Malta’s beauty revealed
As Malta is only a small island in the Mediterranean, you can find a beach or bay along the majority of its coast line. The Maltese archipelago varies in land mass, from rocky, coastal cliffs bays and smooth sandy beaches. Some beaches and rocky shores are off the beaten track, but worth seeking out for their seclusion.
With beaches for windsurfers, sunbathers, snorkelers and water sports lovers, let us enlighten with the top beaches not to be missed.
Best beaches and bays of the Archipelago.
Armier Bay
Located north of the island in Mellieha, Armier is made up of two beaches; Armier Bay and Little Armier. Behold the surrounding countryside and the crystal, sapphire waters similar to the Blue Lagoon.
Unlike some of the other beaches in Malta, this is a sandy beach perfect to soak up the sun whilst sunbathing. Its beauty lies in the protection of the bay as it is situated in the islands green area known as L-Ahrax. This area is considered to be sustainable and beneficial to the environment. Armier Bay has no nearby hotels, instead it is home to several boat houses mostly utilised by locals as summer residences. There are many facilities such as bars, quaint restaurants and water sports operators. Both beaches are great places to go for a walk when visiting.
Ghadira Bay
Ghadira Bay, also known as Mellieha Bay is Malta’s largest sandy beach!
With a gradual slope towards the deeper waters, Ghadira Bay is a great beach for swimming with the family and friends. The beach is roughly 800 meters long and was awarded a Blue Flag status in 2015. The Blue Flag is recognition for the quality of the beach including quality of water, environmental management, and safety among other factors.
For those who love activities you can snorkel, kayak, parasail or take a ride on a banana boat all in the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. If you are feeling adventurous it’s great for a night time swim. Be sure to visit, as it is the most popular beach on the island. Everything is available to you, restaurants, sun beds, shops, bars and a sandy beach to relax on.
Paradise Bay
At the north-westernmost side of Malta, you can find Paradise Bay. There is a long flight of stairs to access this sandy bay, but the seclusion and beauty of the cove is worth it. Surrounded by rocks and cliffs, being at the top offers unobstructed views of Malta’s sister islands; Comino and Gozo. A five-minute car journey takes you to the Gozo ferry terminal, with frequent departures throughout the whole day. You may want to sunbathe before or after your day trip to Gozo.
If you are looking for entertainment Paradise Bay is home to some of the biggest beach parties in Malta, featuring the top local DJs and DJs from around the world. Setting aside the parties, it is also a unique and romantic location. The restaurant offers high standard food with buffets, barbeques grills and a fresh fish collection overlooking the clear waters of the bay. As the restaurant is also open in the evenings you can enjoy great food, a cocktail, and a Mediterranean sunset.
Pretty Bay
One of the very few sandy beaches located in the south of the island in Birzebugia is known as Pretty Bay. It was once a rocky part of the coastline but has since been filled with sand from the seabed. The best advantage of this beach is that it is away from the busy tourist areas. So, if you are looking for a quiet, peaceful escape Pretty Bay is perfect. Being a large beach, it attracts both families and youths for relaxing and beach sports activities.
It is not your typical dream view of a beach. It is the main harbour for heavy duty cargo ships, but with an open mind, you can see the beauty in its imperfections. Around the area, there is a football pitch, a playground, and a promenade to take a nice stroll with palm trees, fine white sand and clear waters in sight.
St. Peter’s Pool
St Peters Pool is a beautiful, large, natural lido. It is located near Marsaxlokk, southwest of Malta and at the tip of Delimara Point. Surrounded by golden limestone rocks, the inlet has crystal clear waters coloured in azure and light green. In addition, it offers an excellent opportunity to snorkel and dive in the glistening waters. For a feeling of thrill and adventure, you can take the plunge and jump in from a few meters up. Big flat rocks directly in the sunlight are your opportunity to sunbathe and relax, with shaded areas for those who need a break from the sun. When visiting Saint Peter’s Pool, we advise coming fully prepared. Bring your essentials such as water or food as there are no facilities nearby. However, an ice cream van visits from time to time. Stepping into this remote location, away from all the busy tourist areas is a relaxed day out.
Comino
Comino is a small island near Malta with only one hotel and a recorded population of only ten people! It is surrounded by just three bays; one being the beautiful, renowned Blue Lagoon. It is a breathtaking attraction with crystal clear waters and pure white sandy seabed creating bright cyan colours to the eye. Due to the lagoon’s incredibly clear waters, rich marine life and several caves to explore, snorkelling is highly recommended. The lagoon is extremely picturesque and one of the best swimming spots in Malta’s archipelago. The other known bays are Santa Maria Bay and St. Nicholas Bay, both similar to the Blue Lagoon but not as scenic. They are still full of beauty with clear blue, cyan and light green waters. These small, tranquil, sandy beaches are a great escape away from over populated tourist destinations.
License No. TRA/G/21
