Hidden coves and shimmering sea: the Maltese coastline alternates between rocky stretches with vertiginous limestone cliffs and sheltered coves, where crystal-clear waters and expanses of burnished-gold sand hide. Malta's beaches are plentiful and satisfy all ideas and cravings for the sea. The islands' numerous marinas are frequented by sea-going vessels, including traditional boats, large yachts and speedboats. Snorkelling and diving enthusiasts will find an equally rich world to explore underwater, made up of caves, ravines and wrecks.
The beaches of the northwest
Sandy beaches with a mild climate, water sports, boat trips, birdwatching and horse-riding and hiking among spectacular coastal landscapes: the north-west of Malta is one of the most inviting areas to spend a relaxing and fun-filled holiday.
Panorama of Ghajn Tuffieha bay at sunset as seen from Ta Lippija, Malta.
Buġibba and Qawra make up the island's largest tourist area, which not only offers plenty of hotel facilities, but has recently been enriched with a new attraction, the fabulous Malta National Aquarium, an aquarium located in the beautiful setting of Qawra's waterfront, from which one can admire breathtaking views. On the north-west coast, beaches range from the magnificent Mellieħa Bay, a long stretch of white sand that is easily accessible and well equipped with sunbeds, kiosks and water sports operators, to the more isolated Għajn Tuffieħa Bay, which is less frequented due to its steep, stepped access road. However, there is also the option of straying off the beaten tourist track in search of Selmun Bay, the area's most unspoilt and secretive beach, or exploring the coastline to discover the splendid views from the cliffs of Ras il-Qammieħ, Malta's westernmost point.
Golden Bay
Golden sandy beach that lives up to its name. Golden Bay, an arch-shaped sandy beach, is always popular thanks to the presence of cafes and operators offering water sports and boat trips. Set in a beautiful landscape, it is not an overdeveloped place.
Għajn Tuffieħa Bay
This beach (whose name means 'apple spring') is even more beautiful than the neighbouring Golden Bay, being completely undeveloped and less crowded. To get there, one has to descend a staircase of 186 steps from the car park nearby. Dominated by a 17th-century watchtower, it is a 250 m stretch of reddish-brown sand at the foot of some slopes cloaked in acacia and tamarisk trees.
A bird's-eye view of Malta's sensational Ghajn Tuffieha Bay.
When to go to Malta
- As Malta's main beach area, the north-west coast is particularly busy in July and August. Schools are closed, prices are high and temperatures soar. But if you like fun, this is the best time.
- If you are looking for sun but also the convenience of the low season, plan your trip in April, May, September or October (only in May and September, however, is it warm enough to swim in the sea)
The typical orange beach of Ramla Bay, Gozo, Malta.
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Gozo's beaches
Gozo is a magnificent island characterised by fairy-tale hillocks topped by huge churches, hidden sun-kissed bays and cliffs with majestic profiles. Gozo travels at a much slower pace than Malta, its larger and more energetic neighbour. Although it occupies an area equal to a third (abundant) of Malta's, its population is less than a tenth: some 30,000 people live here who feel first and foremost Gozitan and then Maltese.
Gozo is a great place to relax amidst beautiful coastal scenery and seabeds that are excellent for snorkelling and diving, and where there is no shortage of interesting historical remains, including megalithic temples and medieval citadels.
Ramla Bay
With its red-gold sand, Ramla Bay beach is among the most beautiful in Gozo. In the reed beds immediately behind it are the remains of a Roman villa, while to the west, at the top of the hill, is Calypso's Cave. There is a café-restaurant and a beach umbrella and sunbed hire service for sunbathing. In summer the beach is swarming with bathers; in spring and autumn it is quieter, while in winter you have sand and cold all to yourself.
San Blas Bay
San Blas Bay, a tiny bay dotted with rocks and a few patches of coarse, rust-coloured sand, is sheltered by steep terraced slopes planted with prickly pear trees. There is very little parking space at the beginning of a narrow path that descends steeply to the beach. San Blas Bay is an ideal place for a picnic lunch and to relax while reading a good book, but also to don a snorkelling mask and fins, since the water is shallow and particularly clear.
When to go to Gozo
- Gozo and Comino are especially beautiful in spring and autumn, when they are free from the crowds of the high season.
- If you want to best appreciate the charms of Comino's famous Blue Lagoon, avoid going in summer.
- By contrast, the height of summer is a perfect time for social life in Gozo's outdoor venues.
- To immerse yourself in local folklore, it is worth visiting Gozo during Carnival, Easter or Christmas.