the north of the main island. Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa, and Mellieħa Bay immediately come to mind—and I’ll cover all three below.

Of course, Malta has much more to offer than beaches, with plenty of other things to see and do (I’ve written a full article about them!). Think picturesque villages and fortified cities, cliff-top trails, and much more—I’ll let you explore the guide.

Here, the goal is to give you a clear overview of Malta’s most beautiful beaches: the best spots, how to reach them, and what to expect when you arrive. In other words, everything you need to make the most of your stay. Beach lovers and keen swimmers will have plenty to choose from, haha!

Unsurprisingly, I’m starting this list of Malta’s best beaches with the Blue Lagoon. I mentioned it above, but 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. As soon as we approached by boat, I understood why it’s considered a must-see: the water is a vivid turquoise, and the whole scene looks straight out of a postcard.

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

It’s also more of a small cove than a beach: there’s only a tiny strip of sand, with rocks and cliffs everywhere else. 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 wonderful—I almost felt as though I had that blue water to myself! There weren’t too many boats or jet skis either.

If you’d rather be dropped off onshore, you can swim, climb the cliffs for panoramic views, grab a hot dog, or sip a cocktail—there’s 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: you’ll need to take a boat to reach the Blue Lagoon. There are regular ferry services as well as organized tours, so here are the main options. Since May 1, 2025, anyone stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon must also reserve a free timed landing pass online; passengers whose ferry or tour includes entry should check whether it is already covered:

• Shuttle boats: from Cirkewwa at Malta’s far north, these boats run back and forth to Comino all day. Round-trips generally cost €13-€15, depending on the operator. 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 type of outing. Admittedly it’s pricey, but it depends on your group size and how long you go for!

Right next to the Blue Lagoon lies 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. There isn’t a single grain of sand here—just cliffs surrounding clear, translucent water. 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 well worth the detour; another part is glad it means fewer people and more room to enjoy the setting. 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 fell in love with this place and would happily have stayed 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. I genuinely recommend it: it’s a fun outing and reasonably priced. You’ll find trips between €30 and €60 for a half‑day or a full day!

Quite simply, this is 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 visited, ours was the only boat group there—which was wonderful! 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! In the heat, a 20-minute walk can feel long, but believe me, you won’t regret it!

Back on Malta’s main island, in the far north, you’ll find Golden Bay. As the name suggests, its golden sand contrasts beautifully with ocher cliffs and turquoise water. What strikes you first is how wild and unspoiled 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 should be easy.

You’ll find a few restaurants and a hotel by the shore, making it easy to spend the whole day here. 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. Despite being one of Malta’s finest beaches, it still has a relaxed atmosphere, with mostly locals and a few travelers stopping by.

Another aptly named beach in northern Malta! Paradise Bay is a small cove close to Ċirkewwa. Parking is easy, and only a short flight of steps leads down to the beach—far fewer than at some other spots, making access more relaxed. The beach is sheltered by cliffs and the water is an intense blue! It’s the kind of place where you can breathe in the sea air and enjoy 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, and the roads were easy to navigate.

Now for my absolute favorite beach in Malta! Right next to Golden Bay, it’s much less well 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. It’s a lovely preview of 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 most was the network of trails winding through the surrounding greenery, with 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 the northern beaches as 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 suspect conditions would have been similar on another day at that time of year—it was largely seasonal. 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. The waves were crashing hard against 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. The path down reveals several impressive views of St Peter’s Pool. That’s when you realise the walk’s worth it. Afterward we treated ourselves to fresh fish in Marsaxlokk—a well‑earned reward! It makes a great day-trip combination, and I recommend it.

Now it’s back north to 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!

For a swim, you can make your way 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 spread out 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. It’s not the best place to swim, as that section can be a little dirty. 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 is Malta’s largest sandy beach. 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 very easy to reach by car or 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 isn’t wild or unspoiled, but it’s 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 flies under tourists’ radar—and that’s not a 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 along narrow but manageable roads. 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 you arrive, the peace and quiet feel worlds away from Mellieħa Bay, even in the 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!

Beyond this ranking and my thoughts on Malta’s beaches, there are plenty of other worthwhile swimming spots to discover. 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. There are no sun loungers or music here—just a crescent-shaped cove surrounded by hills and translucent water. The setting feels raw, natural, and genuinely 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 had it to ourselves: no one else in the cove and no cars nearby. 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 little-known spot near Marsaxlokk, the fishing village in the far 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 especially convenient: good restaurants, small shops and agencies to book excursions, snorkeling or diving in Malta. I also did my introductory dive near Buġibba, in Saint‑Paul’s Bay, booking through Manawa as usual.

As for Saint‑Paul’s Bay itself, it may not be the most beautiful beach, but it offers a good balance between a lively small 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 feels wonderfully 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! For peace and quiet, it’s well worth the effort.

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 there’s plenty of room to spread out. There are also several volleyball courts—nice touch. The water is a gorgeous blue.

On paper, it sounds like 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 the quiet, wild beaches, Balluta Bay is a small bay known for its lively atmosphere. 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.

Expect clear water and fairly dark 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. Its more remote location means fewer crowds, even in summer, and it mainly attracts 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.

That brings us to the end of a pretty thorough tour of Malta’s beautiful 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 be repeating myself, but the island’s most beautiful beaches are in the north!

On that theme, I suggest reading our guide to the best beaches on Gozo. Trust me, that island has some wonderful swimming spots of its own!

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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