Malta's Best Beaches 2027

Here's our 2027 guide to the best beaches in Malta, Comino and Gozo, from soft golden sand to turquoise lagoons and rocky swimming spots. The islands are small, so you can try a different beach every day and still make it back in time for the night out.

Quick picks: Malta's best beaches at a glance

• Best sandy beach: Golden Bay, with soft sand and everything you need for a full day.
• Best for sunset: Għajn Tuffieħa, a wild, west-facing bay.
• Best for families: Mellieħa Bay (Għadira), where the water stays shallow a long way out.
• Most iconic swim: the Blue Lagoon on Comino.
• Best on Gozo: Ramla Bay and its red-orange sand.

The best sandy beaches in Malta

Much of Malta's coast is rocky, so sandy beaches are precious and fill up fast in summer. Most are in the north and north-west.

Golden Bay

The classic Maltese beach day: a broad sweep of golden sand framed by hills, with clear water for swimming. In summer you'll find sunbeds, umbrellas and snacks on the spot. It faces west, so stay for the sunset.

Għajn Tuffieħa

Next door, Għajn Tuffieħa feels wilder: a long flight of steps leads down to golden-red sand below clay slopes and an old watchtower. It's usually quieter than Golden Bay and magical at sunset. Travel light for the climb back up.

Mellieħa Bay (Għadira)

Malta's biggest sandy beach, known locally as Għadira, has water that stays shallow a long way out, so families love it. Expect sunbeds, kiosks and water sports in summer. It's an easy stop on the road to the Gozo ferry.

Paradise Bay

Near Ċirkewwa, at Malta's northern tip, this small sandy cove lies at the foot of a flight of steps, with clear water and views of Comino and Gozo. Arrive early in peak season.

St George's Bay (St Julian's)

Staying in St Julian's? This small sandy bay is a short walk from Paceville, Malta's main nightlife district: busy, social and perfect for a pre-party swim.

Pretty Bay

In Birżebbuġa, in the south, Pretty Bay is a sheltered sandy bay with calm, shallow water and a local, family feel. The cranes of the nearby Freeport are part of the view, but the swimming is easy.

Iconic swims and rocky spots

Some of Malta's most memorable swims are more about the water than the sand.

Blue Lagoon, Comino

The Blue Lagoon really does look like the photos: crystal-clear turquoise water over white sand, between Comino and the tiny islet of Cominotto. Comino, the small island between Malta and Gozo, is only reachable by boat. Midday gets packed, so go early or stay late, and bring sun protection, as shade is limited. The easiest way over is our Comino & Blue Lagoon day trip or the Comino Express boat.

St Peter's Pool

Near the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, St Peter's Pool is a natural pool of deep, impossibly blue water ringed by flat rock platforms. If you jump from the ledges, only do it where the water is deep and free of rocks, and never dive head-first. There are few facilities, so bring water and shade, then grab a seafood lunch in Marsaxlokk.

Sliema's rocky lidos

Short on time? The Sliema seafront is lined with flat rocks, ladders into the sea and lidos with sunbeds and pools. It's the easiest swim in town.

The best beaches on Gozo

Gozo, Malta's greener, slower sister island, is an easy day trip by ferry.

Ramla Bay

Gozo's most famous beach has striking red-orange sand at the foot of a fertile valley on the north coast. Legend says the cave on the hill above is where the nymph Calypso kept Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey.

Mġarr ix-Xini

A narrow, fjord-like inlet on Gozo's south coast, with steep rocky sides, a small pebbly beach and calm, clear water that's ideal for snorkelling and kayaking. Come early for the quietest swim.

San Blas Bay

Small and secluded, San Blas Bay near Nadur has reddish sand and clear water. The walk down is steep and the climb back is even tougher, so wear proper shoes and bring water. It's worth every step.

From beach to party

A beach day in Malta doesn't have to end at sunset:

• Beach clubs: sunbeds, cocktails and DJs from afternoon into sunset. See our beach clubs guide.
• Boat parties: a DJ on deck, the sea all around and a crowd ready to dance. Check out our boat parties.
• Pool parties: prefer a pool to the sea? Our pool parties bring the music and an international crowd.
• Water activities: start the day with jet skis, boats and kayaks.

Our favourite day-to-night plan: a late-morning swim at St George's Bay, sunset at Golden Bay, then back to Paceville. See what's on in our upcoming events.

How to get to Malta's beaches

Distances are short, but summer traffic can be slow.

• Public buses: buses from Valletta and Sliema reach most popular beaches, including Golden Bay and Mellieħa Bay, but get crowded in summer.
• Ride apps and taxis: the quickest way to spots with fewer bus links, like St Peter's Pool, and home after sunset.
• Ferries to Gozo: regular ferries cross from Ċirkewwa, at Malta's northern tip, to Mġarr in Gozo, and fast ferries also run from Valletta.
• Boats to Comino: boats leave from several points on Malta and Gozo, or keep it simple with the Comino Express boat.

For routes, tickets and more tips, read our Malta transport guide.

Practical beach tips

• Respect the sun: wear high-factor sunscreen and a hat, and seek shade at midday.
• Drink plenty of water: carry more than you think, especially to spots with few facilities.
• Pack water shoes: rocks can be sharp and slippery, and sea urchins love them too.
• Arrive early in July and August: the best spots, and the parking, are gone by late morning.
• Check sea conditions and flags: some popular beaches have lifeguards in summer, but the sea can change fast. Red flag or rough water? Stay out, or try a sheltered bay on the other side of the island.
• Leave no trace: take your rubbish with you, cigarette butts included.

Malta beaches FAQ

What is the best beach in Malta?

It depends on your vibe: Golden Bay for sand and sunsets, Mellieħa Bay for families, the Blue Lagoon for the most famous swim and Ramla Bay on Gozo.

Which beach is closest to Paceville?

St George's Bay in St Julian's, just a few minutes' walk away.

Can I visit the Blue Lagoon without a tour?

Yes. Regular boats run to Comino from Malta and Gozo. For an organised day out, book our Comino & Blue Lagoon day trip.

When is the best time for the beach in Malta?

The sea is warmest from summer into early autumn. June and September are the sweet spots: warm water and fewer crowds than July and August.

Are beaches in Malta free?

Yes. You only pay to rent sunbeds or umbrellas, or for a day at a lido or beach club.