Are you dreaming of crystal-clear Mediterranean waters and sunshine-filled days during your Malta holiday? With over 300 days of sunshine each year, our little island is perfect for beach lovers! Whether you’re planning a full day of seaside relaxation or just a quick dip after exploring our charming villages, we’ve put together this insider’s guide to help you discover Malta’s diverse coastline like a local.
Beaches in Malta: Sandy or Rocky?
There’s a wonderful variety of beaches in Malta, but here’s something many visitors don’t realise until they arrive: most of our beaches are rocky rather than sandy! While we do have some gorgeous sandy beaches (which we’ll highlight below), the majority feature rocky shores that lead into the gorgeous blue water.
If you’re planning to visit our rocky beaches, we strongly recommend bringing beach shoes. The rock can be quite sharp underfoot and gets surprisingly hot during summer months. Once you’re in the water though, you’ll be treated to incredible clarity and often great snorkelling opportunities.
Beach Etiquette in Malta
We Maltese take great pride in our beautiful coastline, and we hope you’ll join us in preserving it! The most important rule to remember is to leave no trace of your visit. This means taking all your rubbish with you, including cigarette butts, empty bottles, and food wrappers.
Most beaches have bins available, but some of our smaller, more remote beaches might not have these facilities. In these cases, make sure to collect your waste and take it with you when you leave. This simple courtesy helps keep our beaches pristine for everyone to enjoy.
Beach Essentials for Malta
Before heading out for your beach day, make sure you’ve packed these essentials:
- High-factor sunscreen (the Mediterranean sun is stronger than you might think!)
- Plenty of water to stay hydrated (especially important in July and August)
- Comfortable flip-flops or sandals for hot sand
- Quality sunglasses to protect your eyes
- A hat for additional sun protection
- Beach shoes for rocky beaches (as mentioned earlier)
- A towel
The larger beaches have sun bed and umbrella rentals available. Most of our beaches have kiosks, snack bars or ice cream vans nearby, but don’t count on this at smaller or more remote beaches. We recommend bringing some snacks if you’re venturing to less touristy spots. Our local favourite beach snack? A traditional Maltese “ħobż biż-żejt” (bread with oil, tomatoes and tuna) makes for a perfect seaside lunch! Or, a packet of Twistees (local cheesy snack) will do!
Safety on the Beach
You’ll be pleased to know that Malta’s beaches are generally very safe places to relax. Crime rates are low, and beach-related theft is uncommon. That said, it’s always wise to apply common sense – don’t leave valuables like phones, wallets or cameras unattended in plain sight while swimming.
Here’s a local tip we often share with our guests: set your towels down next to a Maltese family (you’ll recognise us by our animated conversations!) and politely ask them to keep an eye on your things while you swim. We’re a friendly bunch and happy to help visitors. For complete peace of mind, consider leaving valuables locked safely in your accommodation.
The sea around Malta is generally calm, but always check for red flags indicating dangerous swimming conditions. Most popular beaches have lifeguards during summer months, but smaller coves typically don’t have supervision. Plan your beach visit by checking the weather for windy conditions.
Jellyfish in Maltese Waters
One thing to be aware of during summer months is jellyfish, which are naturally found in our waters. The most common species you might encounter is the mauve stinger (Pelagia noctiluca), which has a distinctive purple colour. While rarely dangerous, their sting can be quite painful and uncomfortable!
Before heading into the water, it’s worth asking locals or other swimmers if any jellyfish have been spotted that day. You can also check the real-time jellyfish map, which shows recent sightings around the islands.
If you do get stung, avoid rubbing the area or using fresh water, which can activate more stinging cells. Instead, rinse with seawater and seek help from lifeguards or a pharmacy for appropriate treatment.
Dogs on the Beach
For those with four-legged friends, it’s important to note that most Maltese beaches don’t allow dogs during the main swimming season (usually June to September). However, we do have several designated dog-friendly beaches where your pets can enjoy the water too!
Some popular dog-friendly options include parts of Għajn Tuffieħa (towards the Riviera side), Little Armier Bay, and Slugs Bay near Mellieħa. Remember to bring waste bags and keep your dog under control to respect other beach users.
For a complete list of dog-friendly beaches and the specific regulations, look here before planning your outing.
Beaches in Malta – North
The northern coast of Malta boasts some of our most popular and beautiful beaches. Here are our top recommendations:
Mellieħa Bay (Għadira) – Malta’s largest sandy beach stretches for nearly a kilometre with shallow waters perfect for families. You’ll find plenty of facilities including sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports, and food options. The beach is easily accessible by public bus (routes 41 and 42).
Golden Bay – This stunning sandy beach is nestled between cliffs and offers gorgeous sunset views. It’s popular with both locals and tourists, with good reason! Well-equipped with restaurants, water sports facilities and public conveniences, it makes for a perfect day out. Bus routes 223 and 225 will take you there from various locations.
Paradise Bay – A small but beautiful sandy cove near the Gozo ferry terminal. Its crystal-clear waters and more secluded setting make it a favourite for those seeking a slightly quieter experience. You’ll still find basic amenities like sunbed rental and a small snack bar.
Armier and Little Armier – These twin sandy beaches in Malta’s northernmost point offer lovely views across to Comino. Less crowded than Golden Bay or Mellieħa, they’re popular with locals, especially on weekends. The small kiosks serve delicious fresh fish dishes – we recommend trying the fried calamari!
Beaches in Malta – South
The southern coast offers a different experience with fewer tourists and more authentic local atmosphere:
St. Peter’s Pool – Not a traditional beach but a natural swimming pool formed in the limestone with crystal-clear turquoise waters. There are no facilities here, so bring everything you need for the day. The flat rocks provide natural sunbathing platforms. Be careful when climbing in and out of the water, and watch out for Titti the amazing jumping dog!
Marsascala Beach – This small sandy beach next to Marsascala’s family park is perfect if you’re travelling with little ones. The shallow waters and nearby playground make for a relaxed family day out.
Pretty Bay, Birżebbuġa – A sandy beach in the south with good facilities and a playground nearby. While the nearby Malta Freeport means it’s not the most scenic beach, the water quality is still good, and it’s much less crowded than northern beaches.
Kalanka Bay – This tiny rocky cove near Delimara offers crystal-clear waters in a dramatic setting. It’s quite secluded and requires a short walk to access, but the snorkelling opportunities make it worth the effort!
Beaches in Gozo
A trip to our sister island Gozo offers some truly spectacular beach experiences:
Ramla Bay – Gozo’s largest sandy beach is distinctive for its reddish-golden sand and unspoilt natural surroundings. The beach slopes gently into the sea, making it family-friendly. There are a few small kiosks for refreshments during summer.
San Blas Bay – A small red sandy beach similar to Ramla but much smaller and less developed. Access requires a steep walk downhill (and back up!), which keeps visitor numbers down. There are no facilities beyond a small seasonal kiosk, so come prepared.
Dwejra – Though the famous Azure Window collapsed in 2017, this area still offers incredible swimming in the “Blue Hole,” a natural rock pool that leads to the open sea. It’s a paradise for snorkelers and divers! The inland sea nearby also provides a unique swimming experience. You can also catch a boat tour of the area from the inland sea.
Ħondoq ir-Rummien – This small beach offers a mix of sand and rock with stunning views across to Comino. The clear waters are perfect for snorkelling, and there’s a small kiosk for refreshments. It’s popular with locals, especially on summer evenings.
Planning Your Beach Visit
Our studios in Birkirkara provide an excellent base for exploring Malta’s beaches. From our doorstep, you can reach:
- Northern beaches like Golden Bay in about 35-40 minutes by bus
- Southern beaches like Pretty Bay in approximately 45 minutes
- The Gozo ferry terminal in Ċirkewwa in about 50 minutes
We’re always happy to help you plan your beach trips, recommend routes, and share our personal favourite spots that match your preferences. Just ask us at check-in, and we’ll mark up a map with insider tips just for you!
Remember that buses can get quite busy during peak season, so we recommend starting your beach days early, especially if heading to popular northern beaches.
Have you discovered a favourite Maltese beach during your stay? We’d love to hear about your experiences – and perhaps add your recommendations to our guide for future guests!