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Best Beaches in Malta

Updated on January 3, 2011

Welcome to Malta and it's Best Beaches

Having recently travelled and explored the tiny little island of Malta, I realised how different all of it's beaches were.

Different people look for different types of beaches, young people tend to look for a crowded beach with music and water sports facilities, whereas some look for nudist beaches in Malta, some want a beach where they can also go snorkeling and still others are looking for a beach were they can get away from it all with a good book and not be disturbed.

Here is my guide to the best beaches in Malta, based on what you are looking for, I hope it helps you to enjoy your holiday on this wonderful island.

About Malta

A little about Malta and it's islands.

Where is Malta?

Rather than just an island, the Republic of Malta is actually an island nation comprising of many islands. The archipelago is located in the Mediterranean Sea in Southern Europe, about 93 km (58 mi) off the south coast of Sicily (Italy). To the west of Malta and only about 288 km away is Tunisia and to the south is Libya.

This location, the southern most place you can go in Europe gives Malta a warm, Mediterranean climate.

Languages spoken in Malta

The capital of Malta is Valletta and their official languages are Maltese and English. Almost everyone I met from Malta could speak English and all their road-signs and newspapers were in English. Because of their very close proximity to Italy (you can see the island of Sicily on a clear day from some locations on Malta, they do also have very strong cultural and historical ties with Italy and the Italian language.

Politics in Malta

Malta became independent from Britain in 1964, but still maintains many ties with the UK and there are many people on Malta who have British nationality or who were born in the UK.

Malta is part of the United Nations and the British Commonwealth, it also joined the European Union in 2004 meaning that now their official currency is the Euro.

The Islands of Malta

Before we get to the best beaches in Malta, I thought it would be useful to talk a little about the islands that make up Malta as there are a few great beaches that you can visit on islands other than the main island of Malta.

Malta has many small islands, many of them are uninhabited, the main islands and the ones that are inhabited include Malta Island, Comino and Gozo.

The other notable uninhabited islands that make up the Maltese island archipelago include: Filfla, Cominotto (Kemmunett), Fungus Rock, Manoel Island (which is joined to the town of Gzira, on the mainland by a bridge) and the Islands of St. Paul.

From what I could find out, below is a list of all the Maltese Islands:

  • Barbaganni Rock
  • Comino
  • Cominotto
  • Delmarva Island
  • Filfla
  • Fessej Rock
  • Fungus Rock
  • Ghallis Rock
  • Gozo
  • Halfa Rock
  • Large Blue Lagoon Rocks
  • Islands of St. Paul/Selmunett Island
  • Malta Island
  • Manoel Island
  • Mistra Rocks
  • Tac-Cawl Rock
  • Qawra Point/Ta`Fraben Island
  • Small Blue Lagoon Rocks
  • Sala Rock
  • Xrob l-Ghagin Rock

The Beaches of Malta, Gozo and it's smaller islands

The main islands of Malta and Gozo are also the islands where you will find most of the popular public beaches.

As I mentioned earlier, Malta has a good variety of beaches, suitable for most peoples needs and wants. For sunbathing, sandy beaches are probably the obvious choice, especially for families with children. In Malta it is also common to see people sunbathing of of rocks, I would not recommend this with children, although it can be a great place to go looking for shells and other sea critters!

Both Malta and Gozo have so called beach clubs/lidos that are excellent if you require the added facilities like toilets and restaurants that come with them. These are often located near small towns or hotels and can get a little crowded especially in summer on the weekends where both tourists and locals will gather.

If large crowds are not your thing, don't worry, Malta and Gozo also have secluded beaches where you can get away from it all.

Golden Bay Beach, Malta

5 Stars

Golden bay beach is pretty large and sandy, it is located near a large hotel, the 5 star Radisson Golden Sands hotel and as such it can get pretty busy, especially on the weekends in the summer.

Facilities at Golden Bay Beach

Golden bay has pretty much everything you could need, with toilets, two beach restaurants and another restaurant not 2 minutes from the beach. This is not including the restaurant in the hotel either. I would highly recommend the beach restaurant pictured in this image for lunch on the beach, it is nicely covered sheltering you from the mid-day heat and serves great simple food.

For refreshments you can either buy from the restaurants or there are a few stalls selling drinks and snacks on the road leading down to the beach from the car park and bus stop.

How to get to Golden Bay Beach

Golden Bay beach is located near the town of Manikata on the north western end of Malta and not too far away from St Paul's Bay. it is easily reached by car and there is plenty of parking space.

By bus, You can catch the 52 or 652 buss from Salina or St. Paul's Bay to Paradise bay or route 47 from Valletta or alternatively route 652 from Sliema.

Accommodation

If you are looking for a hotel that is near a great popular sandy beach in Malta, I would highly recommend Radisson Golden Sands hotel as you would only have to walk out of the hotel and a few steps later you would be on one of the best beaches in Malta.

Definitely one of my favourite sandy beaches in Malta is Golden Bay and I give it a 5 Star "Best Beaches in Malta Rating!"

Ghajn Tuffieha Bay

5 Stars

Another sandy beach in Malta and another that receives a 5 star "Best Beaches in Malta" rating!

The walk down to beach at Ghajn Tuffieha Bay is pretty steep, but there are steps. Just remember it is a long climb back up. Because of this,and the fact that there are less facilities than a beach like the nearby Golden Bay beach, it tends to be much less crowded.

The beach is large and sandy, with plenty of space to spread out on. I am told that on the weekends it can get a little crowded as locals favour it away from the tourist hotels.

The bay is a great place to swim, and great for children. it is also great for a little snorkeling.

There also seems to be an area towards the end of the beach where nudist sunbathers tend to gather. If nude beaches in Malta are not your cup of tea, yet you still want to visit a quiet beach, don't be put of visiting Ghajn Tuffieha Bay as they tend to keep to themselves and are well out of sight!

Facilities

There is one beach cafe overlooking the beach, which also has toilets, just ask the cafe owner for the keys.

How to get to Ghajn Tuffieha Bay

Ghajn Tuffieha Bay is located not far from Golden Bay Beach and makes a pleasant walk from one to the other, especially if you follow the path along the cliff face.

So like Golden Bay beach, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay is located near the town of Manikata on the north western end of Malta and not too far away from St Paul's Bay. it is easily reached by car and there is plenty of parking space, both at Golden Bay beach, or at a parking spot above Ghajn Tuffieha Bay.

By bus, You can catch the 52 or 652 buss from Salina or St. Paul's Bay to Paradise bay or route 47 from Valletta or alternatively route 652 from Sliema.

Map of Malta

To give you an idea of where the best beaches in Malta are, I thought it would be helpful to provide a map, I will try when possible to point out where on the map the beach is in the description of the beach.

The Best Travel books on Malta

Below are some travel guides to Malta, If you have a personal favourite, please vote for it. You can also add any books that you think should be on this list and that i may have missed off.

Lonely Planet Malta & Gozo (Lonely Planet Travel Guides)
Lonely Planet Malta & Gozo (Lonely Planet Travel Guides)
Savor a glass of limuncell after a day climbing the steps and tracing the ramparts of Valletta, p. 65 Let your hair down in the Paceville party zone or at Rabat's open-air nightclubs, p. 87, p. 129. Scratch your head and ponder the who, what, when, and why of prehistoric temples, p. 142. Hire a centuries-old farmhouse for poolside R&R in a sleepy Gozitan village, p. 150. One author, one fireworks festival, one serious Eurovision disappointment, 10 boat rides, 12 pastizzi, no rabbits harmed in the making of this book. Diving & Snorkelling chapter highlights all the best dive spots.
 
Globetrotter Travel Guide Malta (Globetrotter Travel Packs)
Globetrotter Travel Guide Malta (Globetrotter Travel Packs)
The handy pocket-size guide is packed with useful information, tips and recommendations, accompanied by colour photographs, charts and maps for the first-time traveller who wants to experience the major highlights that Malta has to offer. This travel book surpasses other guides in that it incorporates essential information in an easy-to-carry and easy-to-read format that is attractive and useful at the same time. It provides a visitor with an invaluable introduction to Malta by concisely highlighting the region’s ‘must see’ areas in a practical and user-friendly format, thus encouraging the tourist to make the most of his/her available time. All the essential information you need to get around an unfamiliar region is compacted into useful and practical ‘At-a-Glance’ sections at the end of each chapter. The fold-out map of Malta is ideal for tourists and visitors. In addition to the main map of Malta, which highlights scenic routes, it features 3 detailed area maps and 7 town plans.
 
Top 10 Malta and Gozo (Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides)
Top 10 Malta and Gozo (Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides)
Whether you are traveling first class or on a limited budget, this Eyewitness Top 10 Guide will lead you straight to the very best Malta and Gozo have to offer. Dozens of Top 10 lists - from the Top 10 beaches and resorts to the Top 10 shops, bars, restaurants and hotels - provide the insider knowledge every visitor needs. And to save you time and money, there's even a list of the Top 10 Things to Avoid. Find your way effortlessly using the detailed maps, which fold out from the front and back covers, plus many smaller maps inside. Features include: Top 10 greatest beaches & resorts, Top 10 unmissable island walks & drives, Top 10 spectacular areas of natural beauty, Top 10 most charming towns & villages, Top 10 temples & ancient sights, Top 10 liveliest festivals & events, Top 10 most fun places for children, Top 10 finest restaurants & bars, Top 10 best hotels for every budget, Top 10 insider tips for every visitor, and Over 275 color photographs, maps & illustrations!
 
Time Out Shortlist Malta
Time Out Shortlist Malta
"Time Out's Shortlist: guides offer all the usual visitor information, presented in a way designed to take you straight to what you're looking for: reviews of the classic sights and venues in area-by-area chapters, maps with all the entries pinpointed, customised itineraries and visitor basics, all illustrated with inspiring photography. To help you make city-wide choices, they include critical and useful venue selections in a variety of fields - our Shortlists.
 
The Rough Guides' Malta & Gozo Directions 2 (Rough Guide Directions)
The Rough Guides' Malta & Gozo Directions 2 (Rough Guide Directions)
Make the most of your time with Rough Guide DIRECTIONS Malta & Gozo. Slim, stylish and pocketable, the guide is an up-to-date, authoritative and user-friendly companion to these beautiful islands. Full-colour and richly illustrated throughout, the guide highlights the best the islands have on offer from spectacular architecture to fascinating historical and archaeological sites– giving you inspiration for things to do, 24 hours a day. You’ll find accurate information on the top attractions from the fortified town of Valletta to neolithic temples, as well as the best in walks, breathtaking natural landscapes, coastline and wildlife. The guide features up-to-date listings of all the hottest new places to stay, eat, drink, club and shop to suit all budgets, and comes complete with comprehensive maps to help you find your way around.
 
Malta Insight Guide (Insight Guides)
Malta Insight Guide (Insight Guides)
This beautifully presented "Insight Guide" featuring outstanding full-colour photography provides all the information you need to enjoy the historic island of Malta. Clear colour-coded sections enable ease of use and provide well-researched explorations of major sights and attractions, such as the spectacular Grand Harbour, the dazzling interior of St John's Co-Cathedral and the idyllic Blue Lagoon. Places of interest are cross-referenced on full-colour maps throughout the guide, whilst additional maps can be found within the front and back covers, providing instant orientation. In-depth features on history, including the fascinating story of the Knights of Malta, daily life and the people of Malta give a rare insight into the culture of this island. This guide also features comprehensive information on eating out, nightlife, shopping, sport, language and accommodation suitable for all budgets, along with contact information and many other useful travel tips. The unique combination of insightful exploration alongside practical advice means that this guide truly is a pleasure to read before, during and after your visit. With this guide you also receive a free HotelClub loyalty card, offering GBP15 off your first hotel booking plus great savings of up to 60 percent on over 30,000 hotels across 120 countries.
 

Malta Links

Below are some links to other resources on Malta, a few are from my own websites as well as a few from other sites that I feel may be useful. If you would like to add a site, please drop me a line or leave a comment, if it is relevant and useful I will add it.

Have you ever been to Malta?

Just a quick fun poll to see if you have visited the islands of Malta, if you enjoyed your trip or if you would like to visit.

Have you ever visited any of the islands of Malta?

See results

If you would like to add any comments, or have any suggestions or just want to say how great this page is, please leave your feedback, I would love to hear from you!

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