My Top 10 Beaches in Malta – The Ultimate Guide

getty photos often capture the glow of Golden Bay, and youve likely imagined this coastline; start your Malta trip here for shallow water, a long sandy stretch, and high comfort with umbrellas just steps from the sand.

For quieter days, Marsaxlokk offers sheltered coves with calm water and fewer crowds; you can stroll the fishing quay, then retreat to shade under umbrellas and plan your next stop.

windsurfing fans will find options along Mellieha Bay and nearby coves, where the winds ride over shallow water and the conditions stay friendly for beginners; rent gear on-site and enjoy a quick lesson if you want to expand your skill set.

Most travelers arrive by a flight from Europe and reach the coast within an hour; these options largely cover a spectrum from family-friendly to quiet hideaways, making the top beaches easy to fit into a long weekend or a short break.

In terms of planning, this guide maps choices by mood and setting, and these profiles provide practical options for different days: some beaches offer ample parking, others require a short bus ride; you can switch between family-friendly, sporty, and quiet options with minimal backtracking; just pick your mood, and go.

Practical Malta beach planning sections

Start with a simple rule: pick a main beach and a nearby backup within a detour of 15–20 minutes, so weather shifts or crowds don’t derail the plan. For Malta, pair a coastline stretch near Mellieħa or Golden Bay with a nearby alternative such as Għajn Tuffieħa or Gnejna Bay; between them you gain options when tides rise or wind shifts. If you want a standout option, include a detour to cominotto, the small islet area between Comino and Malta, for calmer water and striking scenery.

Plan along the coastline by zones: start at a sheltered, shallow area ideal for families, then move toward bays with deeper water and more striking rock features. If you encounter a ghar (cave) along the coast, stay on marked paths and watch footing. The deepness of water and currents varies with the tide; in the evening, light on cliffs and nature looks especially striking.

Access and timing: arrive early to secure parking on busy days; check parking rules and access signs at each beach. Build a realistic pace and leave a 20–30 minute buffer for detours. For updates, keep an email thread with a local contact or the park office so you can adjust plans on the fly.

Gear and safety: bring sunscreen, water, hat shade, and reef-safe items; watch for steep paths or rocky segments where the coastline becomes steep. Choose beaches where footing is stable and tide changes won’t trap you. Respect nature and keep to marked routes, especially near sensitive shoreline areas and nature points along the coast.

Evening and surf planning: some beaches offer calmer water and softer light at sunset, ideal for photos and a relaxed stroll; if surf picks up, switch to a protected cove and detour back to a nearby beach or the car. Keep flexible with the sequence and use nearby options to avoid long backtracks; this approach saves energy and enhances the overall experience.

Key points to remember: record your plan with a clear title and a short map, noting the points you want to visit and their order; maintain flexibility for weather or crowd changes. If you see warning signs or access blocks, follow the detour signs and switch to nearby beaches to keep the day flowing.

Finally, verify updates with locals via email or a quick message before you head out; a small check helps you align around closures, tides, or access changes. The aim is a smooth day that highlights diverse coastline, nearby habitats, and the best water conditions for your group, whether you’re chasing surf, nature, or calm sea air.

Best beaches for families with kids

mellieħa Bay (Ghadira) is the best starting point for families with kids. This type of sandy shore keeps water shallow for meters, letting little ones splash with confidence. The beach is famous for its broad, clean shore, and the calm conditions might stay comfortable well into the late afternoon. Lifeguards are on duty in august, and the area lives up to its promise with nearby restrooms, showers, and shaded spots. theres a kiosk and a table with essentials nearby to ease planning for a full day, bringing gozos to many families.

Golden Bay offers a wide, sandy canvas and shallow water that stretches far from the shore, ideal for little swimmers. The head of the shore overlooks the bay, and a sheltered cove reduces waves, particularly in august. It’s a famous, family-friendly spot with lifeguards on duty and snacks at nearby kiosks. There are ladders at the water’s edge to help kids enter safely, and the sand is cleaned daily to support comfort for visitors. This beach is considered a worthy alternative when you want more space and fewer crowds.

Paradise Bay sits between Mellieħa and Popeye Village, forming a sheltered, tiny cove with gentle water and golden sand. This is particularly welcoming for families with toddlers who need shallow, warm water. The shore is small but offers sun umbrellas and shade, ensuring comfort during hot august days. There’s a small playground nearby, and the calm water invites jumping from the shallow ledges. The area is cleaned daily and is considered a safe pick for a family outing, bringing gozos to long beach days.

For families based in Valletta or central Malta, Exiles Beach in Sliema and nearby St George’s Bay provide the closest sandy options with easy access. Exiles Beach has a small row of ladders and steps into the sea, plus a promenade that overlooks the water so parents can watch over kids from shaded seating. August crowds rise, but lifeguards help maintain order and the area is cleaned daily to support busy days. This choice keeps trips short, comfortable, and practical.

Armier Bay offers a compact alternative on calmer days, with a tiny, sheltered shore that stays open to the sea breeze. This type of beach gives families a choice where the sand is clean and the water stays shallow near the shore. Arrive early in august to secure parking and a good spot under a sunshade; a simple table helps you plan the day, and you’ll find nearby lanes and paths that reduce walking with small children. For a day that brings balance of play and rest, Armier Bay is a worthy option.

Best beaches for snorkeling and crystal-clear water

selmun Beach offers crystal-clear water and a relaxed vibe for snorkelers, where you can float along the shallow seabed among rocks. If theyre after a relaxed morning with minimal crowds, selmun delivers peace.

In xlendi, Gozo’s western coast offers sheltered bays with clear water and abundant life among rocks; its shallow edges are ideal for families and adventurous swimmers alike, and the sunset evenings make the water look even bluer. they like to regroup for a second swim as light softens.

The Blue Lagoon on Comino is iconic for its azure hue and water visibility that stays clear through August and many calm months, making it a reliable choice for snorkeling. Swim along the edges or drift with the current to spot parrotfish and wrasse among natural formations.

Golden Bay on the western coast offers long sand and pockets where visibility stays high in the mornings; the rocky shelves at the south end give you easy snorkeling near natural reefs and a little more variety for adventurous swimmers.

Small boats, taken from the harbor, let you hop between selmun, xlendi, and the Blue Lagoon to compare visibility and water color. In the south and western Maltese Islands, mornings offer the best visibility and evenings stay tranquil.

Best beaches for calm swimming and safe coves

Choose Mellieħa Bay for calm swimming and safe coves–famous for its gentle entry, azure water, and family-friendly layout, a perfect option in august.

1. Mellieħa Bay (Ghadira)

   • Why it works: The most reachable family beach on Malta’s north coast, with a long, shallow shelf that stays gently lapping even in late afternoon; expect clean water that remains calm for many meters from the shore.
   • In mellieħa, the shore stays clean and inviting, with a gentle rise that makes it perfect for kids and first-time snorkellers.
   • Amenities: Parking along the promenade below the road; umbrellas line the sand; several restaurants sit along the edge of the esplanade, making it easy to grab a bite without leaving the beach.
   • Snorkelling and spots: Gentle snorkelling spots around the southern end, with a view of a small islet on clear days; spots are ideal for beginners.
   • Practical tips: Arrive early in august to secure space; the rise of the tide is gradual; visitors will find clean facilities nearby.

2. Paradise Bay

   • Why it works: A sheltered cove with a compact sandy patch and clear azure water that stays calm for most of the day–great for families and snorkellers alike.
   • Accessibility and shade: Parking is available in hillside lanes; umbrellas dot the sand, and small cafés with quick bites are located just above the beach.
   • Snorkelling and spots: The rocky edges offer gentle snorkelling opportunities; keep an eye on the water inside the cove for sea life close to shore.
   • Tips: In august, it can get busy; go early or late afternoon for a quieter view and to keep below the crowds.

3. Armier Bay

   • Why it works: Two sheltered coves with clean, clear water that remains calm in summer; ideal for families and beginners.
   • Amenities: Parking along the hillside road; umbrellas and a few beach cafés nearby; you can reach the water easily without wading far.
   • Snorkelling: The rocky margins are good for snorkelling and spotting small fish; many visitors use a gentle entry from the left-hand cove’s jetty.
   • Tips: The area is reachable by a short drive from the mellieħa area; bring water and sun protection for a full day.

4. Golden Bay

   • Why it works: One of the longest sandy beaches in Malta with a broad, gently rising shore–ideal for calm swims, especially in the morning.
   • Amenities: Large parking area near the hillside; umbrellas and deck chairs are available; several restaurants offer meals with sea views just below the sand.
   • Snorkelling: Clear water near the left and right edges provides easy snorkelling spots for beginners and families.
   • Tips: Expect more people in august; visit early to enjoy a peaceful view and clean water before crowds arrive.

5. Bugibba/ Qawra Beach

   • Why it works: A long, gently sloping beach along the Qawra-Bugibba promenade, with generally calm conditions and a family-friendly vibe.
   • Amenities: Parking along the road; umbrellas and shade rentable; many restaurants line the back of the promenade, making meals easy to fit in between swims.
   • Snorkelling and spots: The rocky corners near the sides provide pleasant snorkelling opportunities; inside the accessible coves you’ll find clear, shallow water for children.
   • Tips: The south-facing sun catches the area in the afternoon; visit outside peak hours for a more relaxed atmosphere; visitors can expect clean water and safe coves throughout the day.

Best beaches for sunset views and photography

Golden Bay is your must-visit start for sunset photography: the west-facing shore gives the main chance to capture the sun sinking behind gozo’s silhouette. Arrive early to claim ample space on the sand, set up a tripod, and youll frame beautiful, warm tones across undisturbed water. Park along the access road and descend to the waterline for easy loading of gear. Keep your arms steady as you shoot long exposures.

Għajn Tuffieħa Bay offers a sheltered, isolated feel where the light lingers along the headland cliffs. The tiny cove has been a favorite among photographers, staying less crowded as dusk approaches and offering undisturbed reflections on calm evenings. Bring a wide lens to capture the sweeping sky and use a longer lens to isolate the sun as it dips behind the horizon.

Armier Bay, north of Mellieħa, provides an ample stretch of sand with dramatic west-facing horizons. It remains peaceful and less busy than the main southwest beaches, so you can position your tripod near the waterline and even paddle a kayak or SUP during daylight before returning for a quiet golden hour shot. Each corner offers a different mood, and the open sea and turquoise water create strong silhouettes against a fading sky.

Xlendi Bay on Gozo deserves attention for its curved shoreline and headland vantage points. The sheltered cove offers a gentle slope for lenses, while the town lights glow after sunset. Walk the promenade, check the rocky platforms, and youll find frames where boats, water, and sky weave together at blue hour. Dining options along the cliff add a convenient pause between shots, and you can capture gorgeous reflections as lights come on.

San Blas Bay in Gozo is tiny and isolated, with white sand and clear water. The peaceful cove sits opposite a grassy hillside, and the sunset paints the whole bay with warm color. If you visit at low tide, youll find flat rock ledges that give you a steady surface for long exposures. This is your chance to shoot undisturbed scenes before crowds drift in.

Paradise Bay offers generous space and a broad view toward the west, with the cliffs of Malta as a dramatic backdrop. From the sand, you can capture long lines of sea and sky; use a polarizing filter to tame glare and bring out color in the rocks. If you dine nearby, you can combine a late dinner with a sunset stroll along the water and end the evening with a peaceful shot. Nevertheless, wind can pick up, so be ready to adjust your setup.

Comino’s lagoons are a bonus for those who want a different palette: shoot after the crowd thins and youll get calm water reflecting pink and gold. The shore here is tiny and you need to plan parking and access, but the result is a gorgeous, almost surreal scene that is worth the venture. If you have space in your bag, bring a small tripod to stabilize long exposures at dusk.

Best beaches with easy access, parking, and facilities

Park at Mellieħa Bay (Ghadira) car park and walk the accessible promenade to the wide sandy shore; it’s the best starting point for easy access, parking, and nearby dining options.

Ghadira / Mellieħa Bay offers generous parking near the promenade, restrooms, showers, and a string of dining kiosks along the space to spread out. The waves stay gentle close to the shore, creating a shallow entry that suits children and groups. fact: the car park sits by the promenade, making access effortless; particularly for youre moving gear away from the car, this is a solid setup. The head of the bay faces the open sea, with a sheltered corner at the north end for sunbathers. The surrounding rocks frame the headland, and the flat path makes it easy to take gear away from the car. In terms of parking, nearby facilities, and dining choices, Mellieħa Bay is hard to beat. When you arrive, you’ll find where to grab snacks without walking far, and the choices along the promenade keep you fed and hydrated.

Golden Bay provides a large public car park adjacent to the beach and a gentle ramp onto the sand, plus restrooms and dining options along the shore. In terms of parking, facilities, and dining, Golden Bay stands out. The space is open and there’s where to set up with shade. The waves can pick up on windy days, but the shallow entry and family-friendly shallows keep things comfortable for children. For many visitors, this is the best combination of parking and facilities in the area.

Paradise Bay is a smaller cove with quick parking along the road and a tidy dining space at the resort end. It stays calm during the morning hours, offering a good level of seclusion even when other beaches fill up. The sand is soft, the water becomes shallow close to the shore, and the access ladders are minimal, which helps when carrying gear away from the car. The head of the bay faces south, catching warm sun most afternoons, making it a solid choice for families with kids.

St Paul’s Bay beaches (Bugibba / Qawra) concentrate along the promenade with plentiful parking and quick access to dining options. The pebble and sand mix suits families who want a concrete space to unwind. The rocks around parts provide natural shade, and sections have gentle entry without heavy ladders, so you can reach the water without strain. The coming heat of midday makes this a reliable choice for a day trip.

On the northern coast, head to ċirkewwa for easy access via a straightforward car park and a short walk to a sheltered cove. The local cafe, often named Marija by locals, serves quick dining along the sea edge. This option serves as a compact alternative when you want a fast swap from driving to waves without crowds, and it’s especially popular when youre coming from the coast road. We recommend this northern option for those coming from the coast road.