Beaches in Malta & Gozo
Malta and Gozo both offer a variety of gorgeous beaches; as their shorelines are predominantly rocky, one may choose a great spot anywhere around the Islands. Even though most of the coast is all natural rock, this does not mean that it is not possible to lie down comfortably as it is often in the form of platforms. Access to the sea by means of steps and ladders makes beaching easy. Alternatively you can opt for blue lagoons; golden or red sands are also ideal bathing options. The more adventurous can seek out secluded coves ideal for snorkelling and often only accessible by sea.
Most people simply enjoy sunbathing near the inviting and warm Mediterranean Sea, but the sportier holiday maker can avail himself of an assortment of water sports; windsurfing, waterskiing, paragliding, wake and knee boarding - just to mention a few. Beach equipment is easily hired from beach resorts and hotel lidos.
The most popular sandy beaches are found in the north, picturesque Ghajn Tuffieha and neighbouring Golden Bay are sandwiched together between scenic cliffs. Here one can enjoy a hot summer day on the soft sand and let reality slip away as you let every muscle in your body relax. Once the heat has subsided at about seven o'clock, this beach offers a breathtaking sunset and a great cliff walk in cooler weather. Further North in Mellieha is Malta's largest stretch of sand, Ghadira beach. If you are around during a full moon, a supper of fresh Mediterranean fish at one of the restaurants situated directly on this beach is magical. Most sandy beaches have a tendency to be over-crowded on weekends, so getting there early and ‘claiming your space’ for the day is advised!
If you are into fitness and miss going to the gym whilst on holiday then you should spend the day at Riviera Beach. Actually part of Ghajn Tuffieha, there are approximately a hundred or so steps to get to this beautiful stretch of sand.
Gnejna Bay, which is next to Riviera Beach, is a little quieter and widely known for the fact that it is a nudist beach. Though topless bathing/nudity is illegal in Malta it seems to be oddly accepted here. If you are up for a somewhat treacherous walk alongside the beach and are willing to be daring, then this is the place for you!
For crystal blue waters similar to that of the Blue Lagoon look up Armier Bay. In the locality of Mellieha and surrounded by small fields Armier is quiet as it is traffic-free, safe for children with kiosks and paddle-boat rentals at hand. Little Armier, which is the smaller of the two beaches in the same bay also has many boat houses belonging to the locals.
On the way to Cirkewwa, the same place from where the Gozo ferry embarks is where Paradise Bay can be found. The same clear crystal sea can be found here together with a vast amount of people on the weekends, probably due to the on-site restaurant which boasts a mouth-watering menu. The views which surround this bay are spectacular which adds to it being favoured by many.
St Paul’s Bay and Bugibba are buzzing during the summer months. Both tourists and locals who have summer residences there flock to this part of the island. Apart from the usual direct access to the Mediterranean Sea, swimming at lidos or any of the numerous hotels may be preferred.
Apart from the natural rocky beaches around Sliema and St Julian’s, the east of Malta has only one sandy beach. St George’s Bay is a small man-made bathing area. Lots of private little boats bob on the water and there are a large number of top hotels which also have pools, some of which are open to the public, at a fee of course.
The South of Malta offers a more rural and typical Maltese ambience with St Thomas Bay's sandy banks and shallow waters or Marsaxlokk bay, Malta's second largest natural harbour; here you will find the vibrant Sunday fish market with its picturesque kajjiks and luzzus (traditional Maltese fishing boats), with the mythical eye of Osiris painted on their prow. St Peter’s Pool which is nearby and considered an area of natural beauty is great for snorkelling and not usually very crowded.
Fomm ir-Rih is one of the few undeveloped bays which is best accessed by boat. The fabulous scenery, which is breathtaking, is worth the dangerous footpath which is dodgy to say the least! This area is very popular for diving and snorkelling. Another favourite snorkelling area is Lapsi Cave – the waters surrounding this unique bay within a cave are amazingly clear.
Upon visiting Gozo, you simply must spend a day at Ramla l-hamra which is famous for its red sand and is also the largest beach on Malta’s sister island. A statue of the Virgin Mary has been prominently placed in the centre of this unique beach. Once there, why not walk up to Calypso’s Cave on the western side at the top of the cliffs? This mythical cave was what Homer’s Odyssey was based upon. If you are feeling more adventurous, try to make your way to remote and dramatic San Blas, a quaint get-away in the height of summer. This charming beach is never crowded and is definitely worth a visit.
For a picturesque view combined with a choice of eateries which includes the possibility of a dip in the sea when the fancy takes you, Xlendi Bay is the place to be. This is the ideal place to have a wonderfully peaceful lunch, with pleasant service followed by either a quick dip in the sea or a walk up the cliffs to the right of the bay.
Our Mediterranean sea is also very enticing to divers. Apart from the thrill of discovering caves and reefs, the sunken boat wrecks are sure to excite even the experienced diver! Favourite diving spots are Dwejra and Marsalforn in Gozo, Cirkewwa and Wied Iz- Zurrieq in Malta.
Malta is a tiny Island so if in the mood of exploring, why not grab a map and, quite by chance you may stumble across your own little area of paradise!
